CDS 1 Cut off Analysis: INA Records Highest Cutoff Jump; Surges by 46.61 Percent

CDS 1 Cut off Analysis: INA Records Highest Cutoff Jump; Surges by 46.61 Percent

Updated on Feb 21, 2021 11:54 PM IST | #CDS
Ongoing Event
CDS  Application Date : 28 May' 2025 - 17 Jun' 2025

CDS 1 Cut off Analysis: INA records highest cutoff jump; surges by 46.61 percent - Indian Naval Academy (INA) has recorded the highest jump in CDS 1 cut off in 2017, as compared to the cut off data for the corresponding session of the previous year. The official data released by UPSC reflects that for the corresponding session of 2017 and 2016, INA has registered a cut off the difference of 55 marks for the written exam. INA cut off for the year 2017 was 118 marks, whereas the cut off of INA for 2016 was 63. In other words, the cutoff for recruitment to the academy shows an increase of 46.61 per cent in 2017 over 2016. It must be noted that the analysis here is of the written and the final cut off of CDS 1 for the years 2017 and 2016.

CDS 1 Cut off Analysis: INA Records Highest Cutoff Jump; Surges by 46.61 Percent
CDS 1 Cut off Analysis: INA Records Highest Cutoff Jump; Surges by 46.61 Percent


CDS 1 Cut off Analysis of Written exam

Academy

Cut off 2017

Cut off 2016

Difference of Cutoff

Percentage Difference

INA

118

63

55

46.61%

IMA

125

72

53

42.4%

OTA (Men & Women)

82

68

14

17.07%

AFA

144

123

21

14.58%


Further, the second-highest cut off was registered for Indian Military Academy (IMA) where the cutoff marks reflected an increase by 53 marks. For IMA, the cut off saw a jump of 42.4 per cent for the written exam. In 2016, while the recruitment in IMA closed at 72, the cutoff shot to 125 marks in 2017.

The IMA cut off was followed by Officers Training Academy (OTA - Men & Women), which stood at 68 in 2016 and 82 in 2017. This means that the cut off for OTA recorded a surge of 14 marks. In other words, the difference in CDS 1 cut off for OTA in 2017 over 2016 is 17.07 per cent.

Next in line is Air Force Academy (AFA) wherein the CDS 1 cut off stood at 144 marks in 2017, over 123 in 2016 - which is a difference of 21 marks. This difference of 21 marks in the cut off comes to 14.58 per cent over 2016. Among all the four academies, AFA saw the lowest cut off.

Like CDS 1 cut off of the written exam, the final cut off has also followed suit wherein the trend has remained the same. Check the final cut off trend analysis for CDS 1 for 2017 and 2016 below.


CDS 1 Cutoff Analysis for Final

Academy

Cutoff 2017

Cutoff 2016

Difference of Cutoff

Percentage difference

IMA

249

214

35

14.05%

INA

241

217

24

9.95%

AFA

268

249

19

7.08%

OTA (Men)

163

150

13

7.97%

OTA (Women)

164

157

7

4.26%


On analysing the final cut off of CDS 1, the data reflects that IMA saw the maximum jump in cut off marks in 2017 over 2016. The IMA final cut off in 2016 was 214, while it shot up to 249 in 2017. Thus, the cut off registered an increase of 35 marks. This means a jump of 14.05 per cent.

Next to IMA was INA cut off which stood at 217 in 2016 and 241 in 2017, which is a difference of 24 marks. This difference comes down to 9.95 per cent.

Further, the final cut off for AFA in 2016 was 249 and 268 in 2017. This means a jump of 19 marks, which ultimately comes to 7.08 per cent.

For OTA (Men), the final cut off in 2016 remained at 150 marks, while CDS 1 final cut off for the same in 2017 was 163, a difference of 13 marks. This difference of 13 marks in the cut off for OTA (Men) reflects a difference of 7.97 per cent.


For CDS 1 OTA (Women), the authority closed the recruitment at 157 marks in 2016, and 164 in 2017. This means that the cut off in 2017 recorded a jump of 7 marks, which corresponds to an increase of 4.26 per cent marks.

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Access to Justice
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Geography XII Part-I
Via National Council of Educational Research and Training
Home Science-Extension and Communication Management Level-2
Via English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad
Swayam
 220 courses
Edx
 199 courses
LawSikho
 127 courses
NPTEL
 92 courses
Futurelearn
 89 courses
Coursera
 76 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
 Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
University of Bristol, Bristol
 Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD

Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

Hello Aditya,

As a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) student after your 12th board exam, you cannot directly appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam because it requires a bachelor’s degree. However, here’s a clear and concise guide on how you can prepare for and give the CDS exam after completing further studies, tailored to your background:

  1. Understand CDS Eligibility : The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recruits for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

    • Educational Requirement :

      • IMA and OTA: Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
      • INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
      • AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 12th level or Bachelor of Engineering.

    • For PCB Students : Since you don’t have Mathematics in 12th, you’re eligible for IMA and OTA after completing a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A.). INA and AFA are not an option unless you pursue an engineering degree or have Mathematics at the graduation level.

    • Age Limit : 19–25 years (varies by academy; check upsc.gov.in for 2025 details).

  2. Steps to Prepare After 12th :

    • Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree : Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.

    • Apply for CDS During Final Year : You can apply for CDS in the final year of your degree, provided you complete graduation before the training starts.

    • Application Process :

      • Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically December 2024 for CDS I 2025 and May 2025 for CDS II 2025).

      • Fill out the form, pay the fee (Rs. 200; exemptions for SC/ST/females), and select IMA/OTA as your preference.

  3. CDS Exam Structure :

    • For IMA/OTA : Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).

    • PCB Advantage : Your Biology and Chemistry background helps with General Knowledge (science sections). English preparation is manageable with practice.

    • Challenge : If you’re weak in Mathematics, focus on OTA, where Maths is not required, or practice basic 10th-level Maths for IMA.

    • Next Steps : Clear the written exam, then pass the SSB interview and medical test.



I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.

Your date of birth is 24th February 2006, and you will complete graduation in July 2028. For the CDS exam, the maximum number of attempts depends on your age limit and category, but generally, candidates have around 4 to 6 attempts before reaching the age limit.

For CDS 2 2025, with a date of birth of 6th October 2001, you are eligible for both IMA and OTA. The age limits for IMA are 19-24 years and for OTA are 19-25 years as of 1st January 2025, making you eligible for both academies.

Hello Gunal,

As a student born on 05-11-2001 you will have many opportunities to take the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam conducted by UPSC. Age Limits will vary depending on the courses:

  • Indian Military Academy - 19-24 years
  • Indian Naval Academy - 19-24 years
  • Air Force Academy - 20-24 years
  • Officers' Training Academy - 19-25 years

You are eligible, based on your DOB for:

  • IMA/INA/AFA until 2025 (final attempts depending on month of notification and course start) and OTA until 2026.

Best Books for CDS Preparation:

  1. English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) and Previous year question papers (UPSC website)
  2. General Knowledge: Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook and follow the daily The Hindu or Indian Express regularly
  3. Mathematics: Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant, NCERT Maths (Class 6-10) and Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Required Documents for CDS SSB/Verification:

  • CDS Admit Card
  • 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates (original & photocopy)
  • Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (or provisional degree if final year)
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc. )
  • Passport size photos
  • NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile/Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Declaration/affidavit for final year candidates( if results are awaited)



View All
Back to top