UPSC CDS II 2025 – PYQs
Every year the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CDS exam to recruit officers into the Indian Armed Forces through academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and the Officers Training Academy (OTA). The CDS II 2025 notification is out, and you must gear up for a competitive challenge involving three core papers: English, General Knowledge (GK), and Elementary Mathematics.
Here’s your one-stop guide covering:
- Key notification details (dates, academies, eligibility)
- Exam pattern & marking scheme
- Subject-wise syllabus (English, GK, Maths)
- Strategy & preparation tips
- PYQ PDF links to download & practise
- What next: SSB stage, cutoff expectations
1. Notification & Key Information
According to the official UPSC landing page for CDS II 2025:
- Notification date: 28 May 2025.
- Examination date: 14 September 2025.
- Last date for receipt of applications: 20 June 2025 (12:00 pm).
- Subjects: For you are opting IMA, INA or AFA — English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics.
- For OTA: Only English and General Knowledge (Maths excluded).
- The previous year question papers (PYQ) for the exam are available on the UPSC website.
This means if you are applying to IMA/INA/AFA you must prepare all three papers; for OTA you prepare two.
2. Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
A clear understanding of the structure helps in planning your strategy.
Written Examination
For IMA / INA / AFA:
- English: 2 hours, 100 marks.
- General Knowledge: 2 hours, 100 marks.
- Elementary Mathematics: 2 hours, 100 marks.
Total = 300 marks for written.
For OTA:
- English: 2 hours, 100 marks.
- General Knowledge: 2 hours, 100 marks.
Total = 200 marks.
Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer gives +1 mark.
- For each wrong answer, 1/3rd mark (i.e., 0.33) is deducted.
- If you leave question unanswered: no deduction.
Medium and Mode
- The mode is Offline (pen-and-paper OMR sheet).
- Papers (except English) are bilingual (English & Hindi) in most cases.
Why this matters: Knowing this pattern lets you allocate time per paper (approx. 2 hours each), decide your attempt strategy (e.g., skip risky questions), and manage negative marking.
3. Syllabus: Subject-wise Deep Dive
Here’s a subject-wise breakdown of major topics you must cover to maximize score.
3A. English
The syllabus for English tests your “understanding of English and workmanlike use of words” as expected of a graduate.
Key topics include:
- Comprehension passages
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- Spotting Errors (grammar, usage)
- Fill-in-the-blanks
- Sentence rearrangement / Jumbled sentences
- Ordering of words in a sentence
- Sentence improvement / correction
- Vocabulary and usage
Strategy:
Read newspapers, editorials regularly. Practice comprehension sets. Build vocabulary via flashcards. Regularly attempt grammar & error-spotting drills.
3B. General Knowledge (GK)
The GK paper is broad and aspirational-level: current affairs, Indian polity, economy, geography, history, science, defence, etc.
Important topic-areas:
- Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Indian & World Geography
- Indian Economy, Budget, Planning
- Science & Technology (everyday science, basic physics/chemistry/biology)
- Current Affairs (last 12-18 months)
- International Relations & Organisations
- Defence & Security
Tip: Since questions are objective and marking is +1/-0.33, maintain accuracy. Focus on recurring areas. Use rigour in fact-checking.
3C. Elementary Mathematics
This is the key differentiator. The syllabus covers “mathematics of the level of Class XI & XII” approximately.
Major topics:
- Arithmetic: Number systems, decimals, fractions, ratio & proportion, averages, percentages, profit & loss, simple & compound interest, time & work, time & distance, speed.
- Algebra: Basic operations, factorization, equations, inequalities.
- Geometry & Mensuration: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, areas, volumes.
- Trigonometry: Identities, heights & distances.
- Statistics & Probability: Mean, median, mode, elementary probability.
- Number Theory: Primes, divisibility, etc.
Strategy:
Regular practice with formula recall, speed drills, mock tests. Use previous year papers (see links below) to get a sense of difficulty.
4. Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) – Download Links
Practising PYQs is essential: they familiarize you with pattern, question type, recurring ideas, and time-management. Here are direct links:
- English : Click Here
- General Knowledge : Click Here
- Elementary Mathematics : Click Here
How to use them:
- Download subject-wise (English, GK, Maths).
- Simulate exam conditions (2 hours per paper).
- Time yourself, practice OMR-style marking, check scoring (remember negative marking).
- Analyse your performance: identify weak topics; track improvement over multiple weeks.
5. Preparation Strategy & Timetable
Here’s a week-by-week plan you can adapt over the next few months.
Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Foundation & Coverage
- Cover syllabus topic-by-topic: e.g., English Grammar basics, GK core concepts, Maths fundamentals.
- Daily 2-3 hour session: one subject per day.
- Build vocabulary (English), revise NCERT for basics (GK/Maths).
- Download one PYQ and attempt the English paper to baseline.
Phase 2 (Weeks 5-8): Practice & Speed
- Shift to speed drills: Maths problem sets, GK current affairs quiz, English comprehension sets.
- Solve one full paper (English) weekly under timed conditions.
- Begin solving GK past year sets.
- Review mistakes, revise weak areas.
Phase 3 (Weeks 9-12): Mock Papers & Revision
- Attempt full sets: English + GK + Maths (for IMA/INA/AFA track).
- Analyse result: mark topics you miss repeatedly.
- Revision: formula sheets, flash cards, current affairs notes.
- Focus on accuracy especially because of negative marking.
Phase 4 (Final 2 Weeks): Final Sprint
- Daily full length mocks.
- Practice previous 3-5 years KYQs under exam conditions.
- Final revision of key formulas, GK facts.
- Rest well the day before exam, maintain health.
6. Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t attempt every question: if unsure, skip rather than guess incorrectly (-0.33 marks per wrong).
- For Maths: If problem seems too long, skip and return later.
- For English: Avoid spending excessive time on a single comprehension; move on.
- For GK: Focus on accuracy not just volume; repetitive revision vital.
- Make formula sheet ahead of time for last-minute refresh.
- Solve PYQs to identify patterns (e.g., in Maths which chapters are asked frequently).
- Maintain physical & mental fitness; spotting errors under timed conditions is taxing.
7. What After Written Exam? The SSB Interview & Beyond
After clearing the written exam you will be eligible for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Some key points:
- The SSB has two stages: Stage I (screening) & Stage II (Main).
- You’ll face psychological tests, group tasks, personal interview, and conference.
- For IMA/INA/AFA, the SSB is mandatory for selection.
- Physical fitness, presence of mind, communication skills matter in SSB.
Pro tip: Prepare for interview in parallel: current defence issues, service knowledge, leadership examples from your life.
8. Cut-Off Expectations & Performance Metrics
Although official cut-offs come later, you should aim:
- For IMA/INA/AFA: attempt 70-80% correctly across three papers to be competitive.
- For Maths: securing ~70% in Maths can differentiate you.
- For GK & English: maintain ~60-70% accuracy to balance out harder Maths.
Regular mock tests will give you realistic estimates.
9. Why CDS II 2025 Is Crucial
- Efficient route to join Indian Armed Forces as officers.
- One of most prestigious defence exams, high competition.
- Doing well gives you access to leadership roles early in career.
- Having PYQs and abiding strategy gives you edge.
10. Summary Table
| Subject | Marks | Time | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hrs | Vocabulary, Compostion, Grammar, Comprehension |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hrs | History, Polity, Geography, Science, Current Affairs |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hrs | Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics |
Marking: +1 for correct, –0.33 for wrong, no penalty for blank.
PYQ Links:
- English : Click Here
- General Knowledge : Click Here
- Elementary Mathematics : Click Here
Final Words
If you’re aiming for CDS II 2025, start early, cover your basics, master your speed, and revise relentlessly. Use PYQs to map your progress. Having a structured plan like the one above will keep you ahead.
The key to success is consistency, smart revision, and taking mock tests under realistic conditions. Your dream of becoming an officer in IMA/INA/AFA or OTA is absolutely achievable with the right plan and preparation.
All the best!
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