CDS 2 Answer Key 2023: CDS fullform is Combined Defence Services, which is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The CDS 2 exam begins on September 3, 2023. After the completion of the exam, Major Kalshi released the CDS 2 Answer Key 2023 for Maths, English & GK for all sets-A, B, C & D. Check below for more details.
- What is CDS 2 Exam?
- CDS 2 Exam 2023: Highlights
- CDS 2 Answer Key 2023: Overview
- How to Download CDS 2 Answer Key 2023 by Major Khalsi?
- CDS 2 Cut off 2023
- How to calculate scores using CDS 2 Answer Key 2023?
- What is CDS Salary?
What is CDS 2 Exam?
Every year, twice the CDS exams are conducted by the UPSC, namely CDS 1 and CDS 2. The CDS 2 exam is conducted for the courses commencing at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun; Air Force Academy, Hyderabad; Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala in July; and Officers Training Academy, Chennai courses starting in October. On the other hand, CDS 1 is conducted for the courses commencing at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun; Air Force Academy, Hyderabad; and Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala in January; as well as Officers Training Academy, Chennai courses starting in April.
Also Read:CDS exam pattern
CDS 2 Exam 2023: Highlights
Below is mentioned in detail about the CDS 2 Exam including exam level, frequency, stages, mode, etc.
| Parameters |
Details |
|---|---|
| Name of exam |
Combined Defence Services Examination |
| Conducted by |
|
| Exam Level |
National |
| Exam frequency |
Twice a year (April and September) |
| Exam mode |
Offline |
| Exam stages |
Written exam and SSB Interview |
| Exam timing |
The time allotted to each paper such as English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics is two hours |
| Language of question paper |
English and Hindi |
| No of questions |
Elementary Maths: 100 General English: 120 General Knowledge: 120
|
| Total marks |
Written Exam IMA, INA and AFA: 300 OTA: 200 SSB Interview IMA, INA and AFA: 300 OTA: 200
|
| Marking scheme |
One mark for the correct answer 0.33 marks deducted for wrong answers
|
CDS 2 Answer Key 2023: Overview
Check below the date of the exam, the release date of answer key by Major Khalsi,etc.
| Event |
Date |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 Exam Date |
03-Sep-2023 |
| CDS 2 Answer Key 2023 by Major Khalsi |
03-Sep-2023 |
| Official CDS 2 answer key 2023 release date |
To be announced |
How to Download CDS 2 Answer Key 2023 by Major Khalsi?
Below, the steps are mentioned to download CDS 2 answer key 2023 by Major Khalsi:
- Visit our Shiksha website where direct links to download the CDS 2 answer key PDF will be provided.
- Select your Question Paper Set-A/B/C/D
- CDS 2 answer key 2023 will be displayed as per your question paper on the screen.
- Download the CDS 2 answer key and save it for future reference and comparison.
CDS 2 Previous Years Question Papers
The candidates can download the CDS 2 question paper for the year 2022 on the page. The question paper and answer key for GK and English are available for the candidates to download. Check the answer keys and the question papers below
CDS 2 Question Papers 2022: English and GK
Below, a direct link is provided to download the question papers for English and GK so that students can analyse their performance.
Download here CDS 2 Question Paper 2022 for English
Download here CDS 2 Question Paoer 2022 for GK
CDS 2 Answer Key 2022 (Unofficial)- Download Link
Major Khalsi released the unofficial answer key for CDS 2 of all sets so that students will be able to calculate their approximate scores. The official answer key will be released by the commission after the time for raising objections is over. For the ease of candidates, we will provide the direct link to download the pdf answer.
| Paper |
All Sets Answers |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 English Answer Key |
|
| CDS 2 GK Answer Key |
|
| CDS 2 Maths Answer Key |
NA |
Also Read: CDS Syllabus
CDS 2 Cut off 2023
The cut off for CDS at every stage of an exam will be released by the UPSC. The final CDS cutoff for 2023 will be released along with the declaration of the final CDS result for 2023. Those candidates who qualify for the CDS written examination will be called for the SSB interview round. Therefore, the cutoff of the written exam shortlists the applicants for the CDS SSB Interview.
How to calculate scores using CDS 2 Answer Key 2023?
Candidates need to follow the marking scheme to calculate the scores prescribed by the examination authority.
- There is a penalty for wrong answers, and for the correct answer, the candidate will allot the marks assigned to the particular question.
- There is a negative marking for an incorrect answer. 1/3 marks are deducted as per the CDS exam pattern.
- If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer and a penalty of 1/3 marks will be deducted.
- If a candidate does not attempt a question, then there will be no penalty for that question.
- The scores of a candidate will be calculated by the UPSC, which is based on the number of correct answers after applying the penalty for wrong answers.
Also Read: CDS Selection Process
What is CDS Salary?
During the training period, the CDS salary of officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force is INR 56,100 per month. Check below, rank-wise salary:
| Rank |
Level |
Salary (In INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant |
Level 10 |
56,100 -1,77,500 |
| Captain |
Level 10 B |
61,300- 1,93,900 |
| Major |
Level 11 |
69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel |
Level 12A |
1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel |
Level 13 |
1,30,600-2, 15,900 |
| Brigadier |
Level 13A |
1,39,600-2,17,600 |
| Major General |
Level 14 |
1,44,200-2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General HAG Scale |
Level 15 |
1, 82, 200-2,24,100 |
| HAG Scale |
Level 16 |
2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) |
Level 17 |
2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS |
Level 18 |
2,50,000 (fixed) |
Read More:
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
12 Oct '25 | IBPS PO Main Exam 2025 |
6 Oct '25 - 12 Oct '25 | IBPS PO 2025 Prelims Scorecard |
31 Jan '25 | RBI Assistant 2025 Notificatio... |
31 Dec '23 | RBI Assistant mains exam 2023 |
17 Nov '25 - 14 Dec '25 | AFCAT 1 application form 2026 |
23 Aug '25 - 25 Aug '25 | AFCAT 2 2025 exam date |
26 Aug '25 | RPF SI Final Result |
22 Jun '25 - 2 Jul '25 | Physical Test Date |
6 Aug '25 - 8 Aug '25 | SSC Stenographer exam dates 20... |
29 Jul '25 | SSC Stenographer notification ... |
10 Dec '25 | NDA 1 Notification 2026 |
10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25 | NDA 1 Application Form 2026 |
Dec '25 | SSC CGL 2025 Tier-2 Exam Dates |
Oct '25 | SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 |
12 Jan '23 | Tier 2 exam date for STA-B |
6 Jan '23 - 11 Jan '23 | Tier 1 exam date for Tech A po... |
Student Forum
Answered a month ago
Some of the books, help candidates in their CDS preparation are given below:
- High School English Grammar & Composition Edition by Wren and Martin
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- English Grammar & Composition by S.C Gupta
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The authority released a total of 453 vacancies for the CDS 2 exam 2025 for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for courses.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
It is advised to the candidates to reach the CDS exam centre one hour before the given time. They should carry hall ticket along with them otherwise they will not be able to give the exam.
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Yes, the English section of the CDS exam is scorable if it is prepared properly. Usually the difficulty level of the exam is moderate.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Candidates can check the cut off marks for the CDS exam by visiting the official website at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC will release the cutoff according to the academy or course.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The methods to check the CDS cut off marks is provided below:
- Visit at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the :Examination" tab.
- Go to the "Cut Off Marks" dropdown menu.
- Click on the download link and save it for future reference.
I
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Yes. In the CDS exam there is a negative marking. One-third mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer. No mark will be deducted for unanswered questions.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The CDS exam is conducted offline or pen and paper mode. Objective questions will be asked in the examination. Candidates need to mark their choices of answers in the sheet that was provided during the exam. CDS 1 2026 notification will be released on December 10.
J
Contributor-Level 6
Registration - 10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25

What are the best books for the English subject for CDS preparation?