CDS Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern & Subject-Wise Topics
Nigam Sharma3 Dec, 2025
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CDS Syllabus 2026: CDS 1 2026 notification releases on December 10, 2025, bringing the full syllabus, exam pattern, and subject topics for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA entries. English tests grammar, vocab, and comprehension; General Knowledge covers current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, science, and defense. Elementary Mathematics includes algebra, trig, geometry, mensuration, stats for IMA/INA/AFA only. Know the pattern: objective MCQs, 2 hours per paper, negative marking, to plan your prep right. Check official PDF for detailed topics and weightage.
CDS Syllabus 2026
Candidates should have a proper understanding of the CDS Syllabus 2026. The Written Exam subjects are English, Maths, and General Knowledge. Start the exam preparation after knowing the CDS Syllabus Topics. There are multiple-choice questions asked in the offline written test. Still, qualifying in any competitive exam like CDS demands planning and execution. Give time to check the CDS Syllabus and Paper Pattern. It gives an idea related to the CDS Written Test. The information provided in the CDS Exam Pattern includes subjects, marks, section-wise weightage, time, and marking scheme. Candidates planning to appear in CDS should know the syllabus and paper pattern to start with the preparation.
CDS Syllabus 2026 Overview
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CDS Syllabus 2025 Overview |
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Conducting Authority |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
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Exam Name |
Combined Defence Services (CDS) |
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Mode of Exam |
Offline |
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CDS 1 Exam Date |
12 April 2026 |
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Number of Sections |
For the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) – Three For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Two |
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Total Marks of the Test |
IMA, INA, and AFA – 300 OTA - 200 |
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Nature of Paper |
Objective Type |
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Language of CDS Question Paper |
Hindi and English |
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Duration of CDS Exam |
2 hours each |
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Official Website |
www.upsc.gov.in |
CDS Syllabus 2025 PDF Download
Having a detailed understanding of the CDS Exam Syllabus is crucial for candidates as it enables them to develop a clear vision and effective action plan for their exam preparation. It is important to note that only those who pass the written test are eligible for the SSB Interview stage.
The CDS Syllabus 2026 includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for admission to the Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy, and Air Force Academy. However, the syllabus for admission to the Officers' Training Academy focuses solely on English and General Knowledge subjects. For a detailed understanding of the specific topics covered in each subject, please refer to this article. The CDS Syllabus in PDF format is available below to download, covering subjects such as General Knowledge, English, and Mathematics.
CDS Syllabus for English
CDS Syllabus English: To enhance their performance in the English Section, candidates are advised to cultivate a habit of daily newspaper reading. They should identify challenging words and seek their meanings, thereby improving both their vocabulary and comprehension of passages. This section aims to evaluate candidates' proficiency in English and their capacity to use the language effectively and professionally.
| CDS English Syllabus 2026 |
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CDS Syllabus for Mathematics
CDS Syllabus Mathematics: The CDS Mathematics Syllabus consists of topics such as arithmetic, trigonometry, geometry, measurements, statistics, and more. To enhance preparation and achieve favorable outcomes in this paper, consistent practice and dedicated efforts are necessary. Applicants need to maintain both accuracy and speed to answer the questions within the allotted time frame. For a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus, referring to the provided table for the mathematics syllabus of the CDS 1 2026 Exam is recommended.
| CDS Maths Syllabus | |
| Arithmetic |
Number System Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers. Fundamental operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, and Decimal fractions. Unitary method, time and work, time and distance, percentages. Applications of profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratio and proportion, and variation. 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, use of logarithmic tables, laws of logarithms. |
| Algebra |
Basic operations and Simple factors, Remainder Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Theory of polynomials, the relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered), solutions of quadratic equations. Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns — analytical & graphical solutions. Simultaneous linear inequalities in two variables & their solutions. Practical issues with solutions that result in two simultaneous linear equations, inequalities in two variables, or quadratic equations in one variable. Set notation and set language. Rational expressions and conditional identities. Laws of indices. |
| Trigonometry |
Sine x, cosine x, Tan x when 0° < x < 90° , Values of sin x, cos x & tan x, for x = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° & 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 Congruence of triangles Similar triangles Concurrence of medians and altitudes Properties of sides, angles, and diagonals of a rectangle, parallelogram, and square Circles and their properties, including tangents and normals Loci |
| Mensuration |
Areas of parallelograms, squares, rectangles, triangles, and circles. Areas of figures can be split up into these figures (Field Book), lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, Surface area and volume of cuboids, and surface area and volume of spheres. |
| Statistics |
Collection and tabulation of statistical data. Graphical representation of frequency polygons, bar charts, histograms, pie charts, etc. Measures of central tendency. |
CDS Syllabus for General Knowledge
CDS Syllabus General Knowledge: General knowledge consists of current affairs and having a broad understanding of everyday observations and experiences, including a scientific aspect, which is expected from an educated individual who hasn't specialised in any scientific field. Furthermore, the examination will include questions related to geography and Indian history, which any competent candidate should be able to answer without requiring additional study.
| CDS General Knowledge Syllabus |
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Indian History Political Science Economics Geography Environment General Science – Physics, Chemistry, Biology Current Affairs – National & International Awards, Summits, Sports, Conferences, Books & Authors, etc. Defence Related Questions – Army, Navy, Air Force |
CDS Syllabus for OTA
For the OTA Examination, the CDS Syllabus specifically consists of two subjects: General Knowledge and English. The topics and subtopics within these subjects are the same as those included in the syllabus for the INA, IMA, and AFA. The only difference is that the syllabus for OTA excludes mathematics.
CDS Exam Pattern 2026
The CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam pattern is the pathway for entry into Military institutions like the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Split into two courses, the selection process is conducted through a pen-and-paper offline format. Candidates face assessments in subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics, each having a two-hour duration and carrying 100 marks, catering to different academic backgrounds.This pattern tests candidates on core subjects and serves as an important step towards shaping future officers for the Indian Armed Forces. The SSB Test/Interview, spanning over five days and carrying 300 marks, is a crucial part of the selection process for all the academies. This pattern tests candidates on their linguistic, general awareness, and mathematical proficiencies while emphasising their overall personality traits and suitability for the armed forces, ensuring a detailed evaluation of their capabilities and potential as future officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
A) For Admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy -
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
B) For Admission to the Officers’ Training Academy -
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
| CDS Syllabus Other Related Links | |
| AFCAT Syllabus | CDS Syllabus |
| UPSC CAPF Syllabus | NDA Syllabus |
| Agniveer Vayu Syllabus | Agniveer Navy Syllabus |
| Army MES Syllabus | Agniveer Army Syllabus |