UPSC CDS 2 English Question Paper 2024 OUT: Pattern, Marking Scheme, PDF Link & More

Combined Defence Services Exam 2025 ( CDS )

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Registration: 11 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24

Shikha
Shikha Goyal
Assistant Manager
Updated on Sep 1, 2024 15:42 IST

CDS 2 English question paper has released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on September 1, 2024. The candidates can download the CDS 2 English question paper below. The candidates can check the CDS English previous years' question papers and more in the article.

UPSC CDS, CDS English Question Paper

CDS 2 English Question paper @upsc.gov.in

CDS 2 English Question Paper 2024: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is conducting the CDS 2 English exam on September 1, 2024. The candidates can download the CDS 2 question papers for English in the article below. However, the candidates can check the CDS English previous years' question papers, exam pattern, marking scheme, and more in the article. 

The CDS exam is taken twice a year to enroll cadets for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). The candidates qualifying for the CDS 2024 will be called for the SSB Interview. 

Q:   How many questions are asked in the English section of CDS exam?

A:
Total number of questions asked in the English Language of CDS exam is 120. These questions are asked from different sections. These sections has been given below for the candidates: a) Basic Grammar b) Idioms & Phrases c) Synonyms and Antonyms d) Reading Comprehension Solving e) Substitution of Words f) Error Spotting g) Para Jumbles.

Q:   How many question should I answer to get a good score in the CDS exam?

A:
The candidates must solve more than 50 per cent questions to secure safe marks in order to qualify the CDS cut off. However, to qualify for the CDS exam, the candidates must secure more than 70 per cent marks to get selected for the CDS SSB interview surely. The candidates selected for the SSB interview will be assessed for their mental, physical, and medical ability. The candidates will be considered qualified for the SSB after qualifying the SSB interview. However, the marks of the interview can't be predicted as it completely depends upon the boards and interview panelists. The candidates must not that If they are NIT recommended by the board after the SSB interview they will not move forward for the next stage of the CDS selection to be come Commissioned Officers on the Indian Armed Forces.

Q:   What is the language of question paper in CDS exam?

A:
The language of CDS question paper is bilingual, i.e, English and Hindi. The question paper for the English subject is in the English Language, while the questions for General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics subjects are available in both English and Hindi languages. Candidates can choose the language in which they want to attempt the question paper while filling their application form. It is important to note that the question paper for each subject will be available in only one language, and candidates cannot switch between languages during the exam.

To clear the CDS exam a candidate needs practice and patience and one of the best ways to practice is solving the previous years' question paper. We have provided the CDS English previous years' question paper PDF for the candidates in the article below.

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UPSC CDS 2 English Exam Timing 

The UPSC will conduct the CDS 2 English exam in the first shift along with the CDS General Knowledge on September 1, 2024. The candidates can check the shift timing of the CDS 2 English and GK in the table below:

English

General Knowledge

9.00 am to 11.00 am

12.00 pm to 2.00 pm

UPSC CDS 2 English Question Paper 2024

The candidates will be able to check the CDS 2 English question paper for the CDS 2 exam in the table below. The UPSC CDS English question paper can help the candidates to practice, calculating their expected marks from the provisional answer key and  more:

Q:   How many questions are asked in the Maths section of CDS exam?

A:
The CDS question paper for Mathematics carries a total of 100 questions. The section from which the questions are asked has been given below for the candidates: a) Profit and loss b) Elementary Number Theory: Division algorithm c) Prime and composite numbers: Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. d) Multiples and factors e) Factorisation Theorem, etc. The candidates must go through these Maths section to secure maximum marks as these section comprise maximum marks in the question paper in the Maths section.

Q:   Is there any question repetition in the CDS exam?

A:
Yes, sometimes questions do get repeated in the CDS exam. However, the UPSC does not directly repeat the question word for word; instead, the basic part gets repeated. For example, you can SEE questions on Article 32 in different years framed differently. From the analysis of the previous year's question paper, it can be concluded that important themes get revisited in CDS. This is the same for GK, math, and English papers. This is why experts and toppers always suggest analyzing the previous year's question paper. By analyzing previous year's question Sets you can not just make a list of such repetitive themes but also understand the patterns in which questions can be framed. Hence, you must start CDS preparation by solving PYQ.

Q:   Is CDS Question Paper 2025 released officially?

A:

Yes, the examination authority will release the CDS Question Papers 2025 officially on the official website. The question papers will be released in the form of PDF. Candidates will be able to download the CDS question papers 2025 from this page also for free. The question papers will help candidates to check the difficulty level of the exam, questions asked, pattern changed or not, etc.

Q:   How do I download CDS Question papers 2025?

A:

Candidates can check below the steps to download the CDS question papers for free.

  • Visit our website; Shiksha.com.
  • Create your profile by mentioning certain details.
  • Once a profile is generated, you will be able to download the question papers for free.
  • Download and save it.

Q:   How many questions are asked in CDS General Awareness section?

A:
The CDS General Awareness section comprises 120 question for 100 marks. The candidates need to solve all the questions as all question are compulsory. If the candidates leaves the question no marks will be awarded for it, however, if the candidates answer it wrong then the penalty of 1/3 marks will given against the wrong answer. The General Awareness section comprises questions from the Current Affairs general Science, history, polity, geography, Maths etc. The candidates can prepare for the CDS General Awareness section by following the analysis of the CDS exam and solving the previous year's question papers. However, the candidates must pen down that the CDS exam follows a negative pattern and they must marks their answer correctly or they will get their marks deducted.
CDS 2 English Question Paper 2024
CDS 2 English Question Paper 2024  Click Here
CDS 2 English Answer Key for all Sets ( by Major Kalshi)

Click Here

CDS 1 English Question Paper 2024
CDS 1 English Question Paper 2024  Click Here

CDS English Previous Years Question Paper 2024

The previous years' question papers for the CDS English exam will help the candidates prepare for the UPSC CDS English exam. The candidates can check the repeated questions, pattern, and subject-wise weightage in the CDS question paper. The direct PDF link to download the question papers are given in the table:

CDS English Previous Year Question Papers
CDS 2 English 2023 Question Paper Click Here
CDS 1 English 2023 Question Paper Click Here
CDS 1 English 2022 Question Paper  Click Here
CDS 1 English 2021 Question Paper  Click Here

UPSC CDS Answer Key 2024

The candidates preparing for the CDS exam using the previous years' question paper will need the answer key to analyse their performance in the exam. The candidates can download the CDS answer key through the link given below. The candidates have to compare their responses with the answer key to get the marks. 

CDS Answer Key Download Link: Year Wise CDS Answer Key

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2024

CDS exam pattern 2024 is divided into a written exam and SSB Interview. 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. Each section is held for two hours. The total marks of the test for IMA, INA, and AFA are 300, while it is 200 for OTA. The SSB Interview for IMA, INA, and AFA carries 300 marks each while it is 200 marks for OTA. The SSB Interview procedure consists of two stages: I and II. Stage I of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT) and Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conferences.

CDS Exam Pattern 2024 for SSB Interview

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

  • Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT)
  • Stage II comprises Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conferences. These tests are conducted over days

UPSC CDS Negative Marking 2024

For a better understanding of the marking system of the CDS exam, the marking scheme of the CDS exam is given below. The candidates can go through the points to understand the exam marking scheme and CDS exam pattern. The section-wise marking scheme has also been given for the candidate's ease on the page below.

  • For the incorrect answer, 1/3 mark is deducted
  • Candidates marking more than one option are treated as incorrect 
  • If a question is left unanswered, there will be no negative marking 

Read More:

CDS Eligibility 2024

CDS Preparation Tips 2024

CDS English Exam FAQs

Q: Is there negative marking scheme in CDS exam?

A: Yes, there is a negative marking scheme in the CDS exam. One-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for each incorrect answer. For example, if a question carries one mark and a candidate gives an incorrect answer, then 0.33 marks will be deducted from their total score. If a candidate leaves a question unanswered, there will be no negative marking for that question. It is important for candidates to be careful and avoid making wild guesses. They should attempt only those questions for which they are confident of the correct answer. This will help them avoid losing marks due to negative marking and improve their chances of qualifying for the interview round.

Q: What are the common mistakes to avoid during the CDS exam?

A: Here are some common mistakes to avoid during the CDS exam: 1. Not reading the instructions carefully: It is essential to read the instructions carefully before beginning the exam. Not doing so can lead to mistakes, such as marking the answers in the wrong format or not following the required instructions. 2. Not managing time effectively: Time management is crucial for success in the CDS exam. Not managing time effectively can lead to unfinished sections, incomplete answers, and poor overall performance. 3. Not attempting all sections: It is important to attempt all sections of the exam, as each section carries equal weightage. Avoid skipping any section, even if you are not confident in it. 4. Not revising the answers: Not revising the answers before submitting the exam can lead to careless mistakes. Make sure to review your answers and revise any mistakes before submitting the exam. 5. Not staying calm and composed: The CDS exam can be stressful, and it is important to stay calm and composed throughout the exam. Avoid getting nervous or anxious, and focus on your performance. 6. Not following a strategy: It is important to have a strategy for attempting the exam. Not having a strategy can lead to confusion, mistakes, and poor performance. 7. Guessing blindly: Guessing blindly can lead to negative marking and reduce your overall score. It is essential to make an educated guess based on your knowledge and eliminate the options that are clearly incorrect. Remember, avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your overall performance in the CDS exam. Make sure to read the instructions carefully, manage your time effectively, attempt all sections, revise your answers, stay calm and composed, follow a strategy, and make educated guesses to avoid any mistakes. Additionally, focus on understanding the concepts, revise regularly, and practice mock tests to improve your overall performance and increase your chances of success in the CDS exam.

Q: Is there any question repetition in the CDS exam?

A: Yes, sometimes questions do get repeated in the CDS exam. However, the UPSC does not directly repeat the question word for word; instead, the basic part gets repeated. For example, you can SEE questions on Article 32 in different years framed differently. From the analysis of the previous year's question paper, it can be concluded that important themes get revisited in CDS. This is the same for GK, math, and English papers. This is why experts and toppers always suggest analyzing the previous year's question paper. By analyzing previous year's question Sets you can not just make a list of such repetitive themes but also understand the patterns in which questions can be framed. Hence, you must start CDS preparation by solving PYQ.

About the Author
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Shikha Goyal
Assistant Manager

Shikha Goyal is an author with expertise in various domains, especially engineering. She has postgraduate degrees in Mathematics as well as Mass Communication and Journalism. She has devoted her life to helping stud... Read Full Bio

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Answered a week ago

You would be eligible to take the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in April 2025 if you were between the ages of 20 and 24 on January 1, 2025. You would be 24 years old in December 2024 because your birthday is December 15, 2000, hence you would be eligible to apply for the CDS exam in April 2

...more

K

Kritika Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The highest rank attainable through CDs is the rank of general which is a 4-stared officer position.

it is a general in the army, Admiral in the Navy and  Air Chief Marshal in the Air Force.

and the lowest rank is lieutenant which is a 2 stared officer position.

A

Ankhi bhattacharya

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

The questions will consist of objective-type questions.

the total duration for the exam is 4 hours and is for a total of 200 marks for OTA.

The question papers for General Knowledge will be set in bilingually in Hindi and English. The exam will comprise 2 subjects, English and General Knowledge, and e

...more

A

Ankhi bhattacharya

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

The CDS 1 application form 2025 will be available from December 11 to 31, 2024. The CDS 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. CDS 2 notification will be released in May 2025, the last date for application will be 17th June 2025 and the exam will be conducted on 14, September 2025.

A

Ankhi bhattacharya

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS examination 2025 approximate number of vacancies. It is around 457 vacancies will be announced for various defence services.

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates can download the UPSC CDS 1 2025 recommended marks by following the steps given below:

  • Go to the official website 
  • Click on the CDS 1 2025 recommended marks link 
  • Click on the PDF link 
  • The CDS 1 2025 recommended marks PDF will appear on the screen 
  • Download the CDS 1 2025 marks and save it fo

...more

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The CDS exam requires in depth knowledge and clarity of concepts or conceptual clarity. So, regular solving of mock tests of the CDS exam is essential. It provides an additional advantage that a candidate requires to succeed in the exam. It also helps to test the preparation level and evaluate the p

...more

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year for admission to IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. Basically, it works as a tool for students to prepare for an upcoming exam. Candidate will get an idea of the actual examination. Mock tests make candidates realise their mistakes that must be t

...more

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The candidates who will qualify for the CDS 2 result in 2025 will proceed to the SSB interview. The CDS 2 result 2025 will be released on the official website. Basically, the result PDF, cut-off marks, and the final merit-list will guide candidates on their next steps, mainly for the SSB interview r

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S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The CDS OTA Result will be released on the official website. Candidates can check below the steps:

  • Visit the official website 
  • Click on the CDS OTA result link
  • Click on the result PDF link 
  • The CDS OTA result will appear on the screen 
  • Download the CDS OTA result PDF and save it for later use

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10