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CDS Exam Analysis 2025 - Check Subject-wise CDS 1 Paper Analysis
Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on Sep 26, 2024 03:39 PM IST | #CDS
Upcoming Event
CDS Exam Date : 13 Apr' 2025 - 13 Apr' 2025
Candidates can check the CDS exam analysis 2025 here after the completion of the examination. Various notable coaching centers also provide the CDS 2025 exam analysis based on candidates feedback. The CDS paper analysis 2025 helps to know the difficulty of the exam and predict expected cut offs. The CDS 1 exam is scheduled to be conducted on April 13, 2025. Some coaching centres additionally release exam analysis and unofficial question papers along with unofficial CDS answer keys.
This Story also Contains
- CDS Exam Analysis 2025
- CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2024
- CDS Exam Analysis - Previous Years’ CDS Analysis
- CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2023
- CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2022
- CDS Result 2025
- CDS Cut off 2025
Candidates can prepare for this exam by going through the previous year exam CDS exam analysis to better understand how the topics in the exam syllabus will turn up. For details regarding the UPSC CDS analysis of previous years' exams, candidates can go through the material given below.
CDS Exam Analysis 2025
Candidates can check the CDS 2025 exam analysis for the English and General Knowledge (GK) paper after the exam ends. The CDS exam analysis 2025 helps candidates to understand the overall and important topics, section-wise difficulty level, topic-wise distribution of questions, etc. The CDS 2025 paper analysis is based on the actual CDS question paper.
Quick links:
CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2024 (English)
Subject | Difficulty level |
English | Easy- Moderate |
CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2024 (General Knowledge)
Subject | Difficulty level |
General knowledge | Moderate-Difficult |
CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2024 (Mathematics)
Subject | Difficulty level |
Mathematics | Moderate |
CDS 2 2024 Exam Analysis - Difficulty Level (Overall)
Sections | Number of Questions | Level |
English | 120 | Moderate |
General Knowledge | 120 | Moderate |
Elementary Mathematics | 100 | Moderate to Difficult |
Overall | 300 | Moderate to Difficult |
CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2024
Candidates who wrote CDS exam 2024 noted new question patterns for subjects like English. General Knowledge questions were difficult according to general consensus. The number of questions under science were lower than usual while economics saw a hike in the number of questions. The overall difficulty of the exam was considered moderate.
| Sections | Number of good attempts |
English | 90 - 100 |
| General Knowledge | 50 - 60 |
| Elementary Mathematics | TBA |
UPSC CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2024 (English)
Subject | Difficulty level |
English | Easy- Moderate |
CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2024 (General Knowledge)
Subject | Difficulty level |
General knowledge | Moderate-Difficult |
CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2024 (Mathematics)
Subject | Difficulty level |
Mathematics | Moderate |
CDS Exam Analysis - Previous Years’ CDS Analysis
The previous year's CDS paper analysis can help candidates in shaping their CDS preparation in such a way that they perform better in the exam. Candidates can go through the details mentioned below to get an idea about the weightage of topics and the number of questions asked from specific topics in the CDS exam.
CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2023
CDS 2 2023 Exam Analysis - Difficulty Level (Overall)
Sections | Number of Questions | Level |
English | 120 | Moderate |
General Knowledge | 120 | Moderate |
Elementary Mathematics | 100 | Moderate to Difficult |
Overall | 300 | Moderate to Difficult |
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2023 (English): Good attempts
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
English | 68-74 | Moderate |
CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2023 (General Knowledge): Good attempts
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
General knowledge | 65-72 | Moderate |
CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2023 (Mathematics): Good attempts
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
Mathematics | 55-60 | Moderate to Difficult |
CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2023
CDS 1 2023 Exam Analysis - Difficulty level (Overall)
Sections | Number of Questions | Level |
English | 120 | Moderate |
General Knowledge | 120 | Moderate |
Elementary Mathematics | 100 | Difficult |
Overall | 300 | Moderate to Difficult |
UPSC CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2023 (English): Good attempts
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
English | 67-72 | Moderate |
CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2023 (General Knowledge): Good attempts
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
General knowledge | 60-71 | Moderate |
CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2023 (Mathematics): Good attempts
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
Mathematics | 52-58 | Difficult |
CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2022
Candidates can check the CDS 2 exam analysis for the English and General Knowledge (GK) paper. The CDS 2 exam analysis helps candidates understand the overall and important topics, section-wise difficulty level, topic-wise distribution of questions, etc. The CDS 2 paper analysis is based on the actual CDS question paper.
CDS 2 Exam 2022 - Difficulty level
Sections | Number of Questions | Level |
English | 120 | Moderate |
General Knowledge | 120 | Moderate |
Elementary Mathematics | 100 | Tough |
Overall | 300 | Moderate |
UPSC CDS 2 2022 Exam Analysis (English): Good Attempts
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
English | 60 to 65 | Moderate |
UPSC CDS 2 2022 Exam Analysis (General Knowledge): Good Attempts
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
General knowledge | 55 to 65 | Moderate |
UPSC CDS 2 2022 Exam Analysis (Mathematics): Good Attempts
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
Mathematics | 50 to 60 | Moderate |
CDS 2 2021 Exam Analysis: Mathematics
Based on the feedback of candidates who appeared for the Combined Defence Services 2 2021 exam, last year, the difficulty level of the UPSC CDS Maths question paper was moderate to difficult. As per the CDS maths paper analysis, the questions asked from geometry, algebra, mensuration, trigonometry, SI and CI, etc. were a bit hard. The overall CDS 2 maths paper was between moderate to difficult. Candidates who attempted 67 to 74 questions correctly in the maths paper should be able to clear the CDS exam depending on their performance in other papers.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2021: Mathematics (Topic-Asked)
Number system - 20 Questions
Geometry - 20 Questions
Mensuration - 14 Questions
Trigonometry - 14 Questions
Time and Work - 3 Questions
Clock - 2 Questions
Percentage - 2 Questions
Algebra - 7 Questions
Time speed and Distance - 6 Questions
Set Theory - 1 Question
Mean-Median-Mode - 4 Questions
Simple Interest/ Compound Interest - 5 Questions
Mixture - 1 Question
Profit/ Loss - 1 Question
CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2021: General Knowledge (GK)
According to the candidates who appeared in the CDS 2 exam last year, the general knowledge paper was of a moderate level. However, the current affairs section was moderately difficult. Students who attempted around 65 -70 questions will be able to clear this paper.
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2021: General Knowledge (Topic-Asked)
The following were the topics and number of questions asked in the UPSC CDS 2 examination (GK paper).
Current Affairs - 18 questions
Economics - 11 questions
Geography - 16 questions
Medieval History - 6 questions
Modern History - 18 questions
Polity - 17 questions
Physics - 11 questions
Chemistry - 14 questions
Biology - 7 questions
Defence - 2 questions
CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2021: English
There was a mixed reaction from the candidates who appeared in the UPSC CDS 2 English exam last year. Some said it was moderate, many said it was easy and no one felt it was hard. Candidates who have a good command of English will be able to score more than 70 marks easily.
Other Relevant Links
UPSC CDS 2 Paper Analysis 2021: English (Topic-Asked)
The following were the topics and number of questions asked in the UPSC CDS 2 examination (English paper) last year.
Spotting Errors - 10 questions
Sentence arrangement
Synonyms - 10 questions
Antonyms - 10 questions
Selecting words - 10 questions
Ordering of sentences - 10 questions
Comprehension - 10 questions
Ordering of words in a sentence
Fill in the blanks - 10 questions
Idioms and phrases - 10 questions, etc.
CDS 2 2021 Paper Analysis
Subject | Level of Difficulty | Good Attempts |
Elementary Mathematics | To be notified | To be notified |
English | Easy to Moderate | 85-95 |
General Knowledge | To be notified | To be notified |
CDS 1 Paper Analysis 2021
Subject | Level of Difficulty | Good Attempts |
Elementary Mathematics | Moderate | 70-73 |
English | Easy to Moderate | 88-92 |
General Knowledge | Moderate to difficult | 70-72 |
CDS 1 & 2 2020 Paper Analysis
Subject | Level of Difficulty | Good Attempts |
Elementary Mathematics | Moderate to Difficult | 85 -90 |
English | Easy to Moderate | 80 - 90 |
General Knowledge | Moderate to Difficult | 70 - 90 |
CDS 2 2020 Paper Analysis - English
Topics | Number of Questions |
Idioms and phrases | 10 |
Ordering of sentences | 10 |
Reading Comprehension | 10 |
Spotting Error | 10 |
Ordering words in sentences | 10 |
Synonyms | 10 |
Spelling mistakes | 10 |
Antonyms | 10 |
Fill in the Blanks | 10 |
Part of speech | 10 |
Transformation of sentences | 10 |
Reported speech | 10 |
Quick links:
CDS Result 2025
The CDS result 2025 will be released online at upsc.gov.in. UPSC will release the result for the CDS written exam and SSB interview separately. As per the result of the CDS written exam, aspirants who qualify for one stage of the exam will be able to appear for the subsequent stage.
CDS Cut off 2025
Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC CDS 2025 cut off after the final stage of the exam on the official website. UPSC CDS cut off is the minimum mark required by candidates to qualify for the CDS 2025 exam. The qualifying cut-off marks of CDS 2025 are prescribed by UPSC. The actual CDS 2025 cut off is determined on the basis of various parameters like - the difficulty level of the exam, the number of applicants who appeared for the CDS exam and the total number of vacancies. Candidates must score equal to or more than the CDS cut-off marks to clear the exam. Candidates appearing for the exam can check the expected CDS cut off 2025 for all the defence services in the table below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the CDS 1 2025 exam analysis going to be released?
Candidates who appear in the exam can check the CDS 2025 paper analysis here after the exam.
2. What is the mode of UPSC CDS examination?
The CDS exam is conducted in offline mode for all the stages.
3. Is there negative marking in the CDS written exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking in the CDS written exam. Check the CDS 2025 exam pattern here.
4. What are the various stages of the CDS exam?
The UPSC CDS exam has two stages - the written exam and the SSB interview.
5. What is the academic qualification required for the CDS exam?
Applicant must be a graduate to apply for CDS examination.
6. What is the CDS 2025 form fee?
The CDS 2025 application form fee is Rs 200.
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Have a question related to CDS ?
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.
kumardurgesh1802 04 February,2025
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.
sadafreen356 29 January,2025
Hello,
To determine how many attempts you have for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam for entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), we need to consider the age criteria and your graduation timeline.
Age Criteria for IMA through CDS
Age Limit: 19 to 24 years as of 1st January or 1st July of the year in which the course commences
For example, if the course starts in January 2029, your date of birth should fall between 2nd January 2005 and 1st January 2009.
Your Cas
Date of Birth: 27th February 2004.
Graduation Completion: July 2028.
You will turn 24 on 27th February 2028, which means you will be eligible for CDS exams for IMA entry till the batch commencing in January 2029.
Exam Timeline
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year (usually in February and September
CDS Exam Attempts Available:
CDS 2, 2027: For the course starting in July 2028.
CDS 1, 2028: For the course starting in January 2029.
Total Attempts:
You have 2 attempts left to apply for the IMA through the CDS exam.
Sanjana 19 January,2025
Hello
You can attempt the CDS Exam For IMA until you are 24 years old.
Since your DOB is 27th February 2004 , you will be eligible to take the exam until February 2028 . This gives you attempts in CDS exams until 2027 ( the exam happens twice a year) . After you turn 24, you won't be eligible for IMA through CDS.
Hope this helps you .
Thank you
Mitali Sharma 19 January,2025
Hello Swastika,
Yes, as a student of a 5-year integrated law course , you can be eligible for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam at the end of your 4th year , provided you meet the following criteria:
-
Educational Qualification : For the Indian Army wing, you must have completed your graduation or be in the final year of your degree course. Since you are pursuing a 5-year integrated law course, you will be eligible to apply once you have completed the 4th year (which would make you eligible for the CDS exam, as per the graduation requirement).
-
Age Limit : Ensure that you meet the age criteria for the CDS exam. For the Indian Army wing, the age limit is typically 19 to 24 years .
-
SSB Interview : If you qualify for the CDS written exam , you will be called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. Your eligibility for the SSB will depend on successfully clearing the written exam and meeting the medical fitness and other criteria.
Since you are pursuing a law degree, you can appear for the
Indian Army
wing of the CDS exam. Make sure you meet the age and qualification requirements by the time you appear for the exam.
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.
kumardurgesh1802 29 December,2024
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