CDS preparation for your chosen academy.
Match your study plan to your academy. English and general knowledge form the core, with Elementary Mathematics for IMA, INA and AFA entry.
CDS at a glance
- Study focus
- English, General knowledge, Elementary Mathematics, where required
- Start here
- Match your topics to the official notice
- Practice approach
- Concept review, timed questions, error review
| Area | Practice | Review |
|---|---|---|
| English | Reading comprehension | Keep an error log |
| General knowledge | History | Keep an error log |
| Elementary Mathematics, where required | Arithmetic | Keep an error log |
These are suggested study priorities. Use the official syllabus and notice for complete exam requirements.
Your CDS syllabus map
Use this topic overview to plan revision. Check the official syllabus for complete coverage and current requirements.
English
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Sentence order
General knowledge
- History
- Geography
- General science
- Current events
Elementary Mathematics, where required
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Statistics
Your CDS study plan
Plan around the academy papers
Confirm the papers for your chosen academy. The OTA written route uses English and General Knowledge. IMA, INA and AFA also use Elementary Mathematics.
Review vocabulary in passages
Read a short passage, summarize its argument and check unfamiliar words in context. Combine this with a general knowledge review and past-paper practice from the UPSC archive.
Official CDS resources
Papyrus is an independent study tool. Use the exam authority for current notices and complete requirements.
CDS sample questions
Original practice questions, not official exam papers.
Arithmetic
A rectangle has length 12 and width 5. What is its perimeter?
- 17
- 24
- 34
- 60
Check answer
2 × (12 + 5) = 34.
How Papyrus helps with CDS
Study from your notes
Upload your own subject notes to AI Reader. Ask for an explanation of a difficult passage and check the answer against the document.
Revise what you miss
Turn definitions, formulas and errors into flashcards. Review them alongside worked problems.
Plan the next session
Use a goal for each weak topic. Set a focused task and record what you completed.
CDS questions students ask
- How should I start CDS preparation?
- Confirm the papers for your chosen academy. The OTA written route uses English and General Knowledge. IMA, INA and AFA also use Elementary Mathematics.
- Where can I find official CDS information?
- Use the official resource linked below for notices and exam requirements. This guide contains study suggestions and original sample questions, not official exam papers.