CDS Exam Date:14 Sep' 25 - 14 Sep' 25
Candidates can download the unofficial CDS 2 English answer key 2025 here. Union Public Service Commission will make the official CDS English 2025 answer key available for download online on the UPSC website. Candidates will be able to download the official answer key of CDS English 2025 at upsc.gov.in. The official answer key will be made available after the recruitment process following the CDS 1 2025 exam is complete. However, many coaching centres such as Major Kalshi Classes and Cavalier, release unofficial versions of the CDS 1 answer key 2025 on the same day as the exam.
This gives candidates the ability to calculate their tentative scores immediately after the exam. Candidates are able to check if they have passed the expected CDS cut-off with the help of the answer key. Candidates who have scored above the cutoff, as per the official results of the CDS exam will be eligible to attempt the SSB interview.
Candidates can use the English CDS answer key 2025 to cross-check the answers they gave in the exam and accordingly calculate a tentative score. To refer to the past UPSC CDS English Answer Key 2025 for preparation, candidates can also download the past years' question papers and practice solving them for the upcoming exam. The download links for the UPSC CDS English answer key are available in the content below. Candidates who attempted the exam are advised to download CDS English Answer Key 2025 after it is released.
Paper | Download Links (All Sets available) |
English |
Candidates must check CDS exam dates 2025 to keep track of all the events related to the exam. For more details, candidates can check the table given below.
Events | Dates |
CDS 2 2025 Exam | September 14, 2025 |
CDS 2 2025 Unofficial Answer Key | To be announced |
CDS 2 2025 Answer Key (Official) | To be announced |
Events | Dates |
CDS 1 2025 Exam | April 13, 2025 |
CDS 1 2025 Unofficial Answer Key | To be announced |
CDS 1 2025 Answer Key (Official) | To be announced |
Quick Links:
Candidates preparing for the CDS English exam 2025 are advised to download both the previous year's answer key as well as the past years' question papers. Past years' answer keys are very helpful during preparation, as using them allows candidates to evaluate their performance while solving past years' CDS question papers for practice. Candidates can view and download the previous year's official CDS answer keys for English (both official and unofficial) from the table below.
Paper | Download Links (All Sets available) |
English |
Subject | Coaching Institutes | |
MAJOR KALSHI Classes | Cavalier | |
English |
CDS English Answer key links |
Quick Links:
Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC - upsc.gov.in
Step 2: Click on the “Examination” tab.
Step 3: Select answer keys from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Click on the CDS English answer key 2025.
Step 5: Check and download the CDS answer key 2025 PDF for future reference.
The CDS English question paper consists of 120 questions for 100 marks. Candidates must attempt the CDS English paper within a time frame of 2 hours. In the CDS English paper, 0.83 marks are allotted to each question while 0.27 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. For more details, candidates can check the table given below.
Answer | Marking scheme |
Correct answer | +0.83 |
Incorrect answer | -0.27 |
Unattempted | NIL |
Total Estimated Score = 5/6 x Number of correct answers -5/18 x Number of incorrect answers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The CDS selection process 2025 consists of a written exam, SSB interview and medical examination.
The CDS Full Form is Combined Defence Services exam.
No, candidates can not challenge the answer key of CDS 2025.
Candidates will be able to download the CDS admit card 2025 through their registration number and date of birth.
Candidates can download the answer key either on the UPSC website, or using the direct link posted here.
The CDS paper holds 100 marks, with 0.83 marks allotted to every correct answer and a negative marking of 0.27 mark for every wrong answer.
On Question asked by student community
Hi dear candidate,
The age limit for various roles in CDS are:
1) IMA: 19 to 24 years of age, 8 to 9 attempts.
2) INA: 19 to 24 years of age, 8 to 9 attempts.
3) OTA: 19 TO 25 years of age, 10 to 11 attempts.
This is all considering your DOB as of 26 Oct, 2005 as you are 19 years old in Aug 2025.
Know more at:
CDS Exam Dates 2025 (Out) - Check UPSC CDS 2 Complete Exam Schedule
CDS Selection Process 2025 - Written Exam, SSB Interview, DV, Pay Scale
BEST OF LUCK
Yes, you will be eligible for CDS-1 2027 under OTA (SSC Women – Non-Technical Course). The age limit for OTA is 19–25 years (you must be born between 2nd Jan 2001 and 1st Jan 2007). Since your date of birth is 4 July 2002, you will be 24 years old at that time, so you fall within the required age range.
But you will not be eligible for IMA, INA or AFA, because their upper age limit is 24 years, and by 2027 you will cross that limit.
As per the CDS OTA eligibility criteria, for female candidates applying to the Officers Training Academy (OTA), the age limit is 19 to 25 years (unmarried females only).
Since your date of birth is 16th June 2005, you will turn:
21 years old in June 2026,
25 years old in June 2030.
CDS exam is conducted twice every year, so you’ll be eligible from the year you complete graduation (2026) till you turn 25 in 2030.
Your eligible attempts:
CDS 2 2026
CDS 1 2027
CDS 2 2027
CDS 1 2028
CDS 2 2028
CDS 1 2029
CDS 2 2029
CDS 1 2030 (maybe last)
So, you will have around 7 to 8 attempts to appear for CDS OTA before you cross the maximum age limit.
Hello ,
If your goal is to appear for CDS Exam, then here’s what you need to know:
So, a regular B.Tech is a safer and more accepted option for all CDS branches. Online BCA may work only if it's recognized, but always double-check the latest UPSC CDS eligibility rules before applying.
Best wishes !
Thank you.
Hi dear candidate,
To be eligible for CDS 1 Exam 2026, your age should fall between 20 to 24 years old. And with your date of birth of 21 December 2002, means that you will be 23 years old as of 1st January, 2026. CDS 1 exam 2026 is expected to take place in April 2026.
Considering the above:
Yes, you will be able to give exam for CDS 1 in 2026.
ALL THE BEST !
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