CDS Syllabus 2025 - Download UPSC CDS Exam Syllabus PDF

CDS Syllabus 2025 - Download UPSC CDS Exam Syllabus PDF

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Dec 11, 2024 10:28 PM IST | #CDS
Upcoming Event
CDS  Exam Date : 13 Apr' 2025 - 13 Apr' 2025

UPSC released the CDS syllabus 2025 in the official notification. Candidates are advised to make use of the UPSC CDS syllabus 2025 PDF for their exam preparation. The syllabus of CDS exam helps candidates to better understand the type of questions asked. The CDS 1 exam will be held on April 13, 2025. The direct link to download the UPSC CDS syllabus and exam pattern is also updated on this page.
Download - CDS Syllabus PDF

This Story also Contains
  1. CDS Syllabus 2025
  2. CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - Prelims, Mains & SSB Interview
  3. CDS Exam Pattern for SSB Interview
  4. CDS Question Paper 2025
  5. Best Books for CDS 2025
CDS Syllabus 2025 - Download UPSC CDS Exam Syllabus PDF
CDS Syllabus 2025 - Download UPSC CDS Exam Syllabus PDF

Aspirants can also get the CDS OTA syllabus in the form of a PDF file. Candidates should check the UPSC CDS 2025 syllabus, chapters and topics that will be asked in the exam. Read the article completely to know more about the CDS 1 syllabus 2025.

CDS Syllabus 2025

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam has two written papers for the OTA course and three written papers for other courses. The subjects from which the questions are asked in the CDS 2025 exam are Mathematics, English and General Knowledge.

English and General Knowledge questions are asked in both the CDS OTA and CDS IMA/ INA/ AFA courses. CDS IMA/ INA/ AFA course has one extra subject which is Mathematics. The questions asked in the CDS exam are of 10th and 12th standard.

CDS Syllabus 2025 - Written Exam

Subjects

Topics

CDS Maths syllabus

  • Number System
  • Elementary Number Theory
  • Algebra
  • Trigonometry
  • Geometry
  • Mensuration
  • Statistics
  • Intelligence and personality test

CDS English syllabus

The question paper will be asked to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.

CDS General Knowledge syllabus

General Knowledge including knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject. The paper will also include questions on the History of India and the Geography of nature which candidates should be able to answer without special study.

CDS Exam Pattern 2025 - Prelims, Mains & SSB Interview

The UPSC CDS 2025 exam pattern is prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission in the official notification. According to the CDS exam pattern, the written exam will be objective type in nature i.e. in the form of MCQs. As per the CDS OTA syllabus , OTA exam has two papers whereas CDS IMA/ INA/ AFA have three papers. Along with the exam pattern, candidates must also check the CDS exam syllabus for better preparations. There is a negative marking for every wrong answer.

CDS OTA Exam Pattern 2025

Papers

Subjects

Marks

Duration

Paper 1

General Knowledge

100

Two hrs

Paper 2

English

100

Two hrs

CDS IMA/ INA/ AFA Exam Pattern 20255

Papers

Subjects

Marks

Duration

Paper 1

General Knowledge

100

2 hrs

Paper 2

English

100

2 hrs

Paper 3

Mathematics

100

2 hrs

CDS Exam Pattern for SSB Interview

The CDS SSB procedure consists of two stages - Stage 1 and Stage 3. Candidates who clear Stage 1 are eligible to appear for Stage 2. The personality of a candidate is assessed by three different assessors viz. The Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist. There is no separate weightage for each test. The marks are allotted by assessors only after taking into consideration the performance of the candidate.

SSB Interview: Stage I comprises of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT). The candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of the combination of performance in the OIR Test and PP & DT.

SSB Interview: Stage II Comprises of Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These all tests are conducted for four days.

CDS Question Paper 2025

Candidates should make sure that their exam preparation is in the right direction while preparing for the UPSC CDS exam 2025. The commission will provide the UPSC CDS question paper 2025 in the form of PDF files. The question paper of CDS 2025 will help the candidates to improve their exam preparation. Also, It is mandatory to solve the previous years' question paper of CDS to get an overall idea about the syllabus and exam pattern. Candidates can evaluate themselves by solving the previous year's UPSC CDS 2025 question papers.

Best Books for CDS 2025

One of the toughest tasks in exam preparation is selecting the best books for CDS exam 2025. Candidates get confused while selecting the best books for CDS 2025. Lot of preparation books are available in the market. Candidates are advised to choose the books based on the latest CDS syllabus 2025 and exam pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the CDS 1 application form 2025 going to be released?

CDS 1 2025 application form has been released on December 11, 2024.

2. Is the UPSC CDS 2025 exam conducted online or offline?

UPSC CDS exam for both the courses i.e. OTA and IMA, INA & AFA are conducted in offline mode.

3. What is the minimum education qualification required for the CDS exam 2025?

The minimum education qualification needed to be eligible for the CDS 2025 exam is graduation.

4. How many papers are there in CDS written exam 2025?

According to the CDS 2025 syllabus, there are three sections including English, Mathematics and General Knowledge.

5. What are the different stages of the CDS exam 2025?

CDS 2025 exam has two stages - A written exam and an SSB interview.

6. What are the sections in the syllabus of CDS OTA?

As per the CDS OTA syllabus, there are two sections including English and General Knowledge.

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

Hello Swastika,

Yes, as a student of a 5-year integrated law course , you can be eligible for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam at the end of your 4th year , provided you meet the following criteria:

  1. Educational Qualification : For the Indian Army wing, you must have completed your graduation or be in the final year of your degree course. Since you are pursuing a 5-year integrated law course, you will be eligible to apply once you have completed the 4th year (which would make you eligible for the CDS exam, as per the graduation requirement).

  2. Age Limit : Ensure that you meet the age criteria for the CDS exam. For the Indian Army wing, the age limit is typically 19 to 24 years .

  3. SSB Interview : If you qualify for the CDS written exam , you will be called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. Your eligibility for the SSB will depend on successfully clearing the written exam and meeting the medical fitness and other criteria.

Since you are pursuing a law degree, you can appear for the Indian Army wing of the CDS exam. Make sure you meet the age and qualification requirements by the time you appear for the exam.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant,

The CDS 1 & 2 exam 2025 notification dates have already been released by the authority. Applications for CDS 1 2025 must be submitted by December 31, 2024. The date of the 2025 CDS 1 exam is April 13, 2025.
On December 11, 2024, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) published the notification for NDA 1 2025. From December 11 until December 31, 2024, NDA 1 application form 2025 will be accessible. On April 13, 2025, the NDA 1 2025 written test will take place.
Both the exams will be conducted on April 13, 2025.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

Hi,

Yes, you can join the Indian Navy through the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam with a B.Sc. in Nautical Science (B.Sc. NM). The CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC ) twice a year for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. find the eligibility criteria for  CDS exam

Eligibility Criteria for Joining the Indian Navy via CDS:

Educational Qualification:

For the Indian Navy, you must have a B.Sc. in Nautical Science (B.Sc. NM) or any other relevant qualification.The typical qualification for the Indian Navy (Naval Academy) is a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or a relevant field. B.Sc. NM fits this requirement.

Age Limit:

The age limit for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) through CDS is usually 19 to 22 years. However, please verify the current age criteria when applying

Nationality:

You must be an I ndian citizen or meet specific conditions or have migrated from specific countries

Physical and Medical Standards:

You need to meet the physical fitness standards set by the Indian Navy, which typically includes height, weight, eyesight, and overall health

Hello aspirant,

When applying to the Officers Training Academy, SSC Women enrolled in non-technical courses must be at least 25 years old to sit for the CDS exam.
Applicants must have finished their degree program or be taking the final test in order to sit for the CDS exam.
So if you fulfill this eligibility criteria, then you are eligible for CDS exam 2027.

Thank you

No, completing your college through dummy or non-regular means will not necessarily result in a negative impression during your SSB interview or screening process.

The SSB (Service Selection Board) assesses candidates based on various qualities such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and personality. While the mode of completing your college education may be considered, it is not the sole determining factor.

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

  • Focus on the Fundamentals: Ensure you have a strong understanding of the core subjects related to your degree. The SSB assesses your knowledge and problem-solving skills, not just the mode of study.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Highlight any extracurricular activities, internships, or projects you've undertaken during your college years. These can demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and initiative.
  • Confidence and Communication: Project confidence and effective communication skills during the SSB process. Your ability to express yourself clearly and confidently is crucial.
  • Honesty and Integrity: Be honest about your educational background and any relevant experiences. The SSB values integrity and transparency.

While completing your college through dummy or non-regular means may raise questions, it is not an automatic disqualification. If you can demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and potential, you can still successfully clear the SSB and be considered for selection.

It's important to focus on developing the qualities and skills that are valued by the SSB. By showcasing your abilities and potential, you can overcome any initial concerns related to your mode of education.

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