Through CDS Exam, UPSC, the conducting body, recruits candidates for Indian Military Academy(IMA), Indian Naval Academy(INA), Air Force Academy(AFA), and Officers' Training Academy(OTA). The written test will be conducted for 3 subjects namely, English Language, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
There are 2 types of question sets - one for IMA, INA, and AFA; and another for OTA applicants. Mathematics paper is important and must for the applicants of IMA, INA, and AFA whereas OTA candidates do not need to prepare for Mathematics Paper.
Must Read: CDS 2020 English: Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Preparation Tips, and Recommended Books
Check Here: CDS 2020 Selection Process
As per the declaration of UPSC, the syllabus of CDS Elementary Mathematics consists of 7 sections such as Number System, Elementary Number Theory, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics. To begin preparation, one can always start with NCERT Mathematics 9th and 10th standard books and it will also help to understand the steps and create your own shortcuts.
Natural numbers | Integers | Rational and Real Number |
Additions | Subtractions | Multiplications |
Square Roots | Decimal fractions | Unitary method |
Time and Work | Percentages | Applications to simple and compound Interest |
Ratio and Proportion | Variations | Profit and Loss |
Time and distance | Division | Fundamental Operations |
Division algorithm | Prime and composite numbers |
Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11 | Multiples and factors |
Factorization Theorem | H.C.F. and L.C.M. |
Euclidean algorithm | Logarithms to base 10 |
Laws of logarithms | Use of logarithmic tables |
Basic Operations | Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions |
Simple Factors | Simultaneous linear inequalities in two variables and their solutions |
Remainder Theorem | Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequalities in two variables or quadratic equations in one |
Theory of Polynomials | Set Language and set notation |
HCF & LCM | Relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots will be considered) |
Solutions of quadratic equations | Variable & their solutions |
Law of Indices | Rational Expressions and Conditional Identities |
Areas of squares | Rectangles |
Parallelograms | Triangle and Circle |
Areas of figures which can be split up into smaller figures | Surface area and volume of cuboids |
Lateral Surface, Area and volume of spheres | Volume of Right Circular Cones, cylinders and Surface |
Check Here: CDS 2020 Eligibility Criteria in detail
Topics | Level of difficulty | Number of Questions |
---|---|---|
Number System | Easy | 20 |
Mensuration | Moderate | 13 - 15 |
Geometry | Moderate to Difficult | 11 - 15 |
Time, Speed and Distance | Moderate | 6 |
Simple Interest/ Compound interest | Easy | 2 - 5 |
Trigonometry | Moderate | 12 |
Algebra | Moderate to Difficult | 7 - 10 |
Percentage | Easy-Moderate | 2 - 4 |
Mixture | Moderate | 1 |
Time and Work | Moderate | 5 |
Ratio and Proportion | Moderate | 2 |
Profit and Loss | Moderate | 1 |
DI and DS | Moderate | 3 |
Statistics | Easy | 8 |
To know other sections, Check CDS 2020 syllabus and Exam Pattern
To crack CDS, candidates should aim at least to obtain 65 marks in Elementary Mathematics Paper.
Any candidate preparing for CDS II 2020, can easily expect 15 to 20 questions from this section. It can be said that approximately this section contains almost 15% of this paper. So candidates need to focus on every concept and method. Some easy tips to solve and prepare for Number system:
The things you should be learning are the tricks of the sum of natural numbers, sum of squares, sum of cubes, tests of Divisibility and H.C.F AND L.C.M as well as few important formulas.
17 - 20 questions out of 100 questions come from Algebra. Basic operations, simple factors, and remainder theorems are good topics to start algebra preparation. Some tips and tricks for solving algebra problems in a faster way:
Check CDS 2020 Preparation Tips
Around 10-15 questions were asked from the trigonometry section in the CDS Mathematics paper. Thus, the weightage of trigonometry in the UPSC CDS exam is around 12-15%. Some basic tips that you can follow while preparing for mathematics:
Geometry is one of the most important sections in Mathematics. 15 - 20 questions come in the CDS Mathematics paper from the geometry section. Geometry section can be divided into three subsections like Co-ordinate geometry; Properties of lines and Angles; and Properties of Triangles, Circles, Rectangles, Squares, etc.
Mensuration actually deals with the problems related to Measurements which include columns, areas, lengths, etc. From this topic 13 to 15 questions are expected in the CDS II 2020 Exam.
Check Complete UPSC CDS 2020 Exam Dates
In CDS II 2020, maximum of 8 questions can be expected from Statistics. It is quite easy if you have a clear concept. Statistics can be divided into three parts: Common Statistics Terms, Frequency Distribution and Data Interpretations.
Previous years’ questions papers are one of the main keys to crack CDS II 2020 Exam. Click on link “ Download” to download to previous years’ question papers of CDS Mathematics:
Name of Years | Link |
---|---|
CDS I 2020 | Download |
CDS II 2019 | Download |
CDS I 2019 | Download |
CDS II 2018 | Download |
CDS I 2018 | Download |
CDS II 2017 | Download |
CDS I 2017 | Download |
CDS II 2016 | Download |
CDS I 2016 | Download |
CDS II 2015 | Download |
CDS I 2015 | Download |
CDS II 2014 | Download |
CDS I 2014 | Download |
These days candidates can always go for online books and mock tests that are provided by numerous websites. But to complete the syllabus of the CDS Mathematics Paper, candidates are advised to use the following books for reference and they need to practice it on a regular basis. For SSB interview, candidates will also require these books for Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning.
Name of Books | Author/Publisher |
---|---|
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination | Dr R. S. Aggarwal(S.Chand Publication) |
Mathematics for CDS Examination | Dr R. S. Aggarwal(S.Chand Publication) |
Pathfinder for CDS Examination | Arihant Publication |
Quicker Mathematics | M.Tyra |
Numerical Ability | Dilhan Publications |
Ques. What is the level of maths in CDS?
Ans. Overall, CDS Mathematics paper is difficult to crack in comparison with the English paper. Mathematics paper needs to be understood and not to be memorized. There is no shortcut that will help you crack mathematics.
Ques. Is Mathematics paper mandatory for CDS candidates?
Ans. For IMA, INA and AFA candidates, the total marks are 300 including Mathematics paper having 100 marks and they need to have at least 20 % of minimum qualifying marks in each subject including Mathematics. But for OTA candidates, this paper is not mandatory. They need to give CDS of 200 marks including English and GK.
Ques. When will be the mathematics paper held?
Ans. As it is declared by UPSC that CDS is a one-day examination, on the declared date by UPSC, all three papers will be held.
Ques. Is the Mathematics paper held online or offline?
Ans. Like the other two papers, CDS Mathematics will be in offline mode. You have to use a black ball pen to bubble the correct option among the four given options for each question.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.