CS1 Actuarial Exam Preparation Strategy (2026 Guide)

Your Complete Roadmap to Ace IFoA’s Core Statistics Paper

The CS1 (Core Statistics 1) exam is one of the most crucial papers in the actuarial qualification journey. It forms your base for probability, statistical methods, modelling, predictive analytics, and R-based applications—skills every actuary uses daily.

Because CS1 combines theory + applied statistics + R programming, thousands of students struggle with where to begin and how to prepare effectively.

This 2026 CS1 study guide covers:
✔ Best CS1 exam preparation strategy
✔ 10-week study plan
✔ Topic-wise tips
✔ R-programming guidance
✔ Time management rules
✔ Common mistakes to avoid
✔ How Alpha Plus can help you clear CS1 in the first attempt

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⭐ What the CS1 Exam Really Tests

📘 CS1A – Theory Paper

Covers major statistical and actuarial modelling concepts:

• Probability

• Random variables & distributions

• Statistical inference

• Regression & GLMs

• Time series

• Bayesian statistics

• Survival models

• Model diagnostics

💻 CS1B – R Programming & Applications

Tests your ability to apply theory using real datasets:

• Data import & cleaning

• R coding for modelling

• Statistical outputs

• Plots & diagnostics

• Interpretation of results

CS1B carries 40% weight—ignoring R is the biggest mistake students make.

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📅 10-Week CS1 Preparation Plan (2026 Edition)

Week 1–2: Build a Strong Foundation

• Probability, distributions, RVs

• Estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing

• Solve 20–30 basic questions every day

• Begin R basics: vectors, data frames, indexing

Week 3–5: Core Modelling

• Linear regression (simple + multiple)

• Generalised Linear Models (Poisson, Logistic, Gamma)

• Time series (AR, MA, ARIMA)

• Survival Models

• Solve past IFoA questions for each topic

Week 6–7: R Programming Mastery

• Learn: dplyr, ggplot2, stats, survival

• Take 3–4 R assignments

• Practice full-length CS1B-style coding questions

Week 8–9: CS1 Mock Exams

• 5 theory mocks (CS1A)

• 3 R programming mocks (CS1B)

• Evaluate time taken for each section

Week 10: Final Revision

• Short notes

• Weak topics revision

• 2 full mocks under exam simulation

• Focus on formula retention + interpretation skills

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🎯 Topic-Wise CS1 Strategy (High-Scoring)

1️⃣ Probability & Statistics Basics

• Understand intuition, not just formulas

• Create formula flashcards

• Practice moderate-level questions daily

2️⃣ Regression & GLMs – Highest Weightage

Focus on:

• Assumptions

• Interpretation of β coefficients

• Deviance & dispersion

• Link + variance functions

• Residual diagnostics

3️⃣ Time Series

• AR, MA, ARMA, ARIMA

• Use ACF/PACF for identification

• Practice R-based time series plots

4️⃣ Survival Models

• Hazard, survival, density & cumulative distribution

• Kaplan–Meier

• Life tables

• Parametric models

5️⃣ R Programming

Don’t memorize code—practise small projects:

• Data import

• Cleaning

• Regression & GLMs

• Plots

• Survival analysis

Comment your code to reduce errors.

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⏱️ Time Management Tips for CS1

• First 5 mins: scan paper

• Do easy questions first

• 10 marks ≈ 12 minutes

• Keep 15 minutes for revision

• CS1B: run code frequently to avoid debugging rush

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❌ Common Mistakes Students Must Avoid

• Ignoring R programming

• Starting GLMs too late

• Memorising formulas without understanding

• Not solving past papers

• No timed practice for CS1B

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📌 Final Tips to Score 65+

• Solve at least 3 past papers fully

• Weekly R practice

• Build a short 10-page summary notebook

• Understand examiner expectations

• Follow a structured 10–12 week plan

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🎓 Why Choose Alpha Plus Institute for CS1 (2026 Batch)?

Alpha Plus Institute is India’s No. 1 Actuarial Science Coaching Institute—helping students clear CS1 on the first attempt with:

✔ Complete CS1 Conceptual Lectures
✔ R Programming Classes
✔ Weekly Tests & Assignments
✔ Full-Length Mock Exams
✔ Personal Doubt Classes
✔ Exam-Targeted Revision Batches

With structured coaching and personalised guidance, our students consistently score 60–75+ in CS1.

👉 Enroll Today:
Visit: alphaplusdelhi.com
Call: +91 9599991900 | +91 9899991500