What is the official website of UPSC CDS syllabus?

The CDS syllabus is available on Official website of UPSC which is upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in and also available in the above article.

How many papers are there in the UPSC CDS exam?

There are 3 Papers for IMA/INA/AFA i.e. General Knowledge, English and Mathematics. There is no Mathematics paper for OTA category.

In which language UPSC CDS exam will be taken?

UPSC CDS will be taken in both Hindi as well as English. Candidates can choose any of the language for giving CDS exam.

Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?

Yes, there is negative marking in the CDS exam. For each incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks allotted to that question will be deducted.

How can I prepare for the CDS exam?

To prepare for the CDS exam, it is important to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. It is also recommended to practice time management and develop test-taking strategies

What is the CDS Syllabus 2025 for English?

The CDS Syllabus 2025 for english consists of topics like : Comprehension passages, Synonyms and antonyms, Fill in the blanks, Error spotting, Sentence improvement etc. Read the above article for all the topics.

What is the CDS Syllabus 2025 for GA?

The CDS Syllabus 2024 for GA consists of topics like Current Affairs, History, Geography etc.

CDS exam is online or offline?

The CDS exam is held in pen-and-paper (offline) mode. It lasts for 6 hours for those applying to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. For the Officers Training Academy (OTA), candidates only need to take two papers: English and General Knowledge.

is there time limit for each subject in cds exam?

The UPSC CDS exam pattern for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy consists of three sections: English, General Knowledge (GK), and Elementary Mathematics. Each section is worth 100 marks and has a duration of 2 hours.

Does CDS Syllabus change every year?

The UPSC CDS syllabus and exam questions remain consistent over the years. The CDS syllabus does not usually change annually, but the General Awareness section may vary to test candidates knowledge of current events and affairs. Therefore, questions in this section are adjusted based on current happenings.

Is there negative marking in CDS?

Yes, Negative marking is applicable for each wrong answer or multiple answers to a question. 0.33 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer or multiple answers to a question.

Is CDS Interview tough?

The SSB interview is considered to be one of the toughest interviews to crack. The CDS SSB 2023 interview is scheduled to take place throughout the month of October and candidates must be prepared for it.

CDS Syllabus 2025, Exam Pattern For IMA, INA, AFA and OTA

Table of Contents

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to publish the official notification for the CDS 2025 exam on 11th December 2025. Along with this notification, the CDS Syllabus 2025 will also be released. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA) are encouraged to begin their preparations early. Familiarizing themselves with the syllabus and exam pattern will help establish a solid foundation for their studies and enhance their chances of success.

CDS Syllabus 2025

The CDS syllabus 2025 is divided into two sections: one for candidates of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA), and another for the Officers Training Academy (OTA). Candidates applying to the IMA, INA, and AFA must prepare for three subjects, while OTA candidates will focus on two subjects.

The Mathematics syllabus is based on the Class 10 level, while the remaining subjects follow a graduation-level curriculum. It is essential for candidates to familiarize themselves with the CDS OTA syllabus 2025, CDS English syllabus 2025, and CDS GS syllabus 2025 to create an effective study plan. Once the notification is released, detailed information regarding the syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, preparation tips, and FAQs will be available on the official website.

CDS Syllabus 2025:- The CDS Syllabus 2025 is divided into two sections:

IMA, INA, AFA: Candidates must prepare for three subjects.
OTA: Candidates will focus on two subjects.

CDS 1 Syllabus 2025: Overview

To ensure effective preparation, candidates should thoroughly understand the CDS 1 Syllabus 2025. The CDS 2025 Exam will be held offline with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). This helps in creating a well-structured study plan and managing time efficiently by focusing on the sections that carry more weight in the exam. Below is a brief overview of the CDS 1 2025 Syllabus and Exam Pattern:

NDA Syllabus 2025
Name of the Exam: NDA I & II 2025
Exam Conducting Body: UPSC
Mode of Exam: Offline
Total Papers in NDA Exam:
– Paper 1: Mathematics
– Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)
Total Marks for NDA Exam: 900 Marks
– Mathematics: 300 Marks
– GAT: 600 Marks
Total No. of Questions:
– Mathematics: 120
– GAT: 150
Negative Marking:
– Mathematics: -0.83
– GAT: -1.33 marks
Exam Duration:
– Mathematics: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
– GAT: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Official Website: upsc.gov.in

CDS Syllabus 2025 PDF

Discover the complete CDS Syllabus 2025, which outlines the subjects and topics essential for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The syllabus covers critical areas such as Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, and more, providing a clear framework for effective preparation. Understanding the syllabus is vital for developing a structured study plan that aligns with the exam pattern and marking scheme. To help you prepare, you can easily download the syllabus PDF by clicking the link provided below.

Click here to download CDS Syllabus 2025 PDF

CDS Exam Pattern 2025

The CDS 2025 exam serves as a gateway for candidates aspiring to join prestigious institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The selection process is conducted in a pen-and-paper format. Below are key points that reflect the CDS Exam Pattern 2025.

Examination Pattern

Candidates will be assessed in three subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. Each subject carries a weight of 100 marks and is allotted a duration of two hours, depending on the specific academy entry requirements. This examination pattern focuses on evaluating candidates’ proficiency in core subjects, which is essential for those seeking to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS Exam Pattern 2025	Duration	Maximum Marks
For IMA, INA, and AFA
English	2 Hours	100
General Knowledge	2 Hours	100
Mathematics	2 Hours	100
SSB Test/Interview	5 Days	300
For OTA
English	2 Hours	100
General Knowledge	2 Hours	100
SSB Test/Interview	5 Days	300

SSB Test/Interview

Following the written exam, candidates will undergo the SSB Test/Interview, a comprehensive five-day evaluation worth 300 marks. This critical assessment measures various skills, including language proficiency, general awareness, mathematical aptitude, and overall personality traits. The SSB process ensures a thorough evaluation of candidates’ suitability for the armed forces, highlighting their potential as future officers.

CDS IMA, INA, and AFA Exam Pattern 2025

The CDS Exam pattern for the IMA, INA, and AFA consists of three subjects. Each subject has a duration of 2 hours and is allocated 100 marks. The detailed exam pattern is given below:

Subject	Duration	Maximum Marks
English	2 Hours	100
General Knowledge	2 Hours	100
Mathematics	2 Hours	100
SSB Test/Interview	5 Days	300

CDS Exam Pattern for OTA

The CDS Exam pattern for the OTA consists of two subjects: English and General Knowledge, along with the SSB interview process. Each subject has a duration of 2 hours, and the SSB takes up to 5 days to complete. The complete CDS exam pattern is given below:

Subject	Duration	Maximum Marks
English	2 Hours	100
General Knowledge	2 Hours	100
SSB Test/Interview	5 days	300

English Syllabus For CDS Exam 2025

To boost their performance in the English section, candidates should adopt the habit of reading newspapers every day. This will help them recognize difficult words and learn their meanings, ultimately enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension skills. The English section evaluates not only candidates’ proficiency in the language but also their capability to use it effectively and in a professional manner.

Section	Topics	Description
Vocabulary	Basic Grammar Idioms & Phrases Synonyms & Antonyms Sentence Completion, etc.	This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of English vocabulary.
Reading Passage	Reading Comprehension Solving Para Jumbles Understanding the main idea and supporting details Answering questions based on the passage, etc.	This section tests the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written English.
Grammar	Error Spotting Sentence Improvement Cloze test Active and passive voice Direct and indirect speech Transformation of sentences, etc.	This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of English grammar.

To prepare for the English section, we have provided you with the best Test series prepared by professionals. You should solve the practice sets that are available. It will also help you to know where you stand in your preparation.

Maths Syllabus For CDS 2025

The Mathematics syllabus for CDS 2025 encompasses various topics, including arithmetic, trigonometry, geometry, measurements, and statistics. To excel in this section, candidates must engage in consistent practice and put in dedicated effort. It is crucial for applicants to maintain a balance between accuracy and speed to answer all questions within the allotted time. For a comprehensive overview of the syllabus, please refer to the table provided for the CDS 1 2025 exam.

Topic	Description
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
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
Algebra	Basic operations Simple factors Remainder theorem HCF & LCM Theory of polynomials Solutions of quadratic equations Relations between roots and coefficients Simultaneous linear equations (analytical and graphical solutions) Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions Practical problems involving equations and inequalities inequalities in two variables, or quadratic equations in one variable. Set notation and set language. Rational expressions and conditional identities. Laws of indices.
Trigonometry	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°. Simple trigonometric identities. Use of trigonometric tables. Simple cases of heights and distances.
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 parallelograms, rectangles, and squares, circles and their properties including tangents, normals, and loci
Mensuration	Areas of parallelograms, squares, rectangles, triangles and circles. Areas of figures can be split up into these figures (Field Book), lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, Surface area and volume of cuboids, and surface area and volume of spheres.
Statistics	Collection and tabulation of statistical data Graphical representation frequency polygons Histograms Bar charts Pie charts etc Measures of central tendency

CDS Maths Question Weightage

This table outlines the topics included in the Mathematics syllabus for CDS 1 2025, along with their estimated weightage based on the number of questions typically asked in the exam.

Topic	Weightage in CDS Maths Section (Approximate Number of Questions)
Number System	20-22 questions
Mensuration	14-16 questions
Geometry	10-12 questions
Trigonometry	10-12 questions
Algebra	10-11 questions

CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2025

The General Knowledge section for CDS 1 2025 encompasses current affairs and a general awareness of daily observations and experiences. This includes fundamental scientific concepts that an educated individual is expected to understand, even without specialized training in science. Furthermore, candidates should anticipate questions on geography and Indian history, which should be answerable by a well-prepared candidate without the need for extensive additional study.

CDS Syllabus for GK
Current Affairs	Events of national and international importance Sports, awards, and honors Books and authors Major developments in the fields of politics, economics, and social issues.
History	Ancient Medieval and modern Indian history Indian national movement Growth of nationalism.
Geography	Physical, Social and economic aspects of geography Indian geography and world geography.
Indian Polity and Governance	Constitution of India Political system Panchayati Raj Public Policy Rights Issues, etc.
Economic and Social Development	Sustainable Development Poverty Inclusion Demographics Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
Science and Technology	Developments in the field of science and technology Space technology Biotechnology Computer technology.
Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity	Conservation Environmental pollution and degradation Environmental impact assessment Climate change.
Defence and Security Issues	Current events related to national security Internal and external threats Role of Armed Forces.

Apart from self preparation, you can also take online course from Adda247 for the same. This helps in clearing doubts. Professional guidance will boost your Josh for the exam preparation. Be true to yourself and give your best efforts for the exam as the competition is tough.

CDS Syllabus 2025 For OTA

The CDS 2025 syllabus for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) aligns closely with that of the other two academies, the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and the Indian Naval Academy (INA), with one exception: the Mathematics paper. The syllabus for the OTA consists of only two papers: English and General Knowledge. For a detailed breakdown of the subject-wise syllabus for CDS 1 2025 OTA, please refer to the information provided below.

OTA English Syllabus For CDS Exam

To crack the English section you just need to learn some basic grammar rules and practice as many previous year questions as possible of various types. The topics which includes in the CDS OTA English Syllabus are tabulated below:

OTA English Syllabus For CDS

Sentence arrangement

Spotting Error

Selecting words

Synonyms and Antonyms

Comprehension

Ordering of Sentence

Ordering of words

Idioms and Phrases

Fill in the blanks

CDS Syllabus 2025 OTA General Ability Test

General Awareness consists of a lot more than we can study so the best can we do is to have the right approach. Team of DefenceAdda helps you to target that quality-based content.

CDS Syllabus 2025 OTA General Ability Test

Current Affairs

Physics

Chemistry

Biology

Geography

History

Politics

Sociology

Economics

Defence Related Awards

Sports and Culture

Environmental Science

CDS SSB Syllabus 2025

The SSB selection process consists of two stages: Stage I and Stage II. Candidates who successfully pass Stage I advance to Stage II. In this process, three assessors—the Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO), and Psychologist—evaluate the candidates’ personalities. There is no specific weightage assigned to individual tests; instead, marks are determined by overall performance, which also includes the Conference results. The assessments conducted by the IO, GTO, and Psychologist are designed to identify Officer Like Qualities and the potential for trainability. Recommendations are based on the candidates’ overall performance during the SSB process.

Stage	Test
Stage 1	Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
Stage 1	Picture Prescription and Descriptive Test
Stage 2	Interview
	Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
	Psychology Test
	Conference
Stage 3	Group Discussion

CDS Intelligence and Personality Test

The SSB process has two stages: stage I and stage II. Only candidates who clear stage I can move on to stage II. Here are the details:

Stage	Description
Stage I	Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests: Evaluates intelligence through various tests.
	Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT): Assesses candidate’s perception and expression.
	Candidates shortlisted based on combined performance in these tests.
Stage II	Interview: Assesses candidate’s personality and suitability for the role.
	Group Testing Officer Tasks: Involves group activities to evaluate teamwork and leadership skills.
	Psychology Tests: Assesses mental attributes and psychological suitability.
	Conference: Final assessment based on candidate’s performance in all previous tests.

The tests conducted by IO, GTO, and Psych aim to determine if the candidate possesses Officer Like Qualities and if they are trainable. Based on these assessments, candidates are either Recommended or Not Recommended at the SSB.

UPSC CDS 2025 Marking Scheme

In the CDS 2025 examination, candidates will encounter questions with four options, with only one being correct. The scoring system is as follows:
Correct Answers: Each correctly answered question awards 4 marks.
Incorrect Answers: For every incorrect answer, a penalty of one-third of the total marks (i.e., 1.33 marks) will be deducted.
Multiple Options Selected: If a candidate selects more than one option for a question, it will be counted as incorrect, incurring the same penalty.
Unanswered Questions: Questions that are left unanswered will not incur any penalties, and candidates will receive no marks for these.

CDS 2025 Marking Scheme
Action	Marks Awarded/Deducted
Correct Answer	+1 mark
Wrong Answer	-1/3 mark
More than one option chosen	-1/3 mark (considered as wrong)
Unanswered Question	0 marks (no negative marking)