CDS Syllabus 2026, Check Detailed Topics of Written Exam

Q: Ques: What is CDS 2026 syllabus?

Ans: CDS syllabus covers various subjects such as mathematics, English, general knowledge, and Current Affairs.

Q: Ques: What is CDS OTA syllabus?

Ans: CDS OTA syllabus is divided into two sections: General English and General Knowledge. Grammar, Idioms and Phrases, Comprehension, Synonyms, and Antonyms are some of the topics covered in English. Current events, History, Political Science, General Science, Economics, and Geography are all topics covered in General knowledge.

Q: Ques: Is there a difference between CDS IMA Syllabus and CDS OTA Syllabus?

Ans: No, CDS IMA Syllabus differs slightly from CDS OTA Syllabus. The OTA exam does not include any questions from the Mathematics section.

Q: Ques: How many papers are there in CDS?

Ans: There are three papers in CDS namely: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.

Q: Ques: What are the best resources for preparing for CDS 2026?

Ans: Candidates can use various resources such as books, previous year question papers, mock tests, online study material, and coaching institutes to prepare for CDS 2026.

Anshika

Mar 25, 2026

CDS 2026 syllabus covers three major subjects, English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude for defence training. For admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA), all three subjects are included in the written exam. However, for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), the syllabus is limited to English and General Knowledge, as Mathematics is not part of the OTA exam pattern. The syllabus evaluates grammar and comprehension skills, current affairs awareness, defence-related knowledge, scientific understanding, and basic mathematical concepts up to Class 10 level. Candidates should practice previous year question papers and refer to CDS Study Material while preparation.

Table of Contents

CDS English Syllabus 2026
CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2026
CDS Elementry Mathematics Syllabus 2026
CDS Topic-wise Weightage 2026
CDS Syllabus 2026 FAQs

CDS English Syllabus 2026

Following are the topics from which the questions are asked in this section

Basic Grammar
Idioms & Phrases
Synonyms and Antonyms
Reading Comprehension Solving
Substitution of Words
Error Spotting
Para Jumbles
Sentence Improvement or Sentence Correction
Ordering of Sentences

CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2026

Following are the topics from which the questions are asked in this section. You should refer to detailed CDS GK Syllabus for effective preparation.

Economics
Physics
Current Affairs
Political Science
Chemistry
Sociology
Indian History
Defense-related Award
Geography
Environment
Sport
Biology
Cultural
Books
Statement
True/False

CDS Elementary Mathematics Syllabus 2026

While preparing, ensure to practice each topic and sub-topic pf CDS Maths Syllabus thoroughly. You also need to remember all the formulas.

Subject	Topics
Arithmetic	Number System: Natural numbers, Rational & Real numbers, Integers Fundamental operation: Subtraction, multiplication, addition, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions Time and work Percentage Time and Distance Simple and Compound interest Ratio and Proportion Profit and Loss 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 L.C.M. and H.C.F. Euclidean Algorithm Logarithms to base 10, use of logarithmic tables Laws of Logarithms
Algebra	Basic Operations Simple Factors H.C.F. and L.C.M. Remainder Theorem Theory of Polynomials Solutions of quadratic equations, the relation between its roots & coefficients (Only real roots to be considered) Linear inequalities in two variables and their solutions Linear equations in two unknowns—Analytical & Graphical Solutions Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequalities in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions Rational expressions and conditional identities Set Language & Set Notation 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	Plane & plane figures, Lines & Angles Theorems on Properties of angles at a point Parallel lines Sides & angles of a triangle Congruency of triangles Similar triangles Concurrence of medians and altitudes Properties of angles, sides, and diagonals of a parallelogram, square, and rectangle Circles and their properties including tangents and normals Loci
Mensuration	Areas of squares, Rectangles, Parallelograms, Triangles, and Circles. Surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book), surface area and volume of spheres
Statistics	Collection and tabulation of statistical data Graphical representation frequency: Polygons, Histograms, Bar charts, Pie charts Measures of Central Tendency

CDS Topic-wise Weightage 2026

Some topics from each subject carry more marks in the exam than others. Check those topics below.

CDS Topic-wise Distribution for English

Topic	Total Questions
Cloze Test	20
Reading Comprehension	22
Synonyms/ Antonyms	15
One Word Substitution	5
Para Jumble	10
Sentence-Jumble	7
Error Detection	20
Sentence Improvement	20

CDS Topic-wise Distribution for General Knowledge

Topic	Total Questions
History	19
Science	27
Polity	20
Ecology	6
Military Wings/ Forces	15
Economy/Trade	11
Geography	22

CDS Topic-wise Distribution for Mathematics

Topic	Number of Questions
Mensuration	15
Algebra	8
SI/ CI	5
Speed and Distance	6
Number System	18
Mixture	-
Percentage	2
Profit/Loss	1
Geometry	20
Time and Work	3
Trigonometry	14
Mean-Median-Mode	4
Clock	2

Candidates should strictly follow CDS syllabus, which ensures that your preparation stays focused and aligned with what UPSC actually tests. It helps you avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics and builds a strong conceptual base. Alongside this, regularly practicing previous year papers familiarizes you with the exam pattern, difficulty level, and recurring question types.

Relevant Links
CDS Exam Pattern	CDS Selection Process	CDS Cutoff
CDS Previous Year Question Paper	CDS Mock Test Series	CDS Answer Key

CDS Syllabus 2026 FAQs

Ques: What is CDS 2026 syllabus?

Ans: CDS syllabus covers various subjects such as mathematics, English, general knowledge, and Current Affairs.

Ques: What is CDS OTA syllabus?

Ans: CDS OTA syllabus is divided into two sections: General English and General Knowledge. Grammar, Idioms and Phrases, Comprehension, Synonyms, and Antonyms are some of the topics covered in English. Current events, History, Political Science, General Science, Economics, and Geography are all topics covered in General knowledge.

Ques: Is there a difference between CDS IMA Syllabus and CDS OTA Syllabus?

Ans: No, CDS IMA Syllabus differs slightly from CDS OTA Syllabus. The OTA exam does not include any questions from the Mathematics section.

Ques: How many papers are there in CDS?

Ans: There are three papers in CDS namely: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.

Ques: What are the best resources for preparing for CDS 2026?

Ans: Candidates can use various resources such as books, previous year question papers, mock tests, online study material, and coaching institutes to prepare for CDS 2026.