Check CDS 2 2025 Sectional & Overall Cut Off – English, GK, Maths"

CDS 2 2025 Exam Overview

UPSC will administer the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) 2 2025 on September 14, 2025. It serves as a springboard for admission to esteemed universities such as

Academy of Indian Military Service (IMA)

Academy of the Indian Navy (INA)

Academy of the Air Force (AFA)

Academy for Officers’ Training (OTA)

Depending on the role provided and the paper attempted, each academy has its own set of cutoff criteria.

Understanding Cut-Offs in CDS Exams

In CDS, there are two primary kinds of cut-offs:

Cutoff Score for the Written Exam: The minimum score needed to go to the SSB interview stage.

Final Cutoff: The sum of the written and SSB scores needed to be included on the merit list.

There are also sectional cut-offs, which mean that regardless of their overall score, candidates must receive a minimum in each subject to be eligible.

CDS 2 2025 Expected Cut Offs – Academy-Wise

Based on past trends, expert insights (like from New Careers Academy), and difficulty levels, here are the expected written exam cut-offs:

Academy	Expected Cut Off (Out of 300)
IMA	125 – 130
INA	105 – 120
AFA	145 – 150
OTA (Men/Women)	95 – 105

CDS 2 2025 Sectional Cut Offs – Subject Wise

Candidates must meet sectional requirements in order to be eligible. Considering previous papers:

Sectional Cut Off Subject Expected (Minimum Marks)
English 45 – 50 / 100
Knowledge in General 45–55 out of 100
Numbers 50–60 out of 100

Even with a high overall score, candidates are automatically disqualified if they fail any one component.

Factors That Influence Cut Off Trends

Several dynamic factors shape CDS cut-offs each year:

Paper Difficulty:Harder papers usually reduce the cut-off.
Number of Applicants:Higher applicants can raise competition.
Number of Vacancies:More seats = slightly relaxed cut-offs.
Performance Level:High-scoring candidates can push the merit bar.

CDS Cut Off Comparison (Last 5 Years)

Year	IMA	INA	AFA	OTA (M)	OTA (W)
2024	121	108	136	97	97
2023	131	115	146	98	98
2022	128	111	144	96	96
2021	122	108	139	94	94
2020	130	118	143	95	95

How to Predict Your Score After the Exam

Download the NCA, Trishul, and MKC unofficial answer keys.

Sort your responses by set (A, B, C, D).

Use this formula to calculate:

Right: +1 point

False: -0.33 mark

(Correct × 1) – (Wrong × 0.33) is the total score.

To determine your level of SSB preparedness, compare your result to the above cut-off estimates.

Tips to Beat the Expected Cut Off

Learn the fundamentals of English vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.

Pay attention to GK subjects based on NCERT (Science, Polity, History, Geography).

Practice 50+ multiple-choice questions every day and review formulas in math.

Practice lengthy practice exams under time constraints.

Sectional preparation should not be overlooked.

When Will UPSC Release the Official CDS 2 2025 Cut Offs?

The UPSC releases the official cut-offs:

4-6 months following the written test

on the internet at upsconline.nic.in

Predictions from coaching institutes like NCA’s continue to be your finest resource until then.

FAQs on CDS 2 2025 Expected Cut Offs

Q1. What is the CDS 2 2025 safe score?
AFA: 150+, OTA: 100+, and IMA: 130+ are regarded as safe.

Q2. Is the sectional cut-off fixed?
Indeed. typically 20% per part, or at least 20–25 marks.

Q3. Will 2025 see higher cut-offs?
Probably a little, because coaching is now more accessible and awareness is higher.

Q4. Can I determine my eligibility using the answer keys?
Indeed. Utilize them to determine likely scores and contrast them with anticipated cut-offs.

Q5. If I’m applying for OTA, do I still need to pass the math paper?
No, just English and GK papers are attempted by OTA candidates.

Conclusion: Why Cut Off Awareness is Critical for SSB Prep

To determine whether your score qualifies for SSB, you must be aware of the CDS 2 2025 projected cutoffs. A reasonable goal aids in planning and provides a performance standard. For the best chance of being selected, try to maintain 10–15 points above the anticipated cut-off, regardless of whether you’re going for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA.

Making the cut is only the first step, so get ready now.