CDS 2 Question Papers 2025 - Download Question Papers PDFs

CDS 2 Question Papers 2025 - Download Question Papers PDFs

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Apr 28, 2025 05:03 PM IST | #CDS

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
  1. CDS Question Papers Download PDF - Previous year's
  2. CDS 2 Question Papers 2024 (Official)
  3. CDS 1 Question Papers 2024 (Official)
  4. CDS 2 previous year question papers
  5. CDS Answer Key 2025
  6. CDS Syllabus 2025
  7. CDS Preparation Tips 2025
CDS 2 Question Papers 2025 - Download Question Papers PDFs
CDS 2 Question Papers 2025 - Download Question Papers PDFs

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.

PapersDownload link
Elementary MathsDownload here
EnglishDownload here
General KnowledgeDownload here

CDS 1 Question Papers 2024 (Official)

Candidates can download the CDS 1 2024 question paper from the below table.

PapersDownload link
Elementary MathsDownload here
EnglishDownload here
General KnowledgeDownload here

CDS 1 previous year question papers


CDS English Question Paper

CDS General Knowledge Question Paper

CDS Mathematics Question Paper

CDS Question Papers 2023

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CDS Question Papers 2022

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CDS Question Papers 2021

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CDS Question Papers 2020

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CDS Question Papers 2019

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CDS Question Papers 2018

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CDS Question Papers 2017

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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

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CDS Question Papers 2022

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CDS Question Papers 2021

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CDS Question Papers 2020

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CDS Question Papers 2018

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CDS Question Papers 2017

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CDS Question Papers 2016

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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

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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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

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.

Hello Gunal,

As a student born on 05-11-2001 you will have many opportunities to take the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam conducted by UPSC. Age Limits will vary depending on the courses:

  • Indian Military Academy - 19-24 years
  • Indian Naval Academy - 19-24 years
  • Air Force Academy - 20-24 years
  • Officers' Training Academy - 19-25 years

You are eligible, based on your DOB for:

  • IMA/INA/AFA until 2025 (final attempts depending on month of notification and course start) and OTA until 2026.

Best Books for CDS Preparation:

  1. English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) and Previous year question papers (UPSC website)
  2. General Knowledge: Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook and follow the daily The Hindu or Indian Express regularly
  3. Mathematics: Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant, NCERT Maths (Class 6-10) and Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Required Documents for CDS SSB/Verification:

  • CDS Admit Card
  • 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates (original & photocopy)
  • Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (or provisional degree if final year)
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc. )
  • Passport size photos
  • NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile/Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Declaration/affidavit for final year candidates( if results are awaited)



Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing well !!

For CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams, the eligibility criteria regarding age depend on the specific course you are applying for. Here’s a breakdown based on your date of birth (08-05-2001) and the requirements for CDS 2 2025:

For 2025 cds 2;-

  1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) :

    • Age: 19 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, the exam will be held in September 2025. The candidate must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you fall within the eligible age range for IMA, so you can apply for IMA .
  2. Indian Naval Academy (INA) :

    • Age: 19 to 22 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since your birthdate (08-05-2001) is outside this range, you cannot apply for INA in CDS 2 2025.
  3. Air Force Academy (AFA) :

    • Age: 20 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2005 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you can apply for AFA .
  4. Officers Training Academy (OTA) :

    • Age: 19 to 25 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2000 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you are 24 years old and your birthdate is 08-05-2001, you can apply for OTA .

You can attempt CDS 2 2025 for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) , Air Force Academy (AFA) , and Officers Training Academy (OTA) . However, you are not eligible for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) .

for details,visit the below link ;-

Careers360

https://competition.careers360.com

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/cds-eligibility-criteria


Thanks for asking

hello,

yes, a distance degree from Swami Vivekanand University(SVU) is valid for UPSC CDS (IMA/OTA) if it is UGC and DEB approved. ensure that the university and its distance courses are recognized at the time of admission to avoid issues in SSB verification. always check the UGC website for the latest approval status before applying.

For a cost-effective BA program in Hyderabad while preparing for NDA/CDS, consider government colleges offering BA programs and supplementing your preparation with coaching from reputable NDA/CDS institutes.

Here's a breakdown to help you choose:

1. BA Colleges in Hyderabad (Government vs. Private):

Government Colleges:

Pros: Lower fees, potentially better academic rigor.

Cons: May have limited course options or placements.

Examples: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Osmania University.

Private Colleges:

Pros: Wider course options, potentially better infrastructure and placement opportunities.

Cons: Higher fees.

Examples: Sreenidhi Institute of Science & Technology, Swami Vivekananda Degree & PG College.

2. NDA/CDS Coaching Institutes in Hyderabad:

Reputable Institutes:

Hyderabad Defence Academy: Offers NDA and CDS coaching, along with intermediate education.

Sri Netaji Study Circle: A popular institute for NDA coaching.

Impact Academy Of Human Excellence: Another well-regarded institute for NDA preparation.

Dice Academy: Known for its coaching for NDA and CDS.

Yuvatarang Defence Academy & Junior College: Offers NDA and CDS coaching.

Consider these factors when choosing a coaching institute:

Faculty: Experienced and qualified teachers.

Infrastructure: Study materials, library, and other facilities.

Fees: Compare the cost of different institutes.

Location: Choose a location that is convenient for you.

3. Balancing BA Studies with NDA/CDS Preparation:

Time Management:

Effective time management is crucial to balance studies and coaching.

Study Groups:

Form study groups with fellow aspirants to share resources and motivate each other.

Online Resources:

Utilize online platforms for additional study materials and practice tests.

Physical Training:

Don't neglect physical fitness, which is a crucial part of the NDA/CDS selection process.

4. Important Notes:

  • NDA/CDS Exams:

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. The CDS exam is also conducted by the UPSC, and the selection process includes a written test and an interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB).

Eligibility:

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for both NDA and CDS, including age, educational qualifications, and physical standards.

Multiple Attempts:

You can appear for both NDA and CDS exams in different years, maximizing your chances of joining the armed forces.

BA Courses:

The National Defence Academy (NDA) offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees with various specializations.

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