UPSC CDS is one of the most competitive exams in India. Thousands and thousands of students try to clear the exam in hopes of getting their dream job in public administration. These lucrative job opportunities come with a chance to play an important part in India’s development, along with respect from all the countrymen and government.

Preparing for such an exam can be extremely difficult due to competition and the standard knowledge and aptitude of the candidate required to perform the job efficiently. In this blog, we will discuss the CDS exam pattern and syllabus so that you can prepare for the exam easily and efficiently.

BUY NOW: CDS Online Course For 2024 Exam

Must Read: Do's and Don'ts for CDS 2025 Preparation

About CDS Exam

The Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is conducted in two phases: the written examination and the SSB interview. In order to get selected, a candidate must pass both stages.

First things first, you have to prepare well for the CDS 1 exam. So, you must have a thorough understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. Let’s go through the exam pattern first.

CDS Exam Pattern

CDS exams consist of subjects like English, general knowledge, and mathematics; each assessment continues for two hours and carries 100 marks. Your score will shape your future in the Indian Armed Forces. After the written exam, the SSB interview spans over five days and carries 300 marks. It is the most crucial part of the selection process. During the interview, your language capabilities, general awareness, mathematical prowess, and personality traits are evaluated. All these tests together determine your potential as a future army officer in the Indian Armed Forces.

To understand the exam pattern better, take a CDS mock test online.

Best Online CDS Mock Test Series | For 2024 Exam

CDS Online Previous Year Question Papers with Solution | Free PDF Download

CDS Exam Syllabus

UPSC conducts CDS exams biannually to recruit candidates for various positions in defence academies (military, naval, air force, and officers’ training). The syllabus includes English, General Knowledge and Awareness, and Mathematics. To estimate where you stand, try solving the CDSmock test so that you know where to start preparing. 

• English

To prepare for the English exam, make sure to read the newspaper daily. It will help you to build vocabulary and proficiency. Try focusing on comprehensions, word meanings, antonyms and synonyms, idioms, and other grammar topics. Solving the CDS mock testwill help you in practising these topics.

Recommended Links: 

Best CDS Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions For 2024 Exam

Best CDS Books for 2024 Exam – Click Here

CDS Syllabus for 2024 Exam – Click Here

• Mathematics

The mathematics syllabus consists of algebra, trigonometry, arithmetic, statistics, and more. TheCDS exam online testis a great way to analyse your strengths and weaknesses, which topics you need to study more, and where you need to focus better.

• General Awareness

This section contains questions from history, geography, political science, economics, environment, general science, current affairs, and defence-related questions. The best way to prepare for this section is to prepare from the CDS mock tests online to get a variety of questions from different topics at once.