CDS-2 2025 Cut-Off: Check It Now
Every CDS aspirant is eagerly waiting for the cutoff. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is one of the most competitive defence entry exams in India — and the cutoff marks often become a benchmark for preparation. In this blog, we’ll dive into the expected cutoff for CDS-2 2025, compare it with past trends, analyze influencing factors, and help you assess your chances.
CDS 2 2025 Result
CDS 2 2025 Result | Download |
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What is Cutoff & Why It Matters
The cutoff is the minimum score a candidate must obtain (in aggregate and subject-wise) to be eligible for the next stage (SSB interview / final merit).
It acts as a screening filter — only those above the cutoff are considered further.
Cutoffs are released in two parts: (1) Written exam qualifying cutoff and (2) Final cutoff (including SSB, medical, etc.).
A rule that 20% minimum in each subject is mandatory is consistently enforced in CDS exams.
Past Cutoff Trends: A Quick Look
| Exam | Academy | Written Cut-Off (Last Qualified) | Final Aggregate Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDS II 2024 | IMA | 117 / 300 | 241 / 600 |
| CDS II 2024 | INA | 90 / 300 | 220 / 600 |
| CDS II 2024 | AFA | 126 / 300 | — |
| CDS II 2024 | OTA (Men) | 81 / 200 | 161 / 400 |
| CDS II 2024 | OTA (Women) | 81 / 200 | 166 / 400 |
| CDS II 2023 | IMA | ~127 | — |
| CDS II 2023 | INA | ~110 | — |
| CDS II 2023 | AFA | ~136 | — |
Observations from the trend:
The cutoff for IMA generally fluctuates in the 115–140 range.
INA’s cutoff often trails IMA slightly.
AFA’s cutoff tends to be higher due to competition and subject pattern.
OTA cutoffs are comparatively lower since the exam has only English + GK.
The 20% subject minimum rule is always applicable.
CDS-2 2025: Paper Analysis & Difficulty
English Section: Moderate, with decent attempts possible for well-prepared candidates.
General Knowledge: Tougher compared to English, pulling the exam difficulty to moderate-to-difficult.
Good Attempts Benchmark: Around 75–85 attempts are being considered safe in CDS-2 2025.
Overall Difficulty: Balanced, but with GK making the real difference.
Expected CDS-2 2025 Cut-off Ranges
Here are the unofficial / estimated cutoffs (written exam + final) for CDS-2 2025, based on expert projections and analysis:
| Academy / Post | Expected Written Cutoff | Expected Final Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | 119–131 | 244–256 |
| INA | 104–121 | 232–246 |
| AFA | 146–151 | 267–271 |
| OTA (Men) | 73–84 | 161–170 |
| OTA (Women) | 75–85 | 164–170 |
Note: These are projections based on exam analysis and past year data. Official cutoffs will be released by UPSC(https://upsc.gov.in/index.php) after the final results.
What Affects the Cutoff?
Exam Difficulty – Tougher papers reduce cutoffs; easier papers push them higher.
Number of Candidates – More serious aspirants raise the competition.
Vacancy Numbers – Fewer seats usually mean higher cutoffs.
Sectional Minimums – 20% marks in each subject is non-negotiable.
Tie-Break Rules – If scores tie, UPSC applies rules like age, date of birth, or written marks to decide.
Assessing Your Chances
Compare your marks with the higher bound of the expected cutoff range.
Being above the range gives you a strong chance of qualifying.
Even if you’re close to the cutoff, stay hopeful — official cutoffs sometimes dip.
Ensure you’ve cleared the 20% subject minimums.
Prepare actively for the SSB interview stage — many candidates qualify written, but only the best make it through SSB.
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FAQs on CDS-2 2025 Cutoff
Q1. When will the official CDS-2 2025 cutoff be released?
The official cutoff is usually released by UPSC a few months after the final results of CDS-2 2025.
Q2. Are sectional cutoffs applicable in CDS?
Yes. Candidates must secure at least 20% marks in each subject (English, GK, Maths) apart from the overall cutoff.
Q3. Which academy usually has the highest cutoff?
The Air Force Academy (AFA) generally has the highest cutoff, followed by IMA, INA, and OTA.
Q4. Do cutoffs vary for men and women?
For OTA, cutoffs are released separately for men and women. Usually, they remain close, with minor variations.
Q5. Is clearing the written cutoff enough to get selected?
No. Candidates must also clear the SSB interview and medicals. Final selection is based on the combined score of written + SSB.
Q6. What is considered a safe score in CDS-2 2025?
Aiming 10–15 marks above the expected cutoff is generally safe, giving you a buffer for unexpected shifts.
Conclusion
The CDS-2 2025 cutoff is expected to remain competitive, especially for IMA and AFA. Aspirants should use the expected ranges as a benchmark while waiting for UPSC’s official notification. Remember, clearing the cutoff is just one part of the journey — performing well in the SSB is equally crucial. Stay focused, keep practicing, and aim higher than the expected cutoffs to stay on the safer side.
