CDS 2 Exam Cut off 2025 (Soon) - Check Expected & Previous year Cutoff Marks

CDS 2 Exam Cut off 2025 (Soon) - Check Expected & Previous year Cutoff Marks

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on May 05, 2025 04:31 PM IST | #CDS

UPSC CDS Cut off 2025 - Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC CDS 2 cut off 2025 on the official website after the final round. The UPSC CDS 2025 cut off pdf will be available at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC CDS cut off is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the CDS exam. The CDS cut off 2025 will be determined based on many factors like the the difficulty level of the exam, number of vacancies, number of candidates who have appeared and final SSB interview. After the SSB Interview, a merit list will be prepared, and the final UPSC CDS result will be available to candidates on the UPSC website.

This Story also Contains
  1. CDS 2025 Expected Cut-Off
  2. CDS Result 2025
  3. CDS Answer Key 2025
CDS 2 Exam Cut off 2025 (Soon) - Check Expected & Previous year Cutoff Marks
CDS 2 Exam Cut off 2025 (Soon) - Check Expected & Previous year Cutoff Marks

CDS 2025 Expected Cut-Off

CDS levels

CDS 2 2025 Expected cutoff

CDS 2 2025 Expected cutoff

AFA

132-135

130-135

IMA

118-121

120-123

INA

109-112

108-111

CDS OTA Cut Off 2025 (Expected)

CDS levels

CDS 2 2025 Expected cutoff

CDS 2 2025 Expected cutoff

OTA (female)

81-84

80-83

OTA (male)

81-84

82-85


Factors Affecting the CDS Cut off 2025

Several factors affect the UPSC CDS cut off 2025. Candidates can check the factors affecting the cut off of CDS 2 exam below.

  • Number of applicants

  • Number of vacancies

  • Difficulty level

  • Previous year CDS Cutoff trends

Quick links:

How To Check CDS Cut off 2025?

Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC - upsc.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on the examination tab and select cut off marks from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select CDS 2 cut off 2025 from the list.

Step 4: Download the CDS 2025 cutoff PDF for future reference.

Stages of CDS Cut off 2025

Union Public Service Commission will release the CDS 2 cut off for written exam and final cut off. For more details regarding the CDS cut off, candidates can check the below mentioned stages.

CDS Cut off 2025 - Written Exam

The written UPSC CDS 2 2025 is the first stage of the CDS exam. Candidates appearing for the exam must score equal to or more than the CDS 2 qualifying marks to qualify for the next stage. The minimum cut off marks for CDS 2025 is 20% in all three papers. The written exam of CDS 2 2025 comprises three papers while candidates appearing for OTA have to appear for only two CDS papers.

CDS Cut off 2025 - Final Merit List

The final merit list of CDS 2025 will be released based on the performance of candidates in the CDS 2025 written exam, SSB interview, and medical exam. Candidates who clear the CDS written exam 2025 will be called for an SSB interview and medical examination. After qualifying in all these stages they will be recruited to the vacant posts as released by UPSC.

Previous Years' CDS Cut off

Candidates can check the CDS previous year's cut off mark to check the past year's trends. With the help of the previous year's CDS 2 cut off marks, candidates can check the expected cut off and safe scores to qualify for the exam. For more details of CDS total marks and cut off, refer to the table given below.

CDS 1 2024 cut off

Academy

Written Exam

Final Exam


Aggregate marks of last

qualified candidate*

Marks of last recommended

candidate

IMA

120 (out of 300 marks)

244 (out of 600 marks)

INA

100 (out of 300 marks)

230 (out of 600 marks)

AFA

128 (out of 300 marks)

250 (out of 600 marks)

OTA (Men)

87 (out of 200 marks)

168 (out of 400 marks)

OTA(Women)

87 (out of 200 marks)

168 (out of 400 marks)

CDS 2 2023 cut off

Academy

Written Exam

Final Exam


Aggregate marks of last

qualified candidate*

Marks of last recommended

candidate

IMA

127 marks (out of 300)

250 (out of 600)

INA

110 marks (out of 300)

237 (out of 600)

AFA

136 marks (out of 300)

259 (out of 600)

OTA (Men)

104 marks (out of 200)

185 (out of 400

OTA(Women)

104 marks (out of 200)

188 (out of 400)

CDS 1 2023 cut off

Academy

Written Exam

Final Exam


Aggregate marks of last

qualified candidate*

Marks of last recommended

candidate

IMA

132

257

INA

122

247

AFA

142

266

OTA (Men)

101

181

OTA(Women)

101

184

CDS 2 2022 cut off

Academy

Written Exam

Final Exam


Aggregate marks of last

qualified candidate*

Marks of last recommended

candidate

IMA

126

249

INA

118

248

AFA

136

258

OTA (Men)

98

180

OTA(Women)

98

179

CDS 1 2022 cut off

Academy

Written Exam

Final Exam


Aggregate marks of last

qualified candidate*

Marks of last recommended

candidate

IMA

136

258

INA

128

256

AFA

147

269

OTA (Men)

100

181

OTA(Women)

100

184

CDS 2 2021 cut off

Academy

Written Exam

Final Exam


Aggregate marks of last

qualified candidate*

Marks of last recommended

candidate

IMA

138

263

INA

132

256

AFA

148

270

OTA (Men)

102

183

OTA(Women)

102

184

Note: *Subject to a minimum of 20% marks in each CDS paper.

CDS 1 2021 cut off

Academy

Written Exam

Final Exam


Aggregate marks of last

qualified candidate*

Marks of last recommended

candidate

IMA

145

268

INA

136

260

AFA

158

281

OTA (Men)

107

189

OTA(Women)

107

191

Note: *Subject to a minimum of 20% marks in each paper.

Quick links:

CDS Result 2025

Union Public Service Commission will release the CDS 2 2025 result at upsc.gov.in. UPSC CDS result 2025 will be released in PDF format having names and roll numbers of all the qualified candidates. Candidates need to obtain marks equivalent to the CDS cut off to qualify for further stages. Candidates who get shortlisted in the CDS result 2025 are called for an SSB interview. Qualified candidates from SSB will be called for a Medical examination.

Quick links:

CDS Answer Key 2025

The CDS exam conducting authorities release the CDS 2 2025 answer key after the conclusion of the selection process. The CDS exam 2025 answer key will be released for all the sets of CDS question papers. Some coaching institutes also release the CDS 2 2025 answer key right after the examination. With the help of the answer key, candidates can check the answer key to calculate their estimated score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the full form of CDS 2025?

The CDS Full Form is Combined Defence Services exam.

2. What is the selection process of the CDS exam 2025?

The CDS selection process 2025 comprises of a written exam, SSB interview and medical examination.

3. What is a good score in CDS?

Going by the previous year cut off trends, a good score in IMA is 255+, in INA it is 240+, in AFA it is 270+ while in OTA men and women it is 175+ and 178+ respectively.

4. Where CDS 2025 result will come?

The CDS 2 result will be released on the official website upsc.gov.in.

5. How do I check my CDS 2 results?

To check the CDS results, candidates must visit the official website.

6. How will the cut off of CDS 2025 be released?

Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC CDS 2025 cut off on their official website.

7. Where can I get the CDS cut off subject wise?

Candidates will be able to get the CDS cut off 2025 on the official website after completion of the written exam. The CDS cut off subject-wise can be found online on the official website.

8. Is CDS cut off 2025 released?

yes, the commission releases the CDS 2 cut off 2025 after the recruitment process is over.

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Access to Justice
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Geography XII Part-I
Via National Council of Educational Research and Training
Home Science-Extension and Communication Management Level-2
Via English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad
Swayam
 220 courses
Edx
 199 courses
LawSikho
 127 courses
NPTEL
 92 courses
Futurelearn
 89 courses
Coursera
 76 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

For CDS 2 2025, with a date of birth of 6th October 2001, you are eligible for both IMA and OTA. The age limits for IMA are 19-24 years and for OTA are 19-25 years as of 1st January 2025, making you eligible for both academies.

Hello Gunal,

As a student born on 05-11-2001 you will have many opportunities to take the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam conducted by UPSC. Age Limits will vary depending on the courses:

  • Indian Military Academy - 19-24 years
  • Indian Naval Academy - 19-24 years
  • Air Force Academy - 20-24 years
  • Officers' Training Academy - 19-25 years

You are eligible, based on your DOB for:

  • IMA/INA/AFA until 2025 (final attempts depending on month of notification and course start) and OTA until 2026.

Best Books for CDS Preparation:

  1. English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) and Previous year question papers (UPSC website)
  2. General Knowledge: Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook and follow the daily The Hindu or Indian Express regularly
  3. Mathematics: Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant, NCERT Maths (Class 6-10) and Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Required Documents for CDS SSB/Verification:

  • CDS Admit Card
  • 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates (original & photocopy)
  • Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (or provisional degree if final year)
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc. )
  • Passport size photos
  • NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile/Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Declaration/affidavit for final year candidates( if results are awaited)



Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing well !!

For CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams, the eligibility criteria regarding age depend on the specific course you are applying for. Here’s a breakdown based on your date of birth (08-05-2001) and the requirements for CDS 2 2025:

For 2025 cds 2;-

  1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) :

    • Age: 19 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, the exam will be held in September 2025. The candidate must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you fall within the eligible age range for IMA, so you can apply for IMA .
  2. Indian Naval Academy (INA) :

    • Age: 19 to 22 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2003 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since your birthdate (08-05-2001) is outside this range, you cannot apply for INA in CDS 2 2025.
  3. Air Force Academy (AFA) :

    • Age: 20 to 24 years on 1st July of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2005 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you were born on 08-05-2001, you can apply for AFA .
  4. Officers Training Academy (OTA) :

    • Age: 19 to 25 years on 1st January of the year of examination.
    • For CDS 2 2025, you must be born between 2nd January 2000 and 1st January 2006 (both dates inclusive).
    • Since you are 24 years old and your birthdate is 08-05-2001, you can apply for OTA .

You can attempt CDS 2 2025 for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) , Air Force Academy (AFA) , and Officers Training Academy (OTA) . However, you are not eligible for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) .

for details,visit the below link ;-

Careers360

https://competition.careers360.com

https://competition.careers360.com/articles/cds-eligibility-criteria


Thanks for asking

hello,

yes, a distance degree from Swami Vivekanand University(SVU) is valid for UPSC CDS (IMA/OTA) if it is UGC and DEB approved. ensure that the university and its distance courses are recognized at the time of admission to avoid issues in SSB verification. always check the UGC website for the latest approval status before applying.

For a cost-effective BA program in Hyderabad while preparing for NDA/CDS, consider government colleges offering BA programs and supplementing your preparation with coaching from reputable NDA/CDS institutes.

Here's a breakdown to help you choose:

1. BA Colleges in Hyderabad (Government vs. Private):

Government Colleges:

Pros: Lower fees, potentially better academic rigor.

Cons: May have limited course options or placements.

Examples: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Osmania University.

Private Colleges:

Pros: Wider course options, potentially better infrastructure and placement opportunities.

Cons: Higher fees.

Examples: Sreenidhi Institute of Science & Technology, Swami Vivekananda Degree & PG College.

2. NDA/CDS Coaching Institutes in Hyderabad:

Reputable Institutes:

Hyderabad Defence Academy: Offers NDA and CDS coaching, along with intermediate education.

Sri Netaji Study Circle: A popular institute for NDA coaching.

Impact Academy Of Human Excellence: Another well-regarded institute for NDA preparation.

Dice Academy: Known for its coaching for NDA and CDS.

Yuvatarang Defence Academy & Junior College: Offers NDA and CDS coaching.

Consider these factors when choosing a coaching institute:

Faculty: Experienced and qualified teachers.

Infrastructure: Study materials, library, and other facilities.

Fees: Compare the cost of different institutes.

Location: Choose a location that is convenient for you.

3. Balancing BA Studies with NDA/CDS Preparation:

Time Management:

Effective time management is crucial to balance studies and coaching.

Study Groups:

Form study groups with fellow aspirants to share resources and motivate each other.

Online Resources:

Utilize online platforms for additional study materials and practice tests.

Physical Training:

Don't neglect physical fitness, which is a crucial part of the NDA/CDS selection process.

4. Important Notes:

  • NDA/CDS Exams:

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. The CDS exam is also conducted by the UPSC, and the selection process includes a written test and an interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB).

Eligibility:

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for both NDA and CDS, including age, educational qualifications, and physical standards.

Multiple Attempts:

You can appear for both NDA and CDS exams in different years, maximizing your chances of joining the armed forces.

BA Courses:

The National Defence Academy (NDA) offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees with various specializations.

View All
Back to top