CDS 2023 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

CDS 2023 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 17 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 · Synonyms

   Select the word most similar in meaning to the underlined word. The delegation praised the meticulous planning of the event.

   • A. Casual
   • B. Careful
   • C. Hasty
   • D. Indifferent
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail, which is closest in meaning to 'careful'.

2. Q2 · Spotting Errors

   Each sentence is divided into three parts (a), (b), and (c). Identify the part that contains an error. Either the principal (a) / or the vice-principal are (b) / attending the conference tomorrow. (c) / No error (d)

   • A. Part (a)
   • B. Part (b)
   • C. Part (c)
   • D. No error
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   In 'either...or' constructions, the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it. Since 'vice-principal' is singular, the verb should be 'is' instead of 'are'.

3. Q3 · Direct and Indirect Speech

   Convert the following sentence into indirect speech: The officer said to the recruit, "Where were you posted last year?"

   • A. The officer asked the recruit where he had been posted the previous year.
   • B. The officer asked the recruit where was he posted last year.
   • C. The officer asked the recruit where he was posted last year.
   • D. The officer asked the recruit where you were posted last year.
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   In indirect speech, the question word 'where' is retained, the tense shifts from past ('were') to past perfect ('had been'), and time reference changes from 'last year' to 'the previous year,' making option A correct.

4. Q4 · History

   Arrange the following battles fought during the freedom struggle in chronological order: 1. Battle of Plassey 2. Battle of Buxar 3. First Anglo-Maratha War 4. First Anglo-Mysore War Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

   • A. 1-2-3-4
   • B. 1-2-4-3
   • C. 2-1-4-3
   • D. 1-4-2-3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The correct chronological order is: Battle of Plassey (1757), Battle of Buxar (1764), First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-69), First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-82), making option B correct.

5. Q5 · Economics

   The term 'Fiscal Deficit' refers to:

   • A. Excess of total expenditure over total receipts excluding borrowings
   • B. Difference between current expenditure and current revenue
   • C. Excess of total revenue over total expenditure
   • D. Difference between exports and imports
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Fiscal deficit is calculated as the excess of total government expenditure over total receipts excluding borrowings, indicating the amount the government needs to borrow.

6. Q6 · Geometry

   Two parallel lines are cut by a transversal. If one of the alternate interior angles measures 65°, what is the measure of its corresponding alternate interior angle?

   • A. 65°
   • B. 115°
   • C. 125°
   • D. 180°
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Alternate interior angles formed by a transversal cutting parallel lines are equal, so the answer is 65°.

7. Q7 · Mensuration

   A right circular cylinder has a radius of 5 cm and height of 14 cm. What is its lateral surface area? (Use π = 22/7)

   • A. 330 cm²
   • B. 400 cm²
   • C. 440 cm²
   • D. 550 cm²
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Lateral surface area = 2πrh = 2 × (22/7) × 5 × 14 = 440 cm².

8. Q8 · Idioms and Phrases

   Select the meaning of the idiom/phrase: 'To pull someone's leg'

   • A. To help someone walk
   • B. To tease someone playfully
   • C. To trip someone intentionally
   • D. To support someone in difficulty
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   'To pull someone's leg' is an idiomatic expression meaning to tease or joke with someone in a playful, harmless manner, not to be taken seriously.

9. Q9 · Geography

   Which one of the following rivers does NOT originate in the Himalayas?

   • A. Ganga
   • B. Yamuna
   • C. Narmada
   • D. Brahmaputra
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Narmada originates in the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward, unlike the Himalayan rivers which generally flow southward.

10. Q10 · One-Word Substitution

    Select the word that best substitutes the given phrase: A person who deliberately sets fire to property

    • A. Philanthropist
    • B. Arsonist
    • C. Misogynist
    • D. Pyromaniac
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    Arsonist is the legal term for a person who commits the crime of deliberately setting fire to property.