UPSC CDS Result 2026: Download Link @upsc.gov.in & CDS 1 2025 OTA Merit List OUT
Combined Defence Services Exam 2025 ( CDS )
Exam On - 12 Apr '26
CDS Result 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS 1 2025 OTA merit list at upsc.gov.in. According to the official notice, a total of 553 candidates out of which 473 are male and 62 are female have qualified the written examination and have been shortlisted for the interview. These candidates are eligible for the admission to several defence academies for courses starting in 2026.
UPSC CDS 1 2026 result will be released at upsc.gov.in. After clearing the written exam and SSB interview, candidates will get admission to the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). To get admission to the Indian Armed Forces academies, the candidates have to secure the CDS cut off marks which the UPSC releases after analysing the marks secured by the candidates.
Also Read:
UPSC CDS I OTA 2025 Final Result OUT; Download Merit List at upsc.gov.in
- CDS 1 Result 2026: How to download it?
- CDS Exam Dates & Schedule 2026
- CDS 2026 Result: Preparation of Merit List
- CDS Marksheet 2026
- UPSC CDS Expected Cut Off 2026
- UPSC CDS Previous Years Cut off
- CDS Result: Previous Years' Toppers
- CDS Result 2026 FAQs
CDS 1 Result 2026: How to download it?
- Visit at upsc.gov.in
- Click on CDS 1 result link
- Click on result PDF link
- CDS 1 result will appear on screen
- Download the result PDF and save it for later use
Direct PDF Link for CDS 1 Result 2026 (Roll Number-Wise): to be updated here
Direct PDF Link for the CDS 1 Result 2026 (Name-Wise): to be updated here
Also Read: CDS Selection Process
UPSC CDS 1 2025 OTA Merit List Out
The Commission has released final CDS 1 2025 OTA merit list of candidates who have qualified in exam. A total of 535 candidates including 473 men and 62 women have been selected based on their written exam results and interviews conducted by Services Selection Board. Candidates can download their CDS 1 OTA final result online at official website upsc.gov.in.
- 123rd Short Service Commission Course (Men - Non-Technical)
- 37th Short Service Commission Course (Women - Non-Technical)
CDS 1 merit list for 123rd SSC (Men) course also includes some candidates who were earlier recommended for admission to:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad (Pre-Flying Training)
| CDS 1 2025 OTA Final Result (Merit List) PDF | Download Here |
Commonly asked questions
The CDS 1 result will be declared online in the form of PDF at upsc.gov.in. The exam will be held on April 12, 2026. It will consists of the roll numbers of those candidates who will clear the exam. Then, they will give the SSB interview.
The CDS OTA Result releases at upsc.gov.in. Candidates can check below the methods.
- Visit at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the CDS OTA result link.
- Click on the result PDF link.
- It will appear on the screen.
- Download the scorecard PDF and save it for later use.
CDS Exam Dates & Schedule 2026
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CDS 2025 exam
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Apr ' 26 | CDS 1 2026 Result TENTATIVE |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 09 Oct ' 25 | CDS 2 2025 Result |
| 28 Apr ' 25 | CDS 1 Result 2025 Released |
| 20 Sep ' 24 | CDS 2 Result 2024 |
CDS 2026 Result: Preparation of Merit List
The authority prepare the CDS 2026 merit list by combining the scores from the UPSC written examination and SSB interview and the Medical Examination. The merit list of CDS exam is prepared in following manner:
- UPSC prepares a list of candidates who get minimum qualifying marks in written exam decided by commission
- Candidates declared successful in written exam are called for an intelligence and personality test
- Candidates need to secure separate qualifying marks in written exam and SSB Interview
- The final merit list is prepared based on total marks secured in written exam and SSB Interview
- Final selection is done based on their merit subjected to medical fitness and the number of vacancies
Commonly asked questions
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) launched a new Online Application Portal to streamline the registration process for all exams. The new portal was live at upsconline.nic.in and replaces the older One-Time Registration (OTR) module, which now will no longer be functional. As per the official notification, candidates are advised to use their Aadhaar Card as ID documents for easy, effortless and seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details.
The New Application Portal officially launched on May 28, 2025. Applications for the CDS 2 exam 2025 was accepted through the new online application portal.
The CDS selection process consists of two stages: a written exam and an SSB interview. All candidates who qualify for the written exam are required to register themselves online on the Indian Army Recruiting within two weeks of the announcement of the written test result. After that, candidates are allotted SSB dates and centres.The SSB procedure has two-stage selection process—stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Tests (PP&DT). Stage II Comprises of an interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the conference.
CDS Marksheet 2026
Result: Apr ' 26
The marks obtained by the qualified candidates are displayed after the declaration of the final result and CDS final answer key. The scorecard includes the candidate’s roll number, date of birth, name, total marks obtained in the written exam and SSB Interview, and final total marks.
However, keeping with the decision of the Government of India (Department of Personnel & Training) regarding the display of scores of candidates who appeared for the SSB Interview but did not qualify, the commission releases the same which remains valid for one year. The details include the candidate’s name, father’s/husband’s name, date of birth, category, gender, educational qualification, total marks, etc.
Candidates can download their mark sheets by following manner:
- Visit at upsc.gov.in
- Go to the 'What's New' section
- Enter roll number and date of birth
- The marksheet will appear on the screen
- Download the marksheet and take its printout
CDS Public Disclosure of Scores
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) discloses the marks and other details of non-recommended candidates. The marks are released as per the willingness of candidates. CDS marks are available in PDF form and comprise details such as name, father’s name, date of birth, community, gender, educational qualifications, total marks, complete address, and email ID. The scores and other details of non-qualified under the disclosure scheme are released out of 600 marks for IMA, INA, and AFA and 400 marks for OTA.
Commonly asked questions
The Union Public Service Commission released the CDS 1 examination 2026 vacancies on the official website. A total of 451 vacancies has been announced. The CDS 1 notification released on December 10.
The authority released a total of 453 vacancies for the CDS 2 exam 2025 for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for courses.
UPSC CDS Expected Cut Off 2026
The candidates can check the UPSC CDS 1 written exam expected cut off below in the table. The expected cut off for the CDS written exam has been given on the basis of the difficulty level and other UPSC CDS cut off deciding factors:
| CDS Written Exam Expected Cut Off 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| CDS 1 Expected Cutoff 2026 | CDS 1 Written Exam | CDS 1 Final Cutoff |
| CDS Cut off AFA | 135-142 | 260-270 |
| CDS Cut off IMA | 110-125 | 245-255 |
| CDS Cut off INA | 108-115 | 230-244 |
| CDS Cut off OTA (female) | 90-95 | 158-165 |
| CDS Cut off OTA (male) | 90-94 | 160-170 |
Candidates can check the UPSC CDS 2 written exam expected cut off below in the table. The expected cut off for the CDS written exam is given on the basis of the difficulty level and other UPSC CDS cut off deciding factors:
| Academy | Written Exam | Final Exam |
|---|---|---|
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) |
120-125 |
245-255 |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) |
110-125 |
240-250 |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) |
145-150 |
265-270 |
| OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) men |
85-100 |
160-170 |
| OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) women |
90-100 |
165-170 |
Commonly asked questions
The CDS exam consists of English, General Knowledge, and Maths. The result will be prepared in PDF and have the names and roll numbers of all successful candidates. The scorecard will be released at upsc.gov.in.
The CDS exam requires in depth knowledge and clarity of concepts or conceptual clarity. So, regular solving of mock tests is important. It provides an additional advantage that a candidate requires to score good in the exam.
UPSC CDS Previous Years Cut off
For selection to the IMA, INA, AFA and OTA, candidates need to qualify for the minimum qualifying marks separately in the written exam and SSB Interview prescribed by the examination authority. Candidates need to secure at least 20 per cent in each subject. Candidates securing the CDS cut off in the written exam are called for the SSB Interview.
Also Read: Best Tips for Women to Crack CDS Exam
Previous Years' CDS Cut Off
The candidates waiting for the CDS result can check the UPSC CDS previous year's cut offs to speculate the CDS expected cut-off marks.
| CDS 1 2022 Cut Off | ||
|---|---|---|
| Academy | CDS Written Exam Cut Off | CDS Final Cut Off |
| IMA | 136 | 258 |
| INA | 128 | 256 |
| IFA | 147 | 269 |
| OTA (Male) | 100 | 181 |
| OTA (Female) | 100 | 184 |
| CDS 2 2022 Cut Off | ||
| Academy | CDS Written Exam Cut Off | CDS Final Cut Off |
| IMA | 138 | 263 |
| INA | 132 | 256 |
| IFA | 148 | 270 |
| OTA (Male) | 102 | 183 |
| OTA (Female) | 102 | 184 |
CDS 1 Cut-Off 2021
| Academy | Written Exam | Final Exam |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | 145 | 268 |
| INA | 136 | 260 |
| AFA | 158 | 281 |
| OTA (Men) | 107 | 189 |
| OTA(Women) | 107 | 191 |
CDS 1 2019 cutoff
| Academy | Written Exam | Final Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Aggregate marks of the last qualified candidate | Marks of last recommended candidate | |
| IMA | 116 | 242 |
| INA | 105 | 233 |
| AFA | 129 | 264 |
| OTA (Men) | 78 | 160 |
| OTA(Women) | 78 | 162 |
CDS 2 2019 cutoff
| Academy | Written Exam | Final Exam | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum qualifying marks in each subject |
Aggregate marks of last qualified candidate |
Marks of last recommended candidate | |
| IMA | 20 marks (i.e. 20%) | 134 marks (i.e. 44.67%) | 258 |
| INA | 20 marks (i.e. 20%) | 122 marks (i.e. 40.67%) | 245 |
| AFA | 20 marks (i.e. 20%) | 148 marks (i.e. 49.33%) | 272 |
| OTA (Men) | 20 marks (i.e. 20%) | 95 marks (i.e. 47.5%) | 176 |
| OTA(Women) | 20 marks (i.e. 20%) | 95 marks (i.e. 47.5%) | 179 |
CDS 1 cut off 2018
| Academy | Written Exam | Final Exam |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Aggregate marks of the last qualified candidate |
Marks of last recommended candidate |
| IMA |
118 |
240 |
| INA |
98 |
225 |
| AFA |
138 |
279 |
| OTA(Men) |
69 |
154 |
| OTA(Women) |
69 |
150 |
CDS 2 Cut off 2018
| Marks of last qualified candidate | Written Result | Final Result | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum qualifying marks in each Subject | Minimum aggregate marks of last qualified candidate | Marks of last recommended candidate | |
| IMA |
20 marks (i.e. 20%) |
116 marks (i.e. 38.67%) |
242 |
| INA |
20 marks (i.e. 20%) |
102 marks (i.e. 34%) |
228 |
| AFA |
20 marks (i.e. 20%) |
131 marks (i.e. 43.67%) |
253 |
| OTA (Men) |
20 marks (i.e. 20%) |
80 marks (i.e. 40%) |
162 |
| OTA (Women) |
20 marks (i.e. 20%) |
80 marks (i.e. 40%) |
163 |
Other Defence Exam Results
| NDA Result | AFCAT Result |
Commonly asked questions
The download link for the CDS 1 Result 2026 will be available on the UPSC website and also on our Shiksha page.
Candidates can check the cut off marks for the CDS exam by visiting the official website at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC will release the cutoff according to the academy or course.
CDS Result: Previous Years' Toppers
Candidates who have secured the first three positions in CDS 2019 exam for admission under IMA, INA and AFA are given below.
CDS 1 2020 Toppers
IMA
| Name | Rank |
|---|---|
| Kothawade Pratik Pradeep | AIR 1 |
| Kunal Sharma | AIR 2 |
| Gagandeep Joshi | AIR 3 |
INA
| Name | Rank |
|---|---|
| Kothawade Pratik Pradeep | AIR 1 |
| Kunal Sharma | AIR 2 |
| Anmoldeep Singh | AIR 3 |
AFA
| Name | Rank |
|---|---|
| Anmoldeep Singh | AIR 1 |
| Y N Pawan Kumar | AIR 2 |
| Siddhant Kotnala | AIR 3 |
CDS 2 2019 Toppers
IMA
| Name | Rank |
|---|---|
| Suresh Chandra | AIR 1 |
| Parvesh Kumar | AIR 2 |
| Jatin Garg | AIR 3 |
INA
| Name | Rank |
|---|---|
| Shaurya Ahlawat | AIR 1 |
| Ashutosh Digari | AIR 2 |
| Madhusudan Bansal | AIR 3 |
Also Read: CDS Previous Years' Question Papers
AFA
| Name | Rank |
|---|---|
| Pravesh Kumar | AIR 1 |
| Ashutosh Digari | AIR 2 |
| Rahul Kumar Yadav | AIR 3 |
CDS 1 2019 Toppers
IMA
| Ranks | Names |
|---|---|
| AIR 1 | Parvesh Kumar |
| AIR 2 | Sumeet Mal |
| AIR 3 | Agniprava Mukherjee |
INA
| Ranks | Names |
|---|---|
| AIR 1 | Hitesh Yadav |
| AIR 2 | Prashant Tyagi |
| AIR 3 | Saad Ahmed Siddiqui |
AFA
| Ranks | Names |
|---|---|
| AIR 1 | Tejas Mohlah |
| AIR 2 | Prashant Tyagi |
| AIR 3 | Kaanad Wanchoo |
Commonly asked questions
The duration of each subject paper in the CDS 2026 exam is mentioned below.
1. For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy: English, General Knowledge and Mathematics all have two hours duration.
2. For Officers' Training Academy (OTA)-English and GK for both separately 2 hours duration
The methods to check the CDS cut off marks is provided below:
- Visit at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the :Examination" tab.
- Go to the "Cut Off Marks" dropdown menu.
- Click on the download link and save it for future reference.
CDS Result 2026 FAQs
Refer to CDS 2026 Result FAQS Here.
Commonly asked questions
The CDS 1 result will be declared online in the form of PDF at upsc.gov.in. The exam will be held on April 12, 2026. It will consists of the roll numbers of those candidates who will clear the exam. Then, they will give the SSB interview.
Candidates can download the UPSC CDS 2026 recommended marks by the following manner:
- Visit at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the CDS 2026 recommended marks link.
- Click on the PDF link.
- The marks PDF will appear on the screen.
- Download and save it for later use.
Yes. In the CDS exam there is a negative marking. One-third mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer. No mark will be deducted for unanswered questions.
The CDS exam is conducted offline or pen and paper mode. Objective questions will be asked in the examination. Candidates need to mark their choices of answers in the sheet that was provided during the exam. CDS 1 2026 notification released on December 10.
The CDS exam requires in depth knowledge and clarity of concepts or conceptual clarity. So, regular solving of mock tests is important. It provides an additional advantage that a candidate requires to score good in the exam.
The CDS 2026 exam dates were released by the authority. In the last month of the preparation, candidates should focus more on revision of all the important topics. Give test regulary. Revise and update yourself with current affairs. Maintain physical and mental health. Take proper sleep. Revise and practice previous year question papers. Also, focus on time management, etc.
The candidates who will qualify for the CDS 2 result in 2026 will proceed to the SSB interview. The CDS 2 result 2026 will be released on the official website. Basically, the result PDF, cut-off marks, and the final merit-list will guide candidates on their next steps, mainly for the SSB interview round.
The CDS exam consists of English, General Knowledge, and Maths. The result will be prepared in PDF and have the names and roll numbers of all successful candidates. The scorecard will be released at upsc.gov.in.
In the CDS exam, the GK subject consists of Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Sociology, Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Environment, Sports etc. It is advised to the candidates to know about the exam and solve previous year question papers.
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year for admission to IMA, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy. Basically, it works as a tool for students to prepare for an upcoming exam. Candidate will get an idea of the actual examination. Mock tests make candidates realise their mistakes that must be taken care of before going to the exam.
CDS Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
After qualifying the SSB round, the selected candidates need to undergo a medical examination. A candidate is declared medically fit or unfit after the result announcement. After qualifying all the selection rounds they will go for training.
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Some of the books, help candidates in their CDS preparation are given below:
- High School English Grammar & Composition Edition by Wren and Martin
- Objective General English by SP Bakshi
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- English Grammar & Composition by S.C Gupta
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The authority released a total of 453 vacancies for the CDS 2 exam 2025 for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for courses.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
It is advised to the candidates to reach the CDS exam centre one hour before the given time. They should carry hall ticket along with them otherwise they will not be able to give the exam.
C
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, the English section of the CDS exam is scorable if it is prepared properly. Usually the difficulty level of the exam is moderate.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates can check the cut off marks for the CDS exam by visiting the official website at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC will release the cutoff according to the academy or course.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The methods to check the CDS cut off marks is provided below:
- Visit at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the :Examination" tab.
- Go to the "Cut Off Marks" dropdown menu.
- Click on the download link and save it for future reference.
I
Contributor-Level 6
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
CSIR NET 2025 Dec Answer Key Objection Window 30 Dec '25 - 1 Jan '26
What after final selection in CDS?