Many students view the Mathematics part of the CDS exam as a way to score well. Many students, however, have difficulties with handling time well, understanding concepts clearly, and revising for exams. Here are the questions that students ask most often about preparing for this section.
📌 What is the syllabus of the CDS Maths paper?
Understanding the syllabus is the first step. The CDS Maths paper is of 100 marks and includes 100 questions to be solved in 2 hours. The major topics include:
Topic |
Weightage |
Number System |
10-15 Questions |
Algebra |
10-12 Questions |
Trigonometry |
8-10 Questions |
Geometry |
15-20 Questions |
Mensuration |
10-12 Questions |
Arithmetic (Time, Work, Profit, etc.) |
20-25 Questions |
Statistics & Graphs |
4-6 Questions |
Go over the topics in a CDS PYQ book topic-wise, one at a time, to help you deal with the types of questions that are often asked.
How many hours should I invest in CDS Maths each day?
If you stick with it, 1.5 to 2 hours every day should be enough. Spend your time this way:
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At 30 mins, go over the concepts again
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At 45 minutes, start practicing.
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30 mins: Study your mistakes
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15 mins: Review some basic formulas or do mental math.
Revise the questions from the CDS previous year question papers, making sure to answer them faster and more accurately than before.
Read More: How to Analyze CDS Previous Year Questions for Better Scores?
Which method can you use to tackle difficult questions?
Most of the time, tough questions involve concepts from Geometry, Trigonometry and Algebra. To deal with them:
• Divide complicated problems into simpler parts.
• Be able to remove incorrect answers fast.
• Guessing and approximating answers may help you in mock tests.
• Go over the basic formulas every day.
Use a clock to solve difficult exercises so your brain gets used to working under time pressure. Studying from the CDS PYQ book topic-wise, within a time limit, is a good approach to improve your chances.
📌 How do I manage time during the exam?
Time management in the CDS Maths paper is key. Here’s how you can pace yourself:
Task |
Time Allocated |
Easy Questions (Arithmetic) |
30 Minutes |
Medium Level (Algebra, Stats) |
40 Minutes |
Tough Ones (Geometry, Trignometry) |
30 Minutes |
Review & Mark Doubts |
20 Minutes |
Always attempt the easy and known questions first. Mark harder ones and revisit them later.
📌 How important is it to solve previous year papers?
Very important! Solving the CDS question previous year papers is helpful for you.
• Get to know the pattern of the paper
• Count how often a topic appears
• Try solving real exam questions
• Understand what your strengths and weaknesses are
Prepare for CDS by studying the PYQ book topic by topic. It helps you identify your weak points as you work through questions that have been used in the exam.
📌 Should I solve mock tests or focus only on concept revision?
Both are necessary. Here’s the ratio to follow during your last 30 days of prep:
Activity |
Frequency |
Mock Test |
3-4 times/week |
Concept Revision |
Daily |
Previous Year Papers |
2-3 times/week |
Error Analysis & Notes |
After Every Test |
Include questions from your CDS book 2025 mock test section and simulate real exam conditions for better results.
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By following these smart strategies and regularly solving questions from the CDS book 2025 and the CDS previous year question paper sets, you’ll build both speed and confidence. Stay consistent, revise formulas, and track your progress.