Prepare for CDS and AFCAT Exam 2022 Study Material by Col Lalit Chamola

Prepare for CDS and AFCAT Exam 2022 Study Material Best Books by Col Lalit Chamola. Preparation for both these exams requires a different mindset and working. In-depth knowledge of topics and practice of mathematics on daily basis. Timetable or giving continuous 2-3 hours shifts 3-4 times a day makes it easy to prepare.

Prepare for CDS and AFCAT Exam

 

Self-study is a must as the things learnt to need to be practised and learnt by heart. Ask seniors or friends who have cleared the exam about their planning for the exam, and then form a plan or strategy according to one’s strengths and interests for studying. Get a stronghold on topics which are your strength and then after doing this improve the knowledge about those subjects where you are lacking.

Write notes and snippets for topics as it will help in quick revision of topics before the exam.  

For CDSE efforts required are more as the level is way higher because UPSE sets the exam. Continuous preparation of a minimum of 5-6 months is required to get good scoring. Also, mock tests and PYQ’s should be practised to know what type or pattern of question coming in real exam. A good score to get into merit for AFA-170+, IMA-160+, INA-150+ and OTA-120+.

For AFCAT efforts are equally required as clearing the exam is easy but for merit, you need a good score of above 190+ for the flying branch and 210+ for the administrative and logistics branch. The time required for getting good preparation for a good score for merit is 4-5 months. Past year question papers are very important for AFCAT as many questions come in the same fashion as before (not the same question, but same type).

For B. Tech graduates focus should also be on EKT and to clear it basic knowledge of engineering from 1^st year should be there.

1. What are the essential study material is recommended?

Ans. CDSE

1. NCERT Books from class 6^th to 10^th for GS
2. Past Year Question Papers
3. Current Affairs from Newspaper or YouTube
4. Online Mock Test
5. Instagram and Facebook pages providing free Current Affairs and Daily explanation of some Theory topics
6. Unacademy Tutorials (Free or Subscribed, both are good and informative)
7. Read English Books and newspapers to improve vocabulary and grammar.
8. Practise basic maths from class 6^th to 10^th.

AFCAT:

1. NCERT Books from class 6^th to 10^th for GS
2. Past Year Question Papers (A Must)
3. Current Affairs from Newspaper or YouTube
4. Online Mock Test (Practise for increasing question-solving speed)
5. Instagram and Facebook pages providing free Current Affairs and Daily explanation of some Theory topics
6. Unacademy Tutorials (Free or Subscribed, both are good and informative)
7. Aptitude, verbal and non-verbal questions. Around 30-32 questions are there in the exam.
8. Read English Books and newspapers to improve vocabulary and grammar. 25 questions are sure shot there in the exam.
9. Practise basic Arithmetic questions. Around 18-20 questions are there in the exam.

EKT (For B. TECH Graduates):

1. Basic specific Engineering Stream Knowledge
2. Digital Logic and Electronics Subject Knowledge
3. Past Year Papers
4. Class 11^th to 12^th basic Science and Maths Knowledge

1. Books which are essential or must?

Ans.  The books required for both the exams are almost the same. If you are preparing for CDSE then your part of Maths, GS and English is already covered for AFCAT. You just need to work on Aptitude for AFCAT exam.

Books that I would suggest are:

1. Arihant Pathfinder for CDSE.
2. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal (For AFCAT only).
3. Wren and Martin for English.
4. NCERT Books from class 6^th to 10^th for in-depth knowledge of GS.
5. Daily Newspaper or Capsules on Current Affairs.

1. Which all subjects must be given priority?

Ans.  AFCAT

1. Arithmetic Maths is very important as question are same in every exam just digits changed (Time and distance, time and work, number system, profit loss, percentage, SI and CI are most important)
2. Basic vocabulary and grammar, with comprehension reading skills
3. For Reasoning, both verbal and non-verbal diagrammatic questions are important like reflection-based questions or odd-one-out.
4. GS part is mostly comprised of static GK, current affairs and capitals of countries

      CDSE

1. Maths up to class 10^th is important specially topics like mensuration, trigonometry, geometry and arithmetic maths. Practise should be done to increase calculation speed as time is less.
2. For GS go for in-depth knowledge of Polity, Geography and Science. In History focus more on Modern History (Freedom Movement of India). Current Affairs also come in the exam, especially defence-related and about government welfare schemes.
3. English can be done by doing grammar sheets and comprehensions. Error finding, basic grammar technicalities, cloze test and vocabulary-based questions should be practised.