CDS Exam Previous Year Question Papers and Analysis

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Previous Year Papers

Download Free CDS Exam Previous Year Papers with Solutions & Analysis

Previous year Papers of CDS Exam always play very important role in your exam preparation. It helps you to understand exam pattern, Level of difficulty of Questions types and weightage assigned to different topics. Clearing this competitive exam requires a well-structured study plan, and practicing with previous year question papers is an essential step towards success.

Here You will Get all previous years Papers with solutions of CDS Exam

 

Free Downloadable PDF: Access a treasure trove of previous year CDS Exam question papers with detailed solutions.  You can download all Previous year papers for free.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus Breakdown and Important Topic List to Prepare: Gain a clear understanding of the exam format, marking scheme, and crucial topics.

 

Subject Wise Tests for previous year quetsions..
Quantitative Aptitude (CDS)
(1588 + Questions) Number System, Average, Percentage, Profit-Loss, Time and Work, Time and distance, Problems on Trains, SI and CI , Mensuration etc.
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 1588
No. of questions
English Language (Defence)
(1427 + Questions) Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary , word building (synonyms, antonyms),Includes error detection , Idiom & Phrases , One word substitution , Fill in the blanks , Antonyms and Synonyms etc. etc.
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 1427
No. of questions
General Science (CDS)
(282 + Questions)
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 282
No. of questions
Current GK (CDS)
(183 + Questions) Places, Persons, days, sports, books, misc
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 183
No. of questions
Geography (CDS)
(157 + Questions)
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 157
No. of questions
Indian Polity (CDS)
(120 + Questions)
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 120
No. of questions
Ancient and Medival History (CDS)
(116 + Questions)
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 116
No. of questions
Indian Economy (CDS)
(78 + Questions)
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 78
No. of questions
Indian Freedon Struggle (CDS)
(31 + Questions)
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 31
No. of questions
Static GK (CDS)
(6 + Questions) Various General Knowledge topics like National Parks, City nicknames, Capitals, Language Chief Minister and Governor, Currency and capital, National monuments and heritage Sports etc
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 6
No. of questions
Miscellaneous
(2 + Questions)
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 2
No. of questions
Blog
(1 + Questions)
Qs. used: 0
Qs. left: 1
No. of questions

 

Download Previous Year Paper with solutions PDF

Never Miss the recent Previous Year Paper. The importance of incorporating the latest previous year papers into your study regimen, especially the most recent papers, cannot be overstated when preparing for any competitive exam. It ensures that your preparation is current, comprehensive, and aligned with what is expected in the actual exam. Missing out on this resource might leave gaps in your preparation, especially concerning new formats, question types, and topic emphasis. Hence, integrating this latest resource into your study plan is not just recommended; it’s essential for aiming for success in your forthcoming exams.

 

Previous year Subject-wise Exam Analysis of CDS Exam

Subject20242023201920182017201620152014201320122008
Quantitative Aptitude (CDS)992032031862002362901055098
English Language (Defence)--240237229242242236------1
General Science (CDS)--642962614719--------
Current GK (CDS) --6325483098--------
Geography (CDS)--32213342281--------
Indian Polity (CDS)--16112738271--------
Ancient and Medival History (CDS)--335322719----------
Indian Economy (CDS)--2013132237--------
Indian Freedon Struggle (CDS)--214762----------
Static GK (CDS)--6------------------
Miscellaneous--2------------------
Blog1--------------------

Why Previous Year Papers are Important for CDS Exam

Demystifying the Exam: Previous year papers provide a window into the exam's structure, question types, and weightage assigned to different sections. This knowledge allows you to tailor your studies strategically.

Identifying Key Areas: Analyze past papers to pinpoint frequently tested topics and syllabus areas deserving of extra focus. Prioritize your learning to ensure you're well-prepared for the most crucial aspects of the exam.

Mastering Time Management: Exam halls come with time constraints. Practicing with past papers under timed conditions equips you with essential time management skills. You'll learn to allocate time effectively to each section and avoid getting bogged down by challenging questions.

Building Confidence and Spotting Weaknesses: Regularly attempting past papers offers valuable self-assessment. Identify your strengths and weaknesses by analyzing your performance. Focus on solidifying your understanding of less-grasped areas, boosting your confidence for the actual exam.

Developing Effective Techniques: Exposure to diverse questions through past papers helps you sharpen problem-solving skills. You'll learn to identify keywords, strategically eliminate incorrect options, and structure clear and concise answers. This hones your critical thinking and analytical abilities, preparing you for the exam's challenges.

 

Understanding Of  Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

CDS Exam Pattern - 2024

Combined Defence Services Selection Pattern

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has prescribed CDS exam pattern . The exam pattern provide details like different sections of exam, section-wise weightage of topics, marking scheme and total marks. Candidates should check CDS exam pattern before beginning with the preparation. This will give candidates an idea regarding the overall structure of CDS exam. Candidates can check below the detailed CDS exam pattern.The selection process of CDS recruitment includes two stages –

Written Exam

This is the first stage of the CDS selection process.

  • Candidates who register successfully for the exam are required to appear in the written exam.
  • According to the CDS exam pattern, the written exam for IMA, INA and Air Force comprises three sections, English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.
  • The total mark of the test is 300.
  • The written exam for Officers’ Training Academy consists of two sections – English and General Knowledge.
  • The total mark of the test is 200.
  • Candidates qualifying the written exam will be called for SSB Interview for intelligence and personality test.

SSB Interview
There are two stages in SSB Interview -

  • Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence Test. Candidates qualifying the stage one will be called for the second stage.
  • Final selection of candidates is done based on their performance in written exam and SSB Interview. Selected candidates will have to undergo training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai.

 

Highlights of CDS Exam Pattern

Mode of exam

Offline

Number of sections

Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) – Three

Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Two

Total marks of the test

IMA, INA and AFA – 300

OTA - 200

Nature of questions

Objective type

Language of question paper

Hindi and English

Duration of the test

2 hours for each section of test

 

CDS Exam Pattern for Written Test

The written exam for IMA, INA and AFA comprises three sections - English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. The test paper for admission to OTA comprises two sections – English and General Knowledge. Total exam duration for IMA, INA and AFA is 6 hours (each section is for 2 hours) while it is 4 hours (with section for 2 hours) for OTA. Total marks of the test for IMA, INA and AFA are 300 while it is 200 for OTA. The test paper will consists of objective type questions only. The standard of the topics in CDS syllabus for Elementary Mathematics will be of Class 10 level. The standard of papers for other subjects will be of graduation level.

 

Structure of question paper

The structure of CDS question paper for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA is as follows –

IMA, INA, AFA

Subject

Duration

Maximum marks

English

2 hours

100

General Knowledge

2 hours

100

Elementary Mathematics

2 hours

100

OTA

Subject

Duration

Maximum marks

English

2 hours

100

General Knowledge

2 hours

100

 

CDS Marking Scheme 

  • Each question in CDS exam carries 4 options, out of which only 1 option will be correct
  • For incorrect answer, 1/3 marks will be deducted
  • More than one option marked will be treated as incorrect 
  • If a question is left unanswered there will be no negative marking 

The section-wise marking scheme of CDS exam is given below - 

Specifications  English  GK  Mathematics 
Maximum Marks 100 100 100
Marks for Correct answer +1 marks for each correct option +1 marks for each correct option +1 marks for each correct option
Negative marking -0.33 marks for each wrong answer -0.33 marks for each wrong answer -0.33 marks for each wrong answer

 

CDS Exam Pattern for SSB Interview

The SSB Interview for IMA, INA, AFA is for 300 mark each while for OTA it is 200. The SSB Interview procedure consists of two stages – I and II. Only those candidates who clear the stage I are permitted to appear in stage II. The details of both the stages are given below -

  • Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT).  
  • Stage II comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and Conference. These tests are conducted for over 4 days.
CDS 2 Exam Important Dates -2024

CDS  Important Dates 

 Events Dates Salient Features

Notification 

May 15, 2024

The notification  released by UPSC 

Application form

May 15, 2024

The CDS application form is available online now

Last date to apply

June 4, 2024

Candidates can fill their application form till this date

CDS 2 2024 Application Form Correction Windo

June 05, 2024 to June 11, 2024

The application who wants to correct the applicatrion form .

Admit card 

10 days before the exam

CDS 2admit card 2024 wto be released . 

Exam date

Sep 1, 2024

CDS 1 exam was conducted

CDS 2 Vacancy

459

CDS 2 number of Vacancies 


 

CDS Exam Eligibility -2024

CDS Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for CDS exam, candidates need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria.

Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status

For Indian Military Academy (IMA), unmarried candidates

For Indian Naval Academy (IMA), unmarried male candidates

Candidates applying for Air Force Academy should be between 20 to 24 years    

For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for men), unmarried male candidates

For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course), candidates should be unmarried .

Educational Qualification

For IMA and Officers’ Training Academy, candidates must be a graduate.  

For Indian Naval Academy, candidates must have a degree in Engineering from a recognised university.

For Air Force Academy, a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering is necessary.

Physical Fitness

Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to CDS exam.

CDS Exam Syllabus- 2024

CDS - Exam Syllabus

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has prescribed CDS Exam  syllabus for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). The syllabus of CDS Exam is broadly divided into three subjects – English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.

  • The standard of the questions in Elementary Mathematics will be of matriculation level.
  • The level of questions in other subjects will be of graduation level.

Candidates before beginning with their preparation must check the CDS syllabus as it will help them to know the topics which they need to cover for the exam.

 

CDS Syllabus 2024 for English Language

The questions in this section are designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English. Questions in this section are basically asked from the following topics –

Antonyms

Sentence improvement

Comprehension

Synonyms

Word substitution

Ordering of sentences

Spotting Errors

Selecting Words

Ordering of words in a sentence

 

CDS Syllabus 2024 for General Knowledge

The General Knowledge section tests a candidate’s knowledge regarding the current events. The paper include questions on History of India and Geography of a nature. Topics that candidates should prepare in General Knowledge section are given below.

Economics

Physics

Current Awareness 

Politics

Chemistry

Sociology

History 

Defence related

Award

Geography

Environment

Sport

Biology

Cultural

Books

Statement true/false

 --

-- 

 

CDS Syllabus 2024 for Elementary Mathematics

Questions in Elementary Mathematics are asked from Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration and Statistics. Check below the topics for Elementary Mathematics.

Number System - Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers. Fundamental operations, addition, substraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions. Unitary method, time and distance, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, variation.

Elementary Number Theory - Division algorithm. Prime and composite numbers. Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. Multiples and factors. Factorisation Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Euclidean algorithm. Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms, use of logarithmic tables.

Algebra

Basic Operations

Simple Factors

Remainder Theorem

HCF & LCM

Theory of Polynomials

Solutions of quadratic equations

Relation between its roots and Co-efficients (Only real roots will be considered)

Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions

Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions

Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one

Variable & their solutions

Set Language and set notation

Rational Expressions and Conditional Identities

Law of Indices

Trigonometry

  • Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0°
  • Simple trigonometric identities
  • Use of trigonometric tables
  • Simple cases of heights and distances

Geometry

Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures

Theorems on - Properties of angles at a point, Parallel lines, Sides and angles of a triangle, Congruency of triangles, Similar triangles, Concurrence of medians and altitudes, Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle and square, Circles and its properties including tangents and normal and Loci

Mensuration

  • Areas of squares
  • Rectangles
  • Parallelograms
  • Triangle and Circle
  • Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book)
  • Surface area and volume of cuboids
  • Lateral Surface
  • Volume of Right Circular Cones, cylinders and Surface
  • Area and volume of spheres

Statistics

Collection and Tabulation of Statistical Data

Graphical Representation Frequency Polygons

Histograms

Bar charts

Measures of Central Tendency

-          

CDS - How to apply - 2024

How to apply online for CDS?

The application form of CDS 2 is made available on the official website. Candidates can check below the steps to fill the application form.

  • Visit the official website of UPSC
  • In the home page, candidates will find the apply link -https://upsconline.nic.in/
  • CDS application form can be filled in two parts - I and II
  • In Part I, candidates need to enter details like personal details, address and educational qualification, preferred branch etc
  • On successful submission of application form, candidates will get their registration ID
  • In Part II of CDS application form, candidates can pay their fee, select exam centre and upload images
  • After final submission, candidates should take printout of the application form and fee receipt

 

Previous Year Exam of CDS Exam helps to Identifying Frequently Asked Questions and Topics

 

 

1 Topic Trend Analysis

Analysis of past year papers often reveals patterns in the topics tested. Knowing these trends allows candidates to focus on high-yield areas, increasing the effectiveness of their study sessions.

2 Question Format Familiarity

Understanding the formats and variations of questions that have appeared in past exams prepares candidates for the types of challenges they might face, reducing surprises and boosting overall preparedness.

3. Assessing Preparation Gaps

By comparing their answers with the solutions provided in past papers, candidates can identify knowledge gaps and areas needing reinforcement, which is critical for targeted studying.

 

LIST down Free Mock Test Series Subject Wise and Topic wise of CDS Exam

 

Benefits of Previous Year papers with Solutions PDFs of CDS Exam

Previous year papers are even more potent when coupled with detailed solutions. These solutions act as:

  • Learning Tools: Understand the thought process behind the correct answer, not just the answer itself.
  • Alternative Approaches: Discover different ways to solve problems, expanding your analytical skills.
  • Concept Clarity: If you struggled with a question, the solutions help solidify your understanding of the underlying concepts.

 

 

Maximizing Your Learning with Previous Year Papers of CDS Exam :

  1. Schedule Practice Sessions: Integrate past paper practice into your study routine. Aim for at least two sessions per week.
  2. Simulate Exam Conditions: Set a timer and create a distraction-free environment to mimic the real exam experience.
  3. Analyze Thoroughly: Don't just check answers. Understand the solutions, identify alternate approaches, and learn from your mistakes.
  4. Track Progress: Monitor your performance over time. Are you getting faster and more accurate? Celebrate your improvements!
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2020 CDS -1 English >>
2020 CDS -1 GK >>
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2019 CDS -1 GK >>
2019 CDS -1 MAth >>
2019 CDS -2 Math >>2019 CDS -2 GK >>2018 CDS -2 Math >>2018 CDS -2 English >>2018 CDS -1 English >>2018 CDS -2 GK >>2018 CDS -1 Math >>2018 CDS -1 GK >>2017 CDS -1 English >>2017 CDS -2 English >>2017 CDS -2 Math >>2017 CDS -2 GK >>2017 CDS -1 GK >>2017 CDS -1 MAth >>

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