- Prologue
- [Block#3] Geometry + Trig.
- [Block#4] Misc.Topix
- Epilogue
- Appendix Download link: Topic wise Sorted NCERTs
Prologue
- In the first article, we saw how to prepare number system, surds-indices, linear and quadratic equations for CDS maths paper. click me
- Now in the second article, weāll see how to approach percentage, profit-loss, simple-compound interest rate, time-speed-distance-work and statistics-Data interpretation related problems. click me
- in this third and last article, weāll see how to approach geometry, trigonometry and remaining misc. Topics.
[Block#3] Geometry + Trig.
topics in this block | avg. MCQs in each of the last four CDS exams. | priority |
Geometry | 36 | highest of all topics |
Trigonometry | 14 | 2nd highest of all topics |
You should prepare this block only after finishing earlier block because
- Some of the geometry MCQ require understanding of percentages, ratios and linear equations.
- Some of the trigonometry MCQ require understanding of quadratic equations and geometry.
[Geo] AVP/Mensuration
Officially called āMensurationā, this involves
- Area and perimeter (A+P) of 2D figures: triangles, squares, rectangles, parallelogram, hexagons
- Surface area, volume and perimeter (A+V+P) of 3D figures: spheres, cones, cylinders. Occasionally prism (tents), frustums (buckets) and pyramids.
Approach
- From all the following NCERT chapters, memorize all the formulas given in the end summary of every chapter. Better write them down in your diary of mistakes.
- for class 9 and class 10 NCERT chapters given below, you must solve all the examples and exercises given in them
- Avoid silly mistakes e.g.
- putting value of diameter instead of radius in the formula
- not converting everything in same unit (cm/m/km)
7_11_Perimeter and Area | Basics about area-perimeters of parallelograms and circles. | IAK |
8_11_Mensuration Modified | Area of Trapezium, polygon. General formula for quadrilaterals via diagonals. | DQ |
8_11_Mensuration Modified | Cube, Cuboid and Cylinder- their area Volume and Capacity. | DQ | IAK |
9_12_Herons formula | for finding area using ‘semi-perimeter’ concept for triangles and Quadrilaterals. | DQ | IAK |
9_13_Surface areas and volumes | of cuboid, cylinder, cone, sphere. Solve all the examples and exercises from this chapter. | DQ | IAK |
10_12 Areas Related to Circles | Solve all the problem figures given in this chapter. | DQ |
10_13_Surface Areas and Volumes | More complex sums involving combination of solids e.g. two half spheres and a cylinder in between etc. Solve all the examples and exercises given in this chapter | DQ* |
After this goto Sarvesh Kumarās chapter on Mensuration andĀ Solve all the examples, introductory exercises and level 1 exercises. Note: he has given a big table at the beginning of this chapter, dealing with area, perimeter – Memorize it entirely.
*abbreviations used in above table
- ā7_11 Perimeter and Areaā= class 7 maths textbook, chapter 11
- DQ=direct questions asked in CDS from the theory/definition/examples given in this chapter. Hence even if you āknowā the topic, DO go through those chapters.
- IAK=āI already knowā. Meaning you can ignore this chapter, if youāre basics are already good. (i.e. youāve already cleared written stage of bank, SSC or LIC.)
- Ā āBoldā: topics highlighted in bold are MUST DO, Most important because MCQs routinely appearing from there.
Observe the MCQs from past CDS exams
TRIANGLES | QUADRILATERAL |
|
|
Circle | Sphere |
|
|
CYLINDER | CONE / FRUSTUM |
|
|
+ Variety of diagram/figure based questions. But for the lack of time, Iām not inserting their scanned photos here in the article.
[Geo] theory / non-AVP
- Questions involving sides, angles, midpoints, bisectors, centroid etc. topics related to 2D figures (lines, triangles, quadrilaterals and circles.)
- In CDS, usually they give a problem figure that has one or more combination of triangle + parallelogram + circle. So, first you need master the individual figures (triangles, parallelogram and circle) before you attempt the MCQs involving their combination.
[Geo_theory1]Lines and Angles
Superficially this might look like a āchillarā topic but good number of MCQs come every year from here.
7_5 Lines and Angles | types of angles, pair of angles | IAK |
9_6_Lines and angle | Intersecting lines and the angels made by them. corresponding, interior etc. | IAK |
9_5_Introduction to Euclidās geometry | basics of axioms and theorem | IAK |
Then move to Sarevsh Kumar=>Geometry=> starting part of the chapter and the big table of lines-angle and first introductory exercise.
Observe the MCQs from past CDS exams
- Three lines intersect each other in pairs. What is the number of angles so formed? (3/6/9/12)
- Assertion (A) two distinct lines cannot have more than one point in common. Reasoning (R) any number of lines can be drawn through one point.
- What is the least number of straight lines for a bounded plane figure?(1/2/3/4)
- What is the angle which equals one āfifth of its supplement (15/30/36/75)
- If two parallel lines are intersected by a transversal, then
- Each pair of corresponding angles are equal.
- each pair of alternate are unequal.
- both A and B correct
- None
- + Variety of diagram/figure based questions. But for the lack of time, Iām not inserting them here in the article.
[Geo_theory2] Triangles
Similarity and congruence are most important because in variety of MCQ figures involving – youāll have to apply these concepts to get the value of any side/angle/area. Master them from NCERTs.
7_6 The Triangle and its Properties | altitude, angle sum property, sums of sides and inequalities related to it, Pythagoras | IAK |
7_7 Congruence of Triangles | SSS, SAS, ASA congruence | IAK |
9_7_Triangles | advanced concepts related to Congruence, sides-altitude and base | DQ |
9_12_Herons formula | for finding area using ‘semi-perimeter’ concept for triangles and Quadrilaterals. Mugup the Summary | DQ | IAK |
10_6 Triangles | Similarity of triangles/ | DQ |
Then, Sarevsh Kumar=>Geometry=>Triangle related table and introductory exercises.
- Mugup the table related to altitude, median, angle bisector, circumcenter / orthocenter/ incenter/ centroid of a triangle.
- He has also given a separate table important theorems on triangles. Within that important are:
- BPT, midpoint, Apollonius, interior exterior bisector.
- You can ignore 45-45-90 and 30-60-90 theorem because Iāve already covered its applications in trigonometry ā in separate articles and videos.
Triangles: Demo MCQs from previous exam
- The point of concurrence of the altitudes of a triangle is called? (circumcenter / orthocenter/ incenter/ centroid)
- find correct statement
- Congruent triangles are similar.
- If the hypotenuse and a side of one right triangle are equal to the hypotenuse and a side of another right triangle respectively, then the two right triangles are congruent.
- both A and B
- neither A nor B
- What is the number of points in the plane of a triangle ABC are at equal distance from the vertices of the triangle?
- Assertion (A) If two triangles are congruent, then their corresponding angles are equal. Reason (R) Two congruent triangles have same area.
- A triangle DEF is formed by joining the midpoints of the sides of triangle ABC. Similarly a triangle PQR is formed by joining the mid-points of the sides of the triangle DEF. If the sides of the triangle PQR are of lengths 1, 2 and 3 units, what is the perimeter of the triangle ABC?
- 18 units
- 24 units
- 48 units
- Cannot be determined due to insufficient data
- The centroid of a triangle ABC is 8cm from the vertex A. What is the length of the median of the triangle through A?
- A piece of wire 78 cm long is bent in the form of an isosceles triangle. If the ratio of one of the equal sides to the base is 5:3, then what is the length of the base?
- + Variety of diagram/figure based questions. But for the lack of time, Iām not inserting their scanned photos here in the article.
[Geo_theory3]Quadrilaterals
Quadrilateral means four sided 2D figure: square, rectangle, kite, trapezium, rhombus etc.
8_3 Understanding Quadrilaterals | Angle-sum property, exterior angles, Parallelogram: diagonals, sides, angles, rhombus. properties of quadrilaterals (given at bottom of chapter) | DQ |
9_8_Quadrilaterals | Theorems related to quadrilaterals, diagonals, midpoints, bisectors | DQ |
9_9_Areas of parallelograms and triangles | this is not related to ‘formulas’ but theory about triangles-parallelograms on same base, one figure inside another etc. must be thoroughly prepared | DQ |
8_10 Visualizing Shapes_euler’s formula | only one topic: Euler’s formula for polyhedron (F+V-E=2), given under topic Number 10.4 | DQ |
Then Sarevsh Kumar=>Geometry=>Quadrilaterals related table and introductory exercises.
He has summarized the bullets related to quadrilateral properties. Religiously memorize them for the theory/definition based MCQs. also do the āpolygonā related section ā particularly the table about sum of all angles, no. of diagonals for triangle, quadri., pentagon, hexagon etc.
Triangles: Demo MCQs from previous CDS exams
1.Find correct statement
|
2.Correct statement about quadrilateral
|
3.ABCD is a quadrilateral such that BC = BA and CD > AD. Which one of the following is correct?
|
4.Assertion (A) if the sides of a rhombus is 10 cm. its diagonals should have values of 16cm and 12 cm. Reason(R) The diagonals of a rhombus cut at right angles.5. + Variety of diagram/figure based questions. But for the lack of time, Iām not inserting their scanned photos here in the article. |
[Geo_theory4]Circles
Another prominent topic under geometry MCQs. Often the problem figure would involve a triangle / quadrilateral embedded inside the circle. Hence, circle topic should be prepared only after mastering triangles and quadrilaterals topics first.
9_10_Circles |
|
DQ |
|
DQ | |
|
DQ | |
10_10 Circles | number of tangents from a circle | DQ |
After this, Sarvesh Kumar=>Geometry=>Circles and the introductory exercises. And memorize the table on circle theorems. Thatāll help you directly solve variety of MCQs problem figures of circles+ (triangle/quadrilateral) combinations without having to do any calculations.
Once youāre finished with circleās introductory exercises. do the level 1 sums from Geometry chapter. (and if youāve time and mood- even do level2 for additional grip.)
Circles: Demo MCQs from previous CDS exams
A regular hexagon is inscribed in a circle of radius 5 cm. If x is the area inside the circle but outside the regular hexagon, then which one of the following is correct?
|
The diameter of a circle with centre at C is 50 cm. CF is a radial segment of the circle. AB is a chord perpendicular to CP and passes through P. CP produced intersects the circle at D. If DP = 18 cm, then what is the length of AB?
|
|
|
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is an important topic for both CDS as well as SSC-CGL. but there are few differences
- CDS doesnāt ask question on minimum-maximum values. (Atleast I didnāt notice in last five yearsā papers)
- CDS asks less questions from height distance and more questions from trig+algebra combo question.
- CDS asks quadrant āsign based question (usually ignored in SSC CGL)
Anyways, how to approach?
First finish geometry and quadratic topics. Because many of these trig.MCQs require understanding of previous two blocks.
[Trig] Height and Distance (HnD)
observe the sample questions from past CDS exams
A radio transmitter antenna of height 100m stands at the top of a tall building.At a point on the ground,the angle of elevation of bottom of the antenna is 45degrees and that of top of antenna is 60degrees.What is the height of the building? | The angle of elevation of the top of a tower from the bottom of a building is twice that from its top. What is the height of the building, if the height of the tower is 75m and the angle of elevation of the top of the tower from the bottom of the building is 60 degrees? |
in every CDS exam, alteast one-two MCQs are from this āheight-distanceā subtopic of trigonometry, To solve them, go through following articles cum YouTube videos (and solve all the questions given at the bottom of each article)
- [Trigonometry] Introduction, Types of Questions, Shortcut for memorizing 30,45,60 for SSC CGL CDS
- [Trigonometry] HnD Type #1: One Building One Angle finding height, distance or hypotenuse
- [Trigonometry] HnD Type #2: Broken Trees and Telegraph Poles: Finding original height
- [Trigonometry] HnD Type #3: One Building Two Angles made easy for SSC
- [Trigonometry] HnD Type #4: Two Buildings-Two Angles made easy for SSC
- [Trigonometry] HnD Type #5: Finding speed, time or distance made easy for SSC
^in the mock questions given in articles, Iāve covered all the good questions from NCERT. Still if you want to go through NCERTs, theyāre included in the zip file.
- 10_8 Introduction to Trigonometry
- 10_9 Some Applications of Trigonometry
for additional practice: Sarvesh Kumar, and/or old papers for CDS, SSC.
[Trig] non-height distance
First observe MCQs from past exams
TYPE#2: TABLE (VALUE) BASED | TYPE#3: COMPLIMENTARY ANGLES |
|
|
TYPE#4: COMBO OF TRIG+ ALGEBRA | Type#5: Degrees and radians |
|
|
TYPE#6: QUADRANTS | |
Q.for the first quadrant, which of the following correct?
|
Q.if cosA is greater than or equal to 1/2 in first quadrant then which of the following correct?
|
How to approach type 2 to 4
Go through these articles and solve all the questions given at bottom of each article
- [Trigonometry] Type#2: Table based questions, memorization technique, approach explained for SSC CGL
- [Trigonometry] Type#3: Complimentary Angles related Questions and approach for SSC CGL
- [Trigonometry] Type#4: Questions based on Trig and Algebra combo
For additional practice: Sarvesh Kumar, and/or old papers for CDS, SSC.
HOW TO APPROACH TYPE 5 (Quadrants)?
- NCERT class 11 ch.3 Trigonometric Functions: page 50 to55 (included in the zip file) solve all the sums as well.
- and / or Savesh Kumarās chapter on trigonometry
HOW TO APPROACH TYPE 6 (radians / degrees)?
- NCERT class 11 ch.3 Trigonometric Functions: page 55 to59 (include in the zip file).
- and / or Sarvesh Kumar chapter on trigonometry
[Block#4] Misc.Topix
Overall lowest priority because the following topics, barely 2-3 MCQs come. Although their cost:benefit is still good (compared to amount of pages youāve to mupup to get one geography question right) so, When youāre finished with everything else and still have time and mood, do go through these topics.
#1: Set Theory / Venn Diagrams
Usually 2-3 MCQs per exam. Although NCERT class 10 chapter 15 does cover set-theory but to save time, just mugup the bullets given in Sarvesh Kumarās chapter on Set Theory and solve the practice sums.
Observe the MCQs from previous exam:
set theory | Venn diagram |
|
|
#2: Logarithms
- Questions not seen in the recent years and at most one MCQ comes. Although if youāre left with free time, doesnāt take much effort to master.
- for this directly go through Logarithm chapter in Sarvesh Kumarās book, ignore details related to graphs and characteristics of Mantissa. Solve upto introductory exercise only.
Logarithms: Demo Q. from previous CDS exams:
- What is the value of [5 log10 100]2?
- If logr6=m and logr3=n, then what is logr(r/2)equal to?
- What is the value of [Log13(10)]/[Log169(10)]?
- What is the value of Log1000.1
#3: AP-GP Progression
Arithmetic progression (AP) | geometric progression (GP) |
if the 14th term of an arithmetic series is 6 and 6th term is 14 then what is the 95th term? | a ball is dropped from the height of 64m above the ground, and every time it hits the ground, it raises to a height equal to half of the previous. What is the height attained after it hits the ground for 16th time? |
AP-GP are not asked on regular basis but once in a while randomly appear.
Iāve included the respective NCERT chapters from class 10 and 11. but to save time you may just directly go to Sarvesh Kumarās chapter on āSequence, series and progressionsā : memorize the formulas and solve introductory exercises only.
Topics to ignore
- Permutation Combination Probability
- Coordinate Geometry
Because from above topics, I didnāt see any MCQs in recent yearsā CDS papers. (or may be I didnāt look carefully!)
Epilogue
Epilogue, concluding words, sacred rules, unwanted advice, whatever you want to call itā¦.
Rule#1: Must finish entire block in one go
- Suppose today you finished ātriangleā topic under geometry. Then you take a ābreakā and focus on polity for next 2-3 day, then some history, geography etc.Ā Later you resume back geometry, prepare quadrilaterals after a week.= This type of scattered preparation wonāt help you get a steel grip over mathematics.
- Youāve to finish entire block in one go (e.g. picked up geometry then do triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, area-volume-perimeter⦠everything continuously.)
Rule#2: Winners donāt make excuses
EXCUSES | WHY #EPICFAIL? |
Maths is not my cup of tea. so, Iāll pay extra attention to GS/GK and English to clear this exam. |
|
Iāve so many things to prepare in current affairs, Iām unable to take out time for maths! |
|
Hotaa hai, chaltaa hai, thik hai, dekhenge, abhi bahot der hai,there is still lot of time left. | No. Today is 14th Dec. CDS(I)2013 is on 9th February 2013= that’s ~55 days =~8 weeks. You cannot afford to continue preparation in a casual manner anymore. Must pump maximum hours per day in reading-revision-practice. |
Rules#3: Must get hands dirty, must maintain a diary of mistakes
Why? Explained in following link https://mrunal.org/2012/03/strategy-art-of-preparing-for-aptitude.html
Rules#4: Must solve alteast 3 previous papers
Once you finish the maths syllabus. download and solve atleast three original UPSC CDS maths paper from their official site within three hours time limit for each. At home, you can take 5-10-15 minutes to solve one sum but in the exam hall you cannot waste time like that. Sometimes it is better to leave a question involving lengthy calculation (or leave it for the end part of the exam). sometimes, if your answer doesn’t match any of the a/b/c/d option in the exam, then it’s better to move to next question rather than trying to find out the mistake. You can understand these lessons only after burning your hands on original papers. so Do solve previous papers-within the given time limit.
Appendix Download link: Topic wise Sorted NCERTs
Youāve two choices
Choice #1: good internet connection: And you want to download entire zip file at once (size 35MB) then use following link: https://files.secureserver.net/0sYHJ029rgUbrg
Choice #2: not so good internet connection: and / or You want to download small zip files or selective topics only, then goto following link (e.g. geometry zip file separately, trigonometry zip file separately and so on) then use following link: https://files.secureserver.net/0fmaNqqBDslHlc
Bro when will come the english studyplan for cds.
I m following ssc cgl eng plan= frustrate bcz when i see diff. Plan for diff. Exam.
Thanks sir for such a useful information .
But i couldn’t find the incenter , circumcenter, orthocenter like topics after reading all the chapters in geometry section , do they come in separate chapter or section , or they are not important . please help …
Sir , English ka kya kare?
HAPPY TEACHERS DAY MRUNAL SIR
Sir download link are not working and plz posted post article on gpsc gs
Omit Posted galti se mistake ho gaya sir plz post article on gpsc
what are the topics in engish that needs to be done for the cds
mrunal sir.plz post more explained articles on aptitude portion for cds exam..:-)
Sorry to say this but the links are not working pls help….. soon as posible…?
Sir please update the study plan as we can se that this studyplan is of 2 years old.
So I request you on the behalf of cds aspirants to please update it.
Thank you in anticipation.
sir we need cds last 10 years maths and english question papaers pdf with solutions where can we get.?
sir math mein triangle samajh nhi ate
sir math mein triangle samajh nhi ate aur rd sharma bhej do