The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) successfully conducted the CDS 2 2025 Paper on September 14, 2025. Thousands of defense aspirants appeared for the prestigious Combined Defence Services Examination with the aim of joining IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA.
If you have appeared in the exam or are preparing for upcoming attempts, this blog brings you the official CDS 2 2025 Paper PDF and detailed exam analysis . With these insights, you can evaluate your performance, understand exam trends, and fine-tune your strategy for future attempts.
CDS 2 2025 Exam
The CDS exam is conducted in three shifts, with the General Studies paper held in the second slot (12:30 PM to 2:30 PM). Here’s the exam schedule:
- English Language: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- General Studies (GS): 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
- Elementary Mathematics: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Each paper was released in four sets: A, B, C, and D. Candidates must carefully check their set to download and evaluate the correct question paper.
CDS 2 2025 Exam Pattern: IMA/INA/AFA vs OTA
One of the key aspects aspirants must know is the difference in exam patterns for academies. OTA candidates attempt only English and GS papers, while IMA/INA/AFA aspirants also write Mathematics. This makes scoring well in General Knowledge (GS) critical for OTA aspirants, as it contributes 50% of their total score.
CDS 2 2025 GS Paper Structure
- Total Marks: 100
- Total Questions: 120 (MCQs)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marking Scheme: 0.87 for correct answer, -1/3 for wrong answer
- Language Options: English & Hindi
This strict negative marking system makes accuracy essential. Random guessing can reduce your score significantly, so smart attempts are the key.
Download CDS 2 2025 GS Paper PDF (Set-Wise)
The official CDS 2 2025 General Studies question papers are now available. Candidates can download them directly from the UPSC website:
- Set A: CDS 2 Question Paper 2025 A Question Paper
- Set B: CDS 2 Question Paper 2025 B Question Paper
- Set C: CDS 2 Question Paper 2025 C Question Paper
- Set D: CDS 2 Question Paper 2025 D Question Paper
CDS 2 English Question Paper 2025
CDS 2 English paper was successfully held in the first shift from 9am to 11am in the morning. Total number of marks is 100 and paper includes 120 questions including topics like sentence arrangement, error spotting, phrases, idioms, reading comprehension and many more.
CDS 2 Mathematics Question Paper 2025
The Mathematics is the last paper of CDS Exam 2025 which is going to held from 4pm to 6pm at evening. This paper is just to check the candidate’s problem solving skills. CDS 2 Maths Question Paper includes topics from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and many other.
How to Use CDS 2 2025 GS Paper for Preparation?
The official question paper is not just for checking your performance but also a goldmine for future aspirants. Here’s how you can use it effectively:
- Revision Tool: Identify strong and weak areas
- Pattern Recognition: Understand repeated topics (Polity, Current Affairs, History)
- Mock Practice: Attempt it under timed conditions to simulate real exam
- Cutoff Analysis: Compare your estimated score with past cutoffs
Using the CDS Answer Key to Calculate Your Score
After downloading the question paper, the next step is using the answer key to estimate your marks.
- Identify your set (A/B/C/D)
- Count correct answers
- Deduct 1/3 marks for each incorrect answer
- Leave unattempted questions blank (no penalty)
- Compare your score with expected cutoffs
Expected Cutoff Trend for CDS 2 2025
While the official cutoff will be released later, based on past years, here’s the expected range for GS paper contribution:
- IMA/INA/AFA: 115–125 overall cutoff (GS ~ 40–45 marks needed)
- OTA: 95–105 overall cutoff (GS ~ 45–50 marks needed)
This highlights the importance of performing well in the GS paper, especially for OTA aspirants.
Conclusion
The CDS 2 2025 GS Paper was a balanced mix of Polity, History, Geography, Science, and Current Affairs. With its 120 questions for 100 marks, accuracy and smart attempts were the key to scoring high. Aspirants should download the official CDS 2 2025 Paper PDF (Set A, B, C, D) and use it with the answer key to calculate scores. These question papers also act as an excellent resource for future CDS preparation. Success in the CDS exam depends on consistent practice, conceptual clarity, and strategic preparation. With official resources in hand, aspirants can plan their preparation better and aim to join the prestigious Indian Armed Forces.
