CDS Exam Analysis 2025 - Check Subject-wise CDS 1 Paper Analysis

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
  1. CDS Exam Analysis 2025
  2. CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2024
  3. CDS Exam Analysis - Previous Years’ CDS Analysis
  4. CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2023
  5. CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2022
  6. CDS Result 2025
  7. CDS Cut off 2025
CDS Exam Analysis 2025 - Check Subject-wise CDS 1 Paper Analysis
CDS Exam Analysis 2025 - Check Subject-wise CDS 1 Paper Analysis

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.

SectionsNumber of good attempts

English

90 - 100
General Knowledge50 - 60
Elementary MathematicsTBA

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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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

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.

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

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:

  1. 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).

  2. 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 .

  3. 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.


Hello aspirant,

The CDS 1 & 2 exam 2025 notification dates have already been released by the authority. Applications for CDS 1 2025 must be submitted by December 31, 2024. The date of the 2025 CDS 1 exam is April 13, 2025.
On December 11, 2024, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) published the notification for NDA 1 2025. From December 11 until December 31, 2024, NDA 1 application form 2025 will be accessible. On April 13, 2025, the NDA 1 2025 written test will take place.
Both the exams will be conducted on April 13, 2025.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

Hi,

Yes, you can join the Indian Navy through the CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam with a B.Sc. in Nautical Science (B.Sc. NM). The CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC ) twice a year for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. find the eligibility criteria for  CDS exam

Eligibility Criteria for Joining the Indian Navy via CDS:

Educational Qualification:

For the Indian Navy, you must have a B.Sc. in Nautical Science (B.Sc. NM) or any other relevant qualification.The typical qualification for the Indian Navy (Naval Academy) is a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technology, or a relevant field. B.Sc. NM fits this requirement.

Age Limit:

The age limit for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) through CDS is usually 19 to 22 years. However, please verify the current age criteria when applying

Nationality:

You must be an I ndian citizen or meet specific conditions or have migrated from specific countries

Physical and Medical Standards:

You need to meet the physical fitness standards set by the Indian Navy, which typically includes height, weight, eyesight, and overall health

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