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UPSC CDS Exam Analysis 2024: Check Subject Wise Analysis!

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Last Updated on June 10, 2025

UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis has been released for the exam of 1st September 2024! The CDS exam is divided into three shifts to manage the large number of candidates. The morning shift runs from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, the afternoon shift from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and the evening shift from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The Union Public Service Commission conducted the UPSC CDS Exam on 21st April 2024. The analysis for the same has been mentioned here. This exam is conducted twice a year to recruit deserving candidates for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Navy Academy, etc. Here we are providing you with the detailed UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2024.

  • The candidates can check the detailed difficulty level of the examination, topic-wise weightage, etc.
  • The UPSC CDS Exam consists of 3 sections English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics in the case of IMA, INA and AFA. Whereas for the OTA, the exam consists only of English and General Knowledge.
  • The difficulty level for each section of the exam and the number of questions asked has been updated here.
  • Each section of the exam is conducted for 2 hours.

Get the complete information regarding the UPSC CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2024 from the below article.

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CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2024 – Difficulty Level

The overall difficulty level of the UPSC CDS 2 2024 Exam was assessed to be moderate. Let’s look deeper into the difficulty levels of individual sections:

Paper

Difficulty Level

English

Easy to Moderate

General Knowledge

Moderate

Mathematics

Moderate

CDS 2 2024 Exam Analysis - Good Attempts

The UPSC CDS Examination 2024 featured a variety of questions across its sections - English Language, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. Candidates aim to balance accuracy while attempting as many questions as possible within the given time frame. Here’s an analysis of the good attempts for each section:

Subjects

Good Attempts Range

English Language

80-90

General Knowledge

70-80

Mathematics

65-75

CDS 2 2024 Exam Analysis - English Section

The English section of the UPSC CDS 2 2024 Exam included a variety of topics, each presenting different levels of difficulty. The exam tested candidates across multiple areas, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of their language skills. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the topics covered along with the number of questions for each.

Name of Topics

Number of Questions Asked

Grammar

10

Vocabulary (Antonym and Synonyms)

20

Opposite Words

5

Reading Comprehension

10

Para Jumbles

20

Sentence Improvement

10

Fill in the Blanks (Preposition)

10

Sentence Combination

5

Idioms and Phrases

5

Fill in the Blanks

10

Match the Following

5

Error Detection

10

CDS 2 2024 Exam Analysis – General Knowledge

The General Knowledge section includes questions from multiple subjects, each playing a role in the overall evaluation. Below is a summary of the topics covered, along with the number of questions for each.

Name of Subject

Number of Questions Asked

Environment and Ecology

10

Science and Technology, Defence Related Questions

20

Current Affairs

15

Geography

20

India Polity

20

History

20

Economics

15

CDS 2 2024 Exam Analysis - Mathematics

The Mathematics section of the UPSC CDS 2 2024 exam assessed candidates on a range of mathematical concepts. Here’s an overview of the topics covered, along with the number of questions for each.

Topic

Number of Questions Asked

Number System

10-12

Geometry

8-9

Mensuration

9-10

Trigonometry

18-20

Algebra

7-8

Time, Speed, and Distance

6-8

Mean-Median-Mode

4-5

Simple Interest/Compound Interest

5-6

Time and Work

6-7

Percentage

4-5

Profit/Loss

4-7

Mixture

4-5

Set Theory

3-4

CDS Exam Analysis 2024 – Difficulty Level

The overall difficulty level of the UPSC CDS 1 2024 exam was assessed to be moderate. Let’s look deeper into the difficulty levels of individual sections:

Paper Difficulty Level
English Easy to Moderate
General Knowledge Moderate
Mathematics Moderate

CDS Exam Analysis 2024 – Good Attempts

The UPSC CDS examination 2024 witnessed various questions across its sections – English Language, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. Candidates strive to balance accuracy and attempting a maximum number of questions within the stipulated time frame. Here’s an analysis of the good attempts for each section:

Subjects Good Attempts Range
English Language 80-90
General Knowledge –
Mathematics –

CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2023 - Difficulty Level

The Overall Difficulty Level of the Exam is Easy to Moderate. Check the subject-wise difficulty level below.

Paper

Difficulty Level

English

Easy to Moderate 

General Knowledge

Moderate

Mathematics

Moderate

CDS Exam Analysis - English

Below is the detailed CDS exam analysis of the English paper.

Topic

Details

Spotting Error 

10

Idioms & Phrases 

10

Reading Comprehension

10

Ordering of words in a sentence

10

Ordering of Sentences

10

Fill in the Blanks 

10

Antonyms 

10

Cloze Composition 

10

Synonyms

10

Parts of Speech

10

Completion of Sentence

10

Preposition & Determiners

10

CDS Paper Analysis - GS

The GK section consisted of questions from various topics listed below, along with the number of questions. The overall level of the CDS GS paper analysis 2023 is Moderate Level.

Subject No. of Questions
History 22
Polity 6
Geography 18
Physics 10
Chemistry 10
Biology 10
Economics 10
CA/Env 34

CDS Exam Analysis - Maths

The overall difficulty level of the exam is Moderate. Below is the detailed CDS Maths paper analysis:

Topics

Number of Questions Asked

Algebraic Identities 14
Area and Perimeter(2D) 1
Average 3
Basic Operation and Factorisation 2
Circle 6
Data Interpretation 2
Divisibility 1
Geometry 4
HCF and LCM 4
Height & Distance 7
Linear Equations 1
Lines and Angles 2
Polynomials and Inequations 1
Powers and Roots 3
Problem on Age 3
Profit and Loss 1
Properties of Number System 6
Quadratic 6
Ratio and Proportion 4
SI and CI 2
Statistics 3
Time and Distance 2
Triangles 6
Trigonometry 11
Volume and Surface Area(3D) 3
Work and Time 2

CDS 1 2023 Exam Analysis - Overview

The UPSC CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2023 will be released on 16th April 2023 for Elementary Maths, English and General Knowledge. CDS exam analysis will help candidates to understand the overall and section-wise difficulty level, important topics, topic-wise distribution of questions, etc.

Subjects

Difficulty Level

Good Attempts

English Language

Easy to Moderate

70-80

General Knowledge

Moderate

80-90

Mathematics

Moderate

60-70

CDS 1 2023 English Paper Analysis

The following table contains the topic-wise question weightage of the English section.

Topic  Number of Questions  
Reading Comprehension 10
Synonyms 10
Sentence Completion 10
Ordering of Words 10
Cloze Composition 10
Preposition and Determiners 10
Ordering of Sentences 10
Word Meaning 10
Fill in the Blanks 10
Usage of Paired Words 10
Spotting Errors 10
Parts of Speech 10

CDS 1 2023 GK Paper Analysis

The following table contains the topic-wise question weightage of the GK section.

Topics No. of Questions
History 22
Polity 11
Geography 20
Physics  10
Chemistry 11
Biology 10
Economics 9
Current Affairs 27

CDS 1 2023 Maths Paper Analysis

The following table contains topic-wise question weightage of the Math section.

Topics No. of Questions
Geometry 11
Algebra 1
Profit Loss 1
Simple & Compound Interest 2
Time, Speed & Distance 1
Time & Work 4
Trigonometry 9
Area and Perimeter 6
Circle 5
Average 1
Set Theory 2
HCF and LCM 3
Height & Distance 2
Logarithm and Exponential 1
Polynomials and inequations 3
Decimal 2
Percentage 1
Properties of Number System 8
Quadratic 7
Quadrilaterals and Polygon 1
Ratio and Proportion 1
Problems of Age 1
Statistics 4
Triangles 5
Volume and Surface Area 6

CDS English Paper Analysis 4 September 2022

Check CDS English exam analysis 4 September 2022.

Topic

Number of Questions

Reading Comprehension

15

Synonyms

5

Sentence Completion

10

Ordering of Words

10

Cloze Composition

10

Preposition and Determiners

10

Ordering of Sentences

10

Word Meaning

10

Fill in the Blanks

10

Usage of Paired Words

10

Spotting Errors

10

Parts of Speech

10

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CDS GS Paper Analysis 2022

Check the CDS GK exam analysis on 4 September 2022 here.

Topic

Number of Questions

Science

29

History

21

Polity

13

Geography

22

Economics

12

Current Affairs

15

Static GK

1

CDS 1 2022 Exam Analysis - Overview

The UPSC CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2022 is released on April 10 for Elementary Maths, English and General Knowledge. CDS exam analysis will help candidates to understand the overall and section-wise difficulty level, important topics, topic-wise distribution of questions, etc.

Subjects

Difficulty Level

Good Attempts

English Language

Easy

67-72

General Knowledge

Easy to Moderate

65-69

Mathematics

Moderate

60-63

CDS 1 2022 English Paper Analysis

The English paper has been concluded and as per experts, an attempt of about 72 questions shall be a safer one. The distribution of 120 questions among various topics is as follows:

Topics No. of Questions
Ordering of Sentences 10
Synonyms 10
Completion of Sentence 10
Prepositions and Determiners 10
Reading Comprehension 10 (5 questions per paragraph)
Parts of Speech 10
Antonym 10
Cloze Composition 10
Idioms & Phrases 10
Ordering of Words in a Sentences 10
Spotting Errors 10
Fill in the Blanks 10
Total 120

CDS 1 2022 GK Paper Analysis

An attempt of 65+ shall be considered a good attempt for the GK paper. The questions were asked on the following topics:

Topics No. of Questions
History 21
Polity 18
Geography 19
Physics  10
Chemistry 10
Biology 10
Economics 9
Current Affairs 21
Static GK 2
Total 120

CDS 1 2022 Maths Paper Analysis

The questions in Maths paper were asked from the following topics:

Topics No. of Questions
Mensuration 12
Geometry 11
Algebra 5
Numbers System 10
Profit Loss 2 to 4
Venn Diagram 4
Simple & Compound Interest 1 to 3
Time, Speed & Distance 5
Time & Work 2
Trigonometry 18
Misc. 24
Total 100

 

 

UPSC CDS 2 2021 Exam Analysis

The overview of the UPSC CDS 2 2021 exam is as follows:

Subjects

Difficulty Level

Good Attempts

English Language

Easy

86-94

General Knowledge

Easy To Moderate

68-73

Mathematics

Moderate

65-70

CDS 2 Exam Analysis - English Paper

The difficulty level of the English paper was Easy. The number of questions and topics asked in the English Paper is as follows

Topics Number of Questions
Spotting Errors 10
Sentence arrangement -
Synonyms -Antonyms  20
Words Selection 10
Idioms Phrases 10
Fill in the Blanks 8 to 10
Words Ordering -
Reading Comprehension 10
Sentence Ordering 10

CDS 2 Exam Analysis - General Knowledge Section

The difficulty level of this section was Easy to Moderate and the number of good attempts is 68 to 73.

Name of Sub Section

Number of Questions Asked

Biology 10
History 22
Chemistry 11
Physics 10
Polity 11
Geography 20
Economics 9
Current Affairs 27

CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2021 - Mathematics

The students found the Mathematics paper on a moderate side. The total good attempts for this paper shall be 65-70. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Topic Number of Questions Asked
Algebraic Identities 1
Area and Perimeter (2D) 6
Circle 5
Geometry 11
Average 1
Data Interpretation 0
Profit and Loss 1
Set Theory 2
HCF and LCM 3
Height & Distance 2
Linear Equations 0
Logarithm and Exponential 1
Polynomials and Inequations 3
Decimal 2
Percentage 1
Properties of Number System 8
Quadratic 7
Quadrilaterals and Polygon 1
Ratio and Proportion 1
Problem on Age 1
SI and CI 2
Statistics 4
Time and Distance 1
Triangles 5
Trigonometry 9
Volume and Surface Area (3D) 6
Work and Time 4
UPSC CDS 1 2021 Exam Analysis

Subjects

Difficulty Level

Total No. of Questions

Total No. of Marks

Good Attempts

English Language

Easy

120

100

85-90

General Knowledge

Moderate-Difficult

120

100

85-90

Mathematics

Easy-Moderate

100

100

78-83

CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2021 - All Subjects

The UPSC CDS exam was conducted in the month of February. The CDS exam is conducted for a total of 300 marks with a time duration of 2 hours for each paper. After thorough research, our experts have shared the following detailed CDS analysis 2021 for your reference. We have provided UPSC CDS Subject wise analysis in this post.

CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2021 - English

The UPSC CDS 1 paper 1 English section was scheduled from 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A good number of questions were observed in sections like Antonyms, Parts of Speech, etc for a total of 100 marks. The difficulty level of the paper was Easy to Moderate as per the feedback received by the candidates. The number of questions and topics asked in the English Paper is as follows.

Topic

Number of Questions

Ordering of Words

10

Antonyms

10

Ordering of Sentences

10

Parts of Speech

10

Idioms and Phrases

10

Fill in the Blanks

10

Spelling Mistakes and Correction

10

Synonyms

10

Completion of Sentences

10

Spotting Error

10

Reading Comprehension

10

Preposition & Determiners

10

Total

120

Get to know how to crack CDS in the first attempt with detailed strategies and guides to prepare for your examination here.

Important Questions asked UPSC CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2021

  • Question on Waves and Means Idioms and Phrases was asked
  • Question on Wind Down Idioms Idioms and Phrases was asked
  • Question on Bolt from the Blue Idioms and Phrases was asked

CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2021 - General Knowledge

As per candidates who have attended the exam the General Knowledge section was overall Moderate-Difficult. The General Knowledge Paper was conducted from 12 PM to 2 PM and comprises 120 questions for a total of 100 marks. Have a look at the table below to get a detailed analysis.

Subjects

No. Of Questions

Geography

22

History

22

Economy

09

Polity

18

Physics

10

Chemistry

10-12

Biology

09

Current Affairs

16

Misc.

01

Total

120

Important Questions asked CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2021

  • Which of the following elements is nonmetal but is lustrous?
  • A nonspherical shining spoon can generally be considered as a Spherical mirror, Parabolic mirror, Plane mirror, lens
  • Which chemical compound is used for the hardening of water?
  • Questions on Pinaka were asked
  • Which among the following is not a member of the Quad group of nations
  • Questions on Coriolis Force was asked
  • Questions on primary earthquake were asked
  • Arnica, Robusta, and Liberica are varieties of
  • Legal Positivism theory was developed by

CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2021 - Elementary Mathematics

The Elementary Mathematics was only for candidates who have applied for the posts of INA, IMA & IAF under the UPSC CDS Recruitment. The exam was conducted from 3 PM to 5 PM and comprises 100 questions for 100 marks. This section of the exam was Easy-Moderate. Check details below.

Topic

No. of questions

Logarithm

2

Trigonometry

16

Number system

12

Percentage

2

Time & Distance

2

Profit & Loss

2

Simplification

11

Statics

5

Triangle

10

3D Mensuration

16

Data Interpretation

4

Average

2

Quadrilateral

3

Circle

1

Polynomial

3

Sequence & Series

1

Divisibility Rule

2

Remainder Theorem

1

LCM & HCF

2

Time & Work

2

2D Mensuration

1

Important Questions asked CDS 1 Exam Analysis 2021

  • An Equilateral Triangle ABC and Scalene Triangle DBC inscribed in a circle on the same side of the Arc.DBC is inscribed in a circle on the same side of the arc. What is angle BDC equal to?
  • Consider the following inequalities Sin1Β°<Cos 57Β° Cos 60Β°>Sin 57Β°

Which of the following is correct?

 

 

CDS Shift timings

Candidates can have a look at the table below to know about the exam and shift timings for the UPSC CDS Exam.

Paper

Exam timings

English

9.00 AM to 11.00 AM

GK

12.00 PM to 2.00 PM

Elementary Mathematics

3.00 PM to 5.00 PM

 

 

UPSC CDS 2 2020 Exam Analysis

Union Public Service Commission conducts UPSC CDS II Exam to recruit the candidates for Indian Military Academy, Indian Navy Academy etc. The UPSC CDS 2 exam is being conducted on 8th November 2020. Here we are providing you with the detailed UPSC CDS Exam Analysis 2020. 

  • The candidates can check the detailed difficulty level of the examination, topic-wise weightage etc.
  • UPSC CDS 2 Exam consists of 3 sections English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.
  • Time allotted for each section is 120 minutes.
  • Get the complete information regarding the UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2020 from the below article.
Subjects  Difficulty level No. of questions
English Language Moderate to Difficulty 120
General Knowledge Easy to Moderate 120
Elementary Mathematics Easy to Modetare 100
Overall Easy to Moderate 340

UPSC CDS 2 Exam Question Papers

Below are the links to download the detailed UPSC CDS 2 question papers.

Paper Download
Mathematics Click Here
General Knowledge Click Here

UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2020 – All subject

CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2020 – English

Topics Number of Questions
Ordering of sentences 10
Antonyms 10
Cloze test 20
Parts of Speech 10
Idioms and Phrases 10
Fill in the Blanks 10
Spelling Mistakes and Correction 10 
Synonyms 10
Sentence Rearrangement 10
Spotting error 10
Reading Comprehension 10
Total 120

Get to know how to crack CDS in first attempt with detailed strategies and guides to prepare for your examination here.

CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2020 – General Knowledge

Subjects No. Of Questions
Geography 21
History 21
Economy 07
Polity 17
Physics 10
Chemistry 10
Biology 10
Current Affairs 22
Static/Misc. 02
Total 120

CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2020 – Elementary Mathematics

Topics No.of questions
Number System 13
Mensuration  23
Geometry  14
Time, Speed and Distance  4
Simple Interest/Compound interest 2
Trigonometry 11
Algebra 2
Percentage  1
Linear Equations 6
Time and Work 2
Ratio & Proportion 1
HCF and LCM 3
Quadratic Equations and Inequations 4
Statistics 11
Logarithms 1
Square roots and cube roots 2

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We hope you found this article informative and helpful and please do not hesitate to contact us for any doubts regarding UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2020. You can also download our Testbook App which is free and start preparing for any competitive examination. This app provides you with Test Series, Mock tests, PDFs, Previous years question papers, and much more. So what are you waiting for? Download the app and start your preparation to fulfil your dreams.

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CDS-I Exam Pattern 2024

Have a look at the table below to know about the UPSC CDS Exam Pattern from the table below. Also note that this is for IMA/INA/ AFA and for OTO, only English & GK Papers will be conducted.

Various Subjects

Total Marks of Each Subject

Duration of Each Paper

English

100

2 hours Each

General Knowledge

100

Elementary Maths

100

Total

300

CDS 1 Exam 2024 Expected Cut-offs

The UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2024 will be conducted soon, the next important thing candidates look is for the expected cut-off. Have a look at the table below to know about the expected cut-off marks.

UPSC CDS

CDS Cut Off 2019

Have a look at the previous year’s UPSC CDS Cut off The candidates who were a part of the CDS (II) cycle for the year 2019 can check the official final cut-off marks for each academy.

Sr. No.

Academy/Course

Minimum Aggregate Marks of Last Qualified Candidate

Marks of Last Recommended Candidate

1

IMA

134 marks (i.e. 44.67%)

258

3

INA

122 marks (i.e. 40.67%)

245

4

AFA

148 marks (i.e. 49.33%)

272

5

OTA (Men)

95 marks (i.e. 47.5%)

176

5

OTA (Women)

95 marks (i.e. 47.5%)

179

CDS Preparation Tips

All aspirants who wish to crack the upcoming UPSC CDS exam 2023 can have a look below to know about a few preparation tips for the UPSC CSE exam 2023. Check the points mentioned below.

  • Candidates must have good information about UPSC CDS Exam Pattern and Syllabus before they start their preparation
  • Give timely Mock tests and Prepare and attempt UPSC previous years’ question papers as many times possible before the exam.
  • Focus on important topics.
  • Set a proper study plan.

For details on theCDS Previous Year Question Papers, refer to the linked article

We hope you found this article informative and helpful and please do not hesitate to contact us for any doubts regarding UPSC CDS 1 Exam Analysis. You can also download our Testbook App which is free and start preparing for any competitive examination. This app provides you with Test Series, Mock tests, PDFs, Previous year's question papers, and much more. So what are you waiting for? Download the app and start your preparation to fulfill your dreams.

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Subjects

PDF Link

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Latest CDS Updates

Last updated: June 10, 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. 

UPSC CDS Exam Analysis 2024 FAQs

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