Overview
The CDS written exam is conducted for 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 marks for OTA. Candidates generally need at least 20% marks in each subject as per recent UPSC requirements to pass the exam. The overall cut-off depends on the academy, exam difficulty and candidate performance. If you are well serious about your defence career try to score higher than previous cut-offs and practice regularly through mock tests. With consistent preparation and proper guidance from Shield Defence Academy, you can improve your chances of qualifying the upcoming CDS exam.
Every year, thousands of graduates appear for the Combined Defence Services examination with the dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. One common question among aspirants is – How many marks are needed to clear the CDS written exam?
The answer totally depends on the academy you choose, the examination difficulty and the performance of other candidates. UPSC also requires candidates to secure minimum qualifying marks in each subject. Therefore, simply scoring well in one paper may not be enough. Let’s understand the CDS written exam pattern, qualifying marks, previous cut-offs and the score you should aim for.
What Is the Minimum Qualifying Mark for the CDS Exam?
UPSC generally prescribes a minimum qualifying requirement of 20% marks in each subject, as reflected in recent CDS cut-off notifications. But meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection for the SSB interview. Candidates must also score above the overall written cut-off for their preferred academy.
For example, if you score very well in English but perform poorly in General Knowledge, you may fail to meet the subject-wise requirement which is important for overall selection procedures. If you are looking for top CDS coaching in Lucknow, you can join Shield Defence Academy for your well guided CDS preparation.
CDS Written Exam – Total Marks and Subjects
The written examination is different for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA candidates. Students should know, each paper carries 100 marks and has a duration of two hours. OTA candidates do not have to appear for the Elementary Mathematics paper.
| Academy | Subjects | Total Written Marks |
| IMA | English, General Knowledge, Mathematics | 300 |
| INA | English, General Knowledge, Mathematics | 300 |
| AFA | English, General Knowledge, Mathematics | 300 |
| OTA | English, General Knowledge | 200 |
Previous CDS Written Exam Cut-Off Marks
Previous cut-offs are presented by Shield Defence Academy, CDS preparation classes in Lucknow to help aspirants in understanding the score range which is required to qualify. The following are the official CDS II 2025 written cut-offs which is published by UPSC.
| Academy | Written Cut-Off | Maximum Marks |
| IMA | 124.11 | 300 |
| INA | 109.23 | 300 |
| AFA | 132.51 | 300 |
| OTA (Men) | 80.01 | 200 |
| OTA (Women) | 98.06 | 200 |
These figures represent the marks obtained by the last candidates who qualified in the written examination. They are not fixed cut-offs for future attempts. The cut-off can change with exam difficulty and candidate performance. So, each CDS candidate is advised to keep preparing for the best attempt, not just to pass the paper. Keep revising and keep solving mock tests.
Shield Defence Academy, the best CDS (CDS Written Exam) training classes in Lucknow is all there for you to guide and help.
How Many Marks Should You Target in the CDS Exam?
Instead of preparing only to cross the previous cut-off, aim for a comfortable score above it. A higher score can give you a better chance of qualifying, although final selection also depends on SSB performance, medical fitness and vacancies. Keep these preparation points in mind –
English – Practice grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and sentence correction regularly
General Knowledge – Study History, Geography, Polity, Science and Current Affairs
Mathematics – Focus on basic concepts, formulas and regular question-solving if you are appearing for IMA, INA or AFA
Mock Tests – Attempt full-length tests to understand your preparation level
Revision – Revisit difficult topics and previous-year questions every week
Understand Negative Marking in CDS Written Exam
CDS has negative marking, so if you attempt random guessing it can reduce your score. ⅓ of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every incorrect answer. Unattempted questions do not carry a penalty. So, before solving a question which you are not sure about, keep them unattempted.
For better accuracy, try these tips by Shield Defence Academy – NDA CDS preparation academy in Lucknow.
- Attempt questions you understand clearly
- Avoid blind guessing
- Practise time management through mock tests
- Analyse incorrect answers after every test
Always remember a balanced attempt with good accuracy is more useful than attempting every question without understanding it. There’s no need to worry, keep learning and keep improving.
How Shield Defence Academy Helps Students in CDS Preparation?
Preparing for the CDS exam requires a clear study plan, subject knowledge and regular assessment. Shield Defence Academy, top CDS coaching institute in Lucknow, is a best place to join. The academy provides guidance for aspirants who are preparing for the CDS written examination and SSB selection process as well.
Students can work on English, General Knowledge and Mathematics through structured preparation, question practice and mock tests. Aspirants who are looking for the best defence coaching in Lucknow. You can directly contact the academy and enquire about available SSB guidance to understand the interview and personality assessment stages.
Conclusion
There is no single fixed score that guarantees success in the CDS written examination. To get shortlisted for SSB interview candidates should meet the subject-wise qualifying requirement and score above the overall cut-off for their chosen academy. Study all required subjects, practice previous-year papers and take regular mock tests. With consistent preparation and proper guidance from Shield Defence Academy, a well known coaching class for CDS selection, by joining Shield you can get an opportunity to work towards achieving a competitive score.
FAQs
- What is the minimum qualifying percentage for the CDS written exam?
If you see the recent CDS cut-off notifications, UPSC has prescribed a minimum qualifying requirement of 20% marks in each subject. But candidates should also clear the overall academy-wise cut-off as well.
- Is the CDS written exam out of 300 or 200 marks?
IMA, INA and AFA written examinations are out of 300 marks while the OTA written examination is out of 200 marks.
- Does clearing the CDS written cut-off guarantee final selection?
No. Not at all, candidates who qualify the written examination must clear the SSB interview and meet the required medical standards. Final selection depends on merit and available vacancies.