CDS Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern: Subject-Wise Guide for Aspirants

 
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2025, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of the most prestigious entry points for aspirants dreaming to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Through this exam, candidates can secure a place in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

To crack this highly competitive exam, understanding the CDS syllabus 2025 and exam pattern is the first step. This guide breaks down the structure of the exam and provides a detailed subject-wise syllabus along with preparation tips and recommended books.


CDS Exam Pattern 2025

The CDS exam is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper), with objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The structure varies slightly depending on the academy:

For IMA, INA, and AFA

Papers: English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics

Duration: 2 hours each

Marks: 100 marks per paper (Total = 300 marks)

SSB Interview: 300 marks


For OTA

Papers: English, General Knowledge

Duration: 2 hours each

Marks: 100 marks per paper (Total = 200 marks)

SSB Interview: 300 marks


🔹 Note: Except for the English paper, all question papers are bilingual (English and Hindi).
🔹 Negative marking: 1/3rd mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.

This structure demands accuracy, speed, and strong time management.

CDS Syllabus 2025: Subject-Wise Breakdown

1. English Syllabus

The English section checks a candidate’s language proficiency at the graduation level. Key areas include:

Reading Comprehension: Passages to test inference and analysis

Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, word meanings

Grammar: Error spotting, sentence improvement, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech

Sentence Arrangement: Jumbled sentences/paragraphs for logical ordering

Idioms & Phrases: Commonly used expressions

Cloze Test & Sentence Completion: Contextual usage of words


📌 Tip: Read newspapers and editorials daily, practice grammar exercises, and revise previous years’ papers.


2. General Knowledge Syllabus

GK tests a candidate’s awareness of current affairs and static knowledge. Important areas include:

Current Affairs: National & international events, awards, sports, summits, defense exercises

History: Ancient, medieval, and modern history with emphasis on the freedom struggle

Geography: Indian & world geography, climate, agriculture, rivers, and resources

Polity: Constitution, governance, fundamental rights, Parliament, Panchayati Raj

Economy: Basics of national income, inflation, banking, reforms

Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology fundamentals

Environment & Ecology: Biodiversity, conservation, climate change

Defense & Security: Structure of Indian Armed Forces, national security issues


📌 Tip: Read The Hindu, follow monthly current affairs magazines, and prepare crisp revision notes.

3. Elementary Mathematics Syllabus (For IMA, INA, AFA only)

The Mathematics paper covers concepts up to Class 10 level. Topics include:

Arithmetic: Percentages, ratio & proportion, profit & loss, SI & CI, time & work, time & distance

Number Theory: Prime numbers, divisibility, HCF, LCM, factorization, logarithms

Algebra: Quadratic equations, linear equations, sets, indices

Trigonometry: Basic identities, sine, cosine, tangent (0°–90°), height & distance problems

Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, congruence, similarity

Mensuration: Area & volume of 2D and 3D figures

Statistics: Data interpretation, histograms, pie charts, mean, median, mode


📌 Tip: Practice NCERT Class 9–10 problems, revise formulas, and attempt timed mock tests.


Preparation Tips for CDS 2025

1. Download the Official Syllabus: Get the CDS syllabus PDF from upsc.gov.in.


2. Make a Study Plan: Allocate time based on strengths and weaknesses. Keep a balance between English, GK, and Maths.


3. Practice Previous Papers: Helps in identifying recurring topics and improves speed.


4. Stay Updated: Read daily newspapers and follow reliable online current affairs portals.


5. Mock Tests: Attempt weekly mock tests to simulate the exam environment.


6. Revision Notes: Prepare short notes for quick last-minute revision.


Recommended Books for CDS 2025

English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

General Knowledge: Lucent’s General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook

Mathematics: Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal, NCERT Maths (Class 9 & 10).

Why Understanding the Syllabus Matters?

A clear knowledge of the syllabus helps you:

Focus on high-weightage topics

Avoid wasting time on irrelevant content

Build conceptual clarity

Boost confidence through targeted preparation

Final Thoughts

The CDS Examination 2025 opens doors to India’s most prestigious defense academies. With the right preparation strategy—mastering English, staying consistent with current affairs & GK, and strengthening Maths fundamentals—candidates can excel in the written exam and perform confidently in the SSB interview.

Discipline, regular practice, and a smart approach are the ultimate keys to success.

👉 Start today, stick to your plan, and march confidently towards your dream of serving the nation in the Indian Armed Forces.