How to prepare for CDS and AFCAT written

Defense is a field attracting maximum of the youth of the country presently. It can be because of the nature of job, the adventure and satisfaction that it offers which is clubbed with multiple perks and privileges. This can be seen by the ever increasing applications that all the three forces recieve for each entry. The cutoff have been increasing and the age for the applicants is decreasing to control this rate.

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There are multiple ways to enter defense and whatever be your educational background there will always be multiple gates for every aspirant. CDS and AFCAT are such two exams where aspirants can apply for all the forces through CDS and for air-force through AFCAT. Unlike direct entries , these entries have written exam first and all those who qualify the written are only eligible for SSB/AFSB. We will see some tips to win this round of written now:

1) Cover important topics first: The syllabus for these exams is wide and one needs to cover all for the best performance but remember that you should plan things according to the time you have. The whole schedule of preparation should be prepared initially only and should be rigorously followed. Also one needs to identify important and favorite topics at this stage itself so that they can be given importance first. Remember to keep buffer time towards the end for incorporating the leftovers if any and practicing the previous year question papers. It also helps in reviewing the pattern and gauge the level of the exam. Plan this before hand.

2) Practice makes the man perfect: After identification and schedule preparation one needs to practice in the following order. Also remember to keep consistency in preparation. Time management can really help in this hour of preparation. Learn to make schedules and to do list properly. Ask your mentors in case of any doubt.

• First review the core concepts
• Then take the Level 1 ( easier questions) to practice those concepts and then increase the level continuously to 2 and 3
• Post this solve small sectional tests to see if you know the application of the concept properly and then practice cumulative tests

3) Select the right topics: The selection and schedule formation  ( as mentioned in point 1) is the most important step in any written exam preparation. If that step is intelligently designed one can never see failure. One need to consider all the factors in mind before designing the schedule and also keep appropriate buffer in hand for emergency situations. Aspirants who are working somewhere for their livelihood, but want defense as their first priority should incorporate working schedule and hours in mind. 

4) Speed and accuracy: The competitions where there are written exams need speed and accuracy to clear the cut off. We need to select the right set of questions for gaining the maximum marks. We have seen cases where the aspirants miss by just one or two marks and then they feel bad. Don't keep usual, cutoff marks as your target. Always remember to aim high and then target any exam. Also selection of questions in written becomes important. Answers should not be ticked blindly as negative marks gathering can hamper selection.

5) Time management: This is an art and everyone should have the mastery over it. This is also an OLQ  which would help in getting recommendation during SSB along with other officer like qualities. Before even starting the question , first remember to read instructions carefully and then tick the questions as per different levels and then start attempting. Don't waste time in any section as some exams have sectional cutoff too. Before the real exam do practice mocks in exam like situations.

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Also read: Details you should know about Indian Air force

Above were some strategy preparation for the exam. Now some Do's and Dont's during the exam:

• Select questions that are easy and you know you will definitely solve and get the correct answer.
• Cross check before marking on the OMR sheet and also don't wait till the last moment for marking. 
• Mark answers periodically.
• Spend 5-10 minutes in categorizing questions level, so that you dont waste time later in identifying what to do and what not to do.
• Tension should be left at home before going for exams, so that you give and best and score what you deserve.

Lets give our best and not wait for the last moment for preparation and success. Get up and start it now. For all other defense related queries and updates SSB Vision team is there to help the aspirants. If you have any query, drop a mail to jayendrapsingh@gmail.com and get it resolved instantaneously. Also inform your friends and share SSB Vision with them so that it can help them in their preparation. Join our facebook group for discussion , practicing TAT/PPDt stories and getting frequent feedback from experts. Follow us here and apply for email notification so that you dont miss any update.