Combined Defence Services (CDS) Syllabus 2026
Section-wise Topics & Exam Pattern
Every subject, section, and mark in one place — with free mock tests to practice each part of the Combined Defence Services (CDS) paper.
What is the Combined Defence Services (CDS) syllabus for 2026?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) syllabus covers 3 subjects: English Language, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics. The exam has 340 questions across 3 sections in 360 minutes, with negative marking.
Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 120 | 120 min | −0.33 per wrong answer |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 120 min | −0.33 per wrong answer |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 120 min | −0.33 per wrong answer |
| Total | 340 | 360 min |
Marking scheme: +1 correct · -0.33 wrong · 0 unanswered. Last updated: 2026-06-01.
Subjects in the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Syllabus
- English Language
- General Knowledge
- Elementary Mathematics
Drill individual topics with free topic-wise practice tests before attempting full-length papers.
Is there negative marking in Combined Defence Services (CDS)?
Yes. Combined Defence Services (CDS) deducts marks for wrong answers in every section (0.33 mark per wrong answer). Unanswered questions carry no penalty, so skip questions you cannot eliminate options for.
How should I cover the Combined Defence Services (CDS) syllabus?
Work section by section: master one subject at a time with topic-wise practice, then combine sections in full-length mock tests under the real 360-minute timer. Analytics from each mock show which syllabus areas leak marks, so your revision targets weak topics instead of re-reading everything.
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