Every year, lakhs of defence aspirants appear for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) and NDA (National Defence Academy)exams conducted by UPSC.
While preparing, understanding the marking scheme, especially negative marking, is crucial to maximizing your score and avoiding common pitfalls.
This blog will explain the marking pattern of both exams, how negative marking works, and how to calculate your expected score using real examples.
How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC CDS 2 Exam?
Same rule as NDA, but marks per question vary.
For example, in CDS 2 English:
100 questions × 0.83 = 83 marks (if all correct)
20 wrong × 0.27 = 5.4 deducted
Final = 83 – 5.4 = 77.6 marks
CDS 2 2025 ExamOverview
The CDS 2 Exam 2025 is scheduled to be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to appoint eligible candidates to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Conducting Body: UPSC
Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper)
Medium: English and Hindi
Type of Questions: Objective (MCQ)
Negative Marking: Yes
What is the CDS 2 Exam Pattern 2025
For the following: IMA, INA, and AFA
For OTA:
Negative Marking in CDS 2 2025
Yes, negative marking is applicable in the CDS 2 2025 exam, as for every wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question are deducted.
Correct Answer: Full marks
Incorrect Answer: –1/3 of the marks gets deducted
Unanswered: No penalty
CDS 2 Marking Scheme 2025
Each subject in CDS has objective-type questions. Here's the breakdown of marking per subject:
Is Negative Marking There in the CDS 2 OTA Section?
Yes, even in CDS 2 OTA, which includes only English and GK, the same negative marking rule applies: 1/3rd mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
Read More About : CDS 2 Marking Scheme 2025
What are the Steps to Calculate CDS 2 2025 Negative Marking
In order to calculate negative marking in CDS 2 2025 marks, use this simple formula:
(Correct × Marks per question) – (Wrong × 1/3 × Marks per question) = Final Marks
Example:
If a candidate attempts 90 questions in Maths:
70 correct → 70 × 1 = 70
20 wrong → 20 × 1/3 = 6.66 deducted
Final Score = 70 – 6.66 = 63.34 mark
Useful Tips to Avoid Negative Marking in CDS 2 2025 Exam
Skip doubtful questions rather than guess.
Use the elimination method to increase accuracy.
ractice mock tests to improve speed and precision.
on’t over-attempt: quality over quantity.
Focus on accuracy over attempts. Attempt only the questions you're confident about. Manage time well to avoid hasty guesses. Use rough sheets for calculations in Maths. Understanding the CDS exam pattern and negative marking is essential to smart preparation. Avoid guesswork, stay accurate, and revise thoroughly to stay ahead of the competition. Click Here To Download PDF : What is the process for calculating negative marking in NDA & CDS 2024–25? The NDA 2 exam2025 has two papers: Mathematics and GAT (General Ability Test). In both papers, negative marking is 1/3rd of the marks for every wrong answer. Final Marks = (Correct × Marks per question) – (Wrong × 1/3 × Marks per question) To download the NDA 2 2025 exam for the mathematics papers, follow the steps below: Each question carries 2.5 marks The wrong answer penalty is –0.83 per wrong answer Suppose the candidate attempted 100 questions: Correct: 80 × 2.5 = 200 Wrong: 20 × 0.83 = 16.66 Final Maths Marks = 200 – 16.66 = 183.34 To download the NDA 2 2025 exam for the GAT papers, follow the steps below: Each GAT question = 4 marks Wrong answer penalty = –1.33 Suppose the candidate attempted 120 questions: Correct are 90 × 4 equals 360 Wrong: 30 × 1.33 equals 39.9 The final GAT mark is 360 – 39.9, which equals 320.1. Both CDS and NDA exams follow strict negative marking rules that can significantly impact your score. How to Reduce Negative Marks in the CDS 2 Exam 2025?
UPSC NDA 2 2025 Exam Marking Scheme
Understanding How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC NDA Exam With Examples
How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC NDA Exam for the Mathematics Paper?
NDA 2 Mathematics Section Marks Calculation
How to Calculate Marks in the UPSC NDA Exam for the GAT Paper?
Calculation of Marks in NDA 2 GAT Paper
MKC calculator: NDA 2 2025 score calculator
Understanding the marking scheme helps you strategize better, avoid careless errors, and perform smartly. Practice regularly, stay calm, and focus on accuracy over guesswork.
