CDS 2021 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

CDS 2021 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 19 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Ordering of Sentences / Para Jumbles

   Arrange the following sentences in a logical sequence. P: These innovations transformed industrial production. Q: The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century. R: New machines and technologies were introduced. S: It later spread to other parts of Europe and America.

   • A. QRPS
   • B. QPRS
   • C. RQPS
   • D. PQRS
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   The correct sequence is Q (introduction) → R (what happened) → P (result) → S (spread), forming a coherent historical narrative.

2. Q2 · Cloze Test / Comprehension

   Read the passage and fill in the blank with the most appropriate word. Climate change poses a significant _______ to biodiversity. Many species are unable to adapt quickly enough to the rapid changes in their habitats. Scientists warn that without immediate action, several ecosystems may collapse.

   • A. opportunity
   • B. threat
   • C. benefit
   • D. advantage
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The context indicates negative consequences (inability to adapt, ecosystem collapse), so 'threat' is the most appropriate word.

3. Q3 · Spelling Check

   Identify the correctly spelled word from the options given below:

   • A. Reconnaissance
   • B. Reconaisance
   • C. Reconissance
   • D. Reconassance
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   The correct spelling is 'Reconnaissance' (military observation of a region), making option A the right choice.

4. Q4 · Geography

   Consider the following statements about the Western Ghats: 1. They are older than the Himalayas. 2. They receive rainfall from the southwest monsoon. 3. They are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • A. 1 and 2 only
   • B. 2 and 3 only
   • C. 1 and 3 only
   • D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   All three statements are correct: the Western Ghats are geologically older than the Himalayas, receive heavy southwest monsoon rainfall, and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, making option D correct.

5. Q5 · Static GK

   Which of the following passes connects the Kashmir Valley with the Ladakh region?

   • A. Rohtang Pass
   • B. Zoji La Pass
   • C. Nathu La Pass
   • D. Khyber Pass
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Zoji La Pass, located at an altitude of about 3,528 meters, is the mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh on National Highway 1.

6. Q6 · Mensuration

   A rectangular field has length 15 m and breadth 10 m. What is its area?

   • A. 100 m²
   • B. 125 m²
   • C. 150 m²
   • D. 175 m²
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Area of rectangle = length × breadth = 15 × 10 = 150 m².

7. Q7 · Geometry

   In a parallelogram ABCD, if angle A is 110°, what is the measure of angle C?

   • A. 70°
   • B. 90°
   • C. 110°
   • D. 120°
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Opposite angles in a parallelogram are equal, so angle C = angle A = 110°.

8. Q8 · Spelling Check

   Identify the word with correct spelling:

   • A. Accomodation
   • B. Accommodation
   • C. Acommodation
   • D. Acomodation
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The correct spelling is 'Accommodation' with double 'c' and double 'm'. It refers to a place to stay or lodging.

9. Q9 · Direct and Indirect Speech

   Choose the correct indirect speech for the given sentence: She said, 'I am reading an interesting novel.'

   • A. She said that I am reading an interesting novel.
   • B. She said that she is reading an interesting novel.
   • C. She said that she was reading an interesting novel.
   • D. She says that she was reading an interesting novel.
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   When the reporting verb is in past tense ('said'), the present continuous 'am reading' changes to past continuous 'was reading,' and the pronoun 'I' changes to 'she.' Option C correctly applies both rules.

10. Q10 · Economics

    If the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), what is the most likely immediate impact on the economy?

    • A. Decrease in money supply
    • B. Increase in liquidity in the banking system
    • C. Increase in inflation rate instantly
    • D. Decrease in bank lending capacity
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    When RBI reduces CRR, banks are required to keep less money in reserve, thereby increasing the liquidity available for lending and circulation in the economy.