The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), serves as a critical gateway for aspiring candidates seeking entry into prestigious institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
The CDS 2 2025 examination was held on September 14, 2025, comprising three papers: English, General Knowledge (GK), and Elementary Mathematics (for candidates applying to IMA, INA, and AFA). Cut-off marks represent the minimum scores required to qualify for the subsequent stages, including the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and final merit list. These marks are influenced by various factors and are officially released by UPSC alongside the results, typically several months after the examination.
As of September 16, 2025, the official cut-offs remain pending, but expert analyses from coaching institutes and educational platforms provide reliable expected figures based on exam difficulty, candidate performance, and historical trends.
This article presents an updated overview of the expected cut-off marks for CDS 2 2025, drawing from post-exam analyses. It includes subject-wise exam reviews, projected qualifying scores, comparisons with prior years, and key influencing factors.
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Exam Analysis for CDS 2 2025
The CDS 2 2025 papers were generally perceived as moderate in difficulty, with variations across subjects. Feedback from candidates and expert reviews indicates a balanced question distribution, though certain sections posed greater challenges. Below is a summary of the analysis for each paper.
English Paper
The English paper consisted of 120 questions, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Topics included fill in the blanks, spotting errors, synonyms and antonyms, idioms and phrases, sentence rearrangement, and cloze tests. The difficulty level was rated as moderate, with questions aligning closely to previous years’ patterns but appearing slightly easier than CDS 1 2025. Good attempts ranged from 70 to 85 questions, translating to an estimated score of 70-80 marks for well-prepared candidates. This section favored those with strong command over standard English usage.
General Knowledge (GK) Paper
Comprising 120 questions, the GK paper covered history (particularly the freedom movement), geography, polity, economics, science (physics, chemistry, biology), current affairs, and static GK. The difficulty was moderate to difficult, with a higher emphasis on analytical and factual recall compared to the English section. Questions from current events and Indian polity were notably tougher. Estimated good attempts stood at 70-80 questions, potentially yielding 65-75 marks. Candidates who maintained regular updates on national and international affairs performed better in this segment.
Elementary Mathematics Paper
This paper, mandatory for IMA, INA, and AFA aspirants, included 100 questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, statistics, and number systems. The overall difficulty was moderate, with a mix of straightforward calculations and conceptual problems. Good attempts were estimated at 45-52 questions, corresponding to 45-55 marks. Time management was crucial, as some geometry and trigonometry questions required precise application of formulas.
The moderate difficulty across papers suggests that cut-offs may align closely with or slightly exceed those of CDS 2 2024, depending on the number of vacancies and overall candidate turnout.
Expected Cut-Off Marks for CDS 2 2025
Expected cut-off marks are provisional estimates derived from exam reviews, candidate feedback, and statistical modeling by defense coaching experts. These are categorized into written exam qualifying marks (out of 300 for IMA/INA/AFA and 200 for OTA) and final marks (including SSB interview scores, out of 600 for IMA/INA/AFA and 400 for OTA). The figures below reflect a consensus from multiple sources, accounting for the exam’s moderate difficulty.
| Academy/Post | Expected Written Cut-Off (Out of 300/200) | Expected Final Cut-Off (Out of 600/400) |
|---|---|---|
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | 119 – 131 | 244 – 256 |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) | 104 – 121 | 232 – 246 |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | 146 – 151 | 267 – 271 |
| OTA (Men) | 73 – 84 | 161 – 170 |
| OTA (Women) | 75 – 85 | 164 – 170 |
These projections indicate a potential increase for AFA due to its consistently higher thresholds, while OTA remains relatively accessible. Alternative estimates from some analyses suggest slightly higher written cut-offs, such as 130 for IMA and 135 for AFA, but the ranges provided offer a balanced view. Official confirmation will follow the UPSC result declaration, expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
Comparison with Previous Years’ Cut-Offs
To contextualize the 2025 expectations, a review of historical cut-offs reveals trends of gradual escalation, driven by rising competition and exam standardization. The table below summarizes written and final cut-offs for select recent CDS examinations (data for CDS 1 and 2 from 2018 to 2024).
| Year/Examination | IMA Written/Final | INA Written/Final | AFA Written/Final | OTA Written/Final (Men/Women) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDS 1 2024 | 120 / 245 | 100 / 228 | 128 / 258 | 87 / 164 |
| CDS 2 2023 | 127 / 250 | 110 / 235 | 136 / 265 | 104 / 180 |
| CDS 1 2023 | 132 / 255 | 122 / 240 | 142 / 270 | 101 / 175 |
| CDS 2 2022 | 126 / 248 | 118 / 238 | 136 / 268 | 98 / 172 |
| CDS 1 2022 | 136 / 252 | 128 / 242 | 147 / 272 | 100 / 174 |
| CDS 2 2021 | 138 / 254 | 132 / 244 | 148 / 274 | 102 / 176 |
| CDS 1 2021 | 145 / 260 | 136 / 248 | 158 / 280 | 107 / 182 |
| CDS 2 2020 | 139 / 256 | 134 / 246 | 152 / 276 | 97 / 170 |
| CDS 1 2020 | 130 / 250 | 118 / 236 | 143 / 268 | 93 / 168 |
| CDS 2 2019 | 134 / 252 | 122 / 240 | 148 / 274 | 95 / 170 |
| CDS 1 2019 | 116 / 236 | 105 / 226 | 129 / 256 | 78 / 160 |
| CDS 2 2018 | 116 / 234 | 102 / 224 | 131 / 258 | 80 / 162 |
| CDS 1 2018 | 118 / 238 | 98 / 222 | 138 / 264 | 69 / 155 |
The data illustrates a 5-10 mark upward trend for written cut-offs in recent years, particularly for IMA and AFA. Final cut-offs, incorporating SSB performance, show greater variability but follow a similar pattern. Compared to CDS 2 2024 (IMA: 120 written), the 2025 expectations suggest a marginal rise, consistent with the moderate paper difficulty.
Factors Influencing Cut-Off Marks
Several elements determine the final cut-off thresholds for CDS examinations:
- Number of Candidates Appearing: Higher participation, estimated at over 3 lakh for CDS 2 2025, intensifies competition and elevates cut-offs.
- Exam Difficulty Level: The moderate nature of CDS 2 2025 papers likely prevents drastic hikes, unlike tougher exams that lower thresholds.
- Vacancies Available: UPSC announced approximately 450 vacancies for CDS 2 2025 across academies, influencing the qualifying bar. Unfilled seats from prior cycles may also adjust figures upward.
- Candidate Performance Trends: Aggregate scores from answer keys and mock analyses, combined with historical data, inform projections. Normalization, if applied, ensures fairness across shifts.
UPSC employs a merit-based approach, ensuring cut-offs reflect these dynamics without compromising selection standards.
Conclusion
The expected cut-off marks for CDS 2 2025 position it as a competitive yet achievable examination for diligent aspirants. With written thresholds ranging from 73-151 marks depending on the academy, candidates should focus on accurate self-assessment using unofficial answer keys while preparing for the SSB interview. As official results and cut-offs are anticipated later in the year, staying informed through UPSC notifications is advisable. Success in CDS demands not only academic prowess but also resilience and strategic preparation. For those who appeared, these estimates offer a benchmark for optimism; for future candidates, they underscore the value of consistent study.
