UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam Syllabus & Selection Criteria
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC for officer recruitment into the Indian Army (IMA/OTA), Navy (INA), and Air Force (AFA).
1. Exam Pattern for IMA, INA, and AFA
The written exam consists of three objective papers (Total 300 marks):
- English: 100 Marks | 2 Hours (Tests grammar, comprehension, vocabulary).
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks | 2 Hours (Covers current affairs, history, geography, science).
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 Marks | 2 Hours (Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, menstruation, statistics).
2. Exam Pattern for Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Candidates applying for OTA only write two papers (Total 200 marks):
- English: 100 Marks | 2 Hours.
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks | 2 Hours (No mathematics paper required).
3. Detailed Syllabus Highlights
Success in CDS GK and English papers requires a strong conceptual foundation in General Science, Indian Polity, and Modern Indian History, which overlaps significantly with the UPSC civil services preparation framework.
3. Recommended Standard Booklist
CDS Mathematics paper (IMA/INA/AFA) requires Class 10+2 level Maths — practice previous year papers extensively for time management.
📚 Recommended Books for UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services)
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Lucent Publications | 15th Revised Edition 2025
Most popular GK book for CDS General Knowledge paper — scores of toppers recommend it.
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S.P. Bakshi | Arihant Publications
Top-rated English book for CDS paper — grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension passages.
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R.S. Aggarwal | S. Chand
Standard Maths reference for IMA/INA/AFA CDS papers — arithmetic, algebra, geometry.
🏷️ ~₹300–550 — check for current discounts🛒 View on Amazon →
Rajiv Ahir | Spectrum Books | 2025
History section of CDS General Knowledge paper — Freedom Struggle & Modern India.
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