How to Crack CDS 1 2026 in First Attempt with 45-Day Study Plan

Understanding the CDS 1 2026 Examination

If you're aiming to wear the uniform and serve the nation, cracking CDS 1 2026 is more than just passing an exam - it’s stepping into a life of honour, discipline, and leadership. But let’s be honest. The competition is fierce. Thousands apply. Only a few make it. So the question isn’t whether CDS is tough. The real question is - are you ready to prepare smartly?

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year. It selects candidates for prestigious academies like IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The selection process includes a written exam, an SSB interview and a medical examination. Sounds long? Yes. Impossible? Not at all.

Here’s the good news - cracking CDS in the first attempt is absolutely achievable, even with just 45 days of focused preparation. But you need a laser-sharp strategy. Not random studying. Not passive reading. But structured execution.

The written exam consists of:

English (100 marks)
General Knowledge (100 marks)
Elementary Mathematics (100 marks – only for IMA, INA, AFA)

OTA candidates don’t have Mathematics. That’s a big advantage if you struggle with numbers.

The paper includes objective-type questions. Negative marking applies (1/3rd deduction). So accuracy matters as much as knowledge.

Cut-offs generally range between:

IMA: 125–135
OTA: 95–110
AFA: 145–155

Scoring above 150 gives you a safe cushion for IMA/AFA.

If you're disciplined for 45 days, consistent every single day, and avoid distractions, you can absolutely secure a place in the merit list.

Now, let’s talk about whether 45 days are truly enough.

Is 45 Days Enough to Crack CDS 1 2026?

Short answer? Yes.

Long answer? Yes - if you stop wasting time.

Most aspirants prepare for months but still fail. Why? Because they lack direction. They read everything. They revise nothing. They solve questions randomly. They avoid mock tests.

A focused 45-day plan beats a lazy 6-month preparation.

Think of it like preparing for a marathon. You don’t start by running 42 km on day one. You build stamina. You train consistently. You follow a plan. The same applies here.

In 45 days, you can:

Revise the entire syllabus once
Practice 3,000–4,000 MCQs
Attempt 10–15 full-length mock tests
Analyze your weak areas
Improve accuracy to 85%+

But this requires:

6–8 hours of daily study
Zero procrastination
Weekly performance tracking
Strict phone control

Ask yourself - are you serious about wearing the uniform? If yes, then 45 days are more than enough.

Many first-attempt candidates succeed because:

They focus on previous year papers
They don’t chase too many books
They practice daily
They stay consistent

You don’t need extraordinary intelligence. You need ordinary discipline applied extraordinarily well.

Now let’s break down the syllabus so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

Know the Syllabus Inside Out

Preparation without syllabus clarity is like shooting in the dark. Before opening any book, you must understand what the UPSC actually asks.

English Syllabus Breakdown

English is scoring. Very scoring.

It includes:

Spotting errors
Sentence improvement
Synonyms and antonyms
Idioms and phrases
Ordering of sentences
Fill in the blanks
Comprehension passages

Notice something? Grammar and vocabulary dominate.

Around 60–70% questions are grammar-based. If your basics are strong - tenses, subject-verb agreement, prepositions, articles — you can easily score 70+.

Reading comprehension is more about speed than difficulty. Questions are direct. Not philosophical.

Vocabulary can be improved in 45 days if you:

Learn 20 words daily
Revise weekly
Practice contextual usage

The key is practice. English improves by solving questions, not just reading rules.

General Knowledge Syllabus Breakdown

GK scares many students because it feels unlimited. But CDS GK is predictable.

It includes:

History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
Geography (Physical, Indian, World)
Polity
Economy (basic concepts)
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Current Affairs (last 6–8 months)
Defence-related knowledge

Focus more on:

Modern History
Indian Polity (Constitution basics)
Basic Science (NCERT level)
Geography maps and concepts

You don’t need deep economics. You don’t need advanced physics formulas.

If you complete:

NCERT 6–10 History & Geography
1 basic Polity book
Monthly current affairs

You’re covered for 70% of the paper.

Smart selection of topics saves time.

Elementary Mathematics Syllabus Breakdown

Math in CDS is up to Class 10 level.

Topics include:

Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work)
Algebra
Trigonometry
Geometry
Mensuration
Statistics

Arithmetic alone covers 40% of the paper. Master it first.

Trigonometry and geometry are scoring if formulas are memorized.

The paper tests speed. Not complexity.

If your basics are weak, spend first 10 days rebuilding concepts. After that, only practice.

Remember - mathematics improves only by solving questions daily.

Creating a 45-Day Study Plan That Actually Works

You don’t need a complicated timetable. You need a practical one. A 45-day plan works only if it’s structured in phases. Think of it like training for combat - first build strength, then sharpen weapons, then simulate the battlefield.

These 45 days should be divided into three clear phases:

Phase 1 (Days 1–15): Concept Building
Phase 2 (Days 16–30): Intensive Practice
Phase 3 (Days 31–45): Mock Tests + Revision

Each phase has a purpose. If you skip one, the whole structure collapses.

Let’s break it down properly.

Phase 1 (Days 1–15): Building the Foundation

These first 15 days are crucial. This is where most candidates either set themselves up for success or quietly sabotage their attempt.

Your focus during this phase should be clarity - not speed, not mock tests, not score comparison.

Daily Study Hours: 6–8 hours

Suggested Daily Structure:

2 hours Mathematics
2 hours GK
2 hours English
30 minutes revision

During these days:

Mathematics:

Cover Arithmetic first (Percentages, Ratio, Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work)
Revise Algebra basics
Make a formula notebook
Solve 40–50 questions daily

Don’t just read formulas. Write them. Use them. Practice until your brain starts recognizing patterns automatically.

English:

Revise grammar rules daily
Practice 30–40 error spotting questions
Learn 20 new vocabulary words daily
Solve at least 2 comprehension passages every alternate day

Make a vocabulary diary. Write meaning + example sentence. That’s how retention improves.

GK:

Complete Modern History
Start Polity basics (Constitution, President, Parliament)
Study NCERT Geography (physical + Indian)

Avoid jumping between 10 books. Stick to one source per subject.

At the end of 15 days, you should:

Know all Math formulas
Have revised core GK topics once
Feel comfortable with grammar rules

This is your base camp before climbing the mountain.

Phase 2 (Days 16–30): Practice and Strengthening Concepts

Now comes the real game.

This phase is about turning knowledge into marks.

Shift from learning mode to application mode.

Daily Study Hours: 7–8 hours

Structure:

3 hours Mathematics practice
2 hours GK MCQs
2 hours English practice
1 hour revision + weak areas

Mathematics:

Complete Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry
Solve previous year questions topic-wise
Practice mixed question sets daily (100+ questions)

Time yourself. Give 60 minutes for 50 questions. Improve speed.

English:

Focus on sentence improvement and rearrangement
Daily comprehension practice
Weekly full-length English section test

English improves rapidly with repetition. Patterns start repeating.

GK:

Complete Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
Cover the current affairs of the last 6–8 months
Start solving the previous year's GK questions

You’ll notice something interesting - UPSC repeats themes. Not exact questions, but themes.

At the end of Phase 2:

You should have solved at least 2,000 questions.
You should know your weak subjects.
You should attempt your first full-length mock test.

Your score may not be impressive initially. That’s normal. Don’t panic.

This is training - not the battlefield.

Phase 3 (Days 31–45): Mock Tests and Revision Strategy

This is where selections are made.

Last 15 days should be 70% testing and 30% revision.

Mock Plan:

2 full-length mocks per week (first week)
3 full-length mocks in final week
Analyze every test thoroughly

Don’t just attempt and move on. That’s a mistake.

For every mock:

Note incorrect answers
Identify conceptual errors
Revise those topics same day

Create a “Mistake Notebook.” This becomes gold in final days.

Revision Strategy:

Revise Math formulas daily
Revise Polity articles and Modern History dates
Revise vocabulary list
Practice 1 mini sectional test daily

Last 5 days:

No new topics
Only revision + light practice
Sleep properly
Stay calm

This phase is about confidence-building.

Walk into the exam hall knowing - you’ve done the work.

Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy

Now let’s dive deeper into each subject and understand how to maximise marks in the minimum time.

How to Prepare English for CDS in 45 Days

English can be your scoring weapon. Many candidates ignore it, thinking it’s easy. That’s where they lose 15–20 marks.

Treat English seriously.

Grammar Mastery Techniques

Grammar forms the backbone of CDS English.

Focus on:

Subject-Verb Agreement
Tenses
Articles
Prepositions
Conjunctions
Active-Passive
Direct-Indirect Speech

Instead of reading theory repeatedly, follow this method:

Study one rule.
Solve 50 questions based on that rule.
Analyze mistakes.
Repeat next day.

Within 10 days, you’ll notice error spotting becomes mechanical.

Keep revising tricky prepositions and idioms daily.

Improving Vocabulary Quickly

Vocabulary scares many students. But here’s the truth — CDS repeats common words.

Learn:

20 words daily
Revise weekly
Use flashcards

Focus on:

Synonyms
Antonyms
One-word substitutions
Idioms

Make learning fun. Associate words with stories or visuals.

In 45 days, you can comfortably learn 800–1,000 words.

Practicing Reading Comprehension Effectively

Comprehension isn’t about English level. It’s about focus.

Strategy:

Read questions first.
Skim passage.
Highlight keywords.
Avoid overthinking.

Don’t assume answers. Stick to passage.

Practice 15–20 passages before exam.

Speed + accuracy = high score.

How to Prepare General Knowledge for CDS in 45 Days

GK feels vast. But CDS GK is strategic.

Static GK Strategy

Prioritize:

Modern History (Revolt of 1857, Freedom Movement)
Polity (Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Parliament)
Geography (Rivers, Climate, Resources)

Use NCERTs. Don’t dive into heavy reference books.

Make short notes.

Revise weekly.

Current Affairs Strategy

Focus on:

Defence exercises
Important appointments
Government schemes
International organizations
Awards

Read monthly compilations. Don’t chase daily news.

The last 6–8 months are enough.

Defense and Military Awareness Tips

Since you’re aiming for the armed forces, know the basics:

Chief of Defence Staff
Commands of the Army, Navy, and Air Force
Important missiles and exercises
Ranks and insignia

These questions often appear.

How to Prepare Mathematics for CDS in 45 Days

Let’s be honest - Mathematics is the make-or-break section for IMA, INA, and AFA aspirants. Many candidates lose their selection not because they lack intelligence, but because they panic when they see numbers. But here’s the truth: CDS Mathematics is not advanced. It’s Class 10 level. The real test is speed, clarity, and accuracy.

In 45 days, you don’t need to become a math genius. You need to become efficient.

First, understand the weightage. Arithmetic alone covers nearly 35–40% of the paper. Geometry and Mensuration together form another big chunk. Trigonometry is formula-based and highly scoring. Algebra and Statistics usually carry moderate weight but are straightforward.

Your preparation approach should follow three steps:

Clear concepts.
Memorize formulas.
Solve relentlessly.

Practice at least 80–100 math questions daily during Phase 2 and Phase 3. Yes, daily. Mathematics improves like muscle strength — the more reps you do, the stronger you get.

Keep a separate notebook only for formulas and shortcuts. Revise it every morning. When formulas become automatic in your mind, your speed doubles naturally.

Avoid over-solving extremely difficult questions. CDS doesn’t ask Olympiad-level problems. Focus on accuracy and pattern recognition.

By the end of 45 days, your goal should be:

Attempt 90% of the paper confidently.
Maintain 80–85% accuracy.
Complete the paper within time.

That alone can push your score beyond 70+ in Mathematics - a game-changer for final merit.

Important Topics to Focus On

Not all topics deserve equal time. Smart preparation means prioritization.

Here’s where you should invest maximum effort:

Arithmetic

Percentages
Ratio & Proportion
Average
Profit & Loss
Simple & Compound Interest
Time & Work
Time, Speed & Distance

Arithmetic questions are direct and scoring. Once you master the method, they become repetitive.

Algebra

Linear equations
Quadratic equations
Basic identities
Simplification

Most algebra questions revolve around fundamental formulas. Memorize identities thoroughly.

Trigonometry

Trigonometric ratios
Heights & distances
Basic identities

Memorize values of sin, cos, tan for standard angles. This alone solves many questions.

Geometry & Mensuration

Properties of triangles and circles
Area formulas
Volume formulas
Theorems

Geometry requires clarity of concepts. Don’t memorize blindly — understand why formulas work.

Statistics

Mean, median, mode
Basic data interpretation

Statistics questions are usually straightforward and scoring.

If time is limited, master Arithmetic + Geometry first. That covers most marks.

Speed and Accuracy Techniques

In CDS, speed without accuracy is dangerous because of negative marking. So balance is everything.

Here’s how to improve:

Use approximation wherever possible.
Eliminate wrong options quickly.
Don’t solve lengthy calculations fully if options allow shortcut.
Skip time-consuming questions in first round.

Adopt the “Two-Round Strategy”:

First 60 minutes - solve easy and moderate questions.
Last 30 minutes - attempt tougher ones.

Practice solving questions mentally. Reduce dependency on rough work.

Time yourself regularly. If you can solve 100 mixed questions in 90 minutes during practice, you’re exam-ready.

Remember: Accuracy wins wars. Guesswork loses them.

Previous Year Question Trends

Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are your treasure map. UPSC repeats patterns frequently.

When you analyze PYQs, you’ll notice:

Arithmetic questions are concept-based.
Geometry often revolves around basic theorems.
Trigonometry rarely goes beyond standard identities.
Many questions are modified versions of earlier ones.

Solve at least last 10 years’ CDS math papers. Don’t just solve - analyze.

Ask yourself:

Which topics appear most?
Which areas are weak for me?
How long am I taking per section?

After solving PYQs, you’ll realize the paper is predictable.

That realization builds confidence.

Daily Study Timetable for 45 Days

A plan without a timetable is just a wish.

Here’s a practical daily schedule (customize as needed):

Morning (Fresh Mind Time)

6:00–7:30 AM – Mathematics practice
7:30–8:00 AM – Formula revision

Afternoon

11:00–1:00 PM – GK study
1:00–1:30 PM – Short revision

Evening

4:00–6:00 PM – English practice
6:00–6:30 PM – Vocabulary revision

Night

8:30–9:30 PM – Mixed MCQs or mock analysis

Take short breaks between sessions. Avoid burnout.

Consistency matters more than intensity.

Study daily. Even on low-energy days, do a minimum of 4–5 hours.

Best Books and Resources for CDS 1 2026

Keep resources limited.

English:

Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
Previous Year Papers

GK:

NCERT History & Geography (6–10)
Lucent’s General Knowledge
Monthly Current Affairs Magazine

Mathematics:

Pathfinder CDS Mathematics
RS Aggarwal (selected topics)
Previous Year Papers

Avoid collecting too many books. One source per subject is enough if revised properly.

How to Use Previous Year Papers Smartly

Don’t treat PYQs as just practice. Treat them as teachers.

Follow this system:

Solve topic-wise first.
Then solve full-length papers.
Maintain an error notebook.

After 3–4 papers, patterns become clear.

Re-solve wrong questions after 10 days.

That’s how retention strengthens.

Mock Test Strategy for Maximum Marks

Mock tests simulate pressure.

Take at least:

8–10 full-length mocks before exam.

After each mock:

Calculate accuracy percentage.
Identify weak topics.
Revise immediately.

Never judge yourself based on one bad mock.

Mocks are for improvement — not ego.

Time Management During the Actual Exam

On exam day:

Attempt English confidently.
In GK, avoid blind guessing.
In Math, skip lengthy questions initially.

Keep track of time every 30 minutes.

Stay calm. Anxiety reduces accuracy.

Remember — you’ve practiced this dozens of times.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing

Starting mock tests too late.
Ignoring Mathematics practice.
Studying without revision.
Using too many resources.
Not analyzing mistakes.
Overconfidence in English.
Ignoring current affairs.

Avoid these, and your selection chances rise automatically.

SSB Preparation Alongside Written Exam

Clearing written is step one. Don’t wait for result to start SSB preparation.

Start:

Reading newspapers daily.
Improving communication skills.
Practicing speaking clearly.
Working on confidence.

SSB tests personality, not mugging ability.

Stay informed. Stay balanced.

Physical Fitness Preparation During 45 Days

Defence life demands fitness.

Start basic routine:

20–30 minutes running
Push-ups
Sit-ups
Basic strength training

Fitness improves confidence.

Healthy body. Sharp mind.

Motivation, Discipline, and Mental Strength

There will be days you feel tired. Days you doubt yourself.

That’s normal.

But remember why you started.

Visualize yourself in uniform. Imagine the pride in your parents’ eyes. Feel that fire.

Discipline beats motivation. Study even when you don’t feel like it.

Forty-five days of sacrifice can change your entire life.

Conclusion

Cracking CDS 1 2026 in the first attempt with a 45-day study plan is absolutely achievable — if you prepare smartly, practice consistently, and revise strategically. The exam is not about extraordinary brilliance. It’s about clarity, accuracy, and discipline.

Divide your preparation into phases. Focus on high-weightage topics. Practice previous year papers. Take mock tests seriously. Revise regularly. Avoid common mistakes.

Most importantly, believe in your preparation.

The uniform doesn’t go to the smartest. It goes to the most prepared.

Stay consistent. Stay focused. Your selection is closer than you think.

FAQs

1. Can I crack CDS 1 2026 in 45 days without coaching?

Yes, absolutely. With the right books, PYQs, and consistent mock practice, self-study is more than enough.

2. How many hours should I study daily for 45 days?

Ideally 6–8 focused hours daily. Quality matters more than quantity.

3. Is Mathematics compulsory for all CDS candidates?

No. Mathematics is not required for OTA candidates.

4. How many mock tests are enough before CDS?

At least 8–10 full-length mocks with detailed analysis.

5. What is a safe score for IMA in CDS?

A score above 140–150 is generally considered safe, depending on difficulty level.