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CDS 1 2026 expected cut off is 120–130 for IMA, 105–120 for INA, 145–155 for AFA, and 75–85 for OTA. Final cut off is expected between 245–270 marks including SSB.
The CDS 1 2026 Exam has been successfully conducted, and candidates are now eagerly waiting to know the expected cut-off marks. Based on exam analysis, previous trends, and expert insights, here is the CDS 1 2026 expected cut off for all academies.
CDS 1 2026 Cut Off – Quick Overview
- Exam: CDS 1 2026
- Conducting Body: UPSC
- Total Marks (Written):
- IMA/INA/AFA: 300
- OTA: 200
- SSB Interview: 300 Marks
- Final Merit: Written + SSB
CDS 1 2026 Expected Cut Off (Written Exam)
| Academy | Expected Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | 120 – 130 |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) | 105 – 120 |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | 145 – 155 |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 75 – 85 |
👉 Cut-off depends on difficulty level & number of candidates
CDS 1 2026 Expected Final Cut Off (Written + SSB)
| Academy | Expected Final Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| IMA | 245 – 255 |
| INA | 233 – 245 |
| AFA | 268 – 270 |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 162 – 170 |
What is a Safe Score in CDS 1 2026?
A safe score for CDS 1 2026 is:
- IMA/INA: 130+ marks
- AFA: 155+ marks
- OTA: 90+ marks
👉 Aim at least 10–15 marks above cut-off for better chances.
Previous Year CDS Cut Off Trends
| Exam | IMA | INA | AFA | OTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDS 2 2023 | 124 | 115 | 148 | 82 |
| CDS 1 2024 | 126 | 118 | 150 | 84 |
| CDS 2 2024 | 128 | 120 | 152 | 86 |
| CDS 1 2025 | 130 | 122 | 154 | 88 |
👉 Trend shows gradual increase in cut-off every year
Minimum Qualifying Marks (Important)
- Candidates must score minimum 20% marks in each subject
- Failing in one subject = not qualified, even if overall marks are high
Factors Affecting CDS 1 2026 Cut Off
The cut-off varies based on:
- Difficulty level of exam
- Number of candidates
- Total vacancies
- Performance of candidates
Check CDS 1 2026 Answer Key
👉 https://www.trishuldefenceacademy.in/answerkey
👉 Use answer key to calculate your score and compare with cut-off.
FAQs – CDS 1 2026 Expected Cut Off
Q1. What is the expected cut off for CDS 1 2026?
The expected cut-off is 120–130 for IMA, 105–120 for INA, 145–155 for AFA, and 75–85 for OTA.
Q2. What is a safe score in CDS 2026?
A safe score is 130+ for IMA/INA, 155+ for AFA, and 90+ for OTA.
Q3. What is CDS final cut off?
Final cut-off (written + SSB) is expected between 245–270 marks, depending on academy.
Q4. Does CDS have sectional cut-off?
Yes, candidates must score at least 20% in each subject.
Q5. Is CDS cut off increasing every year?
Yes, the cut-off has shown a gradual increasing trend in recent years.
Conclusion
The CDS 1 2026 expected cut off helps candidates understand their chances of selection. Aspirants should calculate their marks using the answer key and compare with the expected cut-off to plan their next steps, especially SSB Interview preparation.
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