• Updated on 11 Sept, 2026 by Arshi Ansari
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The CDS syllabus 2026 is prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and covers English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for candidates appearing for the Combined Defence Services Examination. The syllabus tests candidates on areas such as English language and comprehension, current affairs, history, geography, general science, and Class 10-level mathematics, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, and statistics. For candidates applying for IMA, INA and AFA, the written examination comprises all three subjects, while OTA candidates appear only for English and General Knowledge. The CDS 2 2026 written examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026, and candidates can refer to the subject-wise syllabus to plan their preparation effectively.
CDS Syllabus 2026 Highlights
The UPSC CDS syllabus is designed to evaluate candidates across various skill areas. The level of examination varies by subject, with Elementary Mathematics set at the matriculation level, while the other subjects are of graduate level. Candidates can refer to the CDS 2026 syllabus PDF issued as part of the official examination notification for the prescribed syllabus and examination details.
CDS Written Examination Syllabus 2026
The CDS exam syllabus UPSC has been prescribed across three subjects, including English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. The syllabus remains largely consistent, although the weightage of individual topics and difficulty level of questions may vary. The CDS exam syllabus is applicable according to the academy selected by the candidate, with Mathematics included for IMA, INA and AFA but not for OTA.
CDS English Syllabus 2026
The CDS English syllabus is designed to test candidates' understanding of the English language and its effective usage in written communication. The major areas covered include grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and usage.
CDS Elementary Mathematics Syllabus 2026
The CDS Maths syllabus is aligned with the matriculation level and includes key areas such as arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration and statistics. Candidates preparing through the CDS UPSC syllabus should cover the following topics:
CDS General Knowledge Syllabus 2026
The CDS General Knowledge syllabus evaluates candidates' awareness of current events and their understanding of scientific and social subjects such as history, geography and science. Candidates preparing for the UPSC CDS 2 syllabus 2026 should cover both static topics and relevant current affairs.
CDS SSB Interview Process 2026
The CDS SSB Interview syllabus assesses candidates on personality, intelligence, decision-making abilities, communication skills and officer-like qualities required for defence services.
Check: CDS Exam Pattern 2026
CDS Preparation Strategy 2026
The CDS exam preparation strategy should align with the exam pattern and syllabus to ensure comprehensive coverage of the prescribed topics. Candidates can follow the preparation tips mentioned below to strategise their preparation:
- Practise comprehension and grammar regularly to improve performance in the English section.
- Follow current affairs through reliable daily news sources and revise important events for the General Knowledge section.
- Improve speed and accuracy through regular mock tests.
- Revise important concepts regularly to retain them for the exam.
- Solve previous year questions to understand the weightage and question trends across different areas of the syllabus.
- Cover the complete subject-wise syllabus instead of focusing only on frequently asked topics.
Check: CDS Admit Card 2026
CDS Syllabus 2026 FAQs
What subjects are included in the CDS Syllabus 2026?
The CDS written examination includes English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics for IMA, INA and AFA. OTA candidates appear for English and General Knowledge.
What is the standard of the CDS Mathematics syllabus?
The Elementary Mathematics paper is of matriculation level.
Are current affairs important for the CDS GK paper?
Yes. Current events form part of the General Knowledge syllabus along with history, geography, science and other areas.
What type of English questions are asked in CDS?
The English syllabus covers areas such as grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and usage.
Is the CDS syllabus the same for all academies?
No. IMA, INA and AFA candidates appear for English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, while OTA candidates appear only for English and General Knowledge.
How important is Mathematics in the CDS exam?
Mathematics is part of the written examination for IMA, INA and AFA. It is not included in the OTA written examination.
What is included in the CDS SSB syllabus?
The SSB stage includes assessments such as the OIR and PPDT in Stage I, followed by psychological tests, GTO tasks, personal interview and conference in Stage II.
Are questions asked from advanced Mathematics topics?
The Elementary Mathematics paper is based on the matriculation-level syllabus prescribed by UPSC.
How to prepare for GK for CDS effectively?
Candidates should cover the prescribed static GK topics and regularly follow current affairs.
Does the CDS syllabus change every year?
The core syllabus remains largely consistent, but candidates should always refer to the latest UPSC notification for the applicable examination.
What is the best strategy to cover the CDS syllabus?
Candidates should divide preparation across the prescribed subjects, revise regularly, practise previous year questions and take mock tests.
Are previous year questions important for CDS preparation?
Yes. Previous year questions can help candidates understand the question pattern, difficulty level and topic trends.