CDS Syllabus 2026: The Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2026 Exam is a highly competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of officers into various Indian Defence Academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Candidates must pass both the written examination and SSB interview to be selected.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the CDS Syllabus 2026 for each subject, including English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
CDS Exam 2026: Overview
| Exam Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | UPSC |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Sections | 3 for IMA, INA, AFA; 2 for OTA |
| Total Marks | 300 (IMA, INA, AFA), 200 (OTA) |
| Nature of Paper | Objective Type |
| Language | English & Hindi |
| Duration | 2 hours per paper |
CDS Syllabus 2026 For English
The English section tests a candidate’s proficiency in the language. Candidates should focus on building vocabulary and improving their comprehension skills.
Topics in English
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Sentence Arrangement / Jumbled Sentences
- Ordering Words in a Sentence
- Sentence Improvement / Correction
CDS Syllabus 2026 For Mathematics
The Mathematics section consists of basic arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, and statistics. Consistent practice is key to performing well.
Topics in Mathematics
1. Arithmetic
- Number System: Natural numbers, Integers, Rational & Real numbers
- Operations: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Square Roots, Decimal Fractions
- Time, Work, and Distance, Percentages
- Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest
- Ratio, Proportion, and Variation
- Elementary Number Theory: HCF, LCM, Divisibility Tests, Euclidean Algorithm
2. Algebra
- Basic operations and Simple factors
- Quadratic Equations, Polynomials
- Linear Equations, Graphical Solutions
- Rational Expressions
3. Trigonometry
- Trigonometric Ratios (Sine, Cosine, Tangent)
- Trigonometric Identities
- Heights and Distances
4. Geometry
- Properties of Angles, Parallel Lines, Triangles, Congruency, and Similarity
- Circles, Rectangles, Parallelograms
- Loci and Basic Constructions
5. Mensuration
- Areas of Parallelograms, Squares, Rectangles, Triangles, Circles
- Volumes and Surface Areas of 3D Shapes (Cone, Cylinder, Sphere, Cuboid)
6. Statistics
- Data Collection, Tabulation, and Representation (Bar Charts, Pie Charts, Histograms)
- Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode)
CDS Syllabus 2026 For General Knowledge
The General Knowledge section includes questions related to current affairs, history, geography, science, and defense-related topics.
Topics in General Knowledge
- Indian History: Ancient, Medieval, Modern Indian History
- Indian Politics: Political Systems, Constitution of India, Governance
- Economics: Economic Development, Banking, Budget
- Geography: Physical, Economic, and Political Geography of India and the World
- Environment: Climate Change, Pollution, Conservation
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Basic Knowledge)
- Current Affairs: National & International News, Sports, Books & Authors, Awards
- Defence-related Questions: Army, Navy, Air Force
CDS OTA Syllabus: Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Syllabus
For candidates applying to the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), the Mathematics section is not included. The syllabus focuses only on English and General Knowledge. The CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam for OTA is conducted by Union Public Service Commission.
For OTA, only 2 subjects are included (No Maths paper).
CDS OTA Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 4 hours |
Mode: Offline (OMR based)
Type: Objective (MCQs)
Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted
Subject-wise CDS OTA Syllabus
1. English Syllabus (Graduate Level)
This section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Important Topics:
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Improvement
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Arrangement
- Ordering of Words
- Reading Comprehension
Focus: Grammar + Vocabulary + Practice
2. General Knowledge (GK) Syllabus
This is a broad section covering static + current affairs.
History
- Ancient, Medieval, Modern India
- Freedom Struggle
Geography
- Physical Geography
- Indian Geography
- Climate, Resources
Polity
- Constitution
- Parliament
- Judiciary
- Fundamental Rights & Duties
Economy
- Basic Economics
- Budget, Banking, Inflation
Science (Class 6–10 Level)
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Current Affairs
- National & International News
- Defence-related updates
- Awards, Books, Sports
Other Topics
- Environment & Ecology
- Culture
- Important Days
- Defence Exercises
GK is wide but not UPSC CSE level, focus on basics + current affairs
What is NOT Included in OTA?
- Elementary Mathematics (only for IMA/INA/AFA)
Selection Process (OTA)
- Written Exam (200 marks)
- SSB Interview (5 days)
- Medical Test
CDS Exam Pattern 2026
The CDS exam pattern varies for different academies. Here’s an overview:
For IMA, INA, AFA:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
For OTA:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
CDS Exam Selection Process
- Written Examination: Candidates must clear the written exam, which consists of three papers (for IMA, INA, AFA) or two papers (for OTA). Each paper is of 100 marks, with a total of 300 marks (for IMA, INA, AFA).
- SSB Interview: Only those who clear the written exam are called for the SSB Interview, which lasts for 5 days and carries 300 marks.
- Final Selection: The final selection is based on the combined performance in the written exam and the SSB interview.
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