Government & Defence Entrance Exam

The minimum qualifying marks for the written exam and the SSB interview vary for each course in the CDS (Combined Defense Services) exam. The minimum qualifying marks are the minimum score that a candidate needs to obtain in order to be eligible for the next stage of the selection process. Here are the minimum qualifying marks for each course:
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers' Training Academy (OTA): The minimum qualifying marks for each subject in the written exam is 20 per cent. The aggregate minimum qualifying marks in the written exam is 40 per cent
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA): The minimum qualifying marks for each subject in the written exam is 20 per cent. The aggregate minimum qualifying marks in the written exam is 40 per cent.
3. Air Force Academy (AFA): The minimum qualifying marks for each subject in the written exam is 20 per cent. The aggregate minimum qualifying marks in the written exam is 50 per cent. For the SSB interview, there is no fixed minimum qualifying marks, as the selection is based on the overall performance of the candidates in the interview. The SSB interview is designed to test the personality traits and suitability of the candidates for the respective course or post.

The weightage given to the written exam and the SSB interview in the final merit list for the CDS exam varies for each course. Here is the approximate weightage given to the written exam and the SSB interview for each course:
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA): The written exam carries a weightage of 70 per cent and the SSB interview carries a weightage of 30 per cent.
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA): The written exam carries a weightage of 50 per cent and the SSB interview carries a weightage of 50 per cent.
3. Air Force Academy (AFA): The written exam carries a weightage of 50 per cent and the SSB interview carries a weightage of 50 per cent.
4. Officers' Training Academy (OTA): The written exam carries a weightage of 50 per cent and the SSB interview carries a weightage of 50 per cent
It's important to note that the weightage given to the written exam and the SSB interview may vary slightly each year, and the exact weightage may be declared by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC in the official notification. Candidates should also check the official notification and updates regarding the CDS exam on the official website of the UPSC.