NDA / CDS Syllabus 2026 - Official Exam Pattern & Subject-wise Topics
UPSC · Syllabus · Posted: 09 Nov 2026 · Updated 09 Nov 2026
NDA / CDS (UPSC) official syllabus and exam pattern - NDA Paper I - Mathematics: 300 marks, 150 minutes. Negative marking, subject-wise topics and selection process from the official notification.
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Syllabus - Full Details
This page gives the official exam pattern and syllabus of NDA / CDS (UPSC). Every number and topic here is taken from the official notification or syllabus published by the exam body - the source links are given at the end. Always match with the latest official notification before the exam.
Exam pattern at a glance
- NDA Paper I - Mathematics: 300 marks, 150 minutes
- NDA Paper II - General Ability Test: 600 marks, 150 minutes
- CDS - English: 100 marks, 120 minutes
- CDS - General Knowledge: 100 marks, 120 minutes
- CDS - Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks, 120 minutes
NDA Paper I
- Mathematics
- Pattern: 300 marks, 150 minutes
- Negative marking: 1/3 of the question's marks for each wrong answer
- Note: Objective, bilingual. No calculator.
Mathematics
- syllabus
- Algebra: sets, relations, complex numbers, binary system, AP/GP/HP, quadratic equations, linear inequations, permutation and combination, binomial theorem, logarithms
- Matrices and determinants
- Trigonometry, inverse trigonometric functions, heights and distances, properties of triangles
- Analytical geometry of two and three dimensions
- Differential calculus: functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, maxima and minima
- Integral calculus and differential equations
- Vector algebra
- Statistics and probability
NDA Paper II
- General Ability Test
- Pattern: 600 marks, 150 minutes
- Negative marking: 1/3 of the question's marks for each wrong answer
- Note: Written total 900 + SSB interview 900 = 1800.
Subject-wise split:
- Part A - English: 200 marks
- Part B - General Knowledge: 400 marks
Part A
- English
- syllabus
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension and cohesion in extended text
Part B
- General Knowledge
- syllabus
- Physics (about 25%)
- Chemistry (about 15%)
- General Science (about 10%)
- History, Freedom Movement, Constitution (about 20%)
- Geography (about 20%)
- Current Events (about 10%)
CDS
- English
- Pattern: 100 marks, 120 minutes
- Negative marking: 1/3 of the question's marks for each wrong answer
English
- syllabus
- Understanding of English and workmanlike use of words
CDS
- General Knowledge
- Pattern: 100 marks, 120 minutes
- Negative marking: 1/3 of the question's marks for each wrong answer
General Knowledge
- syllabus
- Current events
- Everyday science
- History of India
- Geography
CDS
- Elementary Mathematics
- Pattern: 100 marks, 120 minutes
- Negative marking: 1/3 of the question's marks for each wrong answer
- Note: Not taken for OTA entry.
Elementary Mathematics
- syllabus
- Arithmetic
- Elementary number theory
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
Selection process
Written exam by UPSC, then SSB interview (Stage I screening, Stage II psychology, GTO, interview). Merit on written + SSB.
Not given in the official notification
- Number of questions per paper is not printed in the UPSC notification
We do not guess these numbers. Check the latest official notification.
Practise free
- Free mock tests and real previous year papers of this exam: https://www.publicnaukri.com/tests/exam/nda-cds
Official source
- https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-NA-I-2026-Engl-101225.pdf
- https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-CDSE-I-2026-Engl-101225.pdf
Selection Process
Written exam by UPSC, then SSB interview (Stage I screening, Stage II psychology, GTO, interview). Merit on written + SSB.
Important Links
All links go to official websites. PublicNaukri does not fill forms or charge any fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there negative marking in NDA / CDS?
NDA Paper I - Mathematics: 1/3 of the question's marks for each wrong answer.
What is the selection process of NDA / CDS?
Written exam by UPSC, then SSB interview (Stage I screening, Stage II psychology, GTO, interview). Merit on written + SSB.
Where can I practise NDA / CDS questions for free?
On PublicNaukri: https://www.publicnaukri.com/tests/exam/nda-cds - free mock tests and real previous year papers.
Prepare for this exam - free
Disclaimer: PublicNaukri is not a government website. This information is taken from the official notification - please verify on the official website before applying.