What Is the CDS Exam
The CDS Exam, or Combined Defence Services Examination, is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. It is held twice a year to recruit officers for the Indian Armed Forces.
It is one of the most prestigious exams for graduates who aspire to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Is there a way to crack the CDS exam without the need for coaching? How can you prepare for the exam at home for free? Continue reading to get valuable resources and study for the CDS with minimal effort.
Best YouTube Channels for CDS Exam Preparation
To prepare for CDS, YouTube has become a powerful platform for CDS aspirants by offering free lectures, current affairs analysis, SSB tips, and mock tests.
If you’re preparing for CDS 2025, here’s a carefully curated list of the best YouTube channels for CDS preparation, covering all aspects of the exam. Let’s dive into them:
#1. SSBCrackExams
SSBCrackExams is one of India’s most popular platforms for defence exam aspirants. It covers not only CDS but also NDA, AFCAT, TA, and SSB interview preparation. The content is designed by experts who understand the nature of the exam and defence services.
On this channel, you can discover daily current affairs, strategy videos, motivational content, free mock tests, live sessions, etc. They update their content consistently and align with the CDS exam syllabus and format. Plus, they offer revision series and short-form quizzes to test your learning in real time.
#2. Defence Adda247: CAPF AC, CDS & AFCAT Preparation
As its name suggests, this is a dedicated channel for defence exam preparation, including CDS, AFCAT, and CAPF AC. It offers clear lessons, the latest news, and helpful tips to help you crack these exams.
This channel features crash courses in English, General Studies, and Maths, live classes, doubt-clearing sessions, PYQ (Previous Year Question) discussions, and weekly current affairs analysis. With live lessons every day and a strong focus on problem-solving techniques, the channel is perfect for students who want a classroom-style experience at home.
#3. Major Kalshi Classes
Major Kalshi Classes is one of the top CDS exam preparation YouTube channels. In addition to CDS, it also provides resources to prepare for NDA, AFCAT, CAPF, SSB interview, JEE, and NEET.
Their videos are often recorded in real classroom settings, giving a traditional learning vibe. They also regularly interact with serving officers and ex-cadets, providing realistic insights into the exam and military life.
#4. Insight SSB
Though primarily focused on SSB interviews, Insight SSB also covers valuable content for the CDS written exam. It offers a balanced mix of smart strategies, motivational support, and exam-focused content. Run by ex-GTOs and defence officers, the channel emphasizes understanding over rote learning. You can join its Telegram group for daily motivational PDFs and live doubt sessions.
#5. CDS & AFCAT By PW
Physics Wallah, a highly trusted online learning brand in India, launched a dedicated YouTube channel for CDS and AFCAT aspirants. The content is backed by research and taught by experienced instructors.
CDS & AFCAT By PW includes well-organized playlists for specific topics, structured courses with a clear syllabus, doubt sessions, and weekly tests.
#6. Unacademy Defence Gurukul
Unacademy is one of India’s leading online education platforms. Their Defence channel covers CDS and other exams, such as AFCAT, CAPF, NDA, and SSB. On this channel, you’ll find top educators teaching CDS syllabus topics, live classes and test series, marathon sessions before exams, and bilingual content.
#7. DEFENCE MANIA
DEFENCE MANIA is a rapidly growing YouTube channel and learning platform for CDS and other defence entrance exams. It provides deep-dive playlists for CDS-specific topics and exam strategies. Plus, it includes a mix of long-form lessons, one-shot crash revisions, and motivational life lessons.
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Final Words
Preparing for the CDS exam through YouTube is not only effective but also budget-friendly. Make the most of these free resources from the best YouTube channels for CDS exam preparation listed in this post to crack the exam easily.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Lydia is always interested in new things and has been attracted deeply by writing. Her love for writing makes her become an English editor about multimedia in MiniTool. She’s determined to write articles about photos, audio, video, and other news to offer readers useful suggestions. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, photography, and having fun with friends.