10 Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CDS Exam

10 Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CDS Exam: UPSC organises the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam twice a year. It is a graduate-level entry exam for candidates in the defence forces in India. Students know that UPSC conducts the CDS offline paper. It covers 100 questions each from English, General Knowledge, and Maths in the paper. CDS 2 2025 Exam Date has been announced to be held on 14th September 2025. Preparing for the CDS Exam needs a dedicated study plan to cover the syllabus topics in Maths, General Knowledge, and English sections. Students should give time to review the syllabus and paper pattern before the exam. Don't miss out the negative marking of 1/3 mark deducted for every wrong attempt in the paper. It may affect the score achieved in CDS. Give time to solve mocks before the paper. These are some of the things students should keep in mind on preparing for the CDS paper. 

10 Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for the CDS Exam

1. Neglecting Newspaper Reading: General awareness plays a crucial role in the CDS exam. Failing to cultivate the habit of daily newspaper reading can hamper one's knowledge about current affairs and relevant topics, affecting overall performance.
2. Studying for Multiple Exams Simultaneously: While preparing for multiple exams might seem tempting, it often leads to confusion and a lack of focus. It's advisable to concentrate on one exam at a time, ensuring better understanding and performance.
3. Referring to Too Many Sources: Choosing a few high-quality study materials is more effective than referring to numerous books, which can create confusion. Stick to one primary source and use reference books for additional practice.
4. Neglecting Mock Tests: Practising through mock tests is a crucial aspect of preparation. It helps in reinforcing learned topics, improving time management skills, and boosting confidence. Regular mock tests provide valuable insights into the exam pattern.
5. Lack of a Proper Schedule: Maintaining good physical and mental health is imperative for success in defence exams. A proper routine involving sufficient sleep, healthy eating habits, and waking up early contributes to overall well-being.
6. Ignoring Revision: No matter how much one studies, without proper revision, the preparation may not be effective. Allocate dedicated time for daily revision to reinforce previously studied topics and enhance retention.
7. Failure to Develop Speed: The CDS exam demands speed, especially in solving mathematical questions. Candidates must focus on developing the ability to solve numerical problems within a fixed time, preventing missed opportunities due to time constraints.
8. Not Focusing on Weak Points: Identifying and working on weak areas is essential for improvement. Candidates should concentrate on topics or subjects where they feel less confident, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding.
9. Neglecting Note-Making: Creating concise notes helps in organising study material, enhancing retention, and facilitating quick revisions. Notes serve as a handy reference during the final stages of preparation.
10. Underestimating oneself: Lack of confidence and self-underestimation can be detrimental. Candidates should believe in their abilities, stay positive, and maintain a determined attitude throughout the preparation phase.
11. Neglecting Negative Marking: Many students commit a common mistake, neglecting the negative marking aspect in CDS. 1/3 mark is deducted for every wrong answer in the paper. Don't try to do guesswork in the CDS paper. Candidates may lose marks in the negative marking. 

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