UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025, Previous Trends, and Selection Criteria
The UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 is one of the most popular search terms among hopefuls sitting for the Combined Defence Services Examination. The cutoff marks are significant in determining if a candidate makes it to the next level of the recruitment process.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) comes out with the official cut-off annually after the final result. Understanding the UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 helps candidates set realistic goals and plan their preparation strategies more effectively. In this article, we’ll provide detailed information about expected and previous year cut-offs, factors affecting cut-offs, and key dates related to the UPSC CDS exam.
UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025
The UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 is the lowest passing mark that a candidate needs to obtain in order to pass the Combined Defence Services Examination held by the Union Public Service Commission. It is published independently for various academies such as IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA after announcing the final UPSC CDS result.
The cut-off depends on parameters like the level of difficulty of the test, applications received, vacancies available, and overall performance of candidates. It is useful for aspirants to know the UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 so that they can prepare well and have realistic target scores to get through the SSB interview and final selection.
UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 Expected Marks
The UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 expected marks are calculated based on exam analysis, difficulty level, and past year trends. Although the actual cut-off is released once the final results are announced, expected cut-offs provide candidates with a clear indication of where they stand. The CDS exam is held every six months for the recruitment to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
Here’s a predicted cutoff range from the last few years:
| Academy | Written Exam Cut Off (Expected) | Final Cut Off (Expected) |
| IMA | 120–130 | 245–255 |
| INA | 110–120 | 230–240 |
| AFA | 135–145 | 265–275 |
| OTA (Men) | 95–105 | 170–180 |
| OTA (Women) | 95–105 | 170–180 |
These are tentative figures for the UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 and can change based on actual exam performance and number of vacancies.
UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 Based on Difficulty Level and Performance
The UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 will depend on numerous factors, and among the most critical of these is the general difficulty level of the test. If the paper is deemed challenging to the bulk of candidates, the cut-off declines. On the other hand, if numerous candidates have a phenomenal performance, the cut-off increases.
Factors that affect the cut-off marks:
- Number of candidates appearing for the exam
- Total number of vacancies in each academy
- Difficulty level of the question papers
- Overall candidate performance
- Minimum qualifying marks in each subject
These elements are analysed post-exam by experts to predict the UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025, and later confirmed when UPSC releases the official figures.
UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 for Each Academy and Paper-specific Marks
Every Academy under the Combined Defence Services Exam has a different cut-off. Additionally, applicants must score a minimum qualifying mark in every paper. In the written exam, the paper includes subjects such as English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA), whereas candidates for OTA sit for English and General Knowledge.
Here’s a breakdown of the minimum qualifying marks required in each paper as per the trend:
| Subject | Minimum Qualifying Marks (Expected) |
| English | 20% |
| General Knowledge | 20% |
| Elementary Maths | 20% |
It is important to note that the UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 is not just based on total marks but also on minimum marks in each section.
UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 Official release date and key exam timeline
The official UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 will be released after the final results are declared, which usually takes a few months after the SSB interviews conclude. Below is the tentative schedule for CDS 1 and CDS 2 in 2025:
| Event | CDS 1 2025 | CDS 2 2025 |
| Notification Release | December 11, 2024 | May 28, 2025 |
| Application Last Date | December 31, 2024 | June 17, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2025 | August 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 13, 2025 | September 14, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | May 2025 | October/November 2025 |
| SSB Interviews | To be announced | To be announced |
| Final Result | To be announced | To be announced |
| Cut Off Release | To be announced | To be announced |
Candidates should regularly check the UPSC website for updates on the UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 and other notifications.
UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 Previous Years
The UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 can be better understood by comparing it with the cut-offs from the last few years. This comparison helps aspirants know the competitive standards of the exam.
Here is a brief comparison:
| Year | IMA
(Written) |
INA
(Written) |
AFA
(Written) |
OTA
(Men) |
OTA
(Women) |
| 2022 | 128 | 118 | 138 | 98 | 98 |
| 2023 | 130 | 121 | 143 | 100 | 100 |
| 2024 | 127 | 119 | 140 | 97 | 97 |
| 2025
(Expected) |
125–130 | 115–120 | 140–145 | 95–105 | 95–105 |
From the above table, you can see that the UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 is expected to be in line with previous trends, although slight variations can occur depending on the exam’s difficulty.
UPSC CDS Previous Year Cut Offs (2021–2024)
Analyzing previous years’ cut-off marks provides valuable insights into the examination’s competitiveness and helps aspirants set realistic preparation goals. Below is a detailed breakdown of the official cut-off marks for various academies from 2021 to 2024.
CDS 2 2024 Cut Off
As of now, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has not officially released the cut-off marks for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) 2, 2024
CDS 1 2024 Cut Off
| Academy | Written Exam Cut Off (Out of 300 for IMA/INA/AFA, 200 for OTA) | Final Cut Off (Out of 600 for IMA/INA/AFA, 400 for OTA) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 132 | 257 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 122 | 247 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 142 | 266 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Men | 101 | 181 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Women | 101 | 184 |
CDS 2 2023 Cut Off
| Academy | Written Exam Cut Off | Final Cut Off |
| IMA | 127 | 250 |
| INA | 110 | 237 |
| AFA | 136 | 259 |
| OTA (Men) | 104 | 185 |
| OTA (Women) | 104 | 188 |
CDS 1 2023 Cut Off
| Academy | Written Exam Cut Off | Final Cut Off |
| IMA | 132 | 257 |
| INA | 122 | 247 |
| AFA | 142 | 266 |
| OTA (Men) | 101 | 181 |
| OTA (Women) | 101 | 184 |
CDS 2 2022 Cut Off
| Academy | Written Exam Cut Off | Final Cut Off |
| IMA | 126 | 249 |
| INA | 118 | 248 |
| AFA | 136 | 258 |
| OTA (Men) | 98 | 180 |
| OTA (Women) | 98 | 179 |
CDS 1 2022 Cut Off
| Academy | Written Exam Cut Off | Final Cut Off |
| IMA | 136 | 258 |
| INA | 128 | 256 |
| AFA | 147 | 269 |
| OTA (Men) | 100 | 181 |
| OTA (Women) | 100 | 184 |
CDS 2 2021 Cut Off
| Academy | Written Exam Cut Off | Final Cut Off |
| IMA | 138 | 263 |
| INA | 132 | 256 |
| AFA | 148 | 270 |
| OTA (Men) | 102 | 183 |
| OTA (Women) | 102 | 184 |
CDS 1 2021 Cut Off
| Academy | Written Exam Cut Off | Final Cut Off |
| IMA | 145 | 268 |
| INA | 136 | 260 |
| AFA | 158 | 281 |
| OTA (Men) | 107 | 189 |
| OTA (Women) | 107 | 191 |
Note: Candidates must score a minimum of 20% marks in each paper to qualify.
UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 for OTA, IMA, INA, and AFA selection process
The UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 plays a crucial role at two points in the selection process: first, to shortlist candidates for the SSB interview on the basis of the written exam, and second, to prepare the final merit list after the SSB and medical tests.
The selection process includes:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
A candidate must clear the UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 in the written exam and then perform well in the SSB to make it to the final list. UPSC calculates the final cut off by combining the marks obtained in both the written and SSB stages.
UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 FAQs
Q1. When will the official UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 be released?
The official UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 will be released a few weeks after the declaration of the final results, likely around November 2025 for CDS 1 and March 2026 for CDS 2.
Q2. Are there sectional cut-offs in UPSC CDS 2025 exam?
Yes, candidates must secure at least 20% marks in each paper to qualify. Failing to meet this minimum can result in disqualification even if the overall score is high.
Q3. Does UPSC release different cut-offs for OTA, IMA, INA, and AFA? Yes, each academy has a separate cut-off, both for the written exam and the final selection. The UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 will be announced separately for each category.
Q4. How can I check the UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 once it’s released?
The cut-off will be published on the official UPSC website in PDF format along with the final results.
Q5. Is the expected UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025 reliable for preparation?
While not official, expected cut-offs based on expert analysis and previous trends are useful for setting preparation benchmarks.
