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CDS Syllabus 2024 and Exam Pattern

CDS Syllabus 2024 and Exam Pattern_20.1

CDS Syllabus 2024

Candidates preparing for CDS 1 2024 Exam must thoroughly review the subject-wise CDS Syllabus for English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. The exam, divided into two phases – a written examination and SSB Interview, demands hardcore preparation for successful progression. Understanding the CDS Syllabus is important for effective performance. Conducted twice in a year by UPSC, the CDS Exam recruits for various branches of the Indian Armed Forces. The exam’s written test and SSB Interview are equally important for selection. A strong command over the CDS Syllabus significantly enhances candidates performance in the CDS Exam 2024.

CDS Syllabus 2024: Overview

Candidates who want to enter into Defence Forces through CDS must be looking for its exam pattern, topics-wise marking schemes, the number of questions and other related useful information. Though the CDS syllabus 2024 has not changed much still few changes are there which you may face while appearing for the exam. CDS Application Form 2024 has been released in December 2023. One needs to be well-versed with the pattern and CDS syllabus for the exam. Given below is the overview of the CDS Syllabus 2024.

CDS Syllabus 2024: Overview
Name of the Exam Combined Defence Forces (CDS)
Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Conducted in A Year Twice a Year
Mode of Examination Offline
Type of Questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Medium Hindi or English
Number of Sections For Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) – Three
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Two
Number of Questions IMA/INA/AFA – 300
OTA – 200
Time Duration 2 hours for each paper
Negative Marking Yes (1/3rd deducted for every wrong answer)

CDS Exam Pattern 2024

The CDS exam pattern serves as the entry point to prestigious military institutions like the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy. It’s conducted offline, with two segments: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. Each subject lasts two hours and carries 100 marks. The SSB Test/Interview spans five days, evaluating candidates’ abilities, awareness, mathematical aptitude, and personality traits, assessing their suitability for the armed forces, totaling 300 marks.

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CDS Exam Pattern for IMA, INA and AFA

The CDS Exam pattern for the IMA, INA and AFA is given below.

Subject Duration Maximum Marks
English 2 Hours 100
General Knowledge 2 Hours 100
Mathematics 2 Hours 100
SSB Test/Interview 5 Days 300

CDS Exam Pattern for OTA

The CDS Exam pattern for the OTA is given below.

Subject Duration Maximum Marks
English 2 Hours 100
General Knowledge 2 Hours 100
SSB Test/Interview 5 days 300

CDS Syllabus 2024 (Revised)

To perform well in the CDS exam, candidates need to understand the CDS syllabus 2024. The syllabus covers three main subjects: General Knowledge, English, and Elementary Mathematics. The General Knowledge section focuses on current events, history, politics, geography, science, and defense-related topics. The English section tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. The Elementary Mathematics section assesses arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, mensuration, and statistics.

CDS Syllabus 2024 for English

The CDS Syllabus 2024 for English consists subsequent subjects. The complexity of the questions will be like that of secondary school education. Applicants are recommended to engage in consistent reading of newspapers, books, and magazines to enhance both their reading and writing proficiencies.

Section Topics Description
Vocabulary
  • Basic Grammar
  • Idioms & Phrases
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • Sentence Completion, etc.
This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of English vocabulary.
Reading Passage
  • Reading Comprehension Solving
  • Para Jumbles
  • Understanding the main idea and supporting details
  • Answering questions based on the passage, etc.
This section tests the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written English.
Grammar
  • Error Spotting
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Cloze test
  • Active and passive voice
  • Direct and indirect speech
  • Transformation of sentences, etc.
This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of English grammar.

To prepare for the English section, we have provided you with the best Test series prepared by professionals. You should solve the practice sets that are available. It will also help you to know where you stand in your preparation. Read the Newspaper daily and note difficult words and find their meaning to improve your vocabulary. Go through the grammar part and learn all the basic rules. It will help you in detecting errors in sentencing and even in sentence completion.

CDS Syllabus 2024 for Maths

The CDS syllabus 2024 for Mathematics subject for the exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India for recruitment in the Indian Army, Navy, and Airforce, includes the following topics:

CDS Syllabus 2024 Maths
Number System
  • Natural numbers
  • Integers
  • Rational and Real numbers.
  • Fundamental operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
  • Square roots
  • Decimal fractions.
  • Unitary method
  • time and distance
  • time and work
  • percentages
  • applications to simple and compound interest
  • profit and loss
  • ratio and proportion
  • variation.
Elementary Number Theory
  • Division algorithm.
  • Prime and composite numbers.
  • Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11.
  • Multiples and factors.
  • Factorisation Theorem.
  • H.C.F. and L.C.M.
  • Euclidean algorithm.
  • Logarithms to base 10
  • laws of logarithms
  • use of logarithmic tables.
Algebra
  • Basic Operations
  • simple factors
  • Remainder Theorem
  • H.C.F., L.C.M.
  • Theory of polynomials
  • solutions of quadratic equations
  • relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered).
  • Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions.
  • Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions.
  • Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions.
  • Set language and set notation
  • Rational expressions and conditional identities
  • Laws of indices.
Trigonometry
  • Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° Values of sin ×, cos × and tan ×, for ×= 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° Simple trigonometric identities.
  • Use of trigonometric tables. Simple cases of heights and distances.
Geometry
  • Lines and angles
  • Plane and plane figures
  • Theorems on (i) Properties of angles at a point, (ii) Parallel lines, (iii) Sides and angles of a triangle, (iv) Congruency of triangles, (v) Similar triangles, (vi) Concurrence of medians and altitudes, (vii) Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a Parallelogram, rectangle and square, (viii) Circles and its properties including tangents and normals, (ix) Loci.
Mensuration
  • Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangle and circle.
  • Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book)
  • Surface area and volume of cuboids
  • lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders
  • surface area and volume of spheres.
Statistics
  • Collection and tabulation of statistical data
  • Graphical representation frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts etc.
  • Measures of central tendenc

CDS Syllabus 2024 Maths Question Weightage

This table provides an overview of the topics covered in the CDS syllabus 2024 for Maths and their approximate weightage in terms of the number of questions asked in the exam.

Topic Weightage in CDS Maths Section (Approximate Number of Questions)
Number System 20-22 questions
Mensuration 14-16 questions
Geometry 10-12 questions
Trigonometry 10-12 questions
Algebra 10-11 questions

CDS Syllabus 2024 General Knowledge

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 a nature which candidates should be able to answer without special study.

CDS Syllabus 2024 General Knowledge
Current Affairs Events of national and international importance, sports, awards and honours, books and authors, and major developments in the fields of politics, economics, and social issues.
History Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, Indian national movement, and the growth of nationalism.
Geography  Physical, social, and economic aspects of geography, including Indian geography and world geography.
Indian Polity and Governance Constitution of India, political system, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
Economic and Social Development Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
Science and Technology Developments in the field of science and technology, including space technology, biotechnology, and computer technology.
Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity  Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, and climate change.
Defence and Security Issues Current events related to national security, internal and external threats, and role of Armed Forces.

Apart from self preparation,  you can also take online course from Adda247 for the same. This helps in clearing doubts. Professional guidance will boost your Josh for the exam preparation. Be true to yourself and give your best efforts for the exam as the competition is tough.

CDS Syllabus 2024 OTA

The CDS Syllabus 2024 OTA is the same as the syllabus for the other two academies, namely Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) except for one Mathematics paper. CDS Official Training Academy(OTA) syllabus has only two papers English and General knowledge. Check CDS OTA Subject-wise Syllabus below.

CDS Syllabus 2024 for OTA English

To crack the English section you just need to learn some basic grammar rules and practice as many previous year questions as possible of various types. The topics which includes in the CDS OTA English Syllabus are tabulated below:

CDS Syllabus 2024 OTA English
Sentence arrangement
Spotting Error
Selecting words
Synonyms and Antonyms
Comprehension
Ordering of Sentence
Ordering of words
Idioms and Phrases
Fill in the blanks

CDS Syllabus 2024 OTA: General Ability Test

General Awareness consists of a lot more than we can possibly study so the best can we do is to have the right approach. Team of DefenceAdda helps you to target that quality-based content.

CDS  Syllabus 2024 OTA General Ability Test
Current Affairs
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Geography
History
Politics
Sociology
Economics
Defence Related Awards
Sports and Culture
Environmental Science

CDS Syllabus 2024 for SSB

The SSB selection process involves two stages: I and II. Those who clear stage I proceed to stage II. Three assessors – Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO), and Psychologist – evaluate candidates’ personalities. There is no individual test weightage; marks depend on overall performance, including the Conference. The IO, GTO, and Psych tests aim to identify Officer Like Qualities and trainability. Recommendations are made based on candidates’ SSB performance.

Stage Test
Stage 1 Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
Picture Prescription and Descriptive Test
Stage 2 Interview
Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
Psychology Test
Conference
Stage 3 – Group Discussion

CDS Syllabus 2024 in Hindi

सीडीएस (Combined Defence Services) परीक्षा का सिलेबस तीन खंडों में बाँटा गया है –

  • सामान्य जागरूकता और विज्ञान (General Knowledge and Science): इस खंड में आर्थिक, सामाजिक और सामान्य ज्ञान के प्रश्न शामिल होते हैं, साथ ही विज्ञान के बुनियादी विषयों पर प्रश्नों का अध्ययन किया जाता है।
  • अंग्रेजी भाषा (English Language): इस खंड में व्याकरण, वाक्य रचना, वाक्य सुधार, अनुवाद, विविध विषयों पर प्रश्न शामिल होते हैं।
  • गणित (Mathematics): इस खंड में सांख्यिकी, बीजगणित, त्रिकोणमिति, बहुपद, रेखीय समीकरण, और विभिन्न गणितीय विषयों पर प्रश्नों का अध्ययन किया जाता है।

CDS Exam Important Instructions

The candidates preparing for the CDS exam must keep in mind the Important instructions that will help them in their preparation and also having an knowledge about the CDS exam 2024. Given below are some important instructions:

  • Use a black ballpoint pen to fill in your center, subject, CDS 2024 test booklet series, subject code, and exam roll number in the provided spaces on the answer sheet.
  • Encode your CDS 2024 booklet series (A, B, C, or D), subject code, and roll number in the circles on the answer sheet.
  • If the booklet series is missing or the answer sheet is unnumbered, inform the invigilator for a replacement.
  • Any mistakes in encoding details may lead to rejection, especially for Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code.
  • Check your test booklet for completeness and report any issues to the invigilator.
  • Only provide the requested information on the CDS answer sheet; no names or additional details.
  • Keep the answer sheet intact; avoid folding, damaging, or marking on the reverse side.

CDS Preparation Tips 2024

All the candidates preparing for the CDS exam must be aware of the CDS Preparation Tips in order to boost their preparation and increase their chances of getting selected in the CDS Exam 2024. Given below are the CDS Preparation Tips:

  • Aim for excellence rather than merely meeting the CDS cutoff to maximize your chances of success.
  • Dedicate effort, commitment, and maintain composure during the exam to achieve the best CDS result and qualify for the SSB.
  • Practice solving a variety of previous year’s CDS question papers to familiarize yourself with different question types.
  • Engage in comprehensive practice for each subject, covering various question formats.
  • Allocate three to four hours per week for your studies to ensure consistent preparation.
  • Thoroughly review all subjects in the CDS syllabus 2024.
  • Focus on strengthening weak areas while also dedicating time to reinforce strong areas.

CDS Syllabus 2024 and Exam Pattern_30.1

CDS Related Useful Links
CDS 1 Notification 2024 CDS Salary
CDS Selection Process CDS Previous Year Papers
CDS Eligibility Criteria

 

FAQs

What is the official website of UPSC CDS syllabus?

The CDS syllabus is available on Official website of UPSC which is upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in and also available in the above article.

How many papers are there in the UPSC CDS exam?

There are 3 Papers for IMA/INA/AFA i.e. General Knowledge, English and Mathematics. There is no Mathematics paper for OTA category.

In which language UPSC CDS exam will be taken?

UPSC CDS will be taken in both Hindi as well as English. Candidates can choose any of the language for giving CDS exam.

Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?

Yes, there is negative marking in the CDS exam. For each incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks allotted to that question will be deducted.

How can I prepare for the CDS exam?

To prepare for the CDS exam, it is important to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. It is also recommended to practice time management and develop test-taking strategies

What is the CDS Syllabus 2024 for English?

The CDS Syllabus 2024 for english consists of topics like : Comprehension passages, Synonyms and antonyms, Fill in the blanks, Error spotting, Sentence improvement etc. Read the above article for all the topics.

What is the CDS Syllabus 2024 for GA?

The CDS Syllabus 2024 for GA consists of topics like Current Affairs, History, Geography etc.