The Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by UPSC for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy. The correct paper combination depends on the academy selected.
CDS exam pattern
| Academy | Papers | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA and AFA | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics | 100 marks per paper |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 100 marks per paper |
Each written paper is objective in nature and normally carries a two-hour duration. UPSC uses negative marking for incorrect objective answers; candidates should confirm the exact instructions in the current notice.
CDS English syllabus
The paper tests understanding of English and effective use of words. Preparation should cover vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, error detection, ordering, fill-in-the-blanks and comprehension through regular timed practice.
CDS General Knowledge syllabus
General Knowledge includes current events and matters of everyday observation, along with Indian history and geography. A balanced plan should cover polity, economy, science, environment, defence awareness and recent national and international developments.
Elementary Mathematics syllabus
Mathematics is based broadly on matriculation-level arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration and statistics. Focus on formulas, calculation speed and mixed problem sets. OTA candidates do not take this paper in the written examination.
Preparation approach
- Download the current notification and official syllabus.
- Solve recent UPSC previous question papers.
- Build subject-wise notes and a formula sheet.
- Use sectional tests before full simulations.
- Analyse wrong and unattempted questions after every test.
How to use previous question papers
Begin by solving one paper without a timer to understand the question style. Then move to timed papers under quiet exam-like conditions. After each attempt, classify mistakes as concept gaps, memory gaps, calculation errors, misreading or poor question selection. Reattempt the same errors after two days and again after one week.
Subject-wise weekly structure
IMA, INA and AFA candidates can rotate English, General Knowledge and Mathematics across six study days, keeping one day for a full paper and analysis. OTA candidates can divide the extra time between deeper current-affairs revision, English comprehension and interview-oriented awareness. Adjust the ratio using mock-test accuracy rather than personal preference.
Negative-marking strategy
Set an attempt rule during practice. Questions solved confidently should come first; uncertain questions should be marked for review. Track marks lost to guessing separately from marks lost to genuine concept gaps. Reducing avoidable negatives is often the fastest way to stabilise a score.
Common mistakes
- Using outdated paper patterns without checking the current notice.
- Preparing Mathematics for OTA despite the different written scheme.
- Reading current affairs without active recall.
- Completing papers without analysing slow or unattempted questions.
- Ignoring recovery, sleep and exam-day planning.
Useful D.I.C.E. resources
Follow the CDS 30-day revision plan, review the main CDS course page, compare Defence coaching in Thane, and practise with the online mock test series.
Official references: UPSC Active Examinations and UPSC Previous Question Papers. Always verify the latest notice, eligibility and timetable.
Frequently asked questions
Does OTA have a Mathematics paper?
No. OTA candidates take English and General Knowledge in the written examination.
What is the level of CDS Mathematics?
Elementary Mathematics is broadly at matriculation level.
Where can I find official CDS papers?
UPSC publishes previous question papers on its official website.