CDS Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Tap a sub-topic to start studying it.

• Algebra

  Sets, Relations, Functions, Per CDS Official Notification

  ~3 marks
  • Sets, Relations, Functions, Venn Diagrams
  • Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Polynomials
  • Sequences and Series — AP, GP, HP, Sum of n terms
  • Binomial Theorem, Permutation-Combination, Probability
  • Matrices and Determinants, Linear Algebra, System of Equations
  • Logarithms, Partial Fractions, Induction, Mathematical Reasoning
  • Boolean Algebra, Logic Gates, Number Theory
  Log in to study

• Trigonometry & Geometry

  Trigonometric Functions, 2D/3D, Per CDS Official Notification

  ~3 marks
  • Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, Equations, Inverse Trig
  • Heights and Distances, Properties of Triangles
  • Coordinate Geometry — Straight Lines, Circles, Conic Sections
  • 2D Geometry — Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Circles
  • 3D Geometry — Lines, Planes, Spheres, Cylinders, Cones
  • Vectors and 3D Geometry, Dot Product, Cross Product
  • Mensuration, Areas, Volumes, Surface Area
  Log in to study

• Calculus & Statistics

  Differentiation, Integration, Statistics, Per CDS Official Notification

  ~3 marks
  • Limits, Continuity, Differentiability, Derivatives
  • Applications of Derivatives — Maxima, Minima, Rate of Change
  • Integration — Definite, Indefinite, Areas, Applications
  • Differential Equations — First Order, First Degree
  • Statistics — Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Variance
  • Probability — Conditional, Bayes Theorem, Random Variables
  • Vectors, Matrices, Determinants — Advanced Applications
  Log in to study

• Arithmetic (MBA Quant)

  Number System, Percentages, Profit-Loss, SI-CI

  ~3 marks
  • Number System, HCF-LCM, Indices, Surds, Simplification, Approximation
  • Percentages, Profit-Loss, Discount, SI-CI, Growth Rate, Population Growth
  • Ratio, Proportion, Mixture-Alligation, Partnership, Ages
  • Time-Work, Work-Wages, Pipes & Cisterns, Efficiency
  • Time-Speed-Distance, Trains, Boats, Races, Clocks, Calendar
  • Averages, Mixture Problems, Alligation, Allegation Method
  • Mensuration, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry
  • Data Interpretation — Tables, Bar, Pie, Line, Caselet, Data Sufficiency
  • Modern Math — Permutation, Combination, Probability, Sets, Functions
  • Commercial Math — Stocks, Shares, Dividends, Brokerage, GST, True Discount
  Log in to study

• Algebra (MBA Quant)

  Equations, Functions, P&C, Probability

  ~3 marks
  • Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Polynomials, Identities
  • Functions, Graphs, Inequalities, Logarithms, Modulus, Domain, Range
  • Sequences and Series, AP, GP, HP, Sum of n terms, Special Series
  • Permutation, Combination, Binomial Theorem, Probability
  • Matrices, Determinants, Linear Programming, System of Equations
  • Set Theory, Relations, Functions, Venn Diagrams, Cardinality
  • Trigonometry — Ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances, Equations
  • Coordinate Geometry — Lines, Circles, Conics, Distance, Slope
  • Calculus — Limits, Derivatives, Integrals, Maxima, Minima, Applications
  • Statistics — Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Skewness, Correlation, Regression
  Log in to study

• Data Interpretation

  Charts, Tables, Caselets, Data Sufficiency

  ~3 marks
  • Table DI — Direct, Calculation-Based, Multi-Step
  • Bar Graph DI — Single, Double, Stacked, Comparison
  • Pie Chart DI — Sector Angle, Percentage, Comparison, Multiple Pie
  • Line Graph DI — Trend, Multiple Lines, Comparison, Growth Rate
  • Caselet DI — Story-Based, Multi-Step, Verbal Reasoning with Data
  • Data Sufficiency — Two-Statement, Three-Statement, Multi-Condition
  • Comparison DI — Ratio, Percentage, Difference, Growth Rate
  • Missing Data DI — Find the Missing Value, Estimate, Calculate
  • Quant-Based DI — Averages, Ratios in Data, Business Scenarios, HR Data
  • Radar, Web, Mixed Chart DI, Business Scenarios — Revenue, Cost, Profit, Market Share
  Log in to study

• English

  Verbal Ability, Grammar, Vocabulary, RC

  ~3 marks
  • Reading Comprehension — Factual, Inferential, Critical, Editorial, Business
  • Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Completion
  • Spotting Errors, Sentence Correction, Sentence Improvement
  • Para Jumbles, Sentence Rearrangement, Paragraph Completion
  • Vocabulary — Synonyms, Antonyms, One-Word Substitutes, Idioms, Phrasal Verbs
  • Grammar — Tenses, Voice, Narration, Prepositions, Articles, Modals
  • Word Usage, Foreign Words, Root Words, Etymology, Confusables
  • Essay Writing, Letter Writing, Email Writing, Report, Précis
  • Business Reading — Business News, Annual Reports, Strategies, Case Studies
  • Critical Reading — Argument Analysis, Flaw Identification, Strengthen/Weaken
  Log in to study

• Logical Reasoning

  Puzzles, Arrangements, Logic, Decisions

  ~3 marks
  • Seating Arrangement — Linear, Circular, Square, Rectangular, Hexagonal
  • Floor/Ladder Puzzles, Box Puzzles, Scheduling (Day/Month/Year)
  • Venn Diagrams, Sets, Family Tree, Blood Relations, Direction
  • Number Series, Letter Series, Coding-Decoding, Pattern Recognition
  • Syllogisms, Statement-Conclusion, Assumption, Inference, Course of Action
  • Critical Reasoning, Paradox, Brainteasers, Logic Games
  • Decision Making, Selection, Prioritization, Optimization, Negotiation
  • Data Sufficiency, Input-Output, Scheduling, Ranking
  • Verbal Reasoning — Analogies, Classification, Odd-Man-Out, Series
  • Visual Reasoning, Pattern Completion, Embedded Figures, Mirror, Water
  Log in to study

• Reading Comprehension

  Factual, Inferential, Critical, Business

  ~3 marks
  • Factual Reading Comprehension — Direct Information, Recall
  • Inferential Reading Comprehension — Logic, Reasoning, Implications
  • Critical Reading Comprehension — Argument Analysis, Tone, Stance
  • Literary Reading Comprehension — Fiction, Poetry, Drama
  • Business Reading Comprehension — Business News, Annual Reports, Strategies
  • Editorial and Opinion-Based Passages, Critical Thinking, Perspective
  • Scientific and Technical Passages, Business Jargon, Industry Terminology
  • Passage-based Vocabulary, Main Idea, Title, Theme, Inference Questions
  • Comparative Reading — Comparing Two Passages, Synthesis, Critical Comparison
  • Speed Reading, Skimming, Scanning, Active Reading, Time Management
  Log in to study

• Verbal Ability

  Grammar, Vocabulary, Para Jumbles

  ~3 marks
  • Grammar — Tenses, Voice, Narration, Subject-Verb Agreement
  • Vocabulary — Synonyms, Antonyms, One-Word Substitutes, Idioms, Phrasal Verbs
  • Sentence Correction, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement
  • Para Jumbles, Sentence Rearrangement, Paragraph Completion
  • Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Completion
  • Word Usage, Foreign Words, Root Words, Etymology, Confusables
  • Spelling, Punctuation, Capitalization, Common Errors
  • Verbal Analogies, Classification, Odd-Man-Out, Verbal Series
  • Critical Reasoning, Paradox, Brainteasers, Logic Games
  • Business Writing — Memo, Report, Email, Letter, Précis, Summary
  Log in to study

• Arithmetic

  Number System, Percentages, Profit-Loss, SI-CI

  ~3 marks
  • Number System, HCF-LCM, Indices, Surds, Simplification, Approximation
  • Percentages, Profit-Loss, Discount, SI-CI, Growth Rate, Population Growth
  • Ratio, Proportion, Mixture-Alligation, Partnership, Ages
  • Time-Work, Work-Wages, Pipes & Cisterns, Efficiency
  • Time-Speed-Distance, Trains, Boats, Races, Clocks, Calendar
  • Averages, Mixture Problems, Alligation, Allegation Method
  • Mensuration, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry
  • Data Interpretation — Tables, Bar, Pie, Line, Caselet, Data Sufficiency
  • Modern Math — Permutation, Combination, Probability, Sets, Functions
  • Commercial Math — Stocks, Shares, Dividends, Brokerage, GST, True Discount
  Log in to study

• Algebra

  Equations, Functions, P&C, Probability

  ~3 marks
  • Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Polynomials, Identities
  • Functions, Graphs, Inequalities, Logarithms, Modulus, Domain, Range
  • Sequences and Series, AP, GP, HP, Sum of n terms, Special Series
  • Permutation, Combination, Binomial Theorem, Probability
  • Matrices, Determinants, Linear Programming, System of Equations
  • Set Theory, Relations, Functions, Venn Diagrams, Cardinality
  • Trigonometry — Ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances, Equations
  • Coordinate Geometry — Lines, Circles, Conics, Distance, Slope
  • Calculus — Limits, Derivatives, Integrals, Maxima, Minima, Applications
  • Statistics — Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Skewness, Correlation, Regression
  Log in to study

• Data Interpretation

  Charts, Tables, Caselets, Data Sufficiency

  ~3 marks
  • Table DI — Direct, Calculation-Based, Multi-Step
  • Bar Graph DI — Single, Double, Stacked, Comparison
  • Pie Chart DI — Sector Angle, Percentage, Comparison, Multiple Pie
  • Line Graph DI — Trend, Multiple Lines, Comparison, Growth Rate
  • Caselet DI — Story-Based, Multi-Step, Verbal Reasoning with Data
  • Data Sufficiency — Two-Statement, Three-Statement, Multi-Condition
  • Comparison DI — Ratio, Percentage, Difference, Growth Rate
  • Missing Data DI — Find the Missing Value, Estimate, Calculate
  • Quant-Based DI — Averages, Ratios in Data, Business Scenarios, HR Data
  • Radar, Web, Mixed Chart DI, Business Scenarios — Revenue, Cost, Profit, Market Share
  Log in to study

• Verbal Ability

  Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Writing

  ~3 marks
  • Reading Comprehension — Factual, Inferential, Critical, Editorial, Business
  • Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Completion
  • Spotting Errors, Sentence Correction, Sentence Improvement
  • Para Jumbles, Sentence Rearrangement, Paragraph Completion
  • Vocabulary — Synonyms, Antonyms, One-Word Substitutes, Idioms, Phrasal Verbs
  • Grammar — Tenses, Voice, Narration, Prepositions, Articles, Modals
  • Word Usage, Foreign Words, Root Words, Etymology, Confusables
  • Essay Writing, Letter Writing, Email Writing, Report, Précis
  • Business Reading — Business News, Annual Reports, Strategies, Case Studies
  • Critical Reading — Argument Analysis, Flaw Identification, Strengthen/Weaken
  Log in to study

• Logical Reasoning

  Puzzles, Arrangements, Logic, Decisions

  ~3 marks
  • Seating Arrangement — Linear, Circular, Square, Rectangular, Hexagonal
  • Floor/Ladder Puzzles, Box Puzzles, Scheduling (Day/Month/Year)
  • Venn Diagrams, Sets, Family Tree, Blood Relations, Direction
  • Number Series, Letter Series, Coding-Decoding, Pattern Recognition
  • Syllogisms, Statement-Conclusion, Assumption, Inference, Course of Action
  • Critical Reasoning, Paradox, Brainteasers, Logic Games
  • Decision Making, Selection, Prioritization, Optimization, Negotiation
  • Data Sufficiency, Input-Output, Scheduling, Ranking
  • Verbal Reasoning — Analogies, Classification, Odd-Man-Out, Series
  • Visual Reasoning, Pattern Completion, Embedded Figures, Mirror, Water
  Log in to study