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IMPORTANT LINKS
CDS Previous Year Question Paper with Solution PDF
Preparing with the CDS Previous Year Paper PDF with solutions is a smart way to understand the exam pattern and question trends. These papers help candidates get familiar with the CDS Exam difficulty level and improve their problem-solving speed. Practicing the CDS Last Year Question Paper allows aspirants to identify important topics and revise effectively. Having the solutions in PDF format also helps in quick analysis and self-assessment.
CDS 2025 Question Paper PDF
The CDS last year question paper 2025 is a valuable resource for candidates aiming to understand the latest exam trends and question formats.
CDS Question Paper 2025 | |
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper |
English | |
General Knowledge | |
Mathematics |
CDS 2024 Question Paper PDF
The CDS previous year question paper serves as a reliable source to help candidates analyze the latest exam pattern and question types.
CDS Question Paper 2024 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper | CDS 2 Question Paper |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
CDS 2023 Question Paper PDF
The CDS Previous year paper pdf is a helpful resource for candidates to understand the exam format and practice with an actual previous year question paper.
CDS Question Paper 2023 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper PDF | CDS 2 Question Paper PDF |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
CDS 2022 Question Paper PDF
The CDS Question Paper 2022 provides valuable insight into the exam's structure, helping candidates prepare using an authentic previous year question paper.
CDS Question Paper 2022 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper | CDS 2 Question Paper |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
CDS 2021 Question Paper PDF
The CDS 2021 Question Paper PDF is a useful question paper from last year that helps candidates understand the question trends and difficulty level of the exam.
CDS Question Paper 2021 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper | CDS 2 Question Paper |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
CDS 2020 Question Paper PDF
The CDS Question Paper PDF is one of the essential CDS PYQs that helps aspirants practice real exam questions and improve their preparation.
CDS Question Paper 2020 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper | CDS 2 Question Paper |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
CDS 2019 Question Paper PDF
The CDS PYQs provide candidates with valuable practice using real exam questions from past years. This helps aspirants understand the exam pattern and improve their preparation effectively.
CDS Question Paper 2019 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper | CDS 2 Question Paper |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
CDS 2018 Question Paper PDF
The CDS 2018 Question Paper PDF offers candidates a practical way to assess their knowledge and familiarity with the exam format. Practicing these papers helps improve accuracy and time management for the actual exam.
CDS Question Paper 2018 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper | CDS 2 Question Paper |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
CDS 2017 Question Paper PDF
The CDS previous year paper helps aspirants understand the structure, difficulty level, and types of questions asked in the exam. Regular practice with these papers enhances confidence and performance.
CDS Question Paper 2017 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper | CDS 2 Question Paper |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
CDS 2016 Question Paper PDF
The CDS Previous Year Question Paper PDF provides valuable insights into the exam’s format and frequently asked topics. It helps candidates assess their preparation level and improve their strategy accordingly.
CDS Question Paper 2016 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper | CDS 1 Question Paper |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
CDS 2015 Question Paper PDF
The CDS PYP is a valuable reference for aspirants to practice and analyze previous exam questions. It helps in identifying important topics and improving time management skills for the actual exam.
CDS Question Paper 2015 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper | CDS 2 Question Paper |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
CDS 2014 Question Paper PDF
The CDS last year question paper is an essential resource for aspirants to practice actual exam-level questions. It also helps in understanding the structure, difficulty level, and frequently asked topics.
CDS Question Paper 2014 | ||
Subject | CDS 1 Question Paper | CDS 2 Question Paper |
English | ||
General Knowledge | ||
Mathematics |
How To Download CDS Previous Year Question Paper?
Downloading CDS Previous Year Papers is an effective way for candidates to practice real exam questions and improve their preparation. The following steps outline how to easily download these papers from reliable platforms.
Step 1: Access the Testbook Website or App
Download Testbook app from your mobile or visit their website from your laptop. Testbook is a good website that provides various study material for examination preparation, such as CDS previous year question papers.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Previous Year Paper" Section
Once on the platform, find the "Previous Year Papers" section. This section is specifically for guiding candidates to download previous year exam papers for practice and understanding of the exam pattern.
Step 3: Search for CDS Exam Papers
In the search field of the "Previous Year Papers" section, type "CDS" to access the respective question papers. Employ filters or direct search facilities to obtain the CDS papers required for your preparation.
Step 4: Choose the CDS Exam Year
Browse through the available papers and choose the year or session of the CDS exam that you are studying for. Each paper is paired with a particular year's pattern and CDS syllabus.
Step 5: Download the Selected CDS Paper
Click on the "Download PDF" link for the CDS Question paper you want to download. The paper is downloaded to your device, and you can practice whenever you want and improve your exam preparation.
CDS Exam Paper Pattern 2025
The CDS Exam Paper Pattern 2025 provides a clear structure for candidates to understand the distribution of marks and subjects.
Total Number of Questions in Each Section:
- English: 120 questions
- General Knowledge: 120 questions
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 questions (only for candidates applying for IMA, INA, and AFA)
Total Marks Allotted for Each Section:
- English: 100 marks
- General Knowledge: 100 marks
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks (only for IMA, INA, and AFA)
Marks Allotted for Each Question:
- Each question is typically worth 1 mark.
Negative Marking:
- Negative marking is applicable. For each incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks allotted for that question will be deducted.
Total Number of Questions (In Total):
- For IMA, INA, AFA: A total of 340 questions (120 English, 120 General Knowledge, 100 Elementary Mathematics).
- For OTA: A total of 240 questions (120 English, 120 General Knowledge).
Total Marks (In Total):
- For IMA, INA, AFA: The total marks are 300 (100 for English, 100 for General Knowledge, 100 for Elementary Mathematics).
- For OTA: The total marks are 200 (100 for English, 100 for General Knowledge).
Benefits of Solving the CDS Exam Previous Year Question Paper
Solving CDS previous year papers is an essential part of exam preparation that helps candidates understand the pattern and difficulty level of the exam. Solving CDS previous year question papers helps aspirants improve their time management skills and build their confidence level. A detailed analysis of the benefits of solving these papers is given below.
- Familiarity with Exam Pattern: Previous year papers can be solved by candidates to get familiar with the pattern and format of the exam, such as the nature of questions asked and marks distribution in sections.
- Facilitates Time Management: Consistent practice with facilitates the management of time effectively in the real test by enhancing their speed and accuracy.
- Boosts Confidence: CDS old question papers practice boosts confidence, as contestants can assess their preparedness and get used to the difficulty level in the exam.
- Improves Performance: By working on such papers, the candidates can track their performance, work on areas of weakness, and make strategies more efficient to perform better in the real exam.
How to Use PYP Effectively to Maximise your Score in the Exam?
Using previous year papers effectively is crucial for understanding the CDS exam format and improving your overall performance. A well-planned approach can help maximize your score and build confidence.
- Begin by solving CDS PYPs topic-wise after completing each section of the syllabus.
- Simulate real exam conditions by timing yourself during practice sessions to enhance your speed.
- Review your answers carefully, identify mistakes, and ensure they are not repeated.
- Frequently revise questions that you found difficult or answered incorrectly from the CDS previous year paper PDFs.
CDS Previous Year Question Paper Analysis
Analyzing CDS previous year question papers is an effective way to understand the exam's structure and identify key topics. It provides insights into question patterns, difficulty levels, and time management strategies for better preparation.
Paper | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts Range |
English | Easy to Moderate | 80-90 |
General Knowledge | Moderate | 70-80 |
Mathematics | Moderate | 65-75 |
Also go through expert UPSC CDS Preparation Tips for effective preparation using previous year question papers.
Important Links | |
Found the NDA exam previous year papers helpful? Download the Testbook App for free to access more valuable resources like mock tests, study materials, and expert guidance to enhance your preparation for competitive government exams.
Last updated on Jun 9, 2025
-> The UPSC CDS 2 Notification has been released at upsconline.gov.in. for 453 vacancies.
-> Candidates can apply online from 28th May to 17th June 2025.
-> The CDS 2 Exam will be held on 14th September 2025.
-> Attempt UPSC CDS Free Mock Test to boost your score.
-> The selection process includes Written Examination, SSB Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.
-> Refer to the CDS Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.
FAQs on CDS Previous Year Paper
Is solving only the CDS previous year paper enough to clear the exam?
PYQs should be used alongside concept-building through books and mock tests for complete preparation.
Where can I find the CDS previous year question paper with solutions in PDF format?
You can download them from platforms like Testbook, UPSC’s official website, or other trusted exam portals.
How do I analyze my performance using CDS PYQs?
Time yourself, calculate your accuracy rate, and review mistakes to spot weak topics and improve accordingly.
Do questions repeat from CDS previous year papers?
Exact questions rarely repeat, but concepts, formats, and topic trends often do.
Should I practice CDS papers section-wise or as full-length tests?
Do both—start with section-wise for concept clarity, then attempt full papers for time management practice.
Are CDS I and CDS II papers different in difficulty?
Both follow the same pattern, but some candidates find one tougher depending on the year—solving both helps balance preparation.
How do top candidates use CDS PYPs in their revision strategy?
They revise using PYQs in the final 2–3 weeks before the exam to improve speed, reduce errors, and boost confidence.
Can I rely on the CDS previous year paper to understand the current exam pattern?
Yes, earlier publications show changing patterns and levels of difficulty, so they are a good source of reference when doing pattern analysis.