CDS Syllabus 2025: Detailed Exam Pattern & Subject-Wise Topics
Introduction
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. To succeed in this highly competitive exam, candidates must have a thorough understanding of the cds syllabus and exam pattern.
The CDS exam consists of three papers:
English
General Knowledge
Elementary Mathematics (For IMA, INA, and AFA aspirants)
Candidates applying for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) need to appear only for English and General Knowledge. Below is a detailed look at the CDS syllabus, exam pattern, and subject-wise topics.
CDS Exam Pattern 2025
The CDS exam pattern varies depending on the academy a candidate is applying for.
For IMA, INA, and AFA
SubjectDurationMarksEnglish2 Hours100General Knowledge2 Hours100Mathematics2 Hours100Total6 Hours300
For OTA
SubjectDurationMarksEnglish2 Hours100General Knowledge2 Hours100Total4 Hours200
✅ Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
CDS Syllabus 2025 – Subject-Wise Breakdown
1. English
The English paper tests a candidate’s grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Key topics include:
Synonyms & Antonyms
Spotting Errors
Sentence Improvement
Reading Comprehension
Fill in the Blanks
Idioms & Phrases
Cloze Test
Preparation Tip: Reading newspapers and practicing previous years' papers will significantly improve performance in this section.
2. General Knowledge
The General Knowledge section assesses a candidate’s awareness of national and international events. Topics include:
History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
Geography (Physical, Indian, and World Geography)
Polity & Constitution
Economy & Current Affairs
Science & Technology
Defence-related News
Awards & Sports
Preparation Tip: Regularly reading newspapers and magazines, watching the news, and referring to standard GK books like Lucent’s GK will be beneficial.
3. Elementary Mathematics (For IMA, INA, AFA Candidates)
The Mathematics paper covers high school-level topics. The key areas include:
Arithmetic
Number System
Time & Work
Profit & Loss
Percentage
Simple & Compound Interest
Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Linear Equations
Set Theory
Geometry
Lines & Angles
Triangles & Circles
Mensuration
Trigonometry
Heights & Distances
Basic Trigonometric Identities
Statistics
Mean, Median, and Mode
Probability
Preparation Tip: Regular practice and solving mock tests are crucial for scoring well in Mathematics.
Conclusion
Understanding the CDS syllabus is the first step toward effective exam preparation. Candidates should follow a structured study plan, focus on time management, and practice previous year’s papers. Since the CDS exam is a gateway to prestigious military academies, dedication and consistent effort are essential for success.