CDS 2025 previous year paper · official paper and PYQ-pattern practice

CDS 2025 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 18 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 · Spotting Errors

   Each sentence is divided into three parts (a), (b), and (c). Identify the part that contains an error. The committee members (a) / has unanimously decided (b) / to postpone the meeting. (c) / No error (d)

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

   Answer: B

   The subject 'committee members' is plural, so the verb should be 'have' instead of 'has'.

2. Q2 · Sentence Completion / Fill in the Blanks

   Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option. The authorities have decided to _______ the old regulation and implement a new policy.

   • A. abolish
   • B. establish
   • C. continue
   • D. support
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   'Abolish' means to formally put an end to something, which fits the context of replacing an old regulation.

3. Q3 · Reading Comprehension

   Passage: The maritime heritage of India is rich and diverse, spanning millennia of naval exploration and trade. Ancient Indian seafarers navigated vast oceans, establishing trade links with distant lands. The monsoon winds were crucial to their journeys, enabling predictable seasonal voyages. This maritime prowess contributed significantly to cultural exchanges and economic prosperity. Question: According to the passage, which factor was instrumental in enabling ancient Indian seafarers to undertake predictable voyages?

   • A. Advanced navigational instruments
   • B. Monsoon wind patterns
   • C. Superior ship-building technology
   • D. Support from coastal kingdoms
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The passage explicitly states that 'monsoon winds were crucial to their journeys, enabling predictable seasonal voyages,' making option B the correct answer.

4. Q4 · History

   Which of the following movements was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?

   • A. Civil Disobedience Movement
   • B. Quit India Movement
   • C. Non-Cooperation Movement
   • D. Champaran Satyagraha
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) was launched by Gandhi as a reaction to events including the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, making option C correct.

5. Q5 · Current Affairs

   The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on:

   • A. 21st May
   • B. 21st June
   • C. 21st July
   • D. 21st August
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The International Day of Yoga has been observed annually on 21st June since 2015, following a UN General Assembly resolution recognizing yoga's universal appeal.

6. Q6 · Indian Polity and Constitution

   Which of the following statements regarding the Governor of a State is/are correct? 1. The Governor can reserve a Bill for the consideration of the President. 2. The Governor is appointed by the President and holds office during the President's pleasure. 3. The Governor must be a resident of the State to which he/she is appointed. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

   Answer: A

   Statements 1 and 2 are correct: the Governor can reserve Bills and is appointed by the President holding office during the President's pleasure. Statement 3 is incorrect—the Governor must NOT be a resident of the State to which appointed.

7. Q7 · Geometry

   In triangle ABC, angle A = 50° and angle B = 60°. What is the measure of angle C?

   • A. 60°
   • B. 70°
   • C. 80°
   • D. 90°
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The sum of angles in a triangle is 180°, so angle C = 180° - 50° - 60° = 70°.

8. Q8 · Statistics

   The median of the data set 12, 18, 20, 24, 30 is:

   • A. 18
   • B. 20
   • C. 22
   • D. 24
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   For an odd number of observations arranged in order, the median is the middle value, which is 20.

9. Q9 · Transformation of Sentences

   Choose the correctly transformed interrogative sentence: Statement: 'He hardly ever completes his assignments on time.'

   • A. Does he hardly ever complete his assignments on time?
   • B. Does he ever complete his assignments on time?
   • C. Doesn't he complete his assignments on time?
   • D. Has he hardly ever completed his assignments on time?
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   When transforming a negative statement with 'hardly ever' to a question, the negative element is typically removed for natural interrogative form. Option B correctly transforms it into a simple question without double negation.

10. Q10 · One-Word Substitution

    Select the word that best substitutes the given phrase: A government by officials who are not elected

    • A. Bureaucracy
    • B. Democracy
    • C. Autocracy
    • D. Plutocracy
    Answer and solution

    Answer: A

    Bureaucracy refers to a system of government where most decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.