UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026: Complete Exam Pattern and Subject-Wise Topics

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year — CDS I and CDS II — to recruit graduates into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The syllabus and number of papers differ slightly depending on which academy you apply to. This guide covers the full UPSC CDS syllabus 2026, the written exam pattern, and the topics under each paper.

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026

The written examination is objective type. Candidates applying for IMA, INA and AFA write three papers, while OTA candidates write two.

For IMA, INA and AFA

PaperSubjectMarksDuration
IEnglish1002 hours
IIGeneral Knowledge1002 hours
IIIElementary Mathematics1002 hours
Written Total3006 hours
SSB Interview300—

For OTA

PaperSubjectMarksDuration
IEnglish1002 hours
IIGeneral Knowledge1002 hours
Written Total2004 hours
SSB Interview200—

Papers are set in both English and Hindi, except the English paper. There is negative marking of one-third of the marks assigned to a question for every wrong answer.

CDS English Syllabus

The English paper tests the candidate's command of the language and ability to use words correctly. Topics include spotting errors, sentence improvement, synonyms and antonyms, ordering of words and sentences, comprehension passages, fill in the blanks, and idioms and phrases. Consistent reading and grammar practice are the most dependable ways to build this score.

CDS General Knowledge Syllabus

General Knowledge covers current events and matters of everyday observation and scientific awareness. The main areas are:

  • History: ancient, medieval and modern Indian history, the freedom struggle, and the Constitution.
  • Geography: physical geography of India and the world, climate, natural resources, and agriculture.
  • Political Science and Polity: the Indian Constitution, governance, and important institutions.
  • Economics: basic economic concepts, national income, and government schemes.
  • General Science: physics, chemistry and biology at a foundational level, and everyday scientific phenomena.
  • Current Affairs: national and international events, defence news, awards, sports, and prominent personalities.

CDS Elementary Mathematics Syllabus (IMA, INA, AFA only)

The Mathematics paper is set at the Matriculation (Class 10) level and is not required for OTA candidates. The topics are:

  • Arithmetic: number systems, HCF and LCM, decimals and fractions, ratio and proportion, percentage, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, and time and distance.
  • Algebra: basic operations, factorisation, quadratic equations, and linear equations in two variables.
  • Trigonometry: ratios, identities, and heights and distances.
  • Geometry: lines and angles, triangles, circles, and properties of common figures.
  • Mensuration: areas and volumes of squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, cylinders, cones and spheres.
  • Statistics: collection and presentation of data, bar charts, pie charts, mean, median and mode.

CDS Selection Process

Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the SSB interview, worth 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 marks for OTA. The interview runs over five days and assesses officer-like qualities through psychological testing, group tasks and a personal interview. The final merit list combines the written and SSB scores, followed by a medical examination.

How to Prepare for the CDS Exam

Because there are three separate subjects for most candidates, balanced preparation matters more than depth in any single area. Read an English newspaper daily to serve both the English and General Knowledge papers. Use NCERT textbooks for history, geography, polity and science, and practise Elementary Mathematics from Class 8 to 10 material until the basics are automatic. Solve previous years' papers under time pressure, and revise current affairs of the last six to eight months before the exam.

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