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CDS 2 Question Papers 2025 - Download Question Papers PDFs
Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Apr 28, 2025 05:03 PM IST | #CDS
Upcoming Event
CDS Exam Date : 14 Sep' 2025 - 14 Sep' 2025
UPSC will release the official CDS 2 question papers 2025 online on the official website, upsc.gov.in. The official previous years UPSC CDS question papers will also be available to download on the official website. Candidates can download the question paper of UPSC CDS exam directly from this page. For the CDS 2025 question papers, various coaching institutes release the unofficial CDS answer key.
This Story also Contains
- CDS Question Papers Download PDF - Previous year's
- CDS 2 Question Papers 2024 (Official)
- CDS 1 Question Papers 2024 (Official)
- CDS 2 previous year question papers
- CDS Answer Key 2025
- CDS Syllabus 2025
- CDS Preparation Tips 2025
Those who are preparing for the CDS exam are advised to make use of previous years question papers in order to prepare more thoroughly for the exam. Candidates can download the previous years CDS question papers from the links provided below.
CDS Question Papers Download PDF - Previous year's
You can download UPSC CDS question papers from the links below
CDS 2 Question Papers 2024 (Official)
Candidates will be able to download the CDS 2 2024 question paper from the below table after the official release.
| Papers | Download link |
| Elementary Maths | Download here |
| English | Download here |
| General Knowledge | Download here |
CDS 1 Question Papers 2024 (Official)
Candidates can download the CDS 1 2024 question paper from the below table.
| Papers | Download link |
| Elementary Maths | Download here |
| English | Download here |
| General Knowledge | Download here |
CDS 1 previous year question papers
CDS English Question Paper | CDS General Knowledge Question Paper | CDS Mathematics Question Paper | |
CDS Question Papers 2023 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2022 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2021 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2020 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2019 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2018 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2017 | Click Here |
CDS 2 previous year question papers
CDS 2 English Question Paper | CDS 2 General Knowledge Question Paper | CDS 2 Mathematics Question Paper | |
CDS Question Papers 2023 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2022 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2021 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2020 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2018 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2017 | |||
CDS Question Papers 2016 |
Benefits of CDS previous year's question papers
Candidates attempting the CDS previous year question paper with the solution can benefit aspirants in many ways, some of which are mentioned below -
Practising using past question papers helps get an idea of the difficulty level of the exam.
Candidates can become aware of the way that important topics in the CDS syllabus will be expressed in the exam.
By practising the CDS previous year's question papers, candidates will be able to get an idea of their progress.
Solving past question papers help candidates understand their weak points so that they can figure out how to improve them.
Solving CDS question papers while keeping a timer will make it easier for candidates to answer questions in the actual CDS exam on time. It has the added benefit of increasing accuracy and question-solving speed.
Also download question papers of other UPSC exams
- UPSC IAS Question Papers 2025
- UPSC ESE Question Papers 2025
- NDA Question Papers 2025
- CAPF Question Papers 2025
CDS Question Papers 2025: How to Download?
Visit the UPSC official website - upsc.gov.in
In the header tab, click on "Examination" and select "Previous Year Question Paper" from the dropdown
Select the year for which the CDS question paper needs to be downloaded
Download the CDS question paper and practice daily.
How to Challenge CDS Question Papers 2025?
After the exam is conducted, UPSC will provide aspirants with a challenge option which is also known as the "Question Paper Representation Portal" QPRep. Candidates will be able to challenge the CDS 2025 question papers within one week. The steps to challenge are mentioned below -
Visit the official UPSC - upsc.gov.in.
Click on the examination tab and select “Time Frame for Representation”.
A new window will appear. Click on the link given in PDF i.e. https://upsconline.nic.in/miscellaneous/QPRep/.
Click on made representation for CDS question paper.
Fill in all details in the required field and submit the representation.
Check here list of other government exams
Marking Scheme of question papers of CDS 2025
CDS written exam is conducted in pen and paper mode. CDS 2 question paper 2025 with answer pdf is MCQ-based. Each section consists of 100 marks with a time duration of 2 hours. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd marks which will be deducted for wrong answers.
Also read:
CDS Answer Key 2025
Apart from the question papers, UPSC will also release the CDS 2025 answer key on the official website. The official website will have all the correct answers to the questions asked in the exam. However, as soon as the exam is over, various coaching institutes release the unofficial CDS answer keys 2025 which are memory-based.
Also Read
CDS Syllabus 2025
The CDS 2025 syllabus is mentioned in the official notification. The syllabus consists of all the subjects, topics, and sections on which the CDS question paper 2025 will be based. As per the IMA, INA, and AFA syllabus, the subjects are English, GK, and Elementary Knowledge. For OTA, the subjects are English and GK.
Quick Links :
CDS Preparation Tips 2025
To prepare for the CDS 2025 exam aspirants need to follow the steps mentioned below -
Stick to the official syllabus and CDS 2025 exam pattern.
Download the CDS previous year's question paper and practice them regularly.
The difficulty level of the exam is graduation level so just make sure to cover the syllabus topics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I download the CDS question paper 2025?
You can download the CDS question paper 2025 from the official website and from the download links that are mentioned in the article.
2. What are the cut-off marks of CDS 2025?
The CDS cut off 2025 will be released according to the difficulty level of the CDS question paper.
3. Is the CDS exam difficult?
No, the exam is not very difficult however, the competition is tough due to a lot of candidates applying for few, limited vacancies. If you prepare well you can qualify for the exam.
4. Is there negative marking in the CDS 2025 exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in the exam which is 1/3rd mark per wrong attempt.
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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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