UPSC CDS Syllabus

UPSC CDS Syllabus

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, consists of a written test with objective-type questions. The syllabus varies by academy: IMA, INA, and AFA include English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, while OTA (Men & Women) covers only English and General Knowledge. Below is the subject-wise syllabus breakdown.

1. English Syllabus

• Purpose: Tests proficiency in English language and comprehension (Appendix I, inferred).
• Key Topics:
• Reading Comprehension
• Spotting Errors
• Sentence Improvement
• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Fill in the Blanks
• Cloze Test
• Ordering of Sentences (Para Jumbles)
• Idioms and Phrases

2. General Knowledge Syllabus

• Purpose: Evaluate awareness of current events, history, geography, and general science (Appendix I, inferred).
• Key Topics:
• Current Affairs: National and international events.
• History of India: Ancient, Medieval, Modern (focus on freedom struggle).
• Geography: Physical, Indian, and World Geography (climate, resources).
• Indian Polity: Constitution, governance, political system.
• Economics: Basic concepts, budget, economic policies.
• General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (10+2 level).
• Defence-Specific: Military ranks, wars, exercises.
• Static GK: Awards, books, authors, sports.

3. Elementary Mathematics Syllabus

• Purpose: Assesses mathematical aptitude up to 10th standard (Appendix I, Page 6).
• Key Topics:
• Arithmetic:
  • Number System (Natural, Integers, Rational, Real)
  • HCF & LCM, Fractions, Decimals
  • Time & Work, Time & Distance, Percentages
  • Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion
  • Simple & Compound Interest
• Algebra:
  • Basic Operations, Linear Equations
  • Quadratic Equations, Polynomials
  • Set Theory, Venn Diagrams
• Geometry:
  • Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles
  • Quadrilaterals, Congruence, Similarity
• Trigonometry:
  • Sine, Cosine, Tangent (Basic Identities)
  • Heights and Distances
• Mensuration:
  • Area, Perimeter, Volume (2D/3D shapes)
• Statistics:
  • Mean, Median, Mode
  • Bar Graphs, Pie Charts

Exam Pattern and Syllabus Application

• IMA, INA, AFA:
• English: 100 marks, 2 hours.
• General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours.
• Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks, 2 hours.
• OTA (Men & Women):
• English: 100 marks, 2 hours.
• General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours.
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted per wrong answer (Page 2).

This syllabus is tailored for the CDS written examination, reflecting the official scope and standard expectations. For further details, refer to the UPSC notification at upsc.gov.in.