The CDS exam is scheduled for 16th April 2023. Aspirants preparing for the exam must take some important last-minute tips and tricks into account to avoid last-moment hassle and confusion. Last-minute tips and tricks can save you from a lot of unwanted stress and confusion and help you appear for the exam calmly. In this article, let’s understand and remember some last-minute tips and tricks for CDS Exam.

CDS exam last-minute tips and tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to consider to ensure hassle-free exam preparation and attempt for CDS 2023.

1. Plan your schedule 1 day before the exam for the exam day. If your exam centre is outstation, plan things prior to the exam This will save you time, and you wouldn’t be in any unwanted situation on the exam day.
2. One day before the exam, avoid studying any topics. Revise whatever you have studied to boost your confidence. Reading anything new might hamper your already prepared topics as this can confuse your brain with new information.
3. Do not procrastinate. Be prepared with complex topics earlier as you cannot prepare something difficult one day before the exam. If you aim for top scores in the CDS exam, you must be prepared in advance with almost the majority of the concepts.
4. Do not discuss whatever you have prepared with peers. This can lead to a conflict of understanding of topics and would ultimately lead to confusion about topics already prepared.
5. Get a sound sleep to rest your mind & body before the exam. It will refresh your brain for the upcoming exam day. With proper sleep, your brain will work efficiently on exam day.
6. Aspirants must go through summaries in the form of a flow chart or visual chart for key formulas, derivations and step processes for important topics. Use the last day to review the topic and analyse your understanding and memorisation power.
7. Aspirants must restrict the use of social media a day before the exam. They should keep all their gadgets out of reach. Avoid checking your cell phone frequently.
8. On the day of the exam, try to keep a calm and composed mind and recollect whatever you have studied.
9. Just glance at the formulas notes on the day of the exam early in the morning. This will help you recollect any of the formulas that you have prepared.
10. Check for frequently asked questions from previous years’ question papers and try to at least solve them to ensure that you are sure on a few sections. 
11. Aspirants can also practice 1 combined mock test and check which sections can be solved faster to save time for other complex sections.
12. Take enough breaks one day before the exam. This will help you relax and calm your mind, and you can focus better on the exam day.
13. Sort things 
14. Try to reach the exam hall at least half an hour before the commencement of the CDS exam.
15. Avoid taking any gadgets inside the exam hall, such as Bluetooth, earphones, and calculators, as these items are strictly prohibited.
16. Carry a black ballpoint pen with you for the exam.  Check the instructions ahead of the exam and carry items that are needed. Keep a check on the admit card, pen and ID proof. 
17. Try to answer questions then and there. Do not leave too many questions for the end. Leaving too many questions can increase the chances of mistakes in your exam.
18. Do not get stuck on one question if it’s taking too much time to be solved. You can attempt it at the end. But avoid leaving too many questions till the last minute.
19. Carefully read the instructions and questions and answer only what’s needed. Do not answer anything that’s not questioned.
20. Aspirants must glance through questions and note down the important points, formulas that can be used and values mentioned in the question simultaneously and can start calculating things mentally.

CDS Booklist

Candidates must ensure effective preparation by referring to a set of Dedicated books for the CDS exam. These books will help candidates have a better knowledge of the subjects and ultimately score well in the CDS examination. The right set of study materials is a must for any major competitive exam preparation as it can enhance your knowledge and help you score a good rank in the exam.

Here are some of the important subject-wise books for the CDS exam that candidates must keep handy.