Aspiring to serve the nation through the prestigious Indian Armed Forces is a noble ambition shared by countless individuals. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), stands as the gateway to realizing this dream.
As a prospective CDS 2024 candidate, understanding the CDS cut-off marks is crucial in charting your path to success. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of the CDS 2024 cut-off, equipping you with the knowledge and insights to navigate the selection process with confidence.
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CDS Cut Off 2024: An Overview
The CDS exam is a highly competitive examination that tests the mettle of candidates seeking commissioned officer positions in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). To secure a coveted spot, aspirants must achieve the minimum cut-off marks set by the UPSC. These cut-off marks represent the minimum scores required to progress through the selection process, which includes the written exam, Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, and medical examination.
Factors Influencing CDS 2024 Cut-Off
The CDS 2024 cut-off is influenced by a multitude of factors, each playing a crucial role in determining the final marks required for selection. Understanding these factors can help you strategize your preparation and increase your chances of meeting the cut-off.
Applicant Pool Size
The total number of candidates appearing for the CDS 2024 exam is a significant factor in shaping the cut-off. As the competition intensifies with a larger applicant pool, the cut-off marks tend to rise, reflecting the increased level of talent and competition.
Vacancy Availability
The number of available vacancies for each service, such as IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA, directly impacts the cut-off marks. When the number of vacancies is limited, the competition becomes fiercer, leading to higher cut-off scores.
Exam Difficulty Level
The complexity and challenge of the CDS 2024 question paper can also influence the cut-off. If the exam is perceived as more difficult, the cut-off marks may be higher, as fewer candidates are able to secure the minimum qualifying scores.
Previous Year Trends
Analyzing the cut-off marks from previous CDS exams can provide valuable insights into the expected cut-off for CDS 2024. By studying the historical trends, aspirants can better anticipate the cut-off range and plan their preparation accordingly.
CDS 2024 Cut-Off Stages
The CDS 2024 cut-off process comprises two distinct stages:
CDS 2024 Written Exam Cut-Off
The first stage of the CDS 2024 selection process is the written examination. Candidates must score at least the minimum cut-off marks in each subject to proceed to the next round. The minimum qualifying mark for each subject is 20% of the total marks.
CDS 2024 Final Cut-Off
The final CDS 2024 cut-off is determined after the completion of all selection stages, including the written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination. The cut-off for the final merit list is set based on the aggregate performance of the candidates.
CDS 2 2024 Expected Cut-Off
Based on a thorough analysis of the previous year’s trends and the factors influencing the CDS 2024 cut-off, our experts have provided the following estimated cut-off ranges for the CDS 2 2024 exam:
| Category | CDS 2 2024 Written Exam Expected Cut-Off | CDS 2 2024 Final Expected Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | 140-145 | 265-275 |
| INA | 109-119 | 235-245 |
| AFA | 140-145 | 265-275 |
| OTA (Male) | 95-100 | 165-170 |
| OTA (Female) | 94-99 | 166-170 |
Please note that these are estimated cut-off ranges, and the actual CDS 2 2024 cut-off marks may vary based on the factors discussed earlier. Candidates are advised to closely monitor the official UPSC announcements for the final and accurate cut-off information.
CDS 1 2024 Cut-Off
The CDS 1 2024 cut-off marks are yet to be released by the UPSC. However, based on the previous year’s trends, we can provide an approximate estimate of the expected cut-off ranges for the CDS 1 2024 exam:
| Category | CDS 1 2024 Written Exam Expected Cut-Off | CDS 1 2024 Final Expected Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | 116-125 | 245-255 |
| INA | 109-119 | 235-245 |
| AFA | 140-145 | 265-275 |
| OTA (Male) | 95-100 | 165-170 |
| OTA (Female) | 94-99 | 166-170 |
Again, these are estimated cut-off ranges, and the actual CDS 1 2024 cut-off marks may vary. Candidates should stay updated with the official UPSC announcements for the final and accurate cut-off information.
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CDS Previous Year Cut-Off Trends
To better understand the expected CDS 2024 cut-off, it is essential to analyze the cut-off trends from previous years. Let’s take a closer look at the CDS cut-off marks for each service from 2016 to 2022:
CDS Cut-Off for IMA
| Year | Written Exam Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 2022 | 138 |
| CDS 1 2022 | 136 |
| CDS 2 2021 | 138 |
| CDS 1 2021 | 145 |
| CDS 2 2020 | 139 |
| CDS 1 2020 | 130 |
| CDS 2 2019 | 134 |
| CDS 1 2019 | 116 |
| CDS 2 2018 | 116 |
| CDS 1 2018 | 118 |
| CDS 2 2017 | 120 |
| CDS 1 2017 | 125 |
| CDS 2 2016 | 115 |
| CDS 1 2016 | 72 |
CDS Cut-Off for INA
| Year | Written Exam Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 2022 | 118 |
| CDS 1 2022 | 128 |
| CDS 2 2021 | 132 |
| CDS 1 2021 | 136 |
| CDS 2 2020 | 134 |
| CDS 1 2020 | 118 |
| CDS 2 2019 | 122 |
| CDS 1 2019 | 105 |
| CDS 2 2018 | 102 |
| CDS 1 2018 | 98 |
| CDS 2 2017 | 111 |
| CDS 1 2017 | 118 |
| CDS 2 2016 | 90 |
| CDS 1 2016 | 63 |
CDS Cut-Off for AFA
| Year | Written Exam Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 2022 | 136 |
| CDS 1 2022 | 147 |
| CDS 2 2021 | 148 |
| CDS 1 2021 | 158 |
| CDS 2 2020 | 152 |
| CDS 1 2020 | 143 |
| CDS 2 2019 | 148 |
| CDS 1 2019 | 129 |
| CDS 2 2018 | 131 |
| CDS 1 2018 | 138 |
| CDS 2 2017 | 135 |
| CDS 1 2017 | 144 |
| CDS 2 2016 | 135 |
| CDS 1 2016 | 123 |
CDS Cut-Off for OTA
| Year | Written Exam Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| CDS 2 2022 | 98 |
| CDS 1 2022 | 100 |
| CDS 2 2021 | 102 |
| CDS 1 2021 | 107 |
| CDS 2 2020 | 97 |
| CDS 1 2020 | 93 |
| CDS 2 2019 | 95 |
| CDS 1 2019 | 78 |
| CDS 2 2018 | 80 |
| CDS 1 2018 | 68 |
| CDS 2 2017 | 86 |
| CDS 1 2017 | 82 |
| CDS 2 2016 | 72 |
| CDS 1 2016 | 68 |
By closely analyzing these historical cut-off trends, CDS 2024 aspirants can gain valuable insights into the expected cut-off marks for the upcoming exam and plan their preparation accordingly.
Number of Candidates Clearing the CDS Exam
The number of candidates who clear the CDS written exam and SSB interview stages varies from year to year, but it typically ranges from 7,000 to 9,000 candidates. Here’s a closer look at the statistics:
Number of Candidates Clearing the CDS Written Exam
| Exam | No. of Candidates Clearing the CDS Written Exam |
|---|---|
| CDS 1 2024 | 8,373 |
| CDS 2 2023 | 6,518 |
| CDS 1 2023 | 6,658 |
| CDS 2 2022 | 6,622 |
| CDS 1 2022 | 6,845 |
| CDS 2 2021 | 6,552 |
| CDS 1 2021 | 6,727 |
| CDS 2 2020 | 7,081 |
| CDS 1 2020 | 8,120 |
| CDS 2 2019 | 7,953 |
| CDS 1 2019 | 7,650 |
| CDS 2 2018 | 8,261 |
| CDS 1 2018 | 8,692 |
| CDS 2 2017 | 8,548 |
| CDS 1 2017 | 8,692 |
Number of Candidates Clearing the CDS SSB Interview
The CDS SSB interview is known for its rigorous selection process, with only 5 to 6 candidates out of 100 typically clearing the interview, including the SSB screening test. The following table provides the statistics for the number of candidates who passed the CDS SSB interview in recent years:
| UPSC CDS Exam | No. of Candidates Clearing the CDS SSB Interview |
|---|---|
| CDS 1 2023 | 341 |
| CDS 2 2022 | 204 (IMA+AFA+INA) & 302 (OTA Men and Women) |
| CDS 1 2022 | 164 (IMA+AFA+INA+OTA) & 198 (OTA Men and Women) |
| CDS 2 2021 | 142 (IMA INA AFA) & OTE men & Women Pending |
| CDS 1 2021 | 154 (IMA INA AFA) & 169 (OTA Men and Women) |
| CDS 2 2020 | 129 (IMA INA AFA) & 192 (OTA Men and Women) |
| CDS 1 2020 | 95 (IMA INA AFA) & 147 (OTA Men and Women) |
| CDS 2 2019 | 196 (IMA INA AFA) & 241 (OTA Men and Women) |
| CDS 1 2019 | 129 (IMA AFA INA) + 267 OTA |
| CDS 2 2018 | 295 |
| CDS 1 2018 | 272 |
| CDS 2 2017 | 419 |
| CDS 1 2017 | 441 |
Understanding these statistics can help CDS 2024 aspirants better comprehend the level of competition and prepare accordingly.
CDS 2 2024 Question Paper Original PDF [All Sets]
Conclusion
The CDS 2024 cut-off marks are a crucial consideration for every defense aspirant. By analyzing the factors that influence the cut-off, studying the previous year’s trends, and aligning your preparation accordingly, you can increase your chances of clearing the CDS exam with flying colors. Remember, the CDS selection process is highly competitive, but with dedication, strategic planning, and a strong understanding of the cut-off dynamics, you can confidently navigate your way to your dream commissioning.
FAQs
1. What is the lowest cut off for CDS exam?
To qualify for the exam, candidates must achieve the required cut-off marks to progress to the next stage of SSB. For CDS 2024, the minimum cut-off is 20% in each of the three papers. The written exam for CDS 2024 includes three papers, whereas OTA candidates are only required to take two papers.
2. What is the final cut-off in CDS?
The cutoffs for the CDS written exam and final results for all courses are determined and announced by the UPSC two months after the final results are released. According to the analysis of last year’s CDS cutoffs, candidates must score at least 20% in each subject of the written exam to qualify for CDS 2024.
3. How is cut-off decided?
The cut-off marks are set considering the number of candidates, the exam’s difficulty level, seat availability, and other factors. Since cut-off marks can change annually, it’s crucial to stay informed with the most current information.
4. How many seats are there in CDS 2024?
The CDS exam is held biannually, with the UPSC announcing the CDS 2 2024 Notification for 459 vacancies. The CDS 2 Exam 2024 is slated for September 1, 2024, and the application deadline is June 4, 2024.
5. Who is eligible for CDS 2 2024?
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS 2 2024: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the eligibility requirements for UPSC CDS 2 2024 in its official notification. Candidates who are graduates and born on or after July 2, 2000, are eligible to apply for the UPSC CDS 2 2024 exam.
