CDS Syllabus 2026, Check UPSC Combined Defence Services OTA Exam Pattern

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

 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)

1. Written Exam (200 marks)
2. SSB Interview (5 days)
3. 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

1. 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).
2. SSB Interview: Only those who clear the written exam are called for the SSB Interview, which lasts for 5 days and carries 300 marks.
3. Final Selection: The final selection is based on the combined performance in the written exam and the SSB interview.