The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam to help candidates achieve their goal of joining the Indian Armed Forces. After passing this prestigious exam, successful candidates receive admission to either the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), or the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Success in this examination requires thorough knowledge of the CDS syllabus. Here Target Defence Academy has given the complete CDS Syllabus. Target Defence Academy is a leading coaching institute in Lucknow for the CDS Exam.
CDS Syllabus 2025
Overview
The CDS exam is conducted two times a year and the examination is of three written papers. The pattern of the exam is little changed for the type of candidates applying for an academy.
| Conducting Organization | UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) |
| Exam Name | CDS (Combined Defence Services) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Frequency | Twice in a Year (April & September) |
| Exam Phases | Written Test & SSB Interview |
| Type of Questions | Objective Type |
| Language of Question Paper | Hindi and English |
| Total Marks | IMA, INA and AFA – 300 OTA – 200 |
| Time | Two hours for each section of the test |
| Official website | www.upsc.gov.in |
CDS Exam Pattern
Aspirants of the CDS Exam must thoroughly understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern, regardless of coaching. The exam features three shifts covering English, General Awareness, and Mathematics. Candidates for the Officers Training Academy should focus on Papers 1 and 2, while those aiming for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) must attempt all three papers. Equip yourself with this knowledge to enhance your preparation and boost your chances of success.
Below is a structured table that outlines the CDS Exam Pattern for INA, IMA, AFA & OTA, including details about the subjects, duration, number of questions, negative marking, and maximum marks for each paper.
Exam Pattern for INA, IMA, and AFA:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks | Negative Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 | One-third |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 | One-third |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 | One-third |
Exam Pattern for OTA:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks | Negative Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 | One-third |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 | One-third |
CDS Syllabus
CDS English Syllabus (Code No. 1)
| Section | Topic |
| Vocabulary | Basic Grammar, Idioms & Phrases, Synonyms & Antonyms, Sentence Completion, etc. |
| Reading Passage | Reading Comprehension Solving, Para Jumbles, Understanding the main idea and supporting details, Answering questions based on the passage, etc. |
| Grammar | Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Cloze test, Active and passive voice, Direct and indirect speech, Transformation of sentences, etc. |
CDS Syllabus General Knowledge (Code No. 2)
| Topic | Description |
| Geography | Physical, Social and Economic aspects of Geography, including Indian Geography and World Geography |
| History | Ancient, Medieval and Modern Indian History, Indian National Movement and the Growth of Nationalism |
| Current Affairs | Important National and International Events, Sports, Appointment, Awards and Honours, Books and Authors and major Developments in the fields of Economics, Politics and Social Issues |
| Indian Polity | Constitution of India, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, DPSP, etc. |
| Defence and Security Issues | Current Events related to National Security, Internal and External Threats, Military Exercises and role of Armed Forces |
| Science and Technology | Developments in the field of Technology and Science, including Space Technology, Biotechnology, and Computer Technology |
| Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity | Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Climate Change |
Mathematics Syllabus (Code No. 3)
| Section | Topic |
| Arithmetic | Number System: Natural numbers, Rational & Real numbers, Integers Fundamental operation: Subtraction, multiplication, addition, division, Square Roots, Decimal fractions Time and Work Percentage Time and Distance Simple and Compound Interest Ratio and Proportion Profit and Loss Elementary Number Theory: Division algorithm Prime and Composite Numbers: Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. Multiples and factors Factorisation Theorem L.C.M. and H.C.F. Euclidean Algorithm Logarithms to base 10, use of logarithmic tables Laws of logarithms |
| Algebra | Basic Operations Simple factors H.C.F. and L.C.M. Remainder Theorem Theory of polynomials Solutions of quadratic equations, the relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered) Linear inequalities in two variables and their solutions Linear equations in two unknowns – analytical and graphical solutions Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequalities in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable and their solutions Rational expressions and conditional identities Set Language and Set Notation Laws of indices. |
| Trigonometry | Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° Values of sin ×, cos × and tan ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° Simple trigonometric identities. Use of trigonometric tables. Simple cases of heights and distances. |
| Geometry | Plane and plane figures, Lines and angles 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 a parallelogram, square and rectangle Circles and their properties including tangents and normals Loci |
| Mensuration | Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangles and circles. Surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book), surface area and volume of spheres |
| Statistics | Collection and tabulation of statistical data Graphical representation frequency: Polygons, Histograms, Bar charts, Pie charts Measures of central tendency |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Students looking for the Best CDS Coaching in Lucknow can join Target Defence Academy because Target Defence Academy has experienced Sainik School Faculty, a ground for physical activities, a library and a mess facility. For details, students can call on 8953532115.