
Dewesh Nandan PrasadAssociate Senior Executive
CDS Syllabus 2023: The CDS 2 syllabus was released by the UPSC (Union Service Public Commission) on the official website along with the release of the official notification of the CDS exam. The exam for CDS 2 2023 was carried out on September 3, 2023. The CDS 2023 syllabus is categorised into two parts- i) For IMA, INA, and AFA, and ii) For OTA. The highlights of the syllabus have been given 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
- In order to plan for the exam strategically, it is important to have knowledge of 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 going to appear for the upcoming CDS 2 exam must go through the exam syllabus and CDS exam pattern to ensure their preparation for the CDS exam.
- What is CDS Syllabus 2023?
- Overview of CDS Syllabus 2023
- CDS Syllabus 2023 PDF for IMA, INA & AFA
- CDS English Syllabus 2023
- CDS General Knowledge Syllabus
- CDS Syllabus Elementary Mathematics 2023
- CDS OTA Syllabus
- CDS OTA Syllabus for English
- CDS OTA Syllabus for General Knowledge
- CDS Exam Pattern 2023
- CDS Marking Scheme 2023
- CDS Exam Pattern for SSB Interview
- UPSC CDS Syllabus 2023: Topic-Wise Distribution of Questions
- How to Prepare for CDS 2023?
- Best Books to Cover CDS Exam Syllabus
- Other Defence Exam Syllabus
- UPSC CDS Syllabus Important Topics
- CDS Exam Important Instructions
What is CDS Syllabus 2023?
UPSC CDS syllabus 2023 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 2 2023 exam.
Also Read: Preparation Tips for Women to Crack CDS 2023
Q: What is the syllabus for CDS exam?
Q: What is the syllabus for CDS Geography?
Q: What is the Syllabus for CDS Indian Polity?
Overview of CDS Syllabus 2023
Given below is the overview of the CDS syllabus.
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 Syllabus 2023 PDF for IMA, INA & AFA
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 2023 PDF can be downloaded 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.
CDS Syllabus PDF 2023: Click Here
Get the latest CDS Syllabus PDF for section-wise preparation of the exam
Download HereCDS English Syllabus 2023
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 |
|
Synonyms |
Word substitution |
Ordering of sentences |
Selecting Words |
Ordering of words in a sentence |
Also Read: CDS 2023 Preparation Tips for English
CDS General Knowledge Syllabus
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. CDS syllabus for General Knowledge is given below.
Economics |
Physics |
|
Politics |
Chemistry |
Sociology |
History |
Defence |
Award |
Geography |
Environment |
Sport |
Biology |
Cultural |
Book |
Statement true/false |
-- |
-- |
CDS Syllabus Elementary Mathematics 2023
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
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 the page
CDS OTA Syllabus for English
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
CDS OTA Syllabus for General Knowledge
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 2023
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. 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 |
Q: What is the selection process of CDS exam?
Q: Is there any height-related criteria in the CDS?
Q: What are the educational criteria to apply for CDS exam?
CDS Marking Scheme 2023
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 over a period of 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 2023: 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 |
12 |
|
Percentage |
2 |
Time & Distance |
2 |
Profit & Loss |
2 |
Simplification |
11 |
Statics |
5 |
Triangle |
10 |
3D Mensuration |
16 |
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 |
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 2023?
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 and every topic
Also Read:
Q: What is the ideal time to start preparing for CDS exam?
Q: How can I prepare for CDS Maths and Current Affairs for CDS exam?
Q: How can I prepare for CDS OTA exam 2023?
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
Q: What are the best books to prepare for CDS exam?
Q: What is the difference between NDA and CDS exams?
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 2023 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 2023 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 2 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 books
CDS Exam Analysis
News & Updates
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
CDS Exam
Student Forum
Answered 2 weeks ago
The last date to apply for the CDS 2 2023 was June 6, 2023 and theapplication correction window for the CDS 2 2023 was closed on June 13, 2023. However, the candidaets will be able to fill out the application form for the year 2024 from December 20, 2023 to January 9, 2023. The application corre
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The CDS 2 maths exam was condcuted for the candidates who want to enroll for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy at 3:00 pm t0 5:00 pm on September 3, 2023 by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The maths section was modrately difficult in terms of
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The CDS 2 2023 exam for English and General Knowledge was conducted at 9:00 to 11:00 pm and 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm respectively by the Union Public Service Commission on September 3, 2023. The difficulty level of the CDS 2 English paper was easy. The questions were asked from synonyms & antonyms, jumbl
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
The CDS 2 answer key will be released on September 3, 2023, within a few hours after the exam get concluded. The candidates will be able to check their scores by comparing the answer key with the responses they have marked against the questions asked in the CDS exam. However, the answer keys that w
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
If there is any error in CDS admit card, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned department/authority to make corrections in the admit card. The concerned department will guide
G
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The chances of becoming General after becoming a CDS officer is very less as in duration of service in the Defence forces play a vital role in getting promotions. The candidates commissioned as officers after NDA serves for more duration in the Army as compared to CDS. Therfore, the chances of becom
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Different instutes have different rules on the marital status for the CDS exam. The criteria for the marital status for various defence institutes have been given below for the candidates:
- For Indian Military Academy: Unmarried
- For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried
- For Indian Air Force: Married and Unm
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The age of candidate is calculated from the date of joining and not from the date of application. That is why the candidates are advised to add 10 to 12 months to reach min or maximum age limit criteria. However, UPSC releases the age limit criteria for the candidates along with the notification for
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
NDA exam is conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Acad
A
Contributor-Level 10
What was the last date for CDS 2 2023 application form?