UPSC CDS 2026 Syllabus PDF - Download Latest UPSC CDS Syllabus for All Subjects

UPSC CDS 2026 Syllabus

UPSC CDS 1 exam Syllabus includes subjects such as English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. All the subjects include different topics that should be covered in advance. The candidates qualifying the CSD exam will be recruited for the Indian Military, Air Force, and Navy. Through the UPSC CDS 2026 exam, candidates can also apply for the OTA exam. There is a slight difference in the syllabus for both. Scroll down to check the syllabus in detail. The candidates can also check the UPSC CDS Exam Pattern and other details to prepare for the exam.

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026: English

Check out the topics covered under the CDS English section syllabus:

• Spotting Errors Questions
• Sentence Arrangement Questions
• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Selecting Words
• Ordering of Sentence
• Comprehension Questions
• Ordering of Words in a Sentence
• Fill in the Blanks Questions
• Idioms and Phrases

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026: Elementary Mathematics

The detailed syllabus for CDS 2026 Mathematics section is given below:

• Arithmetic: Number System, Natural numbers, Rational and Real numbers, Integers, Square roots, Decimal fractions, Fundamental operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Unitary method, time and distance, ratio and proportion, variation, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss.

• Elementary Number Theory: Division algorithm. Prime and composite numbers, Euclidean algorithm, Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 11, Multiples and factors, and Factorisation Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Logarithms to base 10, use of logarithmic tables, laws of logarithms.

• Algebra: Basic Operations, H.C.F., L.C.M., simple factors, Remainder Theorem, Theory of polynomials, Laws of indices, solutions of quadratic equations, the relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered). Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions. Rational expressions and conditional identities, Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions. Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions. Set language and set notation.

• Trigonometry
  • cosine ×, Sine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° Values of sin ×, for × = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°, cos × and tan ×.
  • Simple cases of heights and distances
  • Use of trigonometric tables
  • Simple trigonometric identities
• Geometry: Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures, Congruency of triangles, Theorems on Properties of angles at a point, Properties of angles, Parallel lines, Sides and angles of a triangle, Similar triangles, sides, and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle, and square, Concurrence of medians and altitudes, Loci, Circles and its properties including tangents and normals.

• Mensuration: Areas of squares, rectangles, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, triangle and circle, parallelograms. Areas of figures can be split up into these figures (Field Book), Surface area and volume of cuboids, surface area and volume of spheres.

• Statistics: Collection and tabulation of statistical data, histograms, bar charts, Graphical representation frequency polygons, pie charts, etc. Measures of central tendency.

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2026: General Knowledge

UPSC CDS syllabus 2026 for General Knowledge is given as follows:

• Economics
• Physics
• Current Affairs
• Politics
• Chemistry
• Sociology
• History
• Defense-related Award
• Geography
• Environment
• Sport
• Biology
• Cultural
• Book
• Statement
• True and False

UPSC CDS Syllabus OTA

As a UPSC CDS aspirant, you should be aware that the exam pattern for the CDS exam is different for the OTA CDS exam and other CDS exams, such as IMA, INA, and AFA. As for the OTA CDS syllabus, questions from English and General Knowledge are asked in the CDS entrance exam. Students can check out the detailed syllabus for CDS exam as follows:

OTA CDS Syllabus: English

Students must work hard to score good marks in the English section of the CDS exam to secure a good rank. Check out the detailed syllabus for the English section for CDS 2026 as follows:

• Sentence Arrangement
• Spotting Error
• Selecting Words
• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Comprehension
• Ordering of Sentence
• Ordering of Words
• Idioms and Phrases
• Fill up the Blanks

OTA CDS Syllabus: General Ability Test 

The last section for the OTA CDS 2026 exam is the General Ability or the General Knowledge section. Check out the list of topics frequently asked in the CDS exam from the General Knowledge section:

• Current Affairs
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Geography
• History
• Politics
• Sociology
• Economics
• Defence Related Awards
• Sports and Culture
• Environmental Science