CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024 (Revised)

CDS Syllabus (Revised)

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is a gateway to numerous prestigious positions in the Indian Armed Forces. To excel in this highly competitive exam, aspirants must be thoroughly familiar with the CDS syllabus for 2024. The revised syllabus encompasses three subjects: General Knowledge, English, and Elementary Mathematics.

The General Knowledge section assesses the candidate’s understanding of current affairs, history, polity, geography, science, and defense-related topics. The English section evaluates the candidate’s proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. The Elementary Mathematics section tests the candidate’s aptitude in arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, mensuration, and statistics. Here is a detailed overview of the CDS Syllabus.

CDS English Syllabus 2024

1. Comprehension passages
2. Synonyms and antonyms
3. Fill in the blanks
4. Error spotting
5. Sentence improvement
6. Jumbled sentences
7. Idioms and phrases
8. Vocabulary
9. Grammar and usage
10. Parts of speech
11. Direct and indirect speech
12. Active and passive voice
13. Rearrangement of sentences
14. Cloze test

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 Maths Syllabus 2024

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

• 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 tendency.

CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2024

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.

1. 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.
2. History: Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, Indian national movement, and the growth of nationalism.
3. Geography: Physical, social, and economic aspects of geography, including Indian geography and world geography.
4. Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution of India, political system, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
5. Economic and Social Development: Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
6. Science and Technology: Developments in the field of science and technology, including space technology, biotechnology, and computer technology.
7. Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, and climate change.
8. 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 OTA Syllabus

The CDS OTA Syllabus 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 OTA English Syllabus

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.