CDS Syllabus 2025 and Strategy for Exam Preparation
CDS Syllabus 2025 and Strategy for Exam Preparation: The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. For those preparing for the CDS 2025 exam, having a clear understanding of the CDS syllabus 2025 and a focused preparation strategy is essential. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or retaking the test, understanding the CDS 2025 syllabus and adopting smart strategies will boost your success.
Check Out: CDS PYQs and Mock Tests Book
CDS Syllabus 2025 and Strategy for Exam Preparation
Do you know the CDS Exam? The CDS exam is held twice a year and offers entry into:
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Indian Military Academy (IMA)
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Indian Naval Academy (INA)
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Air Force Academy (AFA)
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Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
The exam includes objective-type questions designed to test a candidate’s knowledge in areas such as English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. However, Mathematics is not included in the syllabus for OTA candidates.
CDS Syllabus 2025
The UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 is divided based on the academy you choose:
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For IMA, INA, AFA:
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English (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension)
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General Knowledge (Current Affairs, History, Geography, Science)
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Elementary Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry)
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For OTA:
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English and General Knowledge only.
Exam Pattern Highlights:
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Total Marks: 300 for IMA/INA/AFA; 200 for OTA.
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Negative Marking: 1/3 marks were deducted for wrong answers.
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Duration: 2 hours per paper.
Check Out: PW NDA/Defence Books
CDS Subject-wise Syllabus 2025
1. English Syllabus
Focus on:
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Spotting errors (e.g., “She go to school” → Correct: “She goes”).
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Reading comprehension (practice with newspapers).
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Synonyms/Antonyms (learn 10 new words daily).
Important topics include:
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Spotting errors
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Synonyms and antonyms
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Reading comprehension
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Sentence arrangement
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Idioms and phrases
2. General Knowledge Syllabus
Key topics:
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Current Affairs (read The Hindu or PIB daily).
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History (Freedom Struggle, Wars).
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Science (Basics of Physics, Chemistry).
Important areas are:
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Current events: National and international importance
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History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern
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Geography: Indian and world geography
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Polity and Governance: Constitution, public policies, and rights
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Economics: Basic concepts and environment-related topics
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Science and Technology: Developments in space, IT, and biology
3. Elementary Mathematics Syllabus
High-weightage topics:
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Arithmetic (Profit/Loss, Percentages).
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Geometry (Area/Volume formulas).
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Trigonometry (Angle values, Heights & Distances).
This section includes:
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Arithmetic: Number systems, percentages, time and work
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Algebra: Quadratic equations, polynomials
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Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles
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Trigonometry: Ratios, identities, heights and distances
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Mensuration: Areas, volumes of shapes
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Statistics: Data interpretation, bar charts, pie charts
5-Step Strategy to Crack CDS 2025
1.Know the Syllabus Inside Out
- Download the CDS Syllabus 2025 PDF and mark topics you find tough. Focus more on high-mark areas like Maths (Number System, Mensuration).
2.Create a Study Schedule
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Spend 2 hours daily on each subject.
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Sundays: Revise the week’s topics.
3. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
- Solve 10 years of CDS papers to spot repeating questions. Time yourself to improve your speed.
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Analyze previous years’ question papers to understand patterns and important topics.
4. Master Core Areas
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English: Read newspapers to improve vocabulary and comprehension. Practice grammar exercises.
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General Knowledge: Stay updated with current affairs through news apps and magazines. Use reliable study guides like Lucent’s GK.
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Mathematics: Practice problem-solving regularly. Focus on fundamental concepts and shortcuts for efficiency.
5. Stay Healthy & Positive
- Sleep 7-8 hours, eat well and take short breaks. Stress ruins preparation. Stay motivated and confident about your preparation.
Check Out: Defence Mock Test + PYQs Books
Challenges Faced by CDS Aspirants
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Balancing Preparation with Other Commitments: Many candidates struggle to find time for consistent study. A well-planned schedule can address this challenge.
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Managing Stress: Preparing for a competitive exam like CDS can be stressful. Practice meditation or physical exercise to stay calm and focused.
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Lack of Proper Resources: Ensure you use the right study materials and seek guidance from reliable sources.
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Difficulty in Time Management: Mock tests and time-bound practice can help you manage time effectively during the exam.
To prepare for the CDS 2025 exam, you need dedication, persistence, and a smart strategy. Start by understanding the syllabus and breaking it into manageable sections. Focus on high-weightage topics and have regular study sessions. Take mock tests to improve time management and familiarity with the exam pattern. For English, read daily to enhance vocabulary and grammar skills. Stay updated on current affairs and revise core General Knowledge topics for better accuracy. If you have Mathematics, strengthen your conceptual understanding and solve problems regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
Also Check, Defence Sample Papers Books
CDS syllabus 2025 FAQs
1. What are the subjects included in the CDS syllabus 2025?
The CDS syllabus 2025 includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (only for IMA, INA, and AFA). OTA candidates have English and General Knowledge.
2. Is Mathematics part of the CDS exam syllabus 2025 for OTA?
No, mathematics is not included in the CDS exam syllabus 2025 for OTA.
3. How many papers are there in the CDS 2025 exam?
For IMA, INA, and AFA, there are three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. OTA has two papers: English and General Knowledge.
4. Is there a negative marking in the CDS 2025 exam?
Yes, 1/3 of the marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer in the CDS exam.
