The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the cut-off marks for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2021. Candidates who appeared for the exam can now download the official cut-off PDF from the UPSC website. These cut-off marks provide a clear picture of the qualifying scores required for different academies – IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA – and are an important reference for aspirants preparing for upcoming CDS exams.
I am writing about this because understanding the official cut-off marks is crucial for any serious CDS aspirant. Many students keep guessing the minimum qualifying marks required for selection, but having access to the actual UPSC-released data helps in planning better. The CDS (II) 2021 cut-off reflects the exam’s overall difficulty, candidate performance, and selection trends across different academies. By comparing your marks with the official cut-off, you can realistically evaluate your performance and plan your preparation for future attempts more effectively.
About the CDS (II) Examination 2021
The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to prestigious defence academies such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The CDS (II), 2021 exam was conducted in November 2021, followed by interviews conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB).
The exam tests candidates on subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA), while OTA candidates are tested in English and General Knowledge only. After the written test, candidates who clear the cut-off are called for SSB interviews.
Why Checking the Official Cut-off Matters
Cut-off marks are the minimum scores required to qualify for the next stage of the selection process. These marks help aspirants understand:
- The level of competition in the exam
- The subject areas where candidates generally score higher or lower
- How to set target scores for upcoming attempts
- The difference between written exam cut-off and final selection cut-off
By analysing the official cut-off data, aspirants can identify patterns and trends that can shape a more strategic study plan.
How to Download the Official Cut-off PDF
Candidates can download the official CDS (II) 2021 Cut-off PDF from the UPSC website by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website – www.upsc.gov.in
- Click on the Examinations tab
- Select Cut-off Marks from the dropdown menu
- Scroll to find Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2021
- Click on the PDF link to view or download the file
It’s best to keep a copy saved for reference, especially if you’re planning to appear for CDS (I) or CDS (II) in upcoming years.
