Are you an aspiring officer in the Indian Armed Forces, gearing up for the UPSC CDS Exam 2026? The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is your gateway to prestigious institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). With the CDS 1 2026 notification set to release on December 10, 2025, and the exam on April 12, 2026, understanding the UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026 is crucial for strategic preparation.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the CDS Syllabus 2026 subject-wise, including key topics, exam patterns, and preparation tips. Whether you’re targeting IMA, INA, AFA (which include Maths), or OTA (English and GK only), this CDS 2026 Syllabus PDF-equivalent breakdown will help you streamline your study plan. Let’s dive in!
What is the UPSC CDS Exam 2026?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CDS exam twice a year to recruit commissioned officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The CDS 2026 cycle promises around 300-400 vacancies, offering a golden opportunity for graduates aged 19-25.
Key highlights:
- CDS 1 2026 Exam Date: April 12, 2026
- CDS 2 2026 Exam Date: September 13, 2026
- Application Window for CDS 1: December 10 to December 30, 2025
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree; unmarried for most entries
The written exam is objective-type, followed by an SSB interview. The CDS Syllabus 2026 remains consistent with previous years, focusing on 10+2 level concepts for Maths and graduate-level awareness for English and GK.
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2026
Before delving into the syllabus, familiarize yourself with the CDS Exam Pattern 2026. It varies slightly by academy:
| Academy | Subjects | Total Marks | Duration per Paper | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMA/INA/AFA | English (100 marks) General Knowledge (100 marks) Elementary Mathematics (100 marks) | 300 | 2 hours each | +1 for correct; -1/3 for incorrect |
| OTA | English (100 marks) General Knowledge (100 marks) | 200 | 2 hours each | +1 for correct; -1/3 for incorrect |
- Total questions: 100 per paper (120 for English in some patterns).
- Medium: English only.
- No negative marking for unattempted questions.
This pattern emphasizes accuracy and time management. Now, let’s explore the subject-wise CDS Syllabus 2026.
CDS English Syllabus 2026
The English paper tests your grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills at a 10+2 level. It assesses your ability to understand and use English effectively—essential for defence communication.
Key Topics in CDS English Syllabus 2026:
- Grammar and Usage: Spotting errors, sentence improvement, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, one-word substitutions.
- Comprehension: Reading passages with inference-based questions.
- Fill in the Blanks: Contextual usage of words.
- Ordering of Sentences: Rearranging jumbled words/paragraphs.
- Cloze Test: Filling gaps in a passage.
Weightage: Expect 20-25 questions on grammar, 15-20 on vocabulary, and 20-25 on comprehension.
Preparation Tip: Read newspapers like The Hindu daily and practice from books like Wren & Martin. Aim for 70+ marks to stay competitive.
CDS General Knowledge (GK) Syllabus 2026
GK evaluates your awareness of current events, history, and general science. It’s a vast section, so focus on conceptual clarity and regular updates.
Key Topics in CDS GK Syllabus 2026:
- Current Events: National/international affairs, sports, awards (last 6-12 months).
- History: Indian history (ancient, medieval, modern), freedom struggle.
- Geography: Physical, economic, and human geography of India and the world.
- Polity: Indian Constitution, governance, Panchayati Raj.
- Economy: Basic concepts, five-year plans, budgeting.
- Science: Physics, chemistry, biology (up to Class 10 level), everyday science.
- Environment: Biodiversity, climate change, pollution.
- Defence-Related: Military history, ranks, weapons.
Weightage: History and Polity (20-25 questions), Current Affairs (15-20), Science/Geography (15-20 each).
Preparation Tip: Follow Lucent’s GK book and monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan. Track UPSC’s current affairs compilations for CDS 2026 GK updates.
CDS Elementary Mathematics Syllabus 2026 (For IMA/INA/AFA Only)
This paper is at the 10+2 level, testing quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning. Skip it if applying only for OTA.
Key Topics in CDS Maths Syllabus 2026:
- Arithmetic: Number systems, unit conversions, percentages, profit/loss, ratios, time/speed/distance, simple/compound interest.
- Algebra: Basic operations, quadratic equations, sets, Venn diagrams, linear equations.
- Trigonometry: Sine/cosine rules, angles, heights/distances, identities.
- Geometry: Lines/angles, triangles, circles, congruence, similarity.
- Mensuration: Areas/volumes of 2D/3D shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, cylinders, cones).
- Statistics: Mean/median/mode, graphical representation (bar graphs, histograms).
Weightage: Arithmetic (20-25 questions), Algebra/Trigonometry (15-20 each), Geometry/Mensuration (10-15).
Preparation Tip: Use RS Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude and solve previous years’ papers. Focus on speed—target 60+ marks.
How to Prepare for UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026
Cracking CDS 2026 demands a 6-8 month plan. Here’s a roadmap:
- Understand the Syllabus: Download the official CDS Syllabus PDF 2026 from upsc.gov.in once released.
- Create a Timetable: Allocate 2 hours daily to each subject; revise weekly.
- Resources:
- English: Objective General English by SP Bakshi.
- GK: Manorama Yearbook.
- Maths: Pathfinder for CDS.
- Practice Mock Tests: Attempt 2-3 full-length papers weekly. Analyze errors to improve.
- Current Affairs: Dedicate 1 hour daily to news apps like Inshorts.
- Physical Fitness: Start SSB prep early with exercise and group discussions.
Common pitfalls to avoid: Ignoring negative marking and neglecting revision. With consistent effort, you can score 200+ in the written exam.
CDS 2026 Important Dates and Next Steps
- Notification Release: December 10, 2025 (CDS 1).
- Admit Card: March 2026.
- Result Declaration: May 2026.
Apply via upsc.gov.in and choose your preferred academy wisely. For OTA, focus on English and GK; for others, master Maths too.
Conclusion: Your Path to CDS Success Starts Now
The UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026 is designed to select disciplined, knowledgeable leaders for India’s defence forces. By mastering English, GK, and Maths topics outlined above, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Remember, consistency beats intensity—start today!
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