The Combined Defense Services (CDS) Exam, conducted by the UPSC, is the gateway for recruitment into the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Aspirants across India compete to join the prestigious armed forces, making this exam both competitive and highly respected.
Overview of CDS Exam Pattern and Difficulty Level
The CDS exam comprises three sections for IMA, INA, and AFA (English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics), while OTA candidates are tested on English and General Knowledge only.
| Section | Marks | Duration | For |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours | All |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours | All |
| Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours | Only IMA/INA/AFA |
Difficulty Level:
- English – Easy to Moderate
- General Knowledge – Moderate to Tough
- Mathematics – Moderate
The paper checks not only subject knowledge but also speed and accuracy under time pressure.
Subject-Wise CDS Exam Analysis
Here’s a detailed subject-wise breakdown based on the latest exam:
English
- Focus: Vocabulary, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Reading Comprehension
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Tip: Strong grammar base and regular reading help immensely.
General Knowledge
- Focus: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Defence-related questions
- Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Tip: Stay updated with monthly current affairs and standard NCERT books.
Elementary Mathematics
- Focus: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry
- Level: Moderate
- Tip: Practice previous year papers and time-based mock tests.
Expected vs Actual Cutoff Trends
Cutoff marks vary based on the number of candidates, difficulty level, and vacancies. Here’s a comparison of previous cutoffs vs expected for the latest cycle:
| Academy | Expected Cutoff | Previous Year Actual Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | 120 – 130 | 125 (CDS 1 2023) |
| INA | 110 – 120 | 118 (CDS 1 2023) |
| AFA | 135 – 145 | 144 (CDS 1 2023) |
| OTA | 95 – 105 | 100 (CDS 1 2023) |
Observation: The expected cutoff is slightly lower this year due to a moderately tougher GK section.
CDS Result Date and How to Check
The CDS Result 2025 is expected to be released within 40-60 days after the exam on the official UPSC website – https://www.upsc.gov.in
How to Check CDS Result?
- Visit the UPSC official website.
- Click on “Examinations” > “Active Examinations”
- Select CDS Result PDF
- Download and check your roll number in the list
Factors Affecting CDS Cutoff
Several key factors influence the cutoff each year:
- Number of vacancies
- Number of candidates appearing
- Difficulty level of the paper
- Candidate performance trend
- Normalization and scaling (if applicable)
Steps After the CDS Result Declaration
If your roll number appears in the merit list, here’s what happens next:
- SSB Interview Call – Shortlisted candidates are called for a 5-day SSB Interview.
- Medical Examination – Candidates who clear SSB are sent for a medical test.
- Final Merit List – Based on written + SSB scores, the final list is published.
- Joining Instructions – Selected candidates receive instructions to join the respective academies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The CDS exam generally ranges from moderate to difficult. English is usually easy to moderate, while General Knowledge and Mathematics can be more challenging depending on the paper.
The expected cutoff for CDS 1 2025 is:
IMA: 120–130
INA: 110–120
AFA: 135–145
OTA: 95–105
The CDS result is typically declared within 40–60 days of the exam. It will be available on the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in
You can check your result by downloading the PDF from UPSC’s official website and searching for your roll number in the merit list.
After the result:
Candidates are called for the SSB interview.
Qualified candidates undergo a medical test.
A final merit list is released.
Selected candidates receive joining instructions for their respective academies.
Yes, the cutoff varies each year based on:
Number of candidates
Paper difficulty
Available vacancies
Overall performance trend