The CDS 2025 Mathematics section focuses on problem-solving skills and numerical aptitude. It consists of topics like Number System, Elementary Number Theory, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics. Scroll down to know in detail about the CDS Elementary Mathematics syllabus 2025.
- CDS Maths Syllabus Highlights
- CDS Maths Syllabus
- CDS Maths Topic-wise Weightage
- How to Prepare for CDS Mathematics?
- CDS Mathematics Books
CDS Maths Syllabus Highlights
The CDS exam is conducted for admission to IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Candidates can check below some of the important highlights of the CDS exam Maths syllabus:
- The Mathematics paper is conducted for candidates who apply for IMA, INA, and AFA
- The paper is of Class 10 level and consists of 100 questions
- The duration of the paper is two hours
- The marking scheme of each question is one mark for the correct attempt and 0.33 marks are deducted for the wrong attempt
- There is no deduction of marks for unattempted questions
Also Read: CDS Exam Pattern
CDS Maths Syllabus
CDS Maths syllabus PDF comprises questions from topics such as Number System, Elementary Number Theory, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics. The best way to clear the concept of the CDS Elementary Mathematics syllabus is to refer to the Class 9 and 10 books. Understanding the concepts will help candidates to create their own shortcuts. Candidates can check below CDS Maths topic-wise weightage below.
CDS Maths Syllabus PDF for Number System
| Natural numbers |
Integers |
Rational and Real Number |
| Additions |
Subtractions |
Multiplications |
| Square Roots |
Decimal fractions |
Unitary method |
| Time and Work |
Percentages |
Applications to simple and compound Interest |
| Ratio and Proportion |
Variations |
Profit and Loss |
| Time and distance |
Division |
Fundamental Operations |
Maths Syllabus for CDS Elementary Number Theory
| Division algorithm |
Prime and composite numbers |
| Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11 |
Multiples and factors |
| Factorization Theorem |
H.C.F. and L.C.M. |
| Euclidean algorithm |
Logarithms to base 10 |
| Laws of logarithms |
Use of logarithmic tables |
Elementary Mathematics Syllabus for CDS Algebra
| Basic Operations |
Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions |
| Simple Factors |
Simultaneous linear inequalities in two variables and their solutions |
| Remainder Theorem |
Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequalities in two variables or quadratic equations in one |
| Theory of Polynomials |
Set Language and set notation |
| HCF & LCM |
Relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots will be considered) |
| Solutions of quadratic equations |
Variable & their solutions |
| Law of Indices |
Rational Expressions and Conditional Identities |
CDS Maths Syllabus for Trigonometry
- Simple trigonometric identities
- Use of trigonometric tables
- Simple cases of heights and distances
- Sine x, cosine x, Tan x when 0° < x < 90° , Values of sin x, cos x & tan x, for x = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° & 90°.
CDS Maths Topic-wise Weightage for Geometry
- Lines and angles
- Plane and plane figures
- Properties of angles at a point
- Sides and angles of a triangle
- Congruence 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
CDS Maths Syllabus for Statistics
- Collection and tabulation of data.
- Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode.
- Graphical representation: frequency polygons, bar charts, histograms, pie charts.
CDS Syllabus Maths for Mensuration
| Areas of squares |
Rectangles |
| Parallelograms |
Triangle and Circle |
| Areas of figures which can be split up into smaller figures |
Surface area and volume of cuboids |
| Lateral Surface, Area and volume of spheres |
Volume of Right Circular Cones, cylinders and Surface |
CDS Maths Topic-wise Weightage
The topic-wise weightage of CDS Maths syllabus is given below. Candidates can also check the difficulty level of different topics in UPSC CDS Maths syllabus
| Topics | Level of difficulty | Number of Questions (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Number System |
Easy |
20 |
| Mensuration |
Moderate |
13-15 |
| Geometry |
Moderate to Difficult |
11-15 |
| Time, Speed and Distance |
Moderate |
6 |
| Simple Interest/ Compound interest |
Easy |
2-5 |
| Trigonometry |
Moderate |
12 |
| Algebra |
Moderate to Difficult |
7-10 |
| Percentage |
Easy-Moderate |
2-4 |
| Mixture |
Moderate |
1 |
| Time and Work |
Moderate |
5 |
| Ratio and Proportion |
Moderate |
2 |
| Profit and Loss |
Moderate |
1 |
| DI and DS |
Moderate |
3 |
| Statistics |
Easy |
8 |
How to Prepare for CDS Mathematics?
The tips and tricks to prepare for the CDS exam are given below. The candidates can get the idea to cover the maths syllabus by going through the enlisted points below:
- Candidates can use books of NCERT upto Class 10 to clear the concept of topics
- Candidates should learn the tricks of the sum of natural numbers, the sum of squares, the sum of cubes, tests of Divisibility and HCF AND LCM as well as few important formulas
- Candidates should choose the easy methods of solving questions
- Remember all the important formulas in Algebra
- To master any topic, do practice several different familiar types of questions
- Write the geometry formulas down on a piece of paper and stick them onto the wall where you can see them regularly
- Candidates should prepare for Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, and Standard deviation
Also Read: CDS Preparation Tips
CDS Mathematics Books
The candidates preparing for the upcoming CDS exam must go through the CDS Mathematics books given below to ensure the best preparation for the exam.
| Name of Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination |
RS Aggarwal(S Chand Publication) |
| Mathematics for CDS Examination |
RS Aggarwal(S Chand Publication) |
| Quicker Mathematics |
M.Tyra |

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Student Forum
Answered 3 days ago
After qualifying the SSB round, the selected candidates need to undergo a medical examination. A candidate is declared medically fit or unfit after the result announcement. After qualifying all the selection rounds they will go for training.
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Some of the books, help candidates in their CDS preparation are given below:
- High School English Grammar & Composition Edition by Wren and Martin
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- English Grammar & Composition by S.C Gupta
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The authority released a total of 453 vacancies for the CDS 2 exam 2025 for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for courses.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
It is advised to the candidates to reach the CDS exam centre one hour before the given time. They should carry hall ticket along with them otherwise they will not be able to give the exam.
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, the English section of the CDS exam is scorable if it is prepared properly. Usually the difficulty level of the exam is moderate.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates can check the cut off marks for the CDS exam by visiting the official website at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC will release the cutoff according to the academy or course.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The methods to check the CDS cut off marks is provided below:
- Visit at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the :Examination" tab.
- Go to the "Cut Off Marks" dropdown menu.
- Click on the download link and save it for future reference.
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Yes. In the CDS exam there is a negative marking. One-third mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer. No mark will be deducted for unanswered questions.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The CDS exam is conducted offline or pen and paper mode. Objective questions will be asked in the examination. Candidates need to mark their choices of answers in the sheet that was provided during the exam. CDS 1 2026 notification released on December 10.
J
Contributor-Level 6
Registration - 10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25
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