CDS 1 Question Papers 2025 - Download Question Papers PDFs here

CDS 1 Question Papers 2025 - Download Question Papers PDFs here

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on Apr 14, 2025 11:10 AM IST | #CDS

UPSC will release the official CDS 1 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 1 Question Papers 2025 - Download Question Papers PDFs here
CDS 1 Question Papers 2025 - Download Question Papers PDFs here

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 1 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 1 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 1 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.

5. When is the CDS 1 2025 exam scheduled to be held?

CDS 1 exam 2025 was conducted on April 13, 2025.

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

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.

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.


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.

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