What is the difference between NDA and CDS exams?

Though both are defence exams, there are many similarities and differences in the recruitment process, exam pattern, training, salary, perks, promotion, eligibility, etc. NDA is conducted for candidates who wish to join the defence services after Class 12. CDS is the exam conducted for the graduate candidates for training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers Training Academy (OTA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). NDA exam is conducted for Class 12 pass candidates. Whereas, CDS exam is conducted for graduate-level candidates. NDA exam carries two subjects-GAT and Maths. CDS exam carries three papers-Maths, English and GK. English and GK section is conducted for OTA, IMA, INA and AFA. Maths paper is conducted for IMA, INA and AFA. The total marks allotted to the written exam of NDA is 900 whereas it is 300 for CDS.

What is the selection process of CDS exam 2025?

The CDS 2025 selection process comprises various stages: The selection process of CDS comprises three stages that assess the academic knowledge, physical fitness and mental aptitude of candidates. The selection process includes: Stage 1: Written Examination Stage 2: SSB Interview (Service Selection Board) Stage 3: Medical Examination and Merit List After all these stages, a Final Merit List is prepared based on the written examination and SSB performance. The written test is of 300 marks (for INA, IMA and AFA) and 200 marks (OTA). The candidates qualifying the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview. At the second stage, the candidates have to undergo the vigorous 5 days interview in which the candidates are assessed on the physical, psychological and analytics level. Further, the SSB interview is followed by the medical test in which the candidates are assessed on physical standards. In the final stage merit list is released along with the release of the CDS results.

Is there any height-related criteria in the CDS?

Yes, the CDS has a height-related requirement. The minimum height for all defense academies through the CDS exam is as follows: 1. Male applicants must be at least 157.5 cm tall to qualify for IMA. 2. The minimum height requirement for admission to the Air Force Academy (AFA) is 162.5 cm. 3. The required height for INA is 157 cm or more, and only male candidates can apply. 4. To apply for OTA, male candidates must be at least 157.5 cm tall, while female candidates must be at least 152 cm tall. 5. Candidates from the Gorkha, Garhwal, Kumaon, and North Eastern regions are given a 5 cm relaxation. 6. Those applying from Lakshadweep are given a 2 cm relaxation.

What are the educational criteria to apply for CDS exam?

The candidates who wants to appear for the CDS exam must fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CDS exam. The candidates who did not fulfill the eligibility criteria of the CDS exam will not be allowed to fill out the application for the CDS exam. The educational criteria for the CDS exam have been given below for the candidates Indian Military Academy: Graduation Degree Indian Naval Academy: B.E and B.Tech (Intermediate with Physics and Maths Air Force Academy: Graduation, B.E and B.Tech (Intermediate with Physics and Maths Officers Training Academy (Men): Graduation Degree Officers Training Academy (Women): Graduation Degree.

How can I prepare for CDS OTA exam 2025?

Hi Practicing CDS question papers help to find out previously asked topics and chapters in the CDS exam. Candidates can also find out their strong and weak areas with the help of question papers. After completion of all the syllabus, candidates must practice the online mock test for their preparations How to Start CDS Preparation Understand The Syllabus And Exam Format. Examine the exam syllabus and exam pattern if you want to pass the CDS exam. Practice Mock Exams And Previous Year Papers. Keep The Basics Clear. Concentrate On Important Issues. Start With Simpler Questions. Create A Proper Schedule. Some of the books recommended for CDS OTA are as follows: Objective General English S. P. Bakshi. Wren & Martin's High School English Grammar & Composition Wren and Martin's. Word Power Made Easy Norman Lewis. Geography, History, Economy NCERT (standard 6th-12th. General Knowledge Lucent book and News paper.

How can I prepare for CDS Maths and Current Affairs for CDS exam?

You can use the following approach to Current Affairs for the CDS WATCH TV- Spend a couple of hours watching TV every day. It offers information on every subject in an engaging manner that is simple to remember. Watch reputable news stations like CNN and BBC for the daily bulletin. It serves as the greatest and the simplest method to understand current events. NEWSPAPER READING The oldest and most popular method for increasing understanding of current issues is to read newspapers. Local, regional, national, and international news can all be found there. Get a subscription to a reputable newspaper, such as "The Hindu, " and make reading the newspaper a morning ritual. USE THE INTERNET SMARTLY: Use your time online more wisely by avoiding time-wasting websites like Facebook and Instagram. In terms of websites, there are several, however practically all of them require payment. As a result, I would prefer to advise you to use reputable YouTube channels, such as Study IQ instruction. Write because you tend to forget what you've read easily. Writing aids in memory retention and strengthens information in the brain. Therefore, put what you learn in writing and take brief notes that you can refer to later. For CDS Maths Prioritize the preparation of the crucial topics first while allocating time for the challenging ones. Determine how much time to spend on each sort of question by taking practice exams. Additionally, in order to have a sense of the kinds of questions that will be in the exam, candidates must complete prior year's question papers. Candidates must acquire time management shortcuts, suggestions, and techniques. Recall basic computations like squares and cubes. Make a list of formulas and shortened forms to keep on hand for last-minute revision. Due to the exam's negative marking policy, they should only mark an answer if they are certain about it. During the exam, avoid making educated guesses. Candidates should consult quality mathematics textbooks when preparing for the CDS.

What is the ideal time to start preparing for CDS exam?

It is ideal that candidates must begin their preparation six months prior to the release of CDS notification. The candidates can check the preparation tips to qualify for the CDS exam: a) The candidates must know the complete syllabus and the pattern of the CDS exam b) Go through the NCERT books of classes 6 to 12 c) Solve previous years' questions and mock tests d) Make time table to cover complete syllabus of CDS exam e) Take frequent breaks to calm and relax.

CDS Syllabus 2025: Subject-Wise Syllabus PDF & Exam Pattern

Q: What are the best books to prepare for CDS exam?

The candidates can prepare for the CDS exam by going through the enlisted books for CDS Best Books for CDS English Language Candidates can refer to the following books for the English Language section Objective General English by RS Aggarwal Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis High School English Grammar and Composition Books for General Knowledge and Current Affairs Candidates need to read the newspapers regularly in order to keep themselves updated with recent events. The books that candidates can refer to for this section are given below: Manorama Yearbook Lucents General Knowledge Competition in Focus (Half-Yearly and Yearly) CDS books for Elementary Mathematics Best Books for Elementary Mathematics The candidates can refer to the enlisted books for preparing for the CDS elementary mathematics: Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude for Examinations paperback by RS Aggarwal.

578 Students Q&A

Exam On - 13 Apr '25

Updated on Jan 28, 2025 16:57 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CDS Syllabus 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) prescribes the CDS syllabus along with the notification. CDS 2025 syllabus PDF is categorised into two parts- i) For IMA, INA, and AFA, and ii) For OTA. The highlights of the syllabus are provided below for the candidates:

The CDS syllabus for IMA, INA, and AFA has three subjects whereas OTA has two subjects.
The standard CDS Mathematics syllabus is of Class 10 standard, while for other subjects, it is of graduation level.
To plan for the exam strategically, it is important to know the CDS syllabus

Aspirants willing to join the defence services through the CDS exam 2025 can check on this page the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, important books, preparation tips, and FAQs. The candidates who are preparing for the CDS exam must go through the exam syllabus and CDS exam pattern to ensure their preparation for the CDS exam. The CDS 1 2025 exam will be held on April 13, 2025.

Q: What is the syllabus for the CDS exam 2025, and where can I find it?

The authority released the CDS 2025 syllabus along with the notification. Candidates who are preparing for CDS exam 2025 must follow the syllabus to prepare for the exam. The CDS syllabus is divided into two categories-

a) INA (Indian Naval Academy), IMA (Indian Military Academy), and AFA (Air Force Academy)

b) OTA (Officers Training Academy)

The syllabus for the IMA, INA and AFA comprises three sections English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. Further, the syllabus for OTA comprises English and General Knowledge. OTA exam syllabus does not have a Maths section

To get the detailed syllabus for INA, IMA and AFA click on the refer to the link below: https://www.shiksha.com/exams/cds-exam-syllabus.

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Q: What is the syllabus for CDS Geography?

Candidates in Geography should cover Agriculture, Air Drainage, Earth: Core and Surface, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Resources, Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes, Human Resources, Human Settlement, India: Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife, India: Physical Features (Size and Location), Industries, International Trade, Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources, Landforms of the Earth, Life on the Earth (Deserts, Ocean, Jungles, Mountain, Antarctic), Lifelines of National Economy, Maps, Minerals, and Energy Resources, Natural Hazards and Disasters, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife, Physiography, Population (Distribution, Density & Growth), Primary, secondary, Tertiary & Quaternary Activities, Resource and Development, Solar System, Topographic and Weather, Transport & Communication, Tropical, and the Subtropical Region, Water Resources.

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Q: What is the Syllabus for CDS Indian Polity?

Candidates should prepare Indian Constitution, President and Vice President, Governor, Prime Minister and Cabinet, Emergency provisions, Chief Minister, Chairman and State Council Ministers, Legislative Assembly, SC & HC, Tribunals, Auditor General, Finance Commission and Election Commission, Centre-State and Inter-State Relations, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Amendments, Preamble, Panchayati Raj and Municipalities.

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What is CDS Syllabus 2025?

UPSC CDS syllabus consists of three subjects- Elementary Mathematics, English Language, and General Knowledge. Candidates must note that Elementary Mathematics is only for candidates who have applied for IMA, INA, and AFA. Going through the CDS syllabus candidates can make out which topics and chapters to cover for the exam. The candidates preparing for the should go through the previous years' question papers to find out the important topics for the CDS exam.

Also Read: Preparation Tips for Women to Crack CDS

Overview of CDS Syllabus 2024

Given below is the overview of the CDS syllabus 2025.

Parameters	Details
Mode of exam	Offline
Stages of exam	Written exam and SSB Interview
Number of sections	Three sections for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) Two sections for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
Exam subjects	English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics
Nature of questions	Objective-type
Level of questions	The standard of questions in Mathematics is of Class 10 standard and other subjects are of Graduation level
Duration of test	Two hours for each subject
Language of question paper	English and Hindi

Also Read: UGC NET 2024

CDS Syllabus for IMA, INA & AFA: PDF Link

Candidates who are willing to join the Indian defence forces must prepare for the written exam well and the CDS syllabus can help the candidates in preparing for the written exam. The syllabus contains topics from all three subjects- English, Elementary Maths, and General Knowledge. CDS Syllabus PDF can be downloaded for free through the link available below. Candidates must strategise their preparation according to the CDS syllabus to ensure they are preparing in the right direction. Check below the CDS Syllabus for 2024.

CDS Syllabus PDF: Click Here

Get the latest CDS Syllabus PDF for section-wise preparation of the exam

Download Here

CDS English Syllabus 2025

The questions in this section are designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English. The CDS syllabus for the English Language is given below.

Antonyms	Sentence improvement	Comprehension
Synonyms	Word substitution	Ordering of sentences
Spotting Errors	Selecting Words	Ordering of words in a sentence

Also Read: CDS 2025 Preparation Tips for English

CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2025

The General Knowledge tests the candidate’s knowledge regarding current affairs. The paper includes questions from the History of India and the Geography of nature. The CDS syllabus for General Knowledge is given below.

Economics	Physics	Current Awareness
Politics	Chemistry	Sociology
History	Defence	Award
Geography	Environment	Sport
Biology	Cultural	Book
Statement true/false	--	--

CDS Syllabus Elementary Mathematics 2025

Questions in Elementary Mathematics are asked from Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics. Check below the topics for Elementary Mathematics:

CDS Syllabus: Number System

Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real Numbers. Fundamental Operations, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Square Roots, Decimal Fractions. Unitary Method, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Percentages, Applications to Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Variation.

CDS Syllabus: Elementary Number Theory

Division Algorithm. Prime and Composite Numbers. Tests of Divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 11. Multiples and factors. Factorisation Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Euclidean algorithm. Logarithms to base 10, Laws of Logarithms, Use of Logarithmic Tables.

Algebra
Basic Operations	Simple Factors
Remainder Theorem	HCF & LCM
Theory of Polynomials	Solutions of Quadratic Equations
The Relation Between its Roots and Coefficients (Only real roots will be considered)	Simultaneous Linear Equations in two Unknown-Analytical and Graphical Solutions
Simultaneous Linear Inequations in Two Variables and their Solutions	Practical Problems Leading to Two Simultaneous Linear Equations or Inequations in Two Variables or Quadratic Equations in one
Variable & their Solutions	Set Language and Set Notation
Rational Expressions and Conditional Identities	Law of Indices

CDS Maths Syllabus: Trigonometry

Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0°
Simple Trigonometric Identities
Use of Trigonometric Tables
Simple Cases of Heights and Distances

CDS Maths Syllabus: Geometry

Lines and Angles, Plane and Plane Figures, Theorems on Properties of Angles at a Point, Parallel Lines, Sides and Angles of a Triangle, Congruency of Triangles, Similar Triangles, Concurrence of Medians and Altitudes, Properties of Angles, Sides, and Diagonals of a Parallelogram, Rectangle and Square, Circles and its Properties including Tangents and Normal and Loci.

Download CURRENT AFFAIRS Guide -Download Here

CDS Maths Syllabus: Mensuration

Areas of Squares
Rectangles
Parallelograms
Triangle and Circle
Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book)
Surface Area and Volume of Cuboids
Lateral Surface
The volume of Right Circular Cones, Cylinders, and Surface
Area and Volume of Spheres

Statistics
Collection and Tabulation of Statistical Data	Graphical Representation Frequency Polygons
Histograms	Bar charts
Measures of Central Tendency	-

Also Read:

CDS OTA Syllabus 2025

The OTA syllabus has two sections English and general knowledge. CDS OTA exam syllabus does not have a maths section. The topic-wise syllabus for the OTA has been provided for the candidates. Aspirants who are willing to appear for the OTA can go through the topic-wise syllabus for OTA CDS below on page

CDS OTA Syllabus for English 2025

The syllabus for English subjects has been given below for the candidates. However, the English syllabus is quite similar to IMA, INA, and AFA. But the candidates should go through the syllabus to know accurate information about the English syllabus for OTA CDS:

Sentence Arrangement
Synonyms and Antonyms
Jumble Words
Idioms and Phrases
Ordering Sentences
Ordering Words
Fill up the blanks

CDS OTA Syllabus for General Knowledge 2025

The General Ability Test (GAT) is taken to analyse the candidate's awareness about different topics that are currently going on, subjects that he or she has studied earlier, social awareness, and more. The candidates must go through the GAT OTA syllabus given below to understand the syllabus:

Current Affairs
History
Polity
Geography
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Sociology
Defence Related Awareness
Sports and Culture
Environmental Studies

CDS Exam Pattern 2025

The CDS exam pattern is prescribed by the UPSC for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The exam is conducted offline, i.e. through pen and paper mode. The question paper on Mathematics and General Knowledge is set bilingually, i.e. Hindi and English. The written exam carries objective-type questions only. For admission to IMA, INA, and AFA, the written exam comprises three sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The test carries a total of 300 marks and is held for six hours. For admission to OTA, the written exam comprises two sections: English and General Awareness. The duration of the test is four hours and carries 200 marks. There is also a penalty for wrong answers. 1/3 of the marks are deducted for every incorrect answer by the candidates. Candidates qualifying for the written exam are called for the SSB interview. The CDS exam pattern for the written exam is given below:

CDS Exam Pattern for IMA, INA and AFA
Subject	Duration (In hours)	Maximum marks
English	2	100
General Knowledge	2	100
Elementary Mathematics	2	100

CDS Exam Pattern for OTA
Subject	Duration	Maximum marks
English	2 hours	100
General Knowledge	2 hours	100

CDS Marking Scheme 2025

The marking scheme of CDS is given below:

For the correct answer, candidates score one mark
For incorrect answers, 1/3 marks are deducted
More than one option is treated as incorrect
There is no negative marking for questions left unanswered

CDS Exam Pattern for SSB Interview

Candidates qualifying for the CDS written exam are called for an SSB interview. The SSB interview comprises two stages and is conducted for four days. The stages of the SSB interview are given below:

Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
Stage-II consists of Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025: Topic-Wise Distribution of Questions

The topic-wise distribution of questions under each section of the UPSC CDS exam is given below.

Elementary Mathematics
Topic	No. of Questions
Logarithm	2
Trigonometry	16
Number System	12
Percentage	2
Time & Distance	2
Profit & Loss	2
Simplification	11
Statics	5
Triangle	10
3D Mensuration	16
Data Interpretation	4
Average	2
Quadrilateral	3
Circle	1
Polynomial	3
Sequence & Series	1
Divisibility Rule	2
Remainder Theorem	1
LCM & HCF	2
Time & Work	2
2D Mensuration	1

General Knowledge
Topics	Number of Questions
Current Affairs	12
Economics	13
Geography	18
Medieval History	5
Modern History	16
Polity	20
Physics	9
Chemistry	12
Biology	9
Defence	3
Static GS	3

English
Topics	Number of Questions
Comprehension	10
Synonyms	10
Antonyms	10
Parts of Speech	10
Cloze Test	10
Spotting Error	10
Fill in the blanks	10
Ordering of words in a sentence	10
Ordering of sentence	10
Completion of sentence	10
Preposition & Determinants	10

How to Prepare for CDS 2025?

Candidates can follow the tips and tricks given below to crack the CDS exam:

Candidates' target should be both securing the CDS cut-off and scoring high marks
Hard work and dedication will surely give candidates the best CDS result
Candidates should practice different types of questions from each topic
Candidates must spend three to four hours in regular study
Candidate must revise all the topics given in the CDS syllabus properly
Candidates should work towards improving the weak areas, equally dedicating time to the strong areas
Candidates should attempt sectional and full-length mock tests
Candidates must clear their concepts and basics for each topic

Also Read:

Best Books to Cover CDS Exam Syllabus

The subject-wise best books for the CDS exam are given below:

Best Books for CDS English Language

Candidates can refer to the following books for the English Language section:

Objective General English by RS Aggarwal
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
High School English Grammar and Composition

Books for General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Candidates need to read the newspapers regularly in order to keep themselves updated with recent events. The books that candidates can refer to for this section are given below:

Manorama Yearbook
Lucent’s General Knowledge
Competition in Focus (Half-Yearly and Yearly)

CDS Books for Elementary Mathematics

For this section, candidates can refer to the following books:

Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal
Quantitative Aptitude for Examinations paperback by RS Aggarwal

Other Defence Exam Syllabus

Aspiring candidates who want to join Indian Defence can also take another exam as NDA, AFCAT, UPSC CAPF, and more. To know more about these exams, the candidates must go through their exam syllabus and pattern. The links for these exam syllabi have been given below for the candidates in the table.

NDA Syllabus

AFCAT Syllabus

UPSC CAPF Syllabus

UPSC CDS Syllabus Important Topics

The candidates who are preparing for CDS must focus on the given points below to score more in less time. Check the important topics in the CDS Syllabus to score maximum marks in the CDS 2025 exam:

General Knowledge: Current affairs, Indian polity, Indian history, general science, geography, etc.
Maths: Profit and loss, simple Interest, compound interest, mensuration, trigonometry, percentage, line, and angles, etc.
English: Synonyms and Antonyms, Jumbled Sentences, reading comprehension, fill in the blanks, idioms & phrases, substitution, etc.

CDS Exam Important Instructions

The candidates who are going to appear for the upcoming CDS exam must know the important points regarding the exam:

Only use a black ballpoint pen while filling out the sheets
If the candidates get an un-numbered OMR sheet or booklet series code then the candidates have to report the authorities immediately
Fill out the OMR sheet carefully, especially the roll number, test book series code, or the answer sheet is liable for rejection
Do not write any specific information like the name on the rough work or the answer sheet or it will be rejected
Do not fold or damage or extraneous marks on the answer sheet or the answer sheet will be rejected

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