CDS Syllabus 2026 (Latest): Subject-Wise Syllabus PDF & Exam Pattern

Q: What are the last month tips to prepare for CDS 1 2026 exam?

In the last month of preparation for CDS 1 2026, candidates should focus on comprehensive revision of all the key topics, practice mock tests regularly, Work on weak areas, frequent revision, update yourself with current affairs, maintain physical and mental health, focus on areas in which you feel less confident, go through previous year question papers, analyse performance after each mock test, focus on time management, etc.

626 Students Q&A

Registration - 10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25

Updated on Sep 22, 2025 12:51 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CDS Syllabus 2026: The UPSC specifies the syllabus of CDS 2026 in the official notification. It is advised to the candidates to use the syllabus PDF for their exam preparation. The CDS syllabus PSF will help candidates to better understand the type of questions asked. The CDS 1 and 2 exam dates are released in the official calendar. The CDS syllabus download link will be updated here once it is released. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the CDS 1 exam on April 12, 2026.

CDS syllabus PDF is categorised into two parts- i) For IMA, INA, and AFA, and ii) For OTA. The highlights of the syllabus are provided below for the candidates:

The CDS syllabus for IMA, INA, and AFA has three subjects whereas OTA has two subjects.
The standard CDS Mathematics syllabus is of Class 10 standard, while for other subjects, it is of graduation level.
To plan for the exam strategically, it is important to know the CDS syllabus

Aspirants willing to join the defence services through the CDS exam can check on this page the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, important books, preparation tips, and FAQs. The candidates who are preparing for the CDS exam must go through the exam syllabus and CDS exam pattern to ensure their preparation for the CDS exam.

Also Read:

UPSC CDS English Syllabus

CDS General Knowledge Syllabus

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Table of content

What is CDS Syllabus 2026?
Overview of CDS Syllabus 2026 & its importance
CDS Syllabus for IMA, INA & AFA 2026: PDF Link
CDS English Syllabus 2026
CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2026
CDS Syllabus Elementary Mathematics 2026
CDS OTA Syllabus 2026
CDS OTA Syllabus for English 2026
CDS OTA Syllabus for General Knowledge 2026
CDS Exam Pattern 2026
CDS Marking Scheme 2026
CDS Exam Pattern for SSB Interview
UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026: Topic-Wise Distribution of Questions
How to Prepare for CDS 2026?
Best Books to Cover CDS Exam Syllabus
Other Defence Exam Syllabus
UPSC CDS Syllabus Important Topics
CDS Exam Important Instructions
CDS Syllabus FAQs 2026

What is CDS Syllabus 2026?

UPSC CDS syllabus consists of three subjects- Elementary Mathematics, English Language, and General Knowledge. Candidates must note that Elementary Mathematics is only for candidates who have applied for IMA, INA, and AFA. Going through the CDS syllabus candidates can make out which topics and chapters to cover for the exam. The candidates preparing for the should go through the previous years' question papers to find out the important topics for the CDS exam.

Also Read: Preparation Tips for Women to Crack CDS

View Syllabus

Overview of CDS Syllabus 2026 & its importance

Given below is the overview of the CDS syllabus 2026.

Parameters	Details
Mode of exam	Offline
Stages of exam	Written exam and SSB Interview
Number of sections	Three sections for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) Two sections for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
Exam subjects	English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics
Nature of questions	Objective-type
Level of questions	The standard of questions in Mathematics is of Class 10 standard and other subjects are of Graduation level
Duration of test	Two hours for each subject
Language of question paper	English and Hindi

CDS 2026 Syllabus Importance

To understand the syllabus of the CDS exam, help candidates to prepare effectively and improve their chances of success. Scroll down for more details:

It helps in strategic preparation.
A clear understanding of the CDS syllabus helps candidates in allocating the time effectively to each subject based on strengths and weaknesses. Also helps in focusing on high-scoring areas and revising frequently tested topics.
The syllabus also provides an insight into the difficulty level of questions asked in the examination.
With the help of the syllabus, candidates will be able to choose the right study materials. Candidates should solve previous year's question papers that are syllabus relevant.
It helps in building the conceptual understanding.
Further, a syllabus-based preparation approach ensures that no important topic is left out in the preparation, etc.

CDS Syllabus for IMA, INA & AFA 2026: PDF Link

Candidates who are willing to join the Indian defence forces must prepare for the written exam well and the CDS syllabus can help the candidates in preparing for the written exam. The syllabus contains topics from all three subjects- English, Elementary Maths, and General Knowledge. CDS Syllabus PDF can be downloaded for free through the link available below. Candidates must strategise their preparation according to the CDS syllabus to ensure they are preparing in the right direction. Check below the CDS Syllabus for 2026.

CDS Syllabus PDF: Click Here

Get the latest CDS Syllabus PDF for section-wise preparation of the exam

Download Here

CDS English Syllabus 2026

The questions in this section are designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English. The CDS syllabus for the English Language is given below.

Antonyms	Sentence improvement	Comprehension
Synonyms	Word substitution	Ordering of sentences
Spotting Errors	Selecting Words	Ordering of words in a sentence

CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2026

The General Knowledge tests the candidate’s knowledge regarding current affairs. The paper includes questions from the History of India and the Geography of nature. The CDS syllabus for General Knowledge is given below.

Also Read:

How to prepare for CDS General Knowledge

Economics	Physics	Current Awareness
Politics	Chemistry	Sociology
History	Defence	Award
Geography	Environment	Sport
Biology	Cultural	Book
Statement true/false	--	--

CDS Syllabus Elementary Mathematics 2026

Questions in Elementary Mathematics are asked from Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics. Check below the topics for Elementary Mathematics:

CDS Syllabus: 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.

CDS Syllabus: 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. 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
The Relation Between its Roots and Coefficients (Only real roots will be considered)	Simultaneous Linear Equations in two Unknown-Analytical and Graphical Solutions
Simultaneous Linear Inequations in Two Variables and their Solutions	Practical Problems Leading to Two Simultaneous Linear Equations or Inequations in Two Variables or Quadratic Equations in one
Variable & their Solutions	Set Language and Set Notation
Rational Expressions and Conditional Identities	Law of Indices

CDS Maths Syllabus: Trigonometry

Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0°
Simple Trigonometric Identities
Use of Trigonometric Tables
Simple Cases of Heights and Distances

CDS Maths Syllabus: 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 a Parallelogram, Rectangle and Square, Circles and its Properties including Tangents and Normal and Loci.

Download CURRENT AFFAIRS Guide -Download Here

CDS Maths Syllabus: Mensuration

Areas of Squares
Rectangles
Parallelograms
Triangle and Circle
Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book)
Surface Area and Volume of Cuboids
Lateral Surface
The volume of Right Circular Cones, Cylinders, and Surface
Area and Volume of Spheres

Statistics
Collection and Tabulation of Statistical Data	Graphical Representation Frequency Polygons
Histograms	Bar charts
Measures of Central Tendency	-

Also Read:

CDS OTA Syllabus 2026

The OTA syllabus has two sections English and General Knowledge. CDS OTA exam syllabus does not have a maths section. The topic-wise syllabus for the OTA has been provided for the candidates. Aspirants who are willing to appear for the OTA can go through the topic-wise syllabus for OTA CDS below on page

CDS OTA Syllabus for English 2026

The syllabus for English subjects has been given below for the candidates. However, the English syllabus is quite similar to IMA, INA, and AFA. But the candidates should go through the syllabus to know accurate information about the English syllabus for OTA CDS:

Sentence Arrangement
Synonyms and Antonyms
Jumble Words
Idioms and Phrases
Ordering Sentences
Ordering Words
Fill up the blanks

Also Read: English Vocabulary: Words, Meaning, Uses, Examples & Worksheet with Answers

CDS OTA Syllabus for General Knowledge 2026

The General Ability Test (GAT) is taken to analyse the candidate's awareness about different topics that are currently going on, subjects that he or she has studied earlier, social awareness, and more. The candidates must go through the GAT OTA syllabus given below to understand the syllabus:

Current Affairs
History
Polity
Geography
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Sociology
Defence Related Awareness
Sports and Culture
Environmental Studies

CDS Exam Pattern 2026

The CDS exam pattern is prescribed by the UPSC for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The exam is conducted offline, i.e. through pen and paper mode. The question paper on Mathematics and General Knowledge is set bilingually, i.e. Hindi and English. The written exam carries objective-type questions only. For admission to IMA, INA, and AFA, the written exam comprises three sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The test carries a total of 300 marks and is held for six hours. For admission to OTA, the written exam comprises two sections: English and General Awareness. The duration of the test is four hours and carries 200 marks. There is also a penalty for wrong answers. 1/3 of the marks are deducted for every incorrect answer by the candidates. Candidates qualifying for the written exam are called for the SSB interview. The CDS exam pattern for the written exam is given below:

CDS Exam Pattern for IMA, INA and AFA
Subject	Duration (In hours)	Maximum marks
English	2	100
General Knowledge	2	100
Elementary Mathematics	2	100

CDS Exam Pattern for OTA
Subject	Duration	Maximum marks
English	2 hours	100
General Knowledge	2 hours	100

CDS Marking Scheme 2026

The marking scheme of CDS is given below:

For the correct answer, candidates score one mark
For incorrect answers, 1/3 marks are deducted
More than one option is treated as incorrect
There is no negative marking for questions left unanswered

CDS Exam Pattern for SSB Interview

Candidates qualifying for the CDS written exam are called for an SSB interview. The SSB interview comprises two stages and is conducted for four days. The stages of the SSB interview are given below:

Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
Stage-II consists of Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026: Topic-Wise Distribution of Questions

The topic-wise distribution of questions under each section of the UPSC CDS exam is given below.

Elementary Mathematics
Topic	No. of Questions
Logarithm	2
Trigonometry	16
Number System	12
Percentage	2
Time & Distance	2
Profit & Loss	2
Simplification	11
Statics	5
Triangle	10
3D Mensuration	16
Data Interpretation	4
Average	2
Quadrilateral	3
Circle	1
Polynomial	3
Sequence & Series	1
Divisibility Rule	2
Remainder Theorem	1
LCM & HCF	2
Time & Work	2
2D Mensuration	1

General Knowledge
Topics	Number of Questions
Current Affairs	12
Economics	13
Geography	18
Medieval History	5
Modern History	16
Polity	20
Physics	9
Chemistry	12
Biology	9
Defence	3
Static GS	3

English
Topics	Number of Questions
Comprehension	10
Synonyms	10
Antonyms	10
Parts of Speech	10
Cloze Test	10
Spotting Error	10
Fill in the blanks	10
Ordering of words in a sentence	10
Ordering of sentence	10
Completion of sentence	10
Preposition & Determinants	10

How to Prepare for CDS 2026?

Candidates can follow the tips and tricks given below to crack the CDS exam:

Candidates' target should be both securing the CDS cut-off and scoring high marks
Hard work and dedication will surely give candidates the best CDS result
Candidates should practice different types of questions from each topic
Candidates must spend three to four hours in regular study
Candidate must revise all the topics given in the CDS syllabus properly
Candidates should work towards improving the weak areas, equally dedicating time to the strong areas
Candidates should attempt sectional and full-length mock tests
Candidates must clear their concepts and basics for each topic

Also Read:

CDS preparation tips

Best Books to Cover CDS Exam Syllabus

The subject-wise best books for the CDS exam are given below:

Best Books for CDS English Language

Candidates can refer to the following books for the English Language section:

Objective General English by RS Aggarwal
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
High School English Grammar and Composition

Books for General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Candidates need to read the newspapers regularly in order to keep themselves updated with recent events. The books that candidates can refer to for this section are given below:

Manorama Yearbook
Lucent’s General Knowledge
Competition in Focus (Half-Yearly and Yearly)

CDS Books for Elementary Mathematics

For this section, candidates can refer to the following books:

Mathematics for CDS by RS Aggarwal
Quantitative Aptitude for Examinations paperback by RS Aggarwal

View list of Books

Other Defence Exam Syllabus

Aspiring candidates who want to join Indian Defence can also take another exam as NDA, AFCAT, UPSC CAPF, and more. To know more about these exams, the candidates must go through their exam syllabus and pattern. The links for these exam syllabi have been given below for the candidates in the table.

NDA Syllabus

AFCAT Syllabus

UPSC CAPF Syllabus

UPSC CDS Syllabus Important Topics

The candidates who are preparing for CDS must focus on the given points below to score more in less time. Check the important topics in the CDS Syllabus to score maximum marks in the CDS 2026 exam:

General Knowledge: Current affairs, Indian polity, Indian history, general science, geography, etc.
Maths: Profit and loss, simple Interest, compound interest, mensuration, trigonometry, percentage, line, and angles, etc.
English: Synonyms and Antonyms, Jumbled Sentences, reading comprehension, fill in the blanks, idioms & phrases, substitution, etc.

CDS Exam Important Instructions

The candidates who are going to appear for the upcoming CDS exam must know the important points regarding the exam:

Only use a black ballpoint pen while filling out the sheets
If the candidates get an un-numbered OMR sheet or booklet series code then the candidates have to report the authorities immediately
Fill out the OMR sheet carefully, especially the roll number, test book series code, or the answer sheet is liable for rejection
Do not write any specific information like the name on the rough work or the answer sheet or it will be rejected
Do not fold or damage or extraneous marks on the answer sheet or the answer sheet will be rejected

Also Read:

CDS Syllabus FAQs 2026

Candidates can check below the CDS 2026 Syllabus FAQs.

Commonly asked questions

Q: What are the last month tips to prepare for CDS 1 2026 exam?

CDS Exam

Student Forum

Anything you would want to ask experts?

Write here...

Is there a negative marking in the CDS exam?

Answered Yesterday

Yes. In the CDS exam there is a negative marking. One-third mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer. No mark will be deducted for unanswered questions.

Shikha Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

In which mode the CDS exam is conducted?

Answered Yesterday

The CDS exam is conducted in an offline mode that is in a pen-paper mode. The exam consists of objective type questions and need to mark their answers in an OMR sheet.

Jasleen Jain

Contributor-Level 6

What are all the additional benefits provided to the CDS officers apart from the salary?

Answered a month ago

Apart from the salary, CDS officers receive several allowances, including DA, high altitude allowance, uniform allowance, transport allowance, medical aid, accommodation, children's education allowance, etc. It depends upon the amount of salary, and it varies depending on the designation and academy

Gunjan Majumder

Contributor-Level 6

What is the age limit for CDS 2 2025?

Answered a month ago

Candidates can check below the CDS 2 2025 age limit:

IMA: Candidates for IMA should be unmarried and must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2007.
INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2007, can apply for INA

Nitesh Pruthi

Contributor-Level 6

Is the CDS 2 2025 date extended?

Answered a month ago

Yes, the CDS 2 application last date to apply was extended to June 20 from June 17, 2025. A one-time extension was provided by the commission. The application correction window was opened from July 7 to July 9, 2025.

Shikha Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Is the CDS 1 2026 result out?

Answered 2 months ago

No, the CDS 1 2025 result will be released after the conduction of an exam on the official website. The result will be released in the form of a PDF and consists of the roll numbers of candidates who have qualified for the SSB interview.

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

When will the CDS 2 2025 admit card be released?

Answered 3 months ago

The CDS 2 2025 admit card has been released on the official website. Eligible candidates can download their e-admit card from the official website by using their login credentials. The UPSC CDS 2 2025 exam is scheduled to be conducted on September 14, 2025.

Jasleen Jain

Contributor-Level 6

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