UPSC CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2021

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2021: UPSC CDS Syllabus is available on the UPSC CDS official website (upsc.gov.in). It is important to have a thorough understanding of the syllabus and the most recent CDS Exam Pattern to strategically plan out your preparation for the Combined Defense Services exam. The IMA, INA, and AFA syllabi are divided into three subjects, whereas the OTA syllabus is divided into two. As a result, the article aims to provide the most up-to-date CDS exam pattern as well as a thorough CDS Syllabus as recommended by the UPSC for the benefit of applicants.

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2021

Highlights of CDS Exam Pattern

Mode of Exam Offline only (Pen and paper mode)
Number of Questions asked 300 MCQ Type
Number of questions in OTA 200 MCQ Type
Maximum Marks 300 and 200 (OTA)
Duration of Exam 2 hours (120 minutes) for each paper
Medium Hindi or English
Negative Marking One-third mark deducted for every incorrect response

CDS Marking scheme for Indian Military, Indian Naval and Air Force Academy

CDS Paper English GK Mathematics
No. of Questions 100 100 100
Maximum Marks 100 100 100
Marks for Correct answer +1 marks for each correct option +1 marks for each correct option +1 marks for each correct option
Negative Marking -0.33 marks for each wrong answer -0.33 marks for each wrong answer -0.33 marks for each wrong answer
Time Allotted 2 Hours

CDS Marking Scheme for Officers Training Academy (OTA)

CDS Paper English GK
No. of Questions 100 100
Maximum Marks 100 100
Marks for Correct answer +1 marks for each correct option +1 marks for each correct option
Negative Marking -0.33 marks for each wrong answer -0.33 marks for each wrong answer
Time Allotted 2 Hours

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2021

Here is the detailed UPSC CDS Syllabus subject-wise. Go through the syllabus and start preparing well.

CDS Syllabus for English

Below is the list of topics important in the CDS Exam. Make sure you prepare well for these topics.

  • Sentence Improvement
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • One Word Substitution
  • Para-Jumble
  • Sentence-Jumble
  • Spot the Error
  • Cloze Test

CDS Syllabus for General Knowledge

candidates can cover the following topics:

  • Latest Current Affairs
  • Indian Constitution
  • Indian History
  • Indian Economy
  • Indian Geography
  • Indian Politics
  • Indian Navy & Military
  • Religions
  • Books & Authors
  • Sports, Awards, etc

UPSC CDS Syllabus for Elementary Mathematics

Elementary Mathematics

Algebra

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

Arithmetic

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

· Prime and composite numbers

· Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11

  • Multiples and factors.
  • Factorization Theorem
  • H.C.F. and L.C.M.
  • Euclidean algorithm
  • Logarithms to base 10
  • laws of logarithms
  • use of logarithmic tables

Trigonometry

  • The values of Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90°
  • The values of sine ×, cosine ×, and tangent ×, for ×= 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°
  • Simple trigonometric identities
  • Use of trigonometric tables
  • Simple cases of heights and distances

Geometry

  • Lines and angles
  • Plane and plane figures
  • Theorems on the Properties of angles at a point
  • Parallel lines
  • Sides and angles of a triangle
  • Congruency of triangles
  • Similar triangles
  • Concurrence of medians and altitudes
  • Properties of angles
  • sides and diagonals of a Parallelogram
  • rectangle and square
  • Circles and their properties including the tangents and normals
  • Loci

Mensuration

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

Statistics

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

Best Books for UPSC CDS 2021

Many of you must be eager to begin your preparations but are unsure where to begin due to the availability of UPSC CDS test books on the market. Choosing the appropriate ones will put you one step closer to achieving your goals.

  • Download UPSC CDS Books

Thus, this is the detailed UPSC CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2021. If you have any queries related to the UPSC CDS Exam, feel free to comment below.

FAQs On UPSC CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 

What is the basic eligibility criteria for UPSC CDS Exam?

Only unmarried graduates can take CDS exam.

How many segments are there in the UPSC CDS Syllabus of IMA, INA and AFA?

The UPSC CDS Syllabus of IMA, INA, and AFA has 3 segments: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.

How many segments are there in the written test of OTA?

The written test of the UPSC CDS Syllabus of OTA has 2 segments: English and General Knowledge.

What will be the duration of CDS 2021 Exam?

2 hours will be given for each part of the exam.

When will be the CDS (II) Exam held?

The CDS (II) is expected to be held in October 2021.

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