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, Download Subjects Wise PDF

Table of Contents

The UPSC has released the Combined Defence Services (CDS 1) Notification 2025 on 11th December 2024. It is crucial for candidates to thoroughly understand the syllabus for the CDS exam. The CDS syllabus offers a detailed overview of the subjects that will be covered in the examination, helping candidates to plan their preparation effectively. Check 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).

CDS Syllabus 2025

The CDS syllabus covers critical areas such as Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, and more, providing a clear framework for effective preparation. Understanding the CDS syllabus is vital for developing a structured study plan that aligns with the exam pattern and marking scheme.

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 candidate’s 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

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

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.

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 for OTA General Ability Test

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)

CDS Syllabus PDF

Download the comprehensive CDS syllabus PDF covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Get detailed topics and prepare effectively for each section to excel in the Combined Defence Services Exam.