The UPSC CDS syllabus (Combined Defence Services) consists of three subjects: Elementary Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. The Elementary Mathematics section includes Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Statistics. The English section includes Comprehension, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Ordering of Words/Sentences, Fill in the Blanks (Cloze Test), Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, and Vocabulary. The General Knowledge section covers Current Affairs, History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern), Geography (Physical, Political, World), Indian Polity and Governance, Indian Economy, Science and Technology, and Environment and Ecology. Aspirants must prepare thoroughly for all the three subjects to crack the UPSC CDS exam.
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UPSC CDS Written Exam Syllabus
The written exam of UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) is conducted in three stages – Elementary Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. Here is the detailed syllabus for the written exam of UPSC CDS:
| Elementary Mathematics | ✔Arithmetic (Number System, Elementary Number Theory, Fractions, Decimal Fractions, Simplification, Square Roots, HCF, LCM, Average, Ratio, Proportion, Partnership, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Mensuration) ✔Algebra (Basic Operations, Simple Factors, Remainder Theorem, Theory of Polynomials, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Geometric Progressions) ✔Trigonometry (Sine, Cosine, Tangent, Values of Sin θ, Cos θ and Tan θ, Simple Trigonometric Identities, Use of Trigonometric Tables, Heights and Distances) ✔Geometry (Lines and Angles, Plane and Plane Figures, Theorems on Properties of Angles at a Point, Parallel Lines, Sides and Angles of a Triangle, Congruence of Triangles, Similar Triangles, Loci) ✔Statistics (Collection and Tabulation of Statistical Data, Graphical Representation, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Random Variables, Probability) |
| English | ✔Comprehension ✔Spotting Errors ✔Sentence Improvement ✔Ordering of Words/Sentences ✔Fill in the Blanks (Cloze Test) ✔Synonyms/Antonyms ✔Idioms and Phrases ✔Vocabulary |
| General Knowledge | ✔Current Affairs ✔History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern) ✔Geography (Physical, Political, World) ✔Indian Polity and Governance ✔Indian Economy ✔Science and Technology ✔Environment and Ecology |
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SSB Interview
The SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview is the final stage of the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam selection process. The SSB Interview tests the personality and character traits of the candidates to assess their suitability for the Armed Forces. The SSB Interview is divided into two stages – Stage I and Stage II. The syllabus for the SSB Interview is as follows:
Stage I:
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- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
Stage II:
- Psychology Tests
- Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO Tasks)
- Interview
- Conference
The SSB Interview is conducted over a period of 5-6 days and tests the candidate’s ability to handle various situations, communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall personality. It is recommended that aspirants undergo mock SSB interviews to prepare themselves for the selection process.
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Medical Examination
The medical examination is an essential part of the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam selection process. The medical examination assesses the candidate’s medical fitness to perform the duties required of an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. The medical examination consists of the following tests:
- Physical Measurements: The height, weight, and chest measurements of the candidate are taken.
- Eye Sight Test: The candidate’s eyesight is tested using Snellen’s Chart.
- Hearing Test: The candidate’s hearing ability is tested using an audiometer.
- Blood and Urine Tests: Blood and urine samples are taken to test for any abnormalities.
- X-Ray and Ultrasound: These tests are conducted to detect any internal abnormalities.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test is conducted to check the candidate’s heart condition.
- Dental Examination: The candidate’s dental health is assessed.
Candidates are required to meet certain medical standards to be declared medically fit for service in the Armed Forces. Any candidate found medically unfit during the examination may be rejected.
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FAQs – UPSC CDS Syllabus
What is the best way to cover the UPSC CDS syllabus?
To cover the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam syllabus, aspirants can follow the following steps:
Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: Go through the latest exam pattern and syllabus in detail to understand the topics and subjects that need to be covered.
Create a study plan: Create a study plan based on the time available before the exam. Allocate sufficient time for each subject based on the difficulty level and your strengths and weaknesses.
Study material: Collect the best study material and books available for each subject. It is essential to refer to standard books for each subject.
Practice: Practice solving previous years’ question papers and mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve speed and accuracy.
Revision: Regular revision is essential to retain what has been studied. Revise topics regularly to avoid forgetting them.
Focus on weak areas: Identify the weak areas and work on them to improve your scores.
Stay updated: Stay updated with current affairs, especially for the General Knowledge section.
Stay motivated: Stay motivated throughout the preparation journey and maintain a positive attitude towards the exam.