The CDS 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. The syllabus plays a vital role in the preparation of an examination. Scroll down and check once the topics covered in the General Knowledge section of the CDS exam 2025, previous year question papers and preparation tips.
CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2025
CDS GK Syllabus 2025: The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and is one of the most sought-after exams for aspirants who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces. The CDS 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. In the syllabus of CDS, there are three sections: Mathematics, General Knowledge, and English for candidates preparing for IMA, INA, and AFA. On the other side for OTA, two sections are namely General Knowledge and English. The General Knowledge section of the CDS exam is designed to test awareness of candidates about current events, history, geography, politics, and some general facts that are important for the Indian military.
Take a look in detail at the CDS General Knowledge Syllabus, outlining the key areas that will help candidates in their preparation along with the previous year's question papers and some preparation tips.
Also Read: CDS 1 2025 Exam Analysis Live Updates
- CDS 2025 Exam Pattern
- CDS 2025: General Knowledge Syllabus
- CDS 2025: Previous Years Question Papers
- CDS 2025 Preparation Tips
CDS 2025 Exam Pattern
Candidates can check below in brief the CDS exam pattern.
IMA, INA, AFA |
||
|---|---|---|
| Subject |
Duration (In hours) |
Maximum Marks |
| English |
2 |
100 |
| General Knowledge |
2 |
100 |
| Elementary Mathematics |
2 |
100 |
OTA |
||
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Duration (In hours) | Maximum Marks |
| English |
2 |
100 |
| General Knowledge |
2 |
100 |
Commonly asked questions
The authority released the CDS 2025 syllabus along with the notification. Candidates who are preparing for CDS exam 2025 must follow the syllabus to prepare for the exam. The CDS syllabus is divided into two categories-
a) INA (Indian Naval Academy), IMA (Indian Military Academy), and AFA (Air Force Academy)
b) OTA (Officers Training Academy)
The syllabus for the IMA, INA and AFA comprises three sections English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. Further, the syllabus for OTA comprises English and General Knowledge. OTA exam syllabus does not have a Maths section
To get the detailed syllabus for INA, IMA and AFA click on the refer to the link below: https://www.shiksha.com/exams/cds-exam-syllabus.
Candidates can check below the methods to download the CDS question papers for free.
- Visit our website; Shiksha.com.
- Create your profile by mentioning certain details.
- Once a profile is generated, you will be able to download the question papers for free.
- Download and save it.
Yes, the examination authority will release the CDS Question Papers 2026 officially at upsc.gov.in. The question papers will be released in the form of PDF. Candidates can download the CDS question papers 2026 from this page also for free. The question papers will help candidates to check the difficulty level of the exam, questions asked, pattern changed or not, etc.
CDS 2025: General Knowledge Syllabus
The General Knowledge section covers topics like current affairs, history, geography, general science, etc. Scroll down to know in detail about the General Knowledge Syllabus for CDS exam.
Indian History
Ancient History: Covering the topics like ancient civilizations such as the Indus Valley Civilization, the Vedic period, the Maurya and Gupta Empires, and the cultural and religious developments, etc.
Medieval India: The Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, and significant events, rulers, and invasions (e.g., the invasions of Mahmud of Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, Babur, etc.).
Modern India: British colonization, the First War of Indian Independence, the Indian National Movement, and the role of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and others.
Post-Independence India: Crucial events post-1947, including the formation of Indian Constitution, Republic of India, and major developments in Indian politics and governance.
Geography
Physical Geography: This section covers physical features of the Earth like mountains, rivers, oceans, and the atmosphere. Topics like climate, weather patterns, natural disasters, etc. are also plays a vital role.
Indian Geography: This section covers India’s states, capitals, rivers, mountain ranges, regions, and climate zones.
World Geography: Countries, their capitals, important landmarks, climate zones, and environmental issues like pollution and conservation are covered. Further, physical, social, and economic aspects of geography, including Indian geography and world geograph also covered.
Indian Polity and Governance
This section covers Indian Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, Election Commission, RTI, NITI Aayog, etc.etc.
Economics
Basic Economic Concepts like several terms including GDP, inflation, unemployment, poverty, role of money in the economy, etc.
Indian Economy section covers key facts about India’s economy, including agriculture, industrial growth, banking systems, and economic policies.
International Economic Organizations inlcuidng organizations like the World Bank, IMF, WTO, and their role in the global economy, etc.
Science and Technology
General Science section covers basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Also, focus on everyday phenomena and practical applications.
Scientific Developments including awareness of recent scientific advancements, space exploration missions, medical advancements, developments in environmental science, space technology, biotechnology, computer technology, etc.
Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity
This section covers conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, global warming, climate change, conservation, sustainability issues, awareness of recent scientific advancements, etc.
Defence and Security Issues
This section covers current events related to national security, internal and external threats, role of Armed Forces, understanding the structure and organization of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Knowledge about various important military operations, peacekeeping missions, and defense strategies, etc.
Current Affairs
National and International Events & News: Candidates need to stay updated about important events that are happening in India and around the world including political events, governmental decisions, policies, significant diplomatic visits, international summits important global agreements, etc.
Sports Events: Awareness of major sporting events like Olympics, FIFA World Cup, ICC tournaments, and other international competitions.
Awards and Honours: Candidate should have knowledge about prestigious awards, including the Padma Awards, Nobel Prizes, Oscar Awards, and other notable recognitions in several fields.
Science and Technology Developments: Advancements in space technology, defense, medical science, information technology, etc.
CDS Syllabus PDF: Click Here
CDS 2025: Previous Years Question Papers
Candidates can check below previous year's question papers of General Knowledge.
| CDS 2 GK Paper 2024 PDF (Set A) | Download Here |
| CDS 1 GK Question Papers (1) 2024 | Download Here |
| CDS 2 GK Question Paper 2023 | Download Here |
| CDS 1 GK Question Paper 2023 | Download Here |
| CDS 1 GK Question Paper 2022 | Download Here |
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
1 Apr '26 - 30 Apr '26
1 Apr '26 - 30 Apr '26
20 May '26
9 Jun '26
7 Apr '26 - 21 Jun '26
21 Jun '26
19 Jul '26
22 Aug '26 - 23 Aug '26
30 Sep '26
6 Oct '26 - 5 Nov '26
CDS 2025 Preparation Tips
Candidates can check below some of the preparation tips that may help to crack the UPSC CDS exam.
- Candidates should do frequent revision of the topics.
- Read Newspapers, magazines regularly.
- Knowledge about the syllabus also plays a crucial role in the preparation.
- Practice Previous Year Question Papers and do Mock tests.
- Refer to study material or reference book while preparing for UPSC CDS exam. This will help you in having as thorough preparation of the subject.
- Strategise your preparation
- Revise current Affairs including history, geography, polity, etc.
Read More:
UPSC CDS English Syllabus 2025
CDS Maths Syllabus 2025, Download CDS Mathematics Syllabus PDF
News & Updates
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks ago
There are various coaching institutes for CDS in Dehradun. Some of them are Doon Defence Dreamers, Centurion Defence Academy, Brigadier Defence Academy, etc. It will be better to visit personally to the coaching institutes in Dehradun, take the reviews regarding faculties, infrastructure, requiremen
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Doon Defence Dreamers as per the results and reputation is considered to be the top choice institute for the CDS preparation. But before joining any institute, it will be better to visit the campus in Dehradun, evaluate the faculty, infrastructure and the guidance provided there.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
There are several CDS coaching institutes in Dehradun which provides comprehensive written and SSB guidance. Some of the academies are mentioned below:
Centurion Defence Academy
Prasad's Banking SSC and CDS Coaching Institution
Major Kalshi Classes
Dehradun Defence School, etc.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
The top CDS coaching institute in Dehradun include Cadets Defence Academy, often recognised for high selection rates and tailored SSB training, and Dehradun National Academy of Defence (DNAD). Candidates can check below for some of the other notable institutes -
1. Centurion Defence Academy
2. Doon De
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
In the CDS exam, a good score varies as per the academy. Generally as per the experts, 120 to 150+ in the written exam for IMA/INA/AFA and 90 to 110+ for OTA are considered to be the good score along with the strong SSB performance. Also, cutoff changes every year and candidates required a minimum
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Generally, the CDS 1 exam is considered to be moderate to difficult level as the syllabus is vast and consists of challenges which are subject specific. But as per the previous year trend it is moderate in difficulty level. With proper strategy, consistency and hard work exam can be cracked by the c
C
Contributor-Level 6
Role: Editorial Domain
Education: Mass Com & Journalism, MSC Mathematics
Expertise: Sarkari Exam Expert
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