Detailed CDS Exam Syllabus & Practice Questions
### Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam - Detailed Syllabus & Examples ###
## 1 English Section (100 Marks)
This section tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and usage.
### Topics & Examples:
**1. Spotting Errors**
*Example:* Identify the error: "She do not like playing football."
**Correct Answer:** "do" should be "does."
**2. Sentence Improvement**
*Example:* "He is more better than his brother."
**Correct Answer:** Remove "more" (He is better than his brother.)
**3. Synonyms & Antonyms**
*Example:* Synonym of "Obstinate"?
**Correct Answer:** Stubborn
**4. Reading Comprehension**
- Read a passage and answer related questions.
**5. Cloze Test (Fill in the blanks)**
*Example:* "He __ to the market yesterday."
**Correct Answer:** went
**6. Active & Passive Voice**
*Example:* "She wrote a letter." (Active) **"A letter was written by her." (Passive)**
**7. Idioms & Phrases**
*Example:* "Break the ice" means **to start a conversation.**
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## 2 General Knowledge (100 Marks)
Covers static GK, current affairs, and defence knowledge.
### Topics & Examples:
**1. Current Affairs**
*Example:* Who is the current Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India?
**Correct Answer:** (Check latest update)
**2. History**
- Ancient: Indus Valley, Maurya, Gupta Empire
- Medieval: Delhi Sultanate, Mughals
- Modern: Revolt of 1857, Freedom Struggle
**Example:** Who founded the Maurya Empire?
**Correct Answer:** Chandragupta Maurya
**3. Geography**
*Example:* What is the longest river in India?
**Correct Answer:** Ganga
**4. Polity**
*Example:* Who is the head of the Rajya Sabha?
**Correct Answer:** Vice President of India
**5. Economy**
*Example:* What is GST?
**Correct Answer:** Goods & Services Tax
**6. Science & Environment**
*Example:* What is the chemical formula of water?
**Correct Answer:** H2O
**7. Defence & Security**
*Example:* Where is DRDO headquarters?
**Correct Answer:** New Delhi
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## 3 Mathematics (100 Marks) [For IMA, INA, AFA]
Basic numerical ability and problem-solving skills.
### Topics & Examples:
**1. Arithmetic:**
*Example:* Find the LCM of 12 and 18.
**Correct Answer:** 36
**2. Algebra:**
*Example:* Solve x2 - 4x + 4 = 0.
**Correct Answer:** x = 2
**3. Geometry:**
*Example:* What is the sum of interior angles of a triangle?
**Correct Answer:** 180
**4. Mensuration:**
*Example:* Find the area of a circle with radius 7 cm.
**Correct Answer:** 72 = 154 cm2
**5. Trigonometry:**
*Example:* Find sin 30.
**Correct Answer:** 1/2
**6. Statistics & Data Interpretation:**
*Example:* Find the median of {3, 5, 7, 9, 11}.
**Correct Answer:** 7
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## Preparation Tips:
- **Read NCERT books (6th-10th) for GK & Maths.**
- **Follow newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) for current affairs.**
- **Solve previous years' papers & take mock tests.**
- **Use books like Wren & Martin (English), Lucents GK, R.S. Aggarwal (Maths).**