CDS Syllabus 2026
Combined Defence Services — IMA / INA / AFA / OTA
CDS is conducted by UPSC twice a year for entry into IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy), and OTA (Officers Training Academy). Graduate qualification is required.
Eligibility Criteria
- Education
- Bachelor's degree (Engineering for INA/AFA)
- Age Limit
- 19–25 years (post-specific)
Selection Process
- 1Written Exam (English + GK + Elementary Maths for IMA/INA/AFA; English + GK only for OTA)
- 2SSB Interview
- 3Medical Examination
Exam Pattern
| Stage / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 hr | Objective MCQ |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 hr | Objective MCQ |
| Elementary Mathematics (IMA/INA/AFA only) | 100 | 100 | 2 hr | Objective MCQ |
| SSB Interview | — | 300 | — | Personality & Intelligence Assessment — Stage I & Stage II |
Detailed Syllabus
1
English
Grammar — parts of speech, tenses, active-passive voice, direct-indirect speechVocabulary — synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution, idiomsComprehensionSentence RearrangementFill in the BlanksError Spotting
2
General Knowledge
Current Events — national & internationalIndian History — Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Freedom StruggleGeography — India & WorldIndian Polity & ConstitutionEconomy — basicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyDefence-specific GKSports & AwardsEnvironment
3
Elementary Mathematics
Number System & ArithmeticAlgebra — linear & quadratic equationsTrigonometry — basic ratios, identitiesGeometry — lines, triangles, circlesMensuration — area, volumeStatistics — mean, median, modeSet Theory
🎯 Must-Prepare Topics for CDS
Indian History — especially Freedom Struggle
Geography of India (rivers, mountains, climate)
Current Affairs (last 12 months)
English Vocabulary & Grammar
Elementary Maths (Class 10 level)
SSB Interview skills
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