UPSC CDS — Combined Defence Services exam syllabus and pattern
This subject-wise outline follows the recruiting authority’s published scheme. Paper names and topic coverage can change by recruitment cycle, post or corrigendum; always use the current official notification for final details.
Written examination
- IMA, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics
- Officers’ Training Academy: English and General Knowledge; no Elementary Mathematics paper
Subject coverage
- English usage and comprehension; current affairs, everyday science, Indian history and geography; mathematics including arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration and statistics at the notified level
SSB interview
- Intelligence and personality assessment; service-selection-board stages as notified
UPSC official syllabus / notification ↗ · Check the latest notification and amendments before preparing.
UPSC CDS — Combined Defence Services previous-year question tests
- Attempt available previous-year questions online
- Review your score, correct answers and explanations after submitting
- Save attempts and retake tests during active access
- Download the question paper after your test