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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
Upcoming Event
CDS Exam Date : 14 Sep' 2025 - 14 Sep' 2025
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
- UPSC CDS 1 2025 Unofficial Answer Key
- CDS Answer Key 2025 - Dates
- How to Download CDS Answer Key 2025?
- CDS Answer Key 2025- Written Exam
- CDS Answer Keys for Previous Years
- CDS 2 Answer Key 2024 (Unofficial)
- CDS 1 Answer Key 2024 (Unofficial)
- How to Challenge CDS Question Paper 2025?
- CDS Cut off 2025
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.
| Subject | Answer key pdf |
| English | Download link |
| General Knowledge | Download link |
| Elementary Mathematics | Download 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 | |
| GK | Download 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 | |
| GK | Click here |
CDS 1 Answer Key 2024 (Unofficial by Cavalier)
Papers | CDS 1 2024 Answer key |
Mathematics | Click here |
| GK | Click here |
English |
Year | CDS 1 or CDS 2 | CDS Subjects | CDS Answer Key Download Link |
| 2023 | CDS 2 | English | Download here |
| Maths | Download here | ||
| GK | Download here | ||
2021 | English | ||
Maths | |||
GK | |||
2020 | CDS 2 | English | |
GK | |||
Mathematics | |||
2019 | CDS 2 | English | |
GK | |||
Mathematics | |||
CDS 1 | English | ||
GK | |||
Mathematics | |||
2018 | CDS 2 | English | |
GK | |||
Mathematics | |||
CDS 1 | English | ||
GK | |||
Mathematics | |||
2017 | CDS 2 | English | |
GK | |||
Mathematics | |||
CDS 1 | English | ||
GK | |||
Mathematics |
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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26 min ⋆ May 16, 2025 09:05 AM ISTQuestions related to CDS
Have a question related to CDS ?
Yes, You are eligible to apply for CDS OTA 2026(April exam) Based on your date of birth
Make sure you also:
- Graduation degree from a recognised(Or are in the final year).
- Or unmarried(For OTASSC non-technical entry).
- Meet the required, medical and physical standard as per SSB/UPSE Norms .
Avanishsree VP 10 June,2025
Hello Aditya,
As a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) student after your 12th board exam, you cannot directly appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam because it requires a bachelor’s degree. However, here’s a clear and concise guide on how you can prepare for and give the CDS exam after completing further studies, tailored to your background:
-
Understand CDS Eligibility
: The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recruits for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
-
Educational Requirement
:
- IMA and OTA: Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
-
AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 12th level or Bachelor of Engineering.
-
For PCB Students
: Since you don’t have Mathematics in 12th, you’re eligible for
IMA and OTA
after completing a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A.). INA and AFA are not an option unless you pursue an engineering degree or have Mathematics at the graduation level.
-
Age Limit
: 19–25 years (varies by academy; check upsc.gov.in for 2025 details).
-
Educational Requirement
:
-
Steps to Prepare After 12th
:
-
Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
: Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.
-
Apply for CDS During Final Year
: You can apply for CDS in the final year of your degree, provided you complete graduation before the training starts.
-
Application Process
:
-
Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically
December 2024
for CDS I 2025 and
May 2025
for CDS II 2025).
-
Fill out the form, pay the fee (Rs. 200; exemptions for SC/ST/females), and select IMA/OTA as your preference.
-
Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically
December 2024
for CDS I 2025 and
May 2025
for CDS II 2025).
-
Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
: Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.
-
CDS Exam Structure
:
-
For IMA/OTA
: Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).
-
PCB Advantage
: Your Biology and Chemistry background helps with General Knowledge (science sections). English preparation is manageable with practice.
-
Challenge
: If you’re weak in Mathematics, focus on OTA, where Maths is not required, or practice basic 10th-level Maths for IMA.
- Next Steps : Clear the written exam, then pass the SSB interview and medical test.
-
For IMA/OTA
: Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 20 May,2025
To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.
Sujal Singh 20 May,2025
Your date of birth is 24th February 2006, and you will complete graduation in July 2028. For the CDS exam, the maximum number of attempts depends on your age limit and category, but generally, candidates have around 4 to 6 attempts before reaching the age limit.
Sujal Singh 20 May,2025
For CDS 2 2025, with a date of birth of 6th October 2001, you are eligible for both IMA and OTA. The age limits for IMA are 19-24 years and for OTA are 19-25 years as of 1st January 2025, making you eligible for both academies.
Sujal Singh 25 April,2025
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