CDS Exam Syllabus 2025: Complete Subject-Wise Breakdown & Key Topics
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam syllabus conducted by UPSC, along with important topics to focus on for effective preparation.
CDS Exam Syllabus & Structure
There are two formats depending on the academy you’re applying to:
| Academy | Subjects | Total Marks | Duration |
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, General Knowledge, Mathematics | 300 | 2 hours per paper |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 200 | 2 hours per paper |
Subject-Wise Syllabus & Key Topics
English
Tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Reading Comprehension
- Spotting Errors
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Sentence Arrangement
- Sentence Improvement
Tip: Read newspapers daily to improve vocabulary and comprehension.
General Knowledge
Covers current affairs and general awareness.
- Indian History – Ancient, Medieval, Modern
- Geography – Physical, Political, Economic
- Polity – Constitution, Governance, Rights
- Economics – Basic concepts, Budget, Schemes
- Science – Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Environment & Ecology
- Current Affairs – National & International
- Defence News – Exercises, Ranks, Missiles
Tip: Focus on defence-related updates and strategic geography.
Mathematics (Only for IMA, INA, AFA)
Tests numerical ability and problem-solving.
- Arithmetic – Number System, Percentages, Profit & Loss
- Algebra – Polynomials, Quadratic Equations
- Geometry – Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles
- Trigonometry – Basic identities, Heights & Distances
- Mensuration – Area, Volume of 2D & 3D figures
- Statistics – Mean, Median, Graphs
- Elementary Number Theory – Prime numbers, Divisibility
- Logarithms & Indices
Tip: Practice shortcuts and formulas for speed and accuracy.
High-Scoring Topics to Prioritize
| Subject | High-Yield Topics |
| GK | Current Affairs, Polity, Defence News |
| English | Comprehension, Vocabulary, Error Spotting |
| Maths | Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry |
Lok Nayak