CDS Syllabus 2024 PDF: For OTA, IMA, INA, AFA, Check Revised SyllabusThe CDS syllabus is part of the notice from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). There are two sections to the CDS syllabus: one for OTA and another for IMA, INA, and AFA. OTA’s syllabus consists of two subjects, whereas IMA, INA, and AFA offer three subjects. Class 10 mathematics curriculum is followed, whereas graduation-level coursework is required for other subjects.
Table of Contents
Planning your studies requires familiarity with the CDS syllabus. This page contains the comprehensive syllabus, exam pattern, marking scheme, study guides, and frequently asked questions for candidates getting ready for the CDS 2024 exam. For efficient preparation, it is imperative to go over the syllabus and pattern.
CCDS Syllabus 2024 PDF: Highlights
There will be multiple choice questions on the offline CDS exam. Getting acquainted with the CDS Syllabus 2024 helps applicants create a well-organized study schedule by assigning appropriate time to each unit according to its significance in the test. A brief synopsis of the CDS Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2024 is provided below:
| CDS Syllabus 2024 | |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Forces (CDS) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) |
| Medium | Hindi or English |
| Number of Sections | For Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Two |
| Number of Questions | IMA/INA/AFA: 300 OTA 200 |
| Time Duration | 2 hours for each paper |
| Negative Marking | Yes (1/3rd deducted for every wrong answer) |
CDS Exam Pattern 2024
Admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy is through the CDS exam. The selecting procedure is done with a pen and paper method.
Depending on the academy admittance, candidates must pass tests in general knowledge, mathematics, and English for a total of two hours and 100 marks each. In order to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces, candidates must pass this pattern, which assesses them on fundamental subjects.
For all academies, the five-day, 300-point SSB Test/Interview is essential. In order to ensure a comprehensive assessment of candidates’ potential as future officers, this process evaluates their language skills, general awareness, math skills, overall personality, and appropriateness for the armed forces.
CDS IMA, INA and AFA Exam Pattern
Three subjects make up the CDS Exam format for the IMA, INA, and AFA. Every subject receives 100 marks and is given two hours to complete. Below is a detailed exam pattern:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
CDS Exam Pattern for OTA
The two subjects on the CDS Exam pattern for the OTA are General Knowledge and English, in addition to the SSB interview procedure. Every course lasts for two hours, and the SSB can take up to five days to finish. The following is the entire CDS exam schedule:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 days | 300 |
Revised CDS Syllabus
Understanding the CDS syllabus for the exam is important for candidates because it helps them plan their exam preparation effectively. Passing the written test is necessary to qualify for the SSB Interview stage.
English Syllabus For CDS Exam 2024
Those who want to do well in the English section should read newspapers every day. In order to improve their vocabulary and comprehension, they should take notice of challenging words and study their definitions. This section assesses applicants’ command of the English language as well as their ability to communicate professionally and effectively in it.
| Section | Topics | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Basic GrammarIdioms Idioms and PhrasesSynonyms & Antonyms, Sentence Completion, etc. | This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of English vocabulary. |
| Reading Passage | Reading Comprehension SolvingPara JumblesUnderstanding the main idea and supporting detailsAnswering questions based on the passage, etc. | This section tests the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written English. |
| Grammar | Error SpottingSentence Improvement Cloze testActive and passive voices Direct and indirect speechTransformation of sentences, etc. | This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of English grammar. |
We have given you access to the greatest test series created by experts to help you get ready for the English portion. The provided practice sets should be completed by you. Knowing where you stand with your preparation will also be helpful.
Maths Syllabus For CDS 2024
Topics including arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, measures, and statistics are covered in the CDS Mathematics Syllabus. A strong performance in this paper requires consistent practice and committed work. Applicants must strike a balance between speed and accuracy in order to finish the questions in the allotted time. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus, consult the CDS 2 2024 test given table.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Number System | Natural numbers Integers Rational and real numbers.Fundamental operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division),Square rootsDecimal fractionsUnitary method Time and distanceTime and work percentages Applications to simple and compound interestProfit and lossRatio and proportionVariation |
| Elementary Number Theory | Division algorithmPrime and composite numbersTests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 11 Multiples and factors Factorization theoremH.C.F. and L.C.M.Euclidean algorithmLogarithms to base 10, laws of logarithmsUse of logarithmic tables |
| Algebra | Basic operationsSimple factorsRemainder theoremHCF & LCMTheory of polynomialsSolutions of quadratic equationsRelations between roots and coefficientsSimultaneous linear equations (analytical and graphical solutions)Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutionsPractical problems involving equations and inequalities in two variables, or quadratic equations in one variable.Set notation and set language.Rational expressions and conditional identities.Laws of indices. |
| Trigonometry | Sine x, cosine x, Tan x when 0° < x < 90° , Values of sin x, cos x & tan x, for x = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° & 90°.Simple trigonometric identities.Use of trigonometric tables.Simple cases of heights and distances. |
| Geometry | Lines and anglesPlane and plane figuresTheorems on properties of angles at a pointParallel linesSides and angles of a triangleCongruency of trianglesSimilar trianglesConcurrence of medians and altitudesProperties of anglesSides and diagonals of parallelograms, rectangles, and squares, and circles and their properties, including tangents, normals, and loci |
| Mensuration | Areas of parallelograms, squares, rectangles, triangles and circles.Areas of figures can be split up into these figures: lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, Surface area and volume of cuboids, and surface area and volume of spheres. |
| Statistics | Collection and tabulation of statistical dataGraphical representation: frequency polygonsHistogramsBar chartsPie charts, etcMeasures of central tendency |
Maths Question Weightage
This table provides an overview of the topics covered in the CDS syllabus 2024 for Maths and their approximate weight in terms of the number of questions asked in the exam.
| Topic | Weightage in CDS Maths Section (Approximate Number of Questions) |
|---|---|
| Number System | 20-22 questions |
| Mensuration | 14-16 questions |
| Geometry | 10-12 questions |
| Trigonometry | 10-12 questions |
| Algebra | 10-11 questions |
CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2024
General knowledge covers current affairs and a broad understanding of everyday observations and experiences, including basic scientific concepts expected from an educated person without specialized scientific training. Additionally, the exam will include questions on geography and Indian history, which a competent candidate should be able to answer without extra study.
| CDS Syllabus for GK | |
| Current Affairs | Events of national and international importanceSports, awards and honoursBooks and authors: major developments in the fields of politics, economics, and social issues. |
| History | Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian historyIndian national movementGrowth of nationalism. |
| Geography | Physical, Social and economic aspects of geography include Indian geography and world geography. |
| Indian Polity and Governance | Constitution of India Political system Panchayati Raj Public Policy Issues, etc. |
| Economic and Social Development | Sustainable DevelopmentPovertyInclusionDemographicsSocial Sector Initiatives, etc. |
| Science and Technology | Developments in the field of science and technologySpace technology Biotechnology Computer technology. |
| Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity | ConservationEnvironmental pollution and degradation: environmental impact assessmentClimate change. |
| Defence and Security Issues | Current events related to national securityInternal and external threatsRole of Armed Forces. |
CDS Syllabus 2024 For OTA
The CDS Syllabus 2024 OTA 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.
OTA English Syllabus For CDS Exam
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. The topics included in the CDS OTA English Syllabus are tabulated below:
| OTA English Syllabus For CDS |
| Sentence arrangement |
| Spotting Error |
| Selecting words |
| Synonyms and Antonyms |
| Comprehension |
| Ordering of Sentence |
| Ordering of words |
| Idioms and Phrases |
| Fill in the blanks |
CDS Syllabus 2024: OTA General Ability Test
General Awareness consists of a lot more than we can study so the best can we do is to have the right approach.
| CDS Syllabus 2024 OTA General Ability Test |
| Current Affairs |
| Physics |
| Chemistry |
| Biology |
| Geography |
| History |
| Politics |
| Sociology |
| Economics |
| Defence Related Awards |
| Sports and Culture |
| Environmental Science |
CDS SSB Syllabus 2024
The SSB selection process involves two stages: I and II. Those who clear stage I proceed to stage II. Three assessors—the – officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO), and psychologist—evaluate candidates’ personalities. There is no individual test weight; marks depend on overall performance, including the Conference. The IO, GTO, and Psych tests aim to identify officer-like qualities and trainability. Recommendations are made based on candidates’ SSB performance.
| Stage | Test |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) |
| Picture Prescription and Descriptive Test | |
| Stage 2 | Interview |
| Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks | |
| Psychology Test | |
| Conference | |
| Stage 3 | Group Discussion |
CDS Intelligence and Personality Test
The SSB process has two stages: stage I and stage II. Only candidates who clear stage I can move on to stage II. Here are the details:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage I | Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests: Evaluates intelligence through various tests. |
| Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT): Assesses candidate’s perception and expression. | |
| Candidates shortlisted based on combined performance in these tests. | |
| Stage II | Interview: Assesses candidate’s personality and suitability for the role. |
| Group Testing Officer Tasks: Involves group activities to evaluate teamwork and leadership skills. | |
| Psychology Tests: Assesses mental attributes and psychological suitability. | |
| Conference: Final assessment based on candidate’s performance in all previous tests. |
The tests conducted by IO, GTO, and Psych aim to determine if the candidate possesses officer-like qualities and if they are trainable. Based on these assessments, candidates are either recommended or not recommended at the SSB.