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Negative Marking in CDS follows a strict deduction of 0.33 per incorrect answer. Understand Negative Marking in CDS, its marking scheme, and how to avoid losing valuable marks.
PWOnlyIAS
April 12, 2025
Negative Marking in CDS: The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is one of India’s most prestigious competitive exams, conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Thousands of aspirants appear for this exam to gain entry into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). One of the most critical aspects that aspirants must understand while preparing is the Negative Marking in CDS, as it plays a significant role in determining the final scores and selection chances.
Read on to get a detailed overview of the Negative Marking in CDS, along with the CDS Exam Pattern 2025, CDS Marking Scheme 2025, and tips to minimize deductions.
The CDS Exam 2025 is conducted twice a year (CDS 1 and CDS 2) to recruit officers into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The exam consists of objective-type questions and is divided into two main categories:
Each category includes a written test, and understanding the exam structure and CDS Marking Scheme 2025 is essential for comprehending how negative marking works to manage the answering strategy.
| CDS 1 Exam 2025 Overview | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination 2025 |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| CDS Exam Duration | 2 Hours for each paper |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer; 1/3rd marks deducted for each incorrect answer |
| Purpose of Exam | Admission to IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA |
| CDS 1 Admit Card Release Date | 03 April 2025 |
| CDS 1 Exam Date | 13 April 2025 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
A structured understanding of the exam format helps aspirants manage time and attempt questions strategically. The CDS Exam Pattern 2025 differs slightly for various academies, and each section plays a key role in the final selection. Here is the detailed UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025:
| For IMA, INA, and AFA | ||
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | – | 300 |
| For OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) | ||
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Total | – | 200 |
This structure confirms that each subject carries equal importance, and negative marks in even one section can affect your overall score drastically.
Negative Marking in CDS is administered by UPSC, the CDS exam penalizes incorrect responses with a deduction of 1/3rd of a mark (-0.33) for each wrong answer. This system applies uniformly across all papers, including English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics, and also extends to CDS OTA candidates, who appear only for English and General Knowledge. Understanding and calculating the negative marking strategy is essential for maximizing scores and ensuring exam success.
The concept of Negative Marking in CDS is designed to discourage blind guessing and promote careful analysis. Candidates should be cautious while answering questions they are unsure about. Let’s break down the marking structure:
Understanding the CDS Marking Scheme 2025 is essential for every candidate aiming to score efficiently. The scheme applies uniformly across all sections of the exam.
| CDS Marking Scheme 2025 | |||
| Subject | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking per Incorrect Answer | Total Marks |
| English | 1 | -0.33 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 1 | -0.33 | 100 |
| Mathematics | 1 | -0.33 | 100 |
As per the scheme, 1/3rd of a mark (i.e., -0.33) is deducted for each incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for questions left unattempted.
Yes, there is negative marking in the CDS Exam, which applies to all subjects including English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. The Negative Marking in CDS English, just like the other sections, follows the 1/3rd deduction rule. This system is applicable to both categories, including Negative Marking in CDS OTA, making it a key component of the scoring strategy for all aspirants.
Knowing how to Calculate Negative Marking in CDS allows candidates to estimate their final score and evaluate their performance. The process to calculate negative marking in CDS is straightforward. Follow the steps below:
For example, if you attempt 90 questions in English, get 70 correct and 20 wrong:
This calculation applies to all subjects, making it a universal method for score prediction.
To succeed in the CDS Exam 2025, minimizing the impact of negative marking is essential. Here are a few proven strategies and tips to avoid negative marking in CDS:
To effectively reduce negative marks in the CDS exam, candidates must adopt disciplined preparation habits:
The Negative Marking in CDS is a crucial factor that can significantly influence your selection in the CDS Exam 2025. By understanding How to Calculate Negative Marking in CDS, preparing strategically, and implementing smart exam tactics, you can not only maximize your marks but also reduce negative marks in the CDS exam. Focus on accuracy, avoid blind attempts, and remember — every mark counts when it comes to joining the Indian Armed Forces.
Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!
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