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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 conducted on April 13, 2025.
Q: What is the syllabus for the CDS exam 2025, and where can I find it?
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) Syllabus for INA, IMA and AFA The syllabus for the IMA, INA and AFA comprises three sections English GAT and Elementary Mathematics. 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.
OTA Syllabus:
The OTA syllabus has two sections English and general knowledge. OTA exam syllabus does not have a Maths section. The topic-wise syllabus for the OTA has been provided for the candidates.
English
- Sentence Arrangement
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Jumble Words
- Idioms and Phrases
- Ordering Sentences
- Ordering Words
GAT (General Ability Test)
- Current Affairs
- History
- Polity
- Geography
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Sociology
- Defence Related Awareness
- Sports and Culture
- Environmental Studies.
Q: What is the syllabus for CDS Geography?
Q: What is the Syllabus for CDS Indian Polity?
- What is CDS Syllabus 2025?
- Overview of CDS Syllabus 2024
- CDS Syllabus for IMA, INA & AFA: PDF Link
- CDS English Syllabus 2025
- CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2025
- CDS Syllabus Elementary Mathematics 2025
- CDS OTA Syllabus 2025
- CDS OTA Syllabus for English 2025
- CDS OTA Syllabus for General Knowledge 2025
- CDS Exam Pattern 2025
- CDS Marking Scheme 2025
- CDS Exam Pattern for SSB Interview
- UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025: Topic-Wise Distribution of Questions
- How to Prepare for CDS 2025?
- Best Books to Cover CDS Exam Syllabus
- Other Defence Exam Syllabus
- UPSC CDS Syllabus Important Topics
- CDS Exam Important Instructions
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 HereCDS 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 |
|
Synonyms |
Word substitution |
Ordering of sentences |
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 |
|
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 |
Q: What is the selection process of CDS exam 2025?
The CDS 2025 selection process comprises various stages: At the first stage, the candidates have to take the written test which 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. 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 2025 results.
Q: Is there any height-related criteria in the CDS?
Q: What are the educational criteria to apply for CDS exam?
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 |
12 |
|
Percentage |
2 |
Time & Distance |
2 |
Profit & Loss |
2 |
Simplification |
11 |
Statics |
5 |
Triangle |
10 |
3D Mensuration |
16 |
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 |
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:
Q: 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.
Q: What is the ideal time to start preparing for CDS exam?
Q: How can I prepare for CDS Maths and Current Affairs for CDS exam?
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
Q: What are the best books to prepare for CDS exam?
Q: What is the difference between NDA and CDS exams?
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
Also Read:
News & Updates
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
CDS Exam
Student Forum
Answered a week ago
Any OBC girl is free to apply for the CDS-I examination under reservation benefits extended by the government.
The eligibility of OBCs, including girls, is similar to that of general categories regarding age and educational qualifications. However, here his age limit has been relaxed and certain seat
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
You would be eligible to take the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in April 2025 if you were between the ages of 20 and 24 on January 1, 2025. You would be 24 years old in December 2024 because your birthday is December 15, 2000, hence you would be eligible to apply for the CDS exam in April 2
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
The highest rank attainable through CDs is the rank of general which is a 4-stared officer position.
it is a general in the army, Admiral in the Navy and Air Chief Marshal in the Air Force.
and the lowest rank is lieutenant which is a 2 stared officer position.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
The questions will consist of objective-type questions.
the total duration for the exam is 4 hours and is for a total of 200 marks for OTA.
The question papers for General Knowledge will be set in bilingually in Hindi and English. The exam will comprise 2 subjects, English and General Knowledge, and e
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
The CDS 1 application form 2025 will be available from December 11 to 31, 2024. The CDS 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. CDS 2 notification will be released in May 2025, the last date for application will be 17th June 2025 and the exam will be conducted on 14, September 2025.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS examination 2025 approximate number of vacancies. It is around 457 vacancies will be announced for various defence services.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates can download the UPSC CDS 1 2025 recommended marks by following the steps given below:
- Go to the official website
- Click on the CDS 1 2025 recommended marks link
- Click on the PDF link
- The CDS 1 2025 recommended marks PDF will appear on the screen
- Download the CDS 1 2025 marks and save it fo
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The CDS exam requires in depth knowledge and clarity of concepts or conceptual clarity. So, regular solving of mock tests of the CDS exam is essential. It provides an additional advantage that a candidate requires to succeed in the exam. It also helps to test the preparation level and evaluate the p
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year for admission to IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. Basically, it works as a tool for students to prepare for an upcoming exam. Candidate will get an idea of the actual examination. Mock tests make candidates realise their mistakes that must be t
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The candidates who will qualify for the CDS 2 result in 2025 will proceed to the SSB interview. The CDS 2 result 2025 will be released on the official website. Basically, the result PDF, cut-off marks, and the final merit-list will guide candidates on their next steps, mainly for the SSB interview r
S
Contributor-Level 10
Can OBC category female students apply for CDS-1 exam?