UPSC CDS 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Detailed syllabus and examination scheme for Combined Defence Services Examination including English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics as prescribed by UPSC.
Scheme of Examination
The CDS Examination consists of:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (Intelligence & Personality Test)
All written papers are objective type. Question papers for General Knowledge and Mathematics are set bilingually (Hindi & English). Use of calculator is not permitted.
Exam Pattern & Marks Distribution
IMA / INA / AFA
- English – 100 Marks (2 Hours)
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks (2 Hours)
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks (2 Hours)
Total: 300 Marks
OTA
- English – 100 Marks (2 Hours)
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks (2 Hours)
Total: 200 Marks
The standard of Mathematics is of Matriculation level, while other subjects are approximately of Graduate level.
CDS English Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Improvement & Correction
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Ordering of Words & Sentences
- Fill in the Blanks
CDS General Knowledge Syllabus
Core Areas
- History of India
- Geography (India & World)
- Indian Polity
- Economics
- Environment
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Current & Applied Knowledge
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Defence & Security Related News
- Awards, Sports & Summits
- Scientific Developments
CDS Elementary Mathematics Syllabus (Not for OTA)
Arithmetic
- Number System
- Fundamental Operations
- Time & Work, Time & Distance
- Percentages, Profit & Loss
- Ratio & Proportion
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Logarithms
Algebra & Trigonometry
- Quadratic Equations
- Simultaneous Linear Equations
- Set Theory
- Trigonometric Ratios
- Heights & Distances
Geometry & Mensuration
- Lines & Angles
- Triangles & Circles
- Surface Area & Volume
Statistics
- Collection & Tabulation of Data
- Bar Graphs & Pie Charts
- Measures of Central Tendency
Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB)
The SSB consists of two stages including Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests, Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT), followed by Interview, Psychological Tests, Group Tasks and Conference. Candidates are assessed on Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).