The NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) examinations are prestigious gateways to a career in the Indian Armed Forces. A significant portion of both exams is devoted to General Science (GS)—especially in the NDA General Ability Test (GAT) and the CDS General Knowledge (GK) paper.
Although the syllabus is primarily based on the NCERT curriculum of classes 6 to 12, many aspirants struggle with the scattered nature of the syllabus and the vast volume of content. Here’s a subject-wise study plan and strategy to help you master Physics, Chemistry, and Biology efficiently.
📅 Study Plan Overview (Weekly Cycle)
| Day | Subject | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Physics | Concepts + Numerical Practice |
| Tue | Chemistry | Inorganic + Basic Organic |
| Wed | Biology | Diagrams + Processes |
| Thu | Physics | Revisions + MCQs |
| Fri | Chemistry | NCERT-Based Questions |
| Sat | Biology | Previous Year Questions |
| Sun | Full GS Mock + Review |
- Allocate 2 hours daily to GS (1 hour theory + 1 hour MCQs).
- Use NCERTs (Classes 9-12) as primary reference material.
- Every Sunday, revise everything studied during the week.
🔬 Physics Strategy
📘 Syllabus Focus:
- Motion, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy & Power
- Light, Sound, Heat
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Modern Physics basics (Atoms, Nuclear Physics)
✅ Strategy:
- Concept Clarity: Focus on understanding basics. Use Class 9 & 10 NCERT Physics.
- Formula Sheet: Maintain a one-page formula chart for quick revision.
- MCQ Practice: Solve previous year questions and objective books like Lucent’s or Arihant.
- Visual Learning: Use diagrams and flowcharts, especially for topics like lenses, circuits, and waves.
⚗️ Chemistry Strategy
📘 Syllabus Focus:
- Chemical Reactions, Acids-Bases-Salts
- Metals and Non-Metals
- Atomic Structure, Bonding
- Carbon Compounds (Basics)
- Environmental Chemistry
✅ Strategy:
- Stick to NCERTs: Class 9 & 10 are sufficient. For CDS, add basic 11th-grade inorganic and organic.
- Highlight Key Reactions: Note important equations and balance them regularly.
- Flashcards for Elements: Use flashcards to remember periodic table trends and groups.
- Revise Regularly: Chemistry relies on memory, so revise reactions weekly.
🧬 Biology Strategy
📘 Syllabus Focus:
- Human Body Systems (Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory)
- Cell Structure, Tissues
- Nutrition, Respiration, Excretion
- Reproduction in Plants & Animals
- Genetics and Environment
✅ Strategy:
- NCERT Diagrams: Revise diagrams from Class 9-10 NCERTs. These are often directly asked.
- Process-Based Learning: Understand processes like photosynthesis, blood circulation, and respiration step-by-step.
- Terminology Drill: Make a glossary of key terms with short definitions.
- Previous Year Papers: Biology has high question repetition; solving PYQs gives an edge.
📚 Books & Resources
- NCERT Science (Classes 6–10) – Base for all three subjects
- NCERT Biology & Chemistry (Class 11 for CDS)
- Lucent’s General Science
- Arihant Pathfinder for NDA / CDS
- Previous Year Question Papers – Must practice at least 10 years
🧠 General Tips
- PYQ-Based Revision: 30% of GS questions repeat concepts from previous years.
- Make a GS Notebook: Write one-pagers for every topic you revise.
- Time-Bound Practice: Always attempt GS MCQs in a timed manner.
- GS + Current Affairs: Sometimes static science questions have a current twist (e.g., questions on vaccines during COVID).
🎯 Final Words
A disciplined and NCERT-focused approach is the secret to mastering GS for NDA & CDS. You don’t need to become a scientist—just focus on being conceptually clear, revising regularly, and practicing enough questions to gain confidence.
Stay consistent, stay curious, and remember: revision beats over-study.
