CDS Exam Syllabus 2026: Complete Subject-Wise Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Preparation Strategy & FAQs
The CDS Exam Syllabus consists of English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics for candidates applying to IMA, INA and AFA. Candidates applying for OTA have only English and General Knowledge papers. English tests understanding and effective use of words; General Knowledge covers current events, everyday scientific awareness, Indian history and geography; and Elementary Mathematics covers arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration and statistics. UPSC states that the Mathematics paper is of approximately matriculation level, while the other papers are approximately at the level expected of a graduate of an Indian university.