CDS Syllabus 2024, Exam Patten, Complete Subject Wise UPSC CDS Syllabus PDF

UPSC CDS Syllabus is comprehensive, covering subjects like English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, and more. Check CDS 2024 Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024 in detail.

Table of Contents

CDS Syllabus 2024: Candidates appearing for the upcoming CDS 2 2024 Exam must ensure that they review the comprehensive subject-wise CDS Syllabus for English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. You can download the complete CDS Exam Syllabus PDF through this article.

The combined Defence Services Examination is one of India’s most competitive examinations; hence, candidates show utmost dedication towards the preparation to clear each stage of the CDS Selection Process. It is essential to understand that the CDS Examination consists of two phases: the written examination and the SSB Interview. To be selected, candidates must successfully pass both stages and for that, Candidates need to understand the CDS Syllabus thoroughly to be able to perform well in the CDS Exam 2024.

CDS Syllabus 2024

In order to achieve a good score in CDS 2 2024 examination, it is essential for aspirants to have a thorough understanding of the CDS Syllabus. The CDS 2 2024 Exam serves as a direct roadmap for individuals aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates must go through this article to properly understand the CDS Exam Syllabus, containing detailed information for candidates preparing for the CDS 2024 Exam.

CDS Syllabus 2024 Overview

CDS Syllabus 2024: The UPSC conducts the CDS exam biannually to select candidates for various Indian Defence Academies, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The UPSC released the CDS Syllabus along with the CDS 2 2024 Notification PDF on its official website on Dec 20, 2024.

CDS Syllabus 2024 PDF

CDS Syllabus 2024 PDF: 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 2024 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: In order to enhance their performance in 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 language effectively and professionally.

• Reading Comprehension Questions.
• Spotting the Error Questions.
• Fill in the blank questions.
• Synonyms & Antonyms Questions.
• Idioms and Phrases Questions.
• Sentence Arrangement or Jumbled Questions.
• Ordering of words in Sentence Questions.
• Sentence Improvement or Sentence Correction Questions

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. It is important for applicants to maintain both accuracy and speed in order 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 2 2024 exam is recommended.

• Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers.
• Fundamental operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions.
• Unitary method, time and work, time and distance, percentages.
• Applications of profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratio and proportion, 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.

• Basic operations and Simple factors,
• Remainder Theorem.
• H.C.F. and L.C.M.
• Theory of polynomials, 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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 specialized 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 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 2024

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 academy entries. 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 emphasizing 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 Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy –

B) For Admission to the Officers’ Training Academy –

Important Instructions for CDS Exam 2024

let us look at some of the most important Instructions for CDS Exam 2024:-

• Use only a black ballpoint pen for writing.
• Provide your center and subject on the answer sheet, followed by the CDS 2024 test booklet series (in brackets), subject code, and exam roll number in the designated spaces at the top.
• Encode your CDS 2024 booklet series (A, B, C, or D, as applicable), subject code, and roll number within the provided circles on the answer sheet.
• If the CDS booklet series is not indicated on the test booklet or the answer sheet lacks numbering, promptly inform the invigilator and request a replacement for the test booklet/answer sheet.
• Any omissions, errors, or discrepancies in encoding/filling details on the CDS 2024 OMR answer sheet, especially concerning the Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code, may lead to the rejection of the answer sheet.
• Upon the commencement of CDS 2024, inspect the supplied test booklet to ensure it does not have any unprinted, torn, or missing pages or items. If issues are identified, request a replacement with a complete test booklet of the same series and subject.
• Refrain from writing your name or any information other than the specific items requested on the CDS answer sheet/test booklet/sheet for rough work.
• Avoid folding, damaging, or making extraneous markings on the CDS Answer Sheet. Additionally, do not write anything on the reverse side of the answer sheet.

CDS Syllabus 2024 FAQs

Ans. For IMA, INA and AFA CDS Exam consists subjects which are General Knowledge, Mathematics, and English. For OTA, the subjects are just General Knowledge and English.

Ans. Candidates that are graduated from any recognized university can apply for CDS Examination.

Ans. For CDS Examination i.e., 19 to 24 years for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) application, 20 to 24 years for the Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) application, and 19 to 25 years for Officers Training Academy (OTA).

Ans. Candidates can download CDS Syllabus 2024 through this article.

Ans. The mathematics questions asked for CDS Examination is up to class 10th standard.