UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 | Exam Pattern, Subject-Wise Topics, PDF Download
Explore the complete UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 with in-depth subject-wise topic breakdown for English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. Check latest exam pattern, marking scheme, syllabus PDF, recommended books, preparation tips, and specialization after selection in IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is one of the most prestigious exams for aspirants aiming to serve in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. Conducted twice every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the CDS exam opens the gateway to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
To succeed in this highly competitive exam, candidates must have a complete understanding of the UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025, exam pattern, important topics, and subject-wise weightage. This article provides the latest and detailed CDS syllabus, topic descriptions, marks distribution, syllabus PDF, recommended books, preparation tips, and career specializations after CDS.
UPSC CDS Exam 2025 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Duration | 2 hours per paper |
| Medium | English & Hindi |
| Eligibility | Graduate (Different streams for IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical Examination |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025
For IMA, INA, and AFA
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 300 | 6 hours |
For OTA (Men & Women)
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 200 | 4 hours |
UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 – Subject-wise Detailed Topics
English Syllabus for CDS
This section is aimed at testing the basic language skills, grammar understanding, and vocabulary usage of candidates. Here’s a breakdown of topics:
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Includes synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, word meanings, and usage in context. Improves overall word power. |
| Grammar Usage | Covers topics like subject-verb agreement, prepositions, tenses, articles, conjunctions, and modifiers. |
| Sentence Completion | Fill-in-the-blank questions to test logical and grammatical sense. |
| Spotting Errors | Sentences contain grammatical errors that the candidate must identify. |
| Sentence Arrangement | Jumbled sentences or paragraphs where candidates have to arrange them in a meaningful order. |
| Comprehension Passages | Based on reading skills and interpretation of given information. |
| Idioms and Phrases | Common idiomatic expressions and their correct usage in sentences. |
| Cloze Test | A paragraph with several blanks. Candidates must choose appropriate words to complete the passage. |
General Knowledge Syllabus for CDS
GK is the most unpredictable and vast section. It tests candidates’ awareness of national and international events, static GK, and general science.
| Topics | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | Events from the past 6–12 months including awards, sports, appointments, summits, military exercises, and government schemes. |
| History of India | Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History including key movements, empires, and freedom struggle events. |
| Geography | Physical geography, Indian states, rivers, mountain ranges, agriculture, and climate zones. |
| Indian Polity | Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Parliament, Judiciary, and governance system. |
| Economy | National income, banking, budgeting, inflation, fiscal policy, economic reforms. |
| Science & Technology | General science topics including inventions, innovations, ISRO, DRDO developments. |
| Environment & Ecology | Climate change, biodiversity, environmental acts, conservation efforts. |
| Defense Awareness | Structure of Indian Armed Forces, ranks, medals, military exercises. |
| Sports | Major sports events, winners, trophies, Olympic and national-level games. |
| Awards & Honors | Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, Nobel Prizes, gallantry awards, international recognitions. |
Mathematics Syllabus for CDS (IMA, INA, AFA only)
This paper is of Class 10 level, testing candidates’ understanding of fundamental concepts, problem-solving ability, and speed.
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Number System | Natural numbers, integers, rational & irrational numbers, LCM & HCF, divisibility rules. |
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Averages, Ratio & Proportion. |
| Algebra | Basic operations, polynomials, linear & quadratic equations, simplification. |
| Trigonometry | Basic trigonometric ratios, height & distance problems, standard angles and values. |
| Geometry | Angles, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, theorems related to area and perimeter. |
| Mensuration | Area and volume of squares, rectangles, spheres, cylinders, cones, cubes. |
| Statistics | Mean, median, mode, bar graphs, pie charts, frequency distribution. |
| Time & Work | Efficiency-based problems and work distribution questions. |
UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 PDF Download
You can download the latest official syllabus PDF for CDS from the UPSC website:
Click Here to Download UPSC CDS Syllabus PDF
Recommended Books for CDS Exam Preparation
| Subject | Book | Publisher/Author |
|---|---|---|
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) |
| General Knowledge | General Knowledge 2025 | Manohar Pandey (Arihant) |
| Mathematics | Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Science | Lucent’s General Science | Lucent |
| Polity/History | Indian Polity / Modern India | M. Laxmikanth / Bipin Chandra |
| Current Affairs | Monthly Magazines + Newspapers | Pratiyogita Darpan, The Hindu |
| Previous Papers | CDS Solved Papers | Arihant Experts |
| Combined Guide | Pathfinder for CDS | Arihant Publications |
CDS Exam Preparation Strategy 2025
- Analyze the Syllabus: Focus on subject-wise strength and weaknesses.
- Daily Routine: Allocate daily time slots for English, GK, and Maths.
- Practice Previous Papers: Helps with understanding the paper pattern.
- Improve English: Read editorials and novels. Use flashcards for vocabulary.
- Stay Updated: Read newspapers daily and revise monthly current affairs magazines.
- Mock Tests: Give weekly mocks and analyze performance.
- Smart Revision: Use short notes and formula sheets before the exam.
Specialization After CDS Exam
| Academy | Training | Commission Type | Service Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA (Dehradun) | Military Training | Permanent Commission | Indian Army |
| INA (Ezhimala) | Naval Training | Permanent Commission | Indian Navy |
| AFA (Hyderabad) | Air Force Training | Permanent Commission | Indian Air Force |
| OTA (Chennai) | Short-term Training | Short Service Commission | Indian Army (Men & Women) |
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 is your roadmap to a career in India’s elite defence services. With three core areas — English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics, and detailed subject-wise subtopics, the exam tests every aspect of a candidate’s aptitude.
Focus on conceptual clarity, revision, and regular practice. Start your journey early, follow a structured plan, read the right books, and keep yourself updated with current events. Consistency and discipline are key to cracking the CDS exam.
Whether you’re aiming for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA — your dedication will decide your destination. Prepare with commitment and confidence.
