UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is for entry into Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy. Here is the detailed CDS 2026 syllabus.
CDS Exam Pattern
Written exam + SSB Interview.
For IMA/INA/AFA: English, GK, Elementary Maths (objective, 2 hrs each, 120 marks each).
For OTA: English + GK (240 marks total).
Syllabus
English: Synonyms, Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, Error Spotting, Fill in blanks, Sentence Improvement, Jumbled sentences, Idioms & Phrases.
General Knowledge: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Defence related, Sports, Awards.
Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics.
Preparation Strategy
Focus on basics for Maths. Current affairs + static GK for paper. English grammar practice. SSB preparation is equally important – personality, communication, leadership.
Official Links
Last updated: 25.06.2026
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