CDS-2 2026 Paper Analysis and Expected Cut-Off Marks

The CDS-2 2026 examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has concluded, and candidates are now eager to know how their performance compares with the expected cut-off. After the examination, the major question among aspirants is simple: Was the CDS-2 2026 paper easy or difficult? How many questions were a good attempt? What can be the expected CDS cut-off for 2026 for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA?

To help aspirants understand the paper better, Centurion Defence Academy has analysed the overall difficulty level, important topics and expected safe attempts for the CDS 2 2026 exam.

The CDS written examination consists of English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for candidates appearing for IMA, INA, and AFA. Candidates applying for OTA appear for English and General Knowledge only.

Based on the overall paper pattern and initial analysis, CDS-2 2026 can be considered a moderate-level examination, with a reasonable mix of easy, moderate, and difficult questions.

CDS-2 2026 ANALYSIS OF ALL THREE PAPERS:

The exam had three papers: English, General Knowledge (GK), and Elementary Mathematics. A similar description of the difficulty and good attempt ranges of the papers is given below:

Paper	Total Questions	Difficult Questions	Secured Attempt
ENGLISH	120	15–20 (mostly in Spotting Errors, word-based Synonyms, Homonyms)	90–100
GK	120	20–25 (concentrated in Physics, 5 of the 15 Biology Qs, select Polity/current-affairs items)	80–90
ELEMENTARY MATHS	100	10–12	70–80

CDS-2 2026 ENGLISH PAPER ANALYSIS:

According to the CDS syllabus, the English section had a total of 120 questions. Here is a summary of the kinds of questions asked and their levels of difficulty:

Topics in the English Section	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level	Easy Questions	Moderate Questions	Brain Busters (Difficult)
Fill in the Blanks	10	Easy–Moderate	6	4	0
Spotting Errors	10	Moderate	3	5	2
Usage of Paired Words	10	Easy	8	2	0
Antonyms	10	Easy	8	2	0
Synonyms	20	Easy–Moderate	12	7	1
Idioms & Phrase	10	Easy	9	1	0
Sentence Rearrangement	10	Easy–Moderate	6	4	0
Word Matching	10	Easy	9	1	0
Cloze Test	10	Easy–Moderate	6	4	0
Homonyms/Confusing Word Pairs	10	Moderate	4	5	1
(Confirm/Contrast/Qualify/Contradict)	10	Moderate	3	6	1

Most aspirants found that the paper was easy to tackle, with a good mix of easy and challenging questions

CDS-2 2026 GK PAPER ANALYSIS:

The GK paper had a total of 120 questions covering a wide range of topics. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Subjects	Sub-Section	Number of Questions	Difficulty Level	Easy Questions	Moderate Questions
History	–	10	Easy	8	2
Geography	World/Physical Geography	7	Moderate	4	3
Indian Geography	–	8	Easy–Moderate	5	3
Polity & Governance	–	15	Moderate	8	7
Economics	–	10	Moderate	5	5
Physics	–	10	Moderate–Hard	3	7
Chemistry	–	10	Easy–Moderate	7	3
Biology	–	15	Moderate–Hard	8	7
Current Affairs	–	20	Moderate	10	10
Static GK	–	15	Moderate–Hard	9	6

Overall, the GK paper was well-balanced, though Current Affairs required thorough preparation.

CDS-2 2026 ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS ANALYSIS:

The Mathematics paper was of a moderate difficulty level and compulsory for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates. Here’s a topic-wise summary:

Topics	No of Questions	Difficulty Level	Easy Questions	Moderate Questions	Brain Busters (Difficult)
Arithmetic	18	Easy–Moderate	12	6	0
Algebra	14	Easy	10	4	0
Geometry	18	Moderate	10	7	1
Trigonometry	13	Easy	10	3	0
Mensuration	15	Moderate	9	6	0
Statistics	8	Easy–Moderate	5	3	0
Number System	14	Easy–Moderate	9	5	0

CDS-2 2026 WRITTEN EXAM EXPECTED CUT-OFF MARKS:

CDS aspirants are asked to kindly note that the UPSC will declare the CDS-2 2026 cut-off score of the written test after the declaration of the final result.

However, as per the analysis of all three papers and the difficulty level of questions, the cut-off marks for the CDS-2 2026 written test are approximately mentioned below:

ACADEMIES	CUT-OFF SCORE
IMA [INDIAN MILITARY ACADEMY]	125–130
INA [INDIAN NAVAL ACADEMY]	108–115
AFA [AIR FORCE ACADEMY]	133–140
OTA MEN	82–88
OTA WOMEN	98–105

CDS WRITTEN EXAM PREVIOUS YEARS’ CUT-OFF MARKS:

Previous years’ cut-off marks for the CDS written exam can give you an idea of the expected cut-off for the CDS-2 2026 exam. It will also help you understand the current trends of the CDS exam.

EXAM CYCLE	IMA	INA	AFA	OTA MEN	OTA WOMEN
CDS 2 2025	124.11	109.23	132.51	80.01	98.06
CDS 1 2025	120	104	128	81	81
CDS 2 2024	117	90	126	81	81
CDS 1 2024	120	100	128	87	87
CDS 2 2023	127	110	136	104	104
CDS 1 2023	132	122	142	101	101
CDS 2 2022	126	118	136	98	98
CDS 1 2022	136	128	147	100	100
CDS 2 2021	138	132	148	102	102
CDS 1 2021	145	136	158	107	107
CDS 2 2020	139	134	152	97	97
CDS 1 2020	130	118	143	93	93
CDS 2 2019	134	122	148	95	95
CDS 1 2019	116	105	129	78	78
CDS 2 2018	116	102	131	80	80
CDS 1 2018	118	98	138	69	69

What After CDS-2 2026 Written Examination?

Clearing the CDS written examination is only the first major stage of the selection process. Candidates who qualify will have to face the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

The SSB process evaluates much more than academic knowledge. Candidates are assessed through different stages involving:

Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT)
Psychological Tests
Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
Personal Interview
Conference

This is why candidates should not wait for the CDS result before starting SSB preparation.

Start Your CDS SSB Preparation with Centurion Defence Academy

Candidates who are expecting to clear the written examination can start preparing for the next stage with Centurion Defence Academy, where SSB preparation focuses on the different stages of the selection process.

The academy’s structured SSB training covers areas such as OIR, PP&DT, Psychology, GTO tasks, Personal Interview, and conference preparation, helping aspirants understand what to expect during the SSB process.

Centurion Defence Academy also provides defence exam preparation through its centres in Lucknow and Dehradun, along with digital learning options for aspirants who prefer online preparation.

For candidates who are serious about joining the Armed Forces, the objective should not be limited to clearing the written examination. The larger goal is to develop the confidence, communication, decision-making ability, leadership qualities and officer-like qualities required during the SSB.

Want to Experience the SSB Process Before Your Actual Interview?

Join 2-DAY SSB BOOT CAMP 2026

Centurion Defence Academy’s 2-Day SSB Boot Camp is designed to give aspirants practical exposure to the different stages of the SSB process, including Screening, Psychology, GTO Tasks and Personal Interview. The boot camp allows candidates to understand how SSB activities are conducted, experience tasks such as OIR, PP&DT, Group Discussion, Lecturette, and GTO activities, and receive guidance on areas where they can improve. Rather than waiting until the SSB date to understand the process, aspirants can use this 2-Day SSB Boot Camp as an opportunity to experience the selection environment and assess their preparation beforehand.

How to Calculate Your CDS-2 2026 Expected Score?

If you want to estimate your CDS-2 2026 score before the result, you can follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Check Your Answers

Use a reliable CDS-2 2026 answer key and compare it with the answers you marked in the examination.

Step 2: Count Correct Answers

Calculate the number of questions you answered correctly in each paper.

Step 3: Account for Negative Marking

CDS has negative marking, so marks are deducted for incorrect answers. Therefore, your final estimated score should account for both correct and incorrect responses.

Step 4: Compare With Previous Cut-Offs

Compare your estimated score with the previous years’ CDS cut-off marks and the expected CDS-2 2026 cut-off.

Step 5: Start SSB Preparation

If your estimated score is around or above the expected cut-off, do not wait for the result. Start your CDS SSB preparation immediately.

CDS-2 2026 Paper Analysis: Final Takeaway

The CDS-2 2026 examination was largely moderate, with English offering a good scoring opportunity, GK requiring wide coverage, and Mathematics testing both concepts and accuracy. Candidates should remember that the expected cut-off is only an estimate; UPSC will release the official cut-off with the result.

Aspirants who expect to qualify should now shift their focus towards SSB preparation and start working on OIR, PP&DT, Psychology, GTO tasks, and Personal Interview.

Centurion Defence Academy provides structured SSB training, expert mentorship, mock tests and focused guidance to help aspirants prepare for the selection process. For CDS aspirants, clearing the written exam is only the first step towards becoming an officer.