CDS · Cutoff
CDS Cutoff 2026 — expected score & rank bands
What does your score in Combined Defence Services Examination actually get you? These bands map a mock/exam percentage to the rank window and outcomes that score range has typically achieved.
AI-curated from historic cutoff patterns — indicative, not official. Always verify with the latest official notification.
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Category-wise expected cutoff (indicative)
| Category | Expected Cutoff (indicative) |
|---|---|
| **General** | 115-125 marks (38-42%) |
| **EWS** | 110-120 marks (37-40%) |
| **OBC** | 105-115 marks (35-38%) |
| **SC** | 95-105 marks (32-35%) |
| **ST** | 90-100 marks (30-33%) |
| **PwD** | 85-95 marks (28-32%) |
- Category differential: General cutoffs typically run 8-12% higher than OBC and 15-20% higher than SC/ST categories, reflecting reservation policy in defence recruitment.
- Shifting factors: CDS cutoffs fluctuate with vacancy announcements (IMA/OTA/AFA/NA variations), paper difficulty (English often proves decisive), and SSB interview capacity—higher vacancies may lower written cutoffs by 2-5%.
- Critical context: These are *written exam qualifying cutoffs* only; final merit depends heavily on SSB interview performance (900 marks total including written + SSB), so candidates in the 35-50% range regularly secure commissions with strong SSB scores.
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Elite scorers — Premier choice
85–100%
- Indian Military Academy Dehradun — top merit bracket (infantry, armoured corps, artillery)
- Indian Air Force Academy — Flying branch highest consideration
- Indian Naval Academy — Executive branch top preference (submarine, aviation specialisation)
- First choice of service academy highly likely post-SSB
- Among nationwide top performers
- Strong foundation for SSB psychological and physical tests
Top tier — Multi-academy options
75–85%
- Indian Military Academy Dehradun — highly competitive for SSB (all categories)
- Indian Air Force Academy — Flying branch strong consideration
- Indian Naval Academy — Executive branch (deck officers, submarines)
- Officers Training Academy — among top scorers nationwide
- Multiple SSB calls likely across service preferences
- Recommended cut-off margin for General category candidates
Strong SSB call probability
65–75%
- Indian Military Academy Dehradun — strong chances for SSB interview (General category)
- Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala — Executive and Technical branches
- Air Force Academy Hyderabad — Flying and Ground Duty branches
- Officers Training Academy Chennai — among top merit candidates
- Good prospects across all three services depending on preference
Moderate SSB prospects
50–65%
- Officers Training Academy Chennai — good chances for SSB call (male/female candidates)
- Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala — reasonable prospects for General Duty branches
- Indian Air Force Academy — technical branches (depending on educational qualification)
- Indian Military Academy Dehradun — borderline to moderate chances (General category)
- Reserved category candidates have stronger prospects for all academies
Marginal qualification zone
35–50%
- May qualify for SSB interview in OTA (Officers Training Academy)
- Possible consideration for lower preference academies
- Indian Naval Academy — last stages of merit list (approximately)
- Officers Training Academy Chennai — last batches of female candidates
- Borderline for Indian Military Academy depending on category
Below cut-off range
0–35%
- Unlikely to qualify for SSB interview
- Score typically below minimum qualifying marks
- Recommend focused preparation on weak areas
- Consider attempting next cycle with better foundation
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