CDS 2024: Comprehensive Syllabus, Exam Pattern, and Guidelines
Preparing for the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam necessitates a profound understanding of its syllabus and pattern. With subjects like English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, and stringent guidelines, success demands a strategic preparation approach.
Table of Contents
CDS Syllabus 2024 Overview
The UPSC organizes the biannual CDS exam to enlist candidates in various Indian Defense Services, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Understanding the detailed syllabus, including English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics, is vital for effective preparation. This article provides comprehensive insights into the CDS Exam Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024 to aid aspirants in their preparation journey.
| Name of the Exam | Combined Defence Forces (CDS) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Conducted in A Year | Twice a Year |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Medium | Hindi or English |
| Number of Questions | IMA/INA/AFA – 300OTA – 200 |
| Time Duration | 2 hours for each paper |
| Negative Marking | Yes (1/3rd deducted for every wrong answer) |
Exam Pattern for CDS 2024
The CDS examination, split into stages, evaluates candidates in various subjects through an offline mode. It includes English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, and SSB Tests/Interviews.
A) Admission to IMA, INA, and AFA:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
B) Admission to Officers’ Training Academy (OTA):
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| SSB Test/Interview | 5 Days | 300 |
CDS 2024 Syllabus Highlights
English Syllabus for CDS
- Reading Comprehension
- Spotting Errors
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Sentence Arrangement
Mathematics Syllabus for CDS
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
| CDS Maths Syllabus | |
| Arithmetic | Number SystemNatural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers.Fundamental operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions.Unitary method, time and work, time and distance, percentages.Applications of profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratio and proportion, variation.Elementary Number TheoryDivision algorithm.Prime and composite numbers.Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11.Multiples and factors.Factorisation Theorem.H.C.F. and L.C.M.Euclidean algorithm.Logarithms to base 10, use of logarithmic tables, laws of logarithms. |
| Algebra | Basic operations and Simple factors,Remainder Theorem.H.C.F. and L.C.M.Theory of polynomials, relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered), solutions of quadratic equations.Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns — analytical & graphical solutions.Simultaneous linear inequalities in two variables & their solutions.Practical issues with solutions that result in two simultaneous linear equations, inequalities in two variables, or quadratic equations in one variable.Set notation and set language.Rational expressions and conditional identities.Laws of indices. |
| Trigonometry | Sine x, cosine x, Tan x when 0° < x < 90° , Values of sin x, cos x & tan x, for x = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° & 90°.Simple trigonometric identities.Use of trigonometric tables.Simple cases of heights and distances. |
| Geometry | Plane and plane figures, Lines and angles, Theorems on:Properties of angles at a pointParallel linesSides and angles of a triangleCongruence of trianglesSimilar trianglesConcurrence of medians and altitudesProperties of sides, angles and diagonals of a rectangle, parallelogram and squareCircles and their properties including tangents and normalsLoci |
| Mensuration | Areas of parallelograms, squares, rectangles, triangles and circles.Areas of figures can be split up into these figures (Field Book), lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders, Surface area and volume of cuboids, and surface area and volume of spheres. |
| Statistics | Collection and tabulation of statistical data.Graphical representation of frequency polygons, bar charts, histograms, pie charts etc.Measures of central tendency. |
General Knowledge Syllabus for CDS
- Indian History
- Political Science
- Economics
- Geography
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Current Affairs
- Unveiling the Comprehensive CDS Selection Process 2024: Written Test, SSB Interview, Medical Examination
- UPSC CDS 1 2024 Notification Released: Apply Online for 457 Vacancies
- Crack CDS 2024: Complete Syllabus, Exam Pattern, and Essential Instructions
Important Instructions for CDS Exam 2024
- Use only a black ballpoint pen for writing.
- Ensure accurate encoding of details on the answer sheet.
- Verify the test booklet for completeness and request replacements if necessary.
- Refrain from writing personal information on the answer sheet.
- Avoid any damage to the answer sheet or test booklet.
FAQs on CDS Syllabus and Exam 2024
Q1. What are the subjects for CDS Examination?
Ans. For IMA, INA and AFA CDS Exam consists subjects which are General Knowledge, Mathematics, and English. For OTA, the subjects are just General Knowledge and English.
Q2. Who can apply for the CDS Exam 2024?
Ans. Candidates that are graduated from any recognized university can apply for CDS Examination, the conditions other than graduation include the age limit for that particular position. The course specifications are as follows:
For Indian Military Academy – Degree of a recognized university or equivalent is required.
For Air Force Academy – Degree of a recognized University with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 or Bachelor of Engg. is required.
For Officer Training Academy – Degree of a recognized university or equivalent is required.
ForNaval Academy – Bachelor of Engineering is required.
Q3. What is the Age limit to apply for the CDS Examination?
Ans. For CDS Examination i.e., 19 to 24 years for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) application, 20 to 24 years for the Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) application, and 19 to 25 years for Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Q4. How many attempts are allowed for CDS?
Ans. There is no number of maximum attempts that are specified by UPSC, CDS.
Q5. What level of mathematics questions are asked in the CDS exam?
Ans. The mathematics questions asked for CDS Examination is up to class 10th standard.
Conclusion
The CDS 2024 syllabus, exam pattern, and guidelines provided in this article offer a roadmap for aspirants seeking entry into esteemed defense academies. Mastering the syllabus, adhering to exam guidelines, and strategic preparation will pave the way for success in the CDS examination.
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