CDS Answer Key 2025 - Download CDS 1 Unofficial Answer Key PDFs

CDS Answer Key 2025 - Download CDS 1 Unofficial Answer Key PDFs

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on Apr 14, 2025 10:31 AM IST | #CDS

The unofficial UPC CDS 1 2025 answer key is updated in the table below. The official UPSC CDS 2025 answer key will be available for download in the form of a PDF online on the UPSC website. Candidates can use the CDS 1 answer key 2025 to calculate their CDS scores. The CDS answer key 2025 will be provided paper wise. Additionally, after the exam, candidates can also refer to the CDS exam analysis to get a better idea of the candidate's performance in the the CDS exam.

This Story also Contains
  1. UPSC CDS 1 2025 Unofficial Answer Key
  2. CDS Answer Key 2025 - Dates
  3. How to Download CDS Answer Key 2025?
  4. CDS Answer Key 2025- Written Exam
  5. CDS Answer Keys for Previous Years
  6. CDS 2 Answer Key 2024 (Unofficial)
  7. CDS 1 Answer Key 2024 (Unofficial)
  8. How to Challenge CDS Question Paper 2025?
  9. CDS Cut off 2025
CDS Answer Key 2025 - Download CDS 1 Unofficial Answer Key PDFs
CDS Answer Key 2025 - Download CDS 1 Unofficial Answer Key PDFs

The CDS answer keys of the previous years can be used in conjunction with CDS question papers for better preparation. The official UPSC CDS 2025 answer key PDF can be downloaded from upsc.gov.in. However, the official PDF will only be released after the selection process is complete. Many notable coaching institutes have released unofficial versions of the answer key on the same day as the CDS exam. Candidates can refer to these unofficial versions of the CDS 2 2025 answer key to get an approximation of their results immediately after the exam. The download links for the same will be made available below.

UPSC CDS 1 2025 Unofficial Answer Key

The unofficial answer key of CDS 1 2025 has been updated in the table given below.

SubjectAnswer key pdf
EnglishDownload link
General KnowledgeDownload link
Elementary MathematicsDownload link

CDS Answer Key 2025 - Dates

Candidates can check the table below to know the important CDS exam date 2025 and others.

CDS 1 Answer Key 2025 Dates

Events

CDS 1 2025 Exam Dates

CDS notification

December 11, 2024

CDS 1 exam date

April 13, 2025

Unofficial CDS Answer Key release date

April 13, 2025

Official CDS Answer Key release date

To be announced

SSB Interview call letter

To be announced

CDS 2 Answer Key 2025 Dates

Events

CDS 2 2025 Exam Dates

CDS notification

May 28, 2025

CDS 2 2025 exam date

September 14, 2025

Unofficial CDS 2025 answer key release date

To be released

Official CDS answer key 2025 release date

To be released

SSB Interview call letter

To be released

How to Download CDS Answer Key 2025?

The CDS 2025 answer key can be downloaded from the UPSC website - upsc.gov.in. Follow the steps below to download the answer key of CDS 2025.

  • Visit the UPSC official website - upsc.gov.in.

  • In the Examination, tab click on the Answer Key link.

  • Search for the CDS 2025 answer key and click on it.

  • The pdf file of the CDS answer key will be opened.

  • Download the CDS answer key pdf for future reference.

CDS Answer Key 2025- Written Exam

The Combined Defence Services exam has two stages - a written exam and an SSB interview. The written exam has two to three sections depending on the course that the candidate has applied for. Applicants need to qualify for the CDS 2025 written examination to be eligible for the SSB interview.

Quick links: CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025

CDS Answer Keys for Previous Years

Candidates who are preparing for CDS 2025 and attempting the previous year's CDS question papers and looking for the answer key, can download the same here. In the table below applicants can find the Official CDS 1 and 2 answer key for all the previous year GK, English and Mathematics papers starting from the year 2017 to 2025. Check the table below to download the previous year CDS answer keys.

CDS 2 Answer Key 2024 (Unofficial)

CDS 2 Answer Key 2024 (Unofficial by Major Kalshi Classes)

Papers

CDS 2 2024 Answer key (All Sets)

Mathematics

Download here

English

Download here

GKDownload here

CDS 1 Answer Key 2024 (Unofficial)

CDS 1 Answer Key 2024 (Unofficial by Major Kalshi Classes)

Papers

CDS 1 2024 Answer key (All Sets)

Mathematics

Click here

English

Click here

GKClick here

CDS 1 Answer Key 2024 (Unofficial by Cavalier)

Papers

CDS 1 2024 Answer key

Mathematics

Click here

GKClick here

English

Click here

Year

CDS 1 or CDS 2

CDS Subjects

CDS Answer Key Download Link

2023CDS 2EnglishDownload here
MathsDownload here
GKDownload here

2021


English

Download Here

Maths

Download Here

GK

Download Here

2020

CDS 2

English

Download here

GK

Download here

Mathematics

Download here

2019

CDS 2

English

Download Here

GK

Download Here

Mathematics

Download Here

CDS 1

English

Download Here

GK

Download Here

Mathematics

Download Here

2018

CDS 2

English

Download Here

GK

Download Here

Mathematics

Download Here

CDS 1

English

Download Here

GK

Download Here

Mathematics

Download Here

2017

CDS 2

English

Download Here

GK

Download Here

Mathematics

Download Here

CDS 1

English

Download Here

GK

Download Here

Mathematics

Download Here

Quick Links:

How to Challenge CDS Question Paper 2025?

UPSC provides the facility to challenge the CDS question paper. Candidates can do so by visiting the UPSC website before the last date to raise objections. The procedure to raise an objection is mentioned below:

  • Visit the UPSC website - upsc.gov.in.

  • Click on CDS question papers through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPR).

  • Entering the basic details required and submitting the challenges.

Candidates must note that for each UPSC exam, the Commission has fixed a time frame of 7 days for raising objections.

Quick links: CDS Exam Pattern 2025

CDS Answer Key 2025 - Score Calculation & Marking Scheme

With the help of the CDS answer key 2025, candidates can calculate their score to get an idea of how they did in the Combined Defence Services written exam. To calculate the CDS written score candidates can use the below-mentioned formula.

Total score = Number of correct answers x Marks awarded – Number of incorrect answers x Marks deducted

CDS Exam 2025 Marking Scheme

Events

Marks

Correct Answer

+1

Incorrect Answer

-1/3

Unanswered

-

Quick links:

CDS Cut off 2025

Union Public Service Commission will release the CDS 1 cutoff for every stage of the CDS exam. The final CDS cut off 2025 will be released along with the declaration of the final result. Candidates qualifying for the CDS cut off of the written exam are called for the CDS SSB interview round. The written exam cutoff is for shortlisting applicants for the CDS SSB interview. So the candidates need to score well in the CDS written exam and move on to the main exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does UPSC release the answer key for the CDS written exam?

Yes, the Union Public Service Commission will release the answer key for the CDS written examination.

2. When is the CDS 1 2025 exam going to be held?

The CDS 1 exam was conducted on April 13, 2025.

3. Where can I download the official CDS answer key from?

Candidates will be able to download the official CDS exam answer key from the UPSC website.

4. What are the marks awarded for the correct answer in the CDS exam?

In the CDS 2025 exam, correct answers are given 1 mark. 

5. Is negative marking in CDS?

Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.33 in the CDS 2025 exam. 

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing well !!

For CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams, the eligibility criteria regarding age depend on the specific course you are applying for. Here’s a breakdown based on your date of birth (08-05-2001) and the requirements for CDS 2 2025:

For 2025 cds 2;-

  1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) :

    • Age: 19 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, the exam will be held in September 2025. The candidate must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you fall within the eligible age range for IMA, so you can apply for IMA .
  2. Indian Naval Academy (INA) :

    • Age: 19 to 22 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since your birthdate (08-05-2001) is outside this range, you cannot apply for INA in CDS 2 2025.
  3. Air Force Academy (AFA) :

    • Age: 20 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2005 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you can apply for AFA .
  4. Officers Training Academy (OTA) :

    • Age: 19 to 25 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2000 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you are 24 years old and your birthdate is 08-05-2001, you can apply for OTA .

You can attempt CDS 2 2025 for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) , Air Force Academy (AFA) , and Officers Training Academy (OTA) . However, you are not eligible for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) .

for details,visit the below link ;-

Careers360

https://competition.careers360.com

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/cds-eligibility-criteria


Thanks for asking

hello,

yes, a distance degree from Swami Vivekanand University(SVU) is valid for UPSC CDS (IMA/OTA) if it is UGC and DEB approved. ensure that the university and its distance courses are recognized at the time of admission to avoid issues in SSB verification. always check the UGC website for the latest approval status before applying.

For a cost-effective BA program in Hyderabad while preparing for NDA/CDS, consider government colleges offering BA programs and supplementing your preparation with coaching from reputable NDA/CDS institutes.

Here's a breakdown to help you choose:

1. BA Colleges in Hyderabad (Government vs. Private):

Government Colleges:

Pros: Lower fees, potentially better academic rigor.

Cons: May have limited course options or placements.

Examples: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Osmania University.

Private Colleges:

Pros: Wider course options, potentially better infrastructure and placement opportunities.

Cons: Higher fees.

Examples: Sreenidhi Institute of Science & Technology, Swami Vivekananda Degree & PG College.

2. NDA/CDS Coaching Institutes in Hyderabad:

Reputable Institutes:

Hyderabad Defence Academy: Offers NDA and CDS coaching, along with intermediate education.

Sri Netaji Study Circle: A popular institute for NDA coaching.

Impact Academy Of Human Excellence: Another well-regarded institute for NDA preparation.

Dice Academy: Known for its coaching for NDA and CDS.

Yuvatarang Defence Academy & Junior College: Offers NDA and CDS coaching.

Consider these factors when choosing a coaching institute:

Faculty: Experienced and qualified teachers.

Infrastructure: Study materials, library, and other facilities.

Fees: Compare the cost of different institutes.

Location: Choose a location that is convenient for you.

3. Balancing BA Studies with NDA/CDS Preparation:

Time Management:

Effective time management is crucial to balance studies and coaching.

Study Groups:

Form study groups with fellow aspirants to share resources and motivate each other.

Online Resources:

Utilize online platforms for additional study materials and practice tests.

Physical Training:

Don't neglect physical fitness, which is a crucial part of the NDA/CDS selection process.

4. Important Notes:

  • NDA/CDS Exams:

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. The CDS exam is also conducted by the UPSC, and the selection process includes a written test and an interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB).

Eligibility:

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for both NDA and CDS, including age, educational qualifications, and physical standards.

Multiple Attempts:

You can appear for both NDA and CDS exams in different years, maximizing your chances of joining the armed forces.

BA Courses:

The National Defence Academy (NDA) offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees with various specializations.

Hello Kanchan,

You are eligible to appear for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam based on your date of birth (16 October 2003) and graduation timeline. Here’s when you can apply:

  • CDS 1 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in December 2024, Exam in April 2025)

  • CDS 2 2025 : Yes, you can apply (Notification in May 2025, Exam in September 2025)

    Age Limits for CDS 2025 (Tentative)

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007

  • Indian Naval Academy (INA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2007

  • Air Force Academy (AFA): 02 January 2002 – 01 January 2006 (with Physics & Math in 12th or Engineering Degree)

  • Officers Training Academy (OTA): 02 January 2001 – 01 January 2007

Since your graduation will be completed next year (2025) , you can apply in your final year , but you need to submit proof of graduation before the final selection .


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


To determine if you're eligible to give the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in 2027, let's check the age criteria:


Age Criteria for CDS Exam

- For Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19-24 years

- For Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19-24 years

- For Air Force Academy (AFA): 19-24 years

- For Officers' Training Academy (OTA): 19-25 years


Your Age in 2027

- Born in 2003

- Age in 2027: 24 years


Considering the age criteria, you'll be eligible to appear for the CDS exam in 2027 for:


- Indian Military Academy (IMA)

- Indian Naval Academy (INA)

- Air Force Academy (AFA)


However, you'll be at the upper age limit for these academies. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA), you'll still be within the eligible age range.


Please note that these eligibility criteria are subject to change, and you should verify the age limits and other eligibility criteria with the official UPSC website or notification before applying.

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