UPSC CDS Syllabus 2027
Get the complete UPSC CDS syllabus for the Combined Defence Services Examination, including the CDS English syllabus, CDS General Knowledge syllabus, CDS Elementary Mathematics syllabus, exam pattern, important topics and preparation structure for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA.
UPSC CDS Eligibility 2027
Check the following UPSC CDS eligibility criteria before applying. Exact age limits, marital-status conditions and cut-off dates are academy-specific, so candidates must match them with the latest UPSC CDS notification.
CDS Nationality Eligibility
- Candidate should meet the nationality conditions prescribed by UPSC.
- Eligible categories and documentary requirements are given in the official notification.
CDS Educational Qualification
- IMA and OTA: A recognised university degree or equivalent qualification.
- INA: An engineering degree from a recognised institution.
- AFA: A recognised degree with Physics and Mathematics at the required school level, or an engineering degree.
- Final-year candidates may apply subject to the conditions and deadlines in the notification.
CDS Age and Marital Status
- Age limits vary for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA.
- Marital-status rules can differ by academy and course.
- Always use the date of birth range printed in the current UPSC CDS notification.
CDS Physical and Medical Standards
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical and medical standards.
- Height, vision, fitness and medical requirements may vary by academy and branch.
- Medical examination is part of the selection process.
UPSC CDS Exam Notification 2027
The UPSC CDS exam notification contains the official dates, vacancies, eligibility rules, syllabus, exam pattern, application instructions and selection process.
CDS Notification Release
- UPSC generally conducts CDS examinations in separate cycles.
- Release dates and examination dates must be checked in the latest UPSC annual calendar and notification.
- Do not rely on unofficial dates before submitting an application.
CDS Application Form
- Complete the online application within the official application window.
- Enter personal, educational and communication details carefully.
- Upload photographs, signatures and documents in the prescribed format.
- Save the final application and registration details for future reference.
CDS Selection Process
- Written examination
- Shortlisting for the Services Selection Board interview
- SSB interview and personality assessment
- Medical examination
- Final merit and academy allocation as per official rules
CDS Notification Checklist
- Academy preference and course details
- Vacancy and category information
- Educational qualification and age cut-off
- Application fee and important dates
- Exam centre, instructions and required documents
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern
| Academy | Subjects | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA and AFA | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 300 | 2 hours per paper |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 200 | 2 hours per paper |
Important: The written examination is followed by the Services Selection Board interview for shortlisted candidates. The mathematics paper is of matriculation level, while the other papers are designed around the standard expected for graduates.
CDS English Syllabus
The objective of the CDS English paper is to test the candidate’s understanding of English and effective use of words.
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary and word usage
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Sentence completion
- Spotting errors
- Sentence improvement
- Ordering of words and sentences
- Fill in the blanks
- Idioms and phrases
- Active and passive voice
- Direct and indirect speech
- Basic grammar and parts of speech
- Para-jumbles and cohesive paragraph questions
CDS General Knowledge Syllabus
The General Knowledge paper tests current events, everyday observations, scientific awareness and the candidate’s understanding of India and the world.
Current Affairs
- National and international current affairs
- Defence news and military exercises
- Government schemes and reports
- Sports, awards and appointments
- Science and technology developments
History of India
- Ancient and medieval India
- Modern Indian history
- Indian freedom movement
- Important acts, movements and personalities
- Post-independence developments
Geography
- Physical geography
- Indian geography
- Rivers, mountains, climate and soils
- Natural resources and agriculture
- World geography and important locations
General Science
- Physics, Chemistry and Biology basics
- Everyday scientific observations
- Human body and health
- Environment and ecology
- Space, energy and technology
Indian Polity
- Constitution of India
- Fundamental rights and duties
- Parliament and judiciary
- President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
- Local government and constitutional bodies
Economy and Environment
- Basic economics and national income
- Banking, budget and taxation
- Environment and biodiversity
- Climate change and conservation
- Sustainable development
CDS Elementary Mathematics Syllabus
The CDS Elementary Mathematics paper covers the following matriculation-level topics:
Arithmetic
- Number system and fundamental operations
- Elementary number theory
- Decimals and fractions
- Unitary method
- Time and distance
- Percentages
- Profit and loss
- Simple and compound interest
- Ratio and proportion
- Variation
- Time and work
- Powers and roots
Algebra
- Basic operations, simple factors and remainder theorem
- Polynomials and quadratic equations
- Set language and set notation
- Rational expressions
- Simultaneous linear equations
- Law of indices
Trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios
- Values of standard angles
- Simple trigonometric identities
- Simple applications and heights and distances
Geometry
- Lines and angles
- Plane figures
- Properties of triangles
- Congruence and similarity of triangles
- Properties of quadrilaterals and parallelograms
- Circles and their properties
- Loci
Mensuration
- Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangles and circles
- Surface area and volume of cuboids
- Surface area and volume of rectangular solids
- Surface area and volume of right circular cones and cylinders
- Surface area and volume of spheres
Statistics
- Collection and tabulation of data
- Frequency polygons and histograms
- Bar charts and pie charts
- Measures of central tendency
CDS OTA Syllabus
The OTA written examination consists of two papers:
- English: comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence usage and communication-based questions.
- General Knowledge: current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, science, environment and defence awareness.
CDS Syllabus Preparation Strategy
- Read the complete CDS syllabus before starting preparation.
- Divide the syllabus into weekly targets for English, GK and Mathematics.
- Revise current affairs regularly and maintain short notes.
- Practise previous year papers and CDS mock tests.
- Review mistakes and revise weak topics every week.
- Prepare separately for the written examination and SSB interview.
Frequently Asked Questions About UPSC CDS Syllabus
Is Mathematics compulsory for CDS OTA?
No. Mathematics is not included in the OTA written examination. OTA candidates appear for English and General Knowledge.
What is the level of CDS Mathematics?
The CDS Elementary Mathematics paper is based on the matriculation level.
Which subjects are included in the CDS written exam?
IMA, INA and AFA have English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. OTA has English and General Knowledge.
This page is prepared as an easy-to-read CDS syllabus guide based on the UPSC Combined Defence Services examination syllabus and pattern. Candidates should also check the latest UPSC notification for official updates.