CDSE 1 2014 Paper Analysis (OTA)

Hello friends, CDSE 1 2014 have been conducted and everybody has a general opinion about the paper, which is common for almost all kinds of UPSC papers that the level of General Knowledge was high. This time also CDSE exam consisted of three papers English, GK and Mathematics (not for OTA candidates). This article covers paper 1 (English) and Paper 2 (GK). Both these papers were of 2 hour duration and had 120 questions each. Maximum mark for each paper was 100 and the scheme of marking was same like previous years.

The paper for English was of average standard and anybody who has studied English up to 12th in school could do most of it. The paper consisted of 2 passages (20 Questions in all) each in which one had to choose the appropriate word and fill in the blanks. The example for this type of question is abundantly given in CDSE Pathfinder. Another type of question was based on ordering of sentences (10 questions), there were questions on spotting of error (20 questions). There were comprehension based questions for which four simple passages were given and questions (total 15) were based on them. Then there were 11 questions on ordering of words in a sentence. The antonyms and synonyms were given in form of sentences this time instead of single word; there were 10 questions each on antonym and synonym. Four questions were also there in which a candidate had to choose the best option to complete the sentence. The different preparation books intended solely for CDSE have a lot of example of such questions which were there in the paper.

The general knowledge paper was as usual tough. There is a running joke about GK of CDSE that most of the candidates say, that is thy complete the paper in 1 hour and read and re-read it to find and check whether they know anything else. The GK paper consisted of questions from all spheres like science, economy, Current affairs etc. There were ample of questions from Polity and to solve these questions only reading and knowing polity won’t help, you need to understand the concepts. Same was the case with economy. Some questions were very easy especially form the science section. Only a through and good study can help in GK paper, except for science of course as most concepts are from day-today life. However if you have managed to do well in the English paper then a normal GK will not harm you.

It is better to attempt less questions rather than attempting the questions which you are not too sure about. The cut-off will lie between 75-95 for OTA candidates, as is expected from the previous patterns. Now you can prepare for AFCAT and wait for the CDSE results. Good luck