CDS OTA Sept 2026 Aspirant (SRCC 2nd Year) | Using CDS Prep Alongside UPSC CSE 2027 — Need Strategy Advice
Hi everyone, I’m a CDS OTA Sept 2026 aspirant, currently in my 2nd year at SRCC, from a humanities background. I’m also planning to attempt UPSC CSE 2027, so I’m trying to use the syllabus overlap smartly instead of preparing separately. Right now, I’m covering: Polity, History, Geography (Laxmikanth, Spectrum, NCERTs) English basics + comprehension Planning to gradually add CDS-level MCQs I haven’t joined any coaching yet and I’m unsure whether to: Go for CDS-specific coaching, or Continue self-study + test series, keeping UPSC in mind Doubts: What’s the best way to structure CDS prep alongside UPSC without compromising either? For OTA, how much emphasis should I realistically place on Maths vs GS + English? Are CDS mock tests sufficient, or does coaching add real value? Would appreciate advice from those who’ve prepared for CDS (especially OTA) or balanced it with UPSC prep. Thanks in advance.