| Academy | English | General Knowledge | Elementary Mathematics |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| INA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AFA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OTA | Yes | Yes | No |
CDS 2026 Exam Pattern 2026
IMA, INA and AFA
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 6 Hours | 300 |
OTA
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | 4 Hours | 200 |
The CDS 2026 written examination consists of objective-type questions, and negative marking applies according to UPSC examination rules.
CDS 2026 English Syllabus
The English paper tests a candidate's understanding of English and ability to use words correctly.
| Topic | What to Prepare |
| Grammar | Basic grammar rules and correct usage |
| Vocabulary | Word meanings and usage |
| Synonyms | Similar-meaning words |
| Antonyms | Opposite-meaning words |
| Sentence Completion | Selecting suitable words |
| Spotting Errors | Identifying grammatical mistakes |
| Sentence Arrangement | Organising sentences logically |
| Reading Comprehension | Understanding passages |
| Idioms and Phrases | Meaning and usage |
| Fill in the Blanks | Context-based vocabulary and grammar |
CDS 2026 General Knowledge Syllabus
The General Knowledge paper covers a wide range of subjects. Candidates should combine static topics with current affairs preparation.
| Subject | Important Areas |
| Current Affairs | National and international events |
| History | Indian history and major events |
| Geography | India and world geography |
| Polity | Constitution, government and political system |
| Economy | Basic economic concepts and developments |
| Physics | Basic concepts and everyday applications |
| Chemistry | Basic concepts and common applications |
| Biology | Human body, plants, animals and health-related basics |
| Defence | Defence organisations and developments |
| Environment | Basic environmental topics |
| General Science | Everyday science and scientific developments |
CDS 2026 Elementary Mathematics Syllabus
Elementary Mathematics applies to candidates appearing for IMA, INA and AFA.
| Topic | Major Areas |
| Arithmetic | Number system, percentages, profit and loss, ratio and proportion |
| Algebra | Basic algebraic operations, equations and identities |
| Geometry | Lines, angles, triangles, circles and properties |
| Mensuration | Areas and volumes |
| Trigonometry | Ratios, identities and practical applications |
| Statistics | Basic data interpretation and statistics |
CDS 2026 Mathematics: Important Topics
Arithmetic
Arithmetic is an important part of the Mathematics paper. Prepare topics such as:
- Number system
- HCF and LCM
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Average
- Profit and loss
- Simple and compound interest
- Time and work
- Time, speed and distance
Algebra
Focus on:
- Basic algebraic operations
- Simple equations
- Quadratic equations
- Polynomials
- Identities
- Set-related basic concepts
Geometry
Important areas include:
- Lines and angles
- Triangles
- Quadrilaterals
- Circles
- Congruence
- Similarity
- Properties of geometric figures
Mensuration
Prepare formulas and problems related to:
- Area
- Perimeter
- Surface area
- Volume
- Two-dimensional figures
- Three-dimensional figures
Trigonometry
Important topics include:
- Trigonometric ratios
- Trigonometric identities
- Heights and distances
- Values of standard angles
CDS Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Preparation
| Subject | Best Preparation Approach |
| English | Read regularly and practise grammar and vocabulary |
| General Knowledge | Combine static GK with current affairs |
| Mathematics | Build concepts and solve questions regularly |
| All Subjects | Use previous year papers and mock tests |
CDS 2026 Syllabus and Previous Year Papers
Previous year papers help you understand the actual question pattern. They also show which topics appear regularly and where you need more practice.
| Practice Method | Benefit |
| Previous Year Papers | Understand question trends |
| Mock Tests | Improve speed |
| Topic Tests | Find weak areas |
| Revision | Improve retention |
| Error Analysis | Reduce repeated mistakes |