Important topics for cds exam stage 1

TOPICS CATEGORIES
1. Mathematics

As per the declaration of UPSC, the syllabus of CDS Elementary Mathematics

consists of 7 sections such as Number System, Elementary Number Theory,
Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics. To begin
preparation, one can always start with NCERT Mathematics 9th and 10th
standard books and it will also help to understand the steps and create your own
shortcuts.

 Number System

Natural numbers Integers Rational and Real Number

Additions Subtractions Multiplications

Square Roots Decimal fractions Unitary method

Time and Work Percentages Applications to simple and compound Interest

Ratio and Proportion Variations Profit and Loss

Time and distance Division Fundamental Operations

 Elementary Number Theory

Division algorithm Prime and composite numbers

Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11 Multiples and factors
Factorization Theorem H.C.F. and L.C.M.

Euclidean algorithm Logarithms to base 10

Laws of logarithms Use of logarithmic tables

 Algebra
Important topics for cds exam stage 1
Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical
Basic Operations
solutions

Simple Factors Simultaneous linear inequalities in two variables and their solutions

Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequalities

Remainder Theorem
in two variables or quadratic equations in one

Theory of Polynomials Set Language and set notation

HCF & LCM Relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots will be considered)
Solutions of quadratic
Variable & their solutions
equations

Law of Indices Rational Expressions and Conditional Identities

 Trigonometry
o Simple trigonometric identities
o Use of trigonometric tables
o Simple cases of heights and distances
 Geometry
o Lines and angles
o Plane and plane figures
o Properties of angles at a point
o Sides and angles of a triangle
o Congruence of triangles
o Similar triangles
o Concurrence of medians and altitudes
o Properties of angles
o Sides and diagonals of a parallelogram
o Rectangle and square
o Circles and its properties including tangents and normal and Loci
 Mensuration
Important topics for cds exam stage 1
Areas of squares Rectangles
Parallelograms Triangle and Circle
Areas of figures which can be split up into
Surface area and volume of cuboids
smaller figures
Volume of Right Circular Cones, cylinders
Lateral Surface, Area and volume of spheres
and Surface

 Statistics:
o Collection and Tabulation of Statistical Data
o Histograms
o Measures of Central Tendency
o Graphical Representation Frequency Polygons
o Bar charts

WEIGHTAGE
Important topics for cds exam stage 1
CDS 2021 Expected Number of Questions
Topics Level of difficulty Number of Questions

Number System Easy 20

Mensuration Moderate 13 - 15

Geometry Moderate to Difficult 11 - 15

Time, Speed and Distance Moderate 6

Simple Interest/ Compound interest Easy 2-5

Trigonometry Moderate 12

Algebra Moderate to Difficult 7 - 10

Percentage Easy-Moderate 2-4

Mixture Moderate 1

Time and Work Moderate 5

Ratio and Proportion Moderate 2

Profit and Loss Moderate 1

DI and DS Moderate 3

Statistics Easy 8
Important topics for cds exam stage 1