UPSC CDS 1 2026 Cutoff - Check Category-wise (General, OBC, SC, ST) Qualifying Cutoff Score

Updated By Samia Miraj on 15 Dec, 2025 11:36

UPSC CDS 1 2026 Cutoff will be released by the Union Public Service Commission after the announcement of the results at upsc.gov.in. 

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UPSC CDS Cutoff 2026

UPSC CDS 1 2026 Cutoff is expected to be released after the results are announced. You can find the cut-off in April 2026, and the result will also be published during the same timeline. According to the cut-off marks, the candidates will be selected, and the results will be published. The cut-off marks are influenced by different factors, including the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the question paper, and the number of vacancies available. 

The UPSC CDS 2026 exam is held to recruit able candidates for leadership posts in the Indian Military, Navy, Air Force, and the Officers’ Training Academy, etc. With the help of the cutoff ranks, candidates will be able to recruit candidates for various positions based on their ranks and marks. 

Upcoming Exams :

UPSC CDS Cutoff 2026 Important Dates

Here are the important dates for the UPSC CDS 1 cutoff dates 2026:

Events

UPSC CDS Cutoff 2026 Tentative Dates

UPSC CDS 1 Exam Date

April 13, 2026

UPSC CDS 1 Final Result

April 28, 2026

UPSC CDS 1 2026 Cut Off

TBA

UPSC CDS 2 Exam Date

September 14, 2026

UPSC CDS 2 Final Result

October/November 2026

UPSC CDS 2 2026 Cut Off

October/November 2026

Expected UPSC CDS 1 2026 Cutoff

Students who wish to appear for UPSC CDS 2026 in the upcoming academic session are advised to visit the official website at upsc.gov.in and stay updated with all the latest updates on the CDS 2026 exam. Being aware of the expected cutoff for the CDS 2026 exam will help students analyze the difficulty level of the exam beforehand and prepare well. Students who score marks following the UPSC CDS Cutoff scores will be selected for further rounds. Check out the CDS 1 2026 expected cutoff as given below:

Academy

Written Exam

Final Exam

IMA (Indian Military Academy)

120 - 130

245 - 255

INA (Indian Naval Academy)

105 - 120

233 - 245

AFA (Air Force Academy)

145 - 150

268 - 270

OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) Men

73 - 85

162 - 170

OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) Women

74 - 85

164 - 170

Expected UPSC CDS 2 2026 Cutoff

Once the CDS 2 2026 exam has been conducted, we will provide the CDS 2 expected cutoff in the table attached below. Several factors, such as the difficulty level of CDS 2, the number of vacancies announced by UPSC, etc, will play an important role in determining CDS 2 2026 Cutoffs. These expected cutoff scores are intended to assist candidates in their preparation and planning for the examination process. Check out the expected cutoff for CDS 2 2026 here:

Academy

Written Exam

Final Exam

IMA (Indian Military Academy)

TBA

TBA

INA (Indian Naval Academy)

TBA

TBA

AFA (Air Force Academy)

TBA

TBA

OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) Men

TBA

TBA

OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) Women

TBA

TBA

Factors Influencing CDS Cutoff Marks

CDS Cutoff scores are determined with the help of several factors that are taken into consideration by the CDS conducting authorities. Check out the factors that influence the CDS Cutoff scores as listed below:

  • Number of Exam-Takers: A surge in the number of exam-takers intensifies competition, consequently elevating the CDS cutoff marks.
  • Number of Vacancies: Higher vacancies in the CDS lead to an escalation in cutoff marks, while fewer vacancies result in lower cutoffs.
  • Difficulty Level of Exam: Tougher questions equate to higher cutoff marks, whereas an easier exam typically sees lower cutoffs.

How to Check UPSC CDS Cutoff Marks?

Applicants who have appeared for the CDS 2026 exam can check the cutoff scores for CDS 2026 from the official website: upsc.gov.in. Check out the steps given below to download the category-wise cutoff marks from the official website of UPSC:

  • Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website @upsc.gov.in.
  • Step 2: Navigate to the 'CDS Cutoff marks' link on the homepage.
  • Step 3: Access the written exam cutoff marks displayed on the screen.
  • Step 4: Save or download the category-wise cutoff PDF for future reference.

UPSC CDS Previous Year Cutoff Marks

Students appearing for CDS 2026 must be aware of the CDS Cutoff in previous years to have a clear understanding of the difficulty level of the exam and the marks required to clear CDS 2026. Check out the detailed cutoff scores for the UPSC CDS 1 exam in the table attached below:

Category

CDS 1 2022 Written Cutoff

CDS 1 2022 Final Cutoff

CDS 1 2023 Written Cutoff

CDS 1 2023 Final Cutoff

IMA

136

258

132

257

INA

128

256

122

247

AFA

147

269

142

266

OTA (Men)

100

181

101

181

OTA (Women)

100

184

101

184

Want to know more about UPSC CDS

FAQs about UPSC CDS Cut Off

What is the expected cutoff score for the CDS 1 2026 exam?

The expected cutoff score for the CDS 1 2026 exam varies from academy to academy. The expected cutoff scores for IMA is 120-130, INA is 105-120, AFA is 145-150, OTA (Men) is 73-85, and OTA (Women) is 74-85.

Is the CDS cutoff different for males and females in the OTA CDS exam?

Yes, the cutoff scores for both males and females vary in the OTA CDS exam.

Is the CDS 1 and CDS 2 cutoff the same?

No, the cutoff scores for CDS 1 and CDS 2 vary as per the CDS exam difficulty level, number of vacancies available, average performance of candidates, and the total number of candidates appearing for the CDS exam in a particular year.

Is there a sectional cutoff in the CDS exam?

Yes, there is a sectional cutoff in the CDS exam. Candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks in each exam section to progress to the next stage.

When will the UPSC CDS cutoff 2026 be announced?

UPSC will declare the final CDS 2026 cutoff soon after completing the entire process, including the written examination and SSB interview.

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