UPSC CDS l Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Examination for 2025, opening recruitment for 457 posts across prestigious academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). This examination is an excellent opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve the nation. To excel in this competitive exam, understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare.

Process Overview

Stage	Description	Applicable Posts
Written Examination	Pen-and-paper test assessing core subjects	All applicants
SSB Test/Interview	Personality evaluation over five days	All applicants
Document Verification	Verification of academic and professional details	Shortlisted candidates
Medical Examination	Health and fitness evaluation	Selected candidates

UPSC CDS I Selection Process

Selection Stages

1. Written Examination: Tests English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA). OTA candidates are assessed in English and General Knowledge only.
2. SSB Test/Interview: A comprehensive five-day evaluation assessing intelligence, group performance, and personality.
3. Document Verification: Ensures academic and professional details meet UPSC criteria.
4. Medical Examination: Validates physical and medical fitness as per UPSC standards.

Complete Exam Pattern for UPSC CDS I Examination 2025

Exam Structure

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration
English	100	100	2 hours
General Knowledge	100	100	2 hours
Mathematics	100	100	2 hours

Note: OTA candidates are not required to appear for the Mathematics section.

Syllabus For Written Examination

1. English

The English section evaluates candidates’ command over grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. It tests the ability to understand written text and use English effectively in a professional setting. Candidates should focus on improving their vocabulary, grammar skills, and reading comprehension by practicing extensively.

Section	Marks	Subtopics	Questions	Examples
Vocabulary	20-25	Synonyms Antonyms Idioms & Phrases Word Usage Word Formation Spelling Contextual Vocabulary	Identify synonyms, complete sentences, fill in the blanks, and match words with meanings	Synonym of “Lucid” – Clear
Grammar	30-35	Error Spotting Sentence Improvement Tenses Prepositions Articles Subject-Verb Agreement Active/Passive Voice Reported Speech	Identify grammatical errors or improve sentences	Spot the error: “She are going to the market.”
Reading Comprehension	20-30	Passage-based questions Inference Main Idea Detail-Oriented Questions Vocabulary in Context	Questions on themes, details, inferences	What is the main idea of the passage?
Sentence Arrangement	15-20	Para Jumbles Logical Ordering Sequencing Sentence Correction Sentence Formation	Arrange sentences logically	Rearrange: [C] The sun was shining, [A] It was a bright morning, [B] The birds were chirping.

2. Mathematics

The Mathematics section assesses numerical ability and problem-solving skills. Topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and mensuration. Success in this section depends on speed, accuracy, and a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts. Regular practice with past papers can be highly beneficial.

Section	Marks	Subtopics	Questions	Examples
Arithmetic	25-30	Time & Work Profit & Loss Percentages Averages Ratios & Proportions Simple & Compound Interest Speed & Distance Mixtures & Allegations	Solve numerical problems	A man earns 20% profit on an item sold for ₹120. Find the cost price.
Algebra	20-25	Quadratic Equations Linear Equations Simplification Polynomials Exponents Logarithms, Sets Functions	Solve for variables	Solve: 2x + 3 = 11.
Geometry	20-25	Properties of Triangles Circles Angles Polygons Coordinate Geometry Tangents Conic Sections	Apply geometric concepts	Find the area of a triangle with a base of 5 cm and a height of 8 cm.
Trigonometry	10-15	Sine Cosine Tangent Heights & Distances Trigonometric Identities Angle Measurement	Solve practical problems	If sin(30°) = 1/2, find cos(30°).
Mensuration	15-20	Surface Area Volume of Solids Volume of Cones Spheres and Cylinders Areas of 2D Figures	Calculate areas/volumes	Calculate the volume of a sphere with a radius of 7 cm.

3. General Knowledge

The General Knowledge section gauges awareness of current affairs, history, geography, and science. This section also includes questions about recent developments in science and technology, polity, and environmental issues. Staying updated with news and brushing up on general concepts is key to excelling here.

Section	Marks	Subtopics	Questions	Examples
Current Affairs	15-20	National & International Events, Awards, Sports, Economic Trends, Political Events, International Relations	Identify notable events	Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024?
History	20-25	Indian National Movement, Ancient & Modern History, Freedom Struggles, Historical Leaders, Important Events, World History	Questions on leaders/events	Who led the Dandi March in 1930?
Geography	15-20	Physical, Economic, and Social Geography, Climate, Landforms, Resources, Agriculture, Environment, Cartography	Maps, landforms	Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar”?
Polity	10-15	Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Governance, Political Parties, Indian Parliament, Judiciary, Law	Laws, Governance	What is the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21?
Science & Technology	15-20	Space, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Health & Medicine, Innovations, Scientific Discoveries	Questions on innovations	What is the use of CRISPR in biotechnology?
Environmental Ecology	10-15	Biodiversity, Conservation, Pollution, Climate Change, Green Technologies	Environmental concerns	What is the Kyoto Protocol related to?

4. OTA-Specific Syllabus

For OTA candidates, the focus remains on English and General Knowledge. The syllabus mirrors that of IMA, INA, and AFA, but excludes Mathematics. Candidates should concentrate on honing language skills and staying informed about national and global events.

Subject	Marks	Subtopics	Questions	Examples
English	100	Grammar Vocabulary Reading Comprehension Sentence Improvement Error Spotting, Para Jumbles	Same as English above	Same as examples in the English section
General Knowledge	100	Current Affairs History Polity Geography Science & Technology Environmental Ecology	Same as GK above	Same as examples in the General Knowledge section

Key Features of Subject-Specific Syllabus

• Comprehensive focus on grammar and vocabulary in English.
• Emphasis on fundamental mathematical concepts and applications.
• The general Knowledge section tests awareness of current affairs, history, and geography.

SSB Interview/Test

The SSB interview is a rigorous selection process designed to evaluate the mental, physical, and emotional aptitude of candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. It includes a series of psychological tests, group activities, and personal interviews aimed at assessing leadership qualities, teamwork, communication skills, and overall suitability for a military career.

Stage	Description	Details
1. Screening Test	This is the first stage of the SSB process and takes place on the first day.	The screening consists of two parts: a) Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIRT): An aptitude test to assess general intelligence. b) Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT): Candidates are shown a picture and asked to describe it in a story format.
2. Psychological Tests	Psychological tests assess the mental agility, personality, and behavioral traits of the candidates.	This includes: a) Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): Candidates are shown pictures and are asked to create a story. b) Word Association Test (WAT): Candidates write the first thing that comes to their mind after seeing words. c) Situation Reaction Test (SRT): Candidates respond to hypothetical situations. d) Self-Description Test (SDT): Candidates describe themselves, their family, and their aspirations.
3. Group Testing Officer Tasks	Group tasks assess leadership, team spirit, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.	Group tasks include: a) Group Discussion (GD): Discussion on a given topic to assess communication and teamwork. b) Group Planning Exercise (GPE): Candidates are given a problem to solve as a team. c) Progressive Group Tasks (PGT): Physical tasks requiring teamwork. d) Half Group Tasks (HGT): Small group challenges. e) Command Task: Candidates demonstrate their leadership and decision-making skills in a group scenario.
4. Personal Interview	A one-on-one interaction with an interviewing officer to assess personal characteristics, including motivation, confidence, and alignment with military values.	The interview is based on the candidate’s background, education, hobbies, and general knowledge, including motivation for joining the armed forces.
5. Final Stage	After all tasks, a final interview is conducted, and a cumulative evaluation of the candidate is made to decide on selection.	Candidates are assessed on their performance across all stages, and the final decision is based on their overall impression.

Document Verification

Document verification is an essential step in the selection process, where candidates must submit their original documents for authentication. This ensures that all academic, personal, and identity-related information provided is accurate and valid. Only candidates with correctly verified documents are allowed to proceed to the next stages of the recruitment process.

Step	Description	Required Documents
1. Document Submission	Candidates must submit the necessary original documents and photocopies for verification.	– Birth Certificate (for age verification)- Educational Certificates (10th, 12th, Graduation, if applicable)- Identity Proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, etc.)- Caste Certificate (if applicable)- Domicile Certificate (if applicable)- NCC Certificates (if applicable)- Passport-sized Photographs (if specified)
2. Document Verification	The documents are thoroughly verified by the selection board. Any discrepancies can result in disqualification.	– Check for the authenticity and accuracy of the submitted documents.- Candidates should bring the original documents along with photocopies.
3. Incomplete Documents	If any document is missing or incorrect, candidates may be asked to submit it or provide clarification.	– Candidates may be asked to bring additional documents or correct any discrepancies in their records during this stage.
4. Final Document Confirmation	Once the documents are verified, the final confirmation of eligibility is made.	– Only candidates with correctly verified documents are allowed to proceed to the next stages of the selection process.

Medical Examination

The medical examination ensures that candidates meet the strict physical and health standards required by the Armed Forces. It involves a thorough health check-up, including vision and hearing tests, physical fitness assessments, and evaluations for any pre-existing medical conditions. Candidates must be medically fit to ensure they are capable of enduring the challenges of military service.

Step	Description	Medical Tests
1. Initial Screening	A basic health check to ensure candidates meet the physical standards required by the Armed Forces.	– Height, weight, and chest measurements- Basic health check-up, including a blood test, urine test, and general examination (vision, hearing, and physical fitness)
2. Vision and Eye Tests	Vision standards are strictly maintained, and candidates must meet specific criteria.	– 6/6 vision in both eyes without glasses- No color blindness or any eye diseases- Corrected vision (with glasses) may be accepted in some cases
3. Hearing Test	Ensures no hearing impairments.	– No significant hearing loss or abnormalities in ear function.
4. Medical Fitness Assessment	A full medical check-up is performed to check for any physical or mental disorders.	– Candidates are checked for heart conditions, lung function, dental health, and overall fitness.- Any long-term illnesses or disabilities can result in disqualification.
5. Specific Tests for Gender	Special tests are done depending on the candidate’s gender.	– Female candidates may undergo additional checks (e.g., gynecological examination) for certain medical conditions.- Additional tests may be conducted based on age and medical history.
6. Final Medical Report	A final medical report is issued based on the assessment.	– The final report will either declare the candidate “Fit” or “Unfit” based on the findings.- Candidates found unfit may be given the chance for a re-medical checkup.

Final Selection

After completing the SSB interview, document verification, and medical examination, candidates who meet all criteria are included in the final merit list. The final selection depends on the candidate’s performance across all stages, and successful candidates are then called for training at the respective Armed Forces academies.

Step	Description	Criteria for Selection
1. SSB Interview and Testing Results	All candidates are evaluated based on their performance in the SSB interview and psychological tests.	– Candidates must have completed all the SSB interview stages, including screening, psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
2. Document Verification Results	Candidates who pass the document verification process will move forward.	– Only those with verified, complete documents are eligible for selection.
3. Medical Examination Results	Candidates must pass the medical examination to be considered for final selection.	– Candidates must be declared medically “Fit” by the medical board to move forward.
4. Merit List Preparation	Based on performance in all stages (SSB, document verification, medical), a merit list is created.	– The merit list takes into account performance in the SSB interview and medical exam.- Candidates are ranked based on their overall performance.
5. Final Selection Notification	Candidates who make it to the merit list are finally selected for training.	– Candidates who meet all criteria and rank high enough on the merit list are selected for training at the respective academies (e.g., NDA, IMA, OTA).
6. Training Commencement	The selected candidates are called for training at the respective academies.	– After the final selection, candidates begin their training according to the schedule of the respective institution.

Recommended Books and Resources

Topic	Recommended Books
General Knowledge	Lucent’s General Knowledge
Mathematics	Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
English	Wren and Martin’s High School English Grammar

Strategic Preparation Plan for UPSC CDS 2025

Time Slot	Activity	Focus Area
Morning (6-8 AM)	Core Subject Revision	Mathematics/English
Afternoon (2-4 PM)	Mock Tests and Analysis	Time Management
Evening (6-8 PM)	General Knowledge Preparation	Current Affairs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Neglecting Weak Areas: Identify and improve on weaker subjects.
2. Skipping Mock Tests: Regular tests improve time management and accuracy.
3. Ignoring Current Affairs: Stay updated with daily news and events.

Important Links

Title	Link
UPSC Official Website	Click Here
CDS Examination Notification	Download Here
Join Our WhatsApp Channel	Join Now

Conclusion

The UPSC CDS I Examination 2025 offers a prestigious pathway to join India’s armed forces. With a clear understanding of the syllabus and a disciplined preparation plan, candidates can secure their dream role. Start your preparation today to achieve success in this competitive exam.

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