UPSC CDS I 2025 cut off marks have been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission. The cut-off applies to the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025, conducted for recruitment to premier defence academies. These include the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) for both men and women.
The cut-off data provides clarity on the minimum marks required in the written examination as well as the final aggregate marks for recommendation. It highlights the level of competition faced by candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through CDS I 2025.
UPSC CDS I 2025 Minimum Qualifying Marks Criteria
As per the official notification, the minimum qualifying marks in each subject were fixed at 20% across all academies. Candidates were required to secure at least this minimum in every paper to be considered for further stages.
The written examination cut-off and final recommendation cut-off varied for each academy based on seat availability and candidate performance. The final recommendation marks include both the written examination and the SSB interview.
UPSC CDS I 2025 Academy-Wise Cut Off Marks
The table below presents the detailed cut-off marks released by UPSC for CDS I 2025. It includes the written exam cut-off and the aggregate marks of the last recommended candidate.
Sr. No. | Name of the Academy | Minimum Qualifying Marks (Each Subject) | Written Exam Cut Off | Final Aggregate Cut Off |
1 | Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 20% | 120 out of 300 | 243 out of 600 |
2 | Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 20% | 104 out of 300 | 230 out of 600 |
3 | Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20% | 128 out of 300 | 253 out of 600 |
4 | Officers Training Academy (Men) | 20% | 81 out of 200 | 163 out of 400 |
5 | Officers Training Academy (Women) | 20% | 81 out of 200 | 171 out of 400 |
CDS I 2025 Cut Off Analysis for IMA, INA and AFA
Among all academies, the Air Force Academy (AFA) recorded the highest cut-off. Candidates needed 128 marks in the written exam and 253 out of 600 for final recommendation, making it the most competitive academy in CDS I 2025.
For the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the written exam cut-off stood at 120 marks, while the final recommended candidate secured 243 marks. The Indian Naval Academy (INA) followed closely, with a written cut-off of 104 marks and a final aggregate of 230 marks.
UPSC CDS I 2025 OTA Cut Off for Men and Women
The Officers Training Academy (OTA) had a lower cut-off compared to IMA, INA, and AFA due to fewer papers and a different marking scheme. For OTA Men, the written cut-off was 81 out of 200, with a final cut-off of 163 out of 400. For OTA Women, the written cut-off remained the same at 81 marks, while the final recommendation cut-off was slightly higher at 171 out of 400.
What CDS I 2025 Cut Off Means for Aspirants?
The UPSC CDS I 2025 cut-off marks reflect the competitive nature of defence examinations. Aspirants preparing for upcoming CDS exams can use this data to set realistic score targets. Consistent preparation, strong written performance, and effective SSB interview readiness remain key factors for final selection into the Indian Armed Forces.
