The UPSC CDS exam, also known as the Combined Defence Services examination, conducted the CDS 2 2025 paper on September 14, 2025. Your performance in this crucial paper significantly impacts your chances of success in military academies. Each academy has specific requirements that shape the CDS exam pattern.
The CDS 2 2025 maths paper is one of three papers for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, or Air Force Academy. These papers include General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics, with each paper worth 100 marks, totaling 300 marks. Candidates for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) need to attempt only two papers – Mathematics and General Knowledge, amounting to 200 marks. In this article, we’ll break down the exam details, share the UPSC CDS 2 2025 maths answer key, and help you evaluate your performance by comparing the CDS 2025 expected cut-off with previous year’s data.
CDS 2 2025 Maths Paper Overview
The CDS 2 2025 Maths paper follows a straight forward format, testing your mathematical skills at the matriculation level. The Elementary Mathematics section, a key CDS subject, features 100 multiple-choice questions with a total of 100 marks.
Your score calculation adheres to the standard CDS pattern. You’ll receive +1 mark for each correct answer and lose 0.33 marks for incorrect ones. Fortunately, you won’t lose any marks for unanswered questions.
The exam is available in both English and Hindi. The syllabus covers a wide range of mathematical topics, including arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages), algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, statistics, and number systems.
The mathematics paper is a crucial component along with English and General Knowledge for candidates applying to IMA, INA, and AFA. These three papers collectively account for 300 marks. Students aiming for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) can opt out of the mathematics section.
The questions are on par with 10th standard mathematics difficulty. Practicing with previous year papers will give you a comprehensive understanding of the CDS exam pattern. The exam is conducted offline using pen and paper, emphasizing the need for effective time management to complete all questions.
A clear grasp of the CDS 2 2025 maths paper structure helps you calculate your expected score and gauge your standing against the anticipated CDS cutoff.
Download CDS 2 2025 Maths Answer Key
With the CDS 2 2025 Maths exam concluded, candidates can now assess their performance using the question papers and answer keys. Students can access exam papers sorted by sets for self-evaluation.
Defense academies have released unofficial answer keys for all four sets of the CDS 2 maths 2025 paper. Here are the set-specific solutions available for download:
| Set | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| Set A | Download PDF | Available |
| Set B | Download PDF | Available |
| Set C | Download PDF | Available |
| Set D | Download PDF | Available |
Each question carries 1 mark, with incorrect answers resulting in a deduction of 1/3rd mark.
UPSC will release the official CDS 2 2025 Maths answer key 2025 PDF on the UPSC official website upsc.gov.in at a later date. In the meantime, you can calculate your expected score using these unofficial keys. The scoring formula is straightforward: Score = (Correct × 1.00) – (Wrong × 1.00/3).
These resources offer valuable exam insights, allowing you to identify your mistakes and gauge your performance against the CDS 2025 expected cut-off. This approach helps in better preparation for future competitive exams.
CDS 2 2025 Solution Video Links
- CDS 2 2025 Maths Exam Analysis | Live Paper Solution : visit
- CDS 2 2025 Exam Expected Cut Off | Live Paper Solution : visit
CDS 2 2025 Cut-Off and Previous Year Trends
The CDS 2 maths 2025 exam results will determine your selection chances based on the CDS cutoff marks. Expert analysis predicts the following cut-off ranges for the written exams:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): 119-131 marks
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): 104-121 marks
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 146-151 marks
- Officers Training Academy (Men): 73-84 marks
- Officers Training Academy (Women): 75-85 marks
These cut-offs depend on factors such as the total number of applicants, available vacancies, and the exam’s difficulty level. Analyzing past year’s cutoff trends provides insight into what to expect.
CDS 1 2022 saw cut-offs of 136 for IMA, 128 for INA, 147 for AFA, and 100 for OTA. The 2021 marks were higher, with 145 for IMA, 136 for INA, 158 for AFA, and 107 for OTA.
Experts recommend aiming for safe scores: 255+ for IMA, 240+ for INA, 270+ for AFA, and 175+ for OTA men and 178+ for OTA women. The official cut-offs are announced by UPSC along with the final results.
UPSC requires candidates to score at least 20% marks in all three papers. Thorough preparation is crucial, regardless of the academy you’re targeting.
Conclusion
Success in the CDS 2 2025 Maths exam comes from smart planning, practice, and time management. With 100 questions in 2 hours, accuracy is key. Compare your answers with the CDS 2025 expected cut-off to gauge performance, but rely on UPSC’s official CDS 2 2025 Maths answer key for accuracy. Previous year papers and consistent practice will boost speed and confidence. Remember, a strong maths score is vital for IMA, INA, and AFA. Even if results fall short, treat mistakes as lessons and keep preparing for both the written exam and SSB interview. Dedication and strategy will guide you to success in the defence journey.
