The Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2017 official cut-off marks are still searched by defence aspirants who want a clear idea of competition levels in CDS exams. Released by the Union Public Service Commission, these cut-off marks show the minimum scores required to qualify for the written examination and progress to the SSB interview stage. Aspirants preparing for upcoming CDS exams can use this data to set realistic score targets and plan their preparation accordingly.
I am writing about this topic because past cut-off marks remain one of the most reliable reference points for serious CDS aspirants. Many candidates focus only on syllabus and mock tests but ignore previous cut-off trends. Understanding CDS I 2017 cut-offs helps candidates judge exam difficulty, competition intensity, and the margin needed to stay safely above the qualifying line.
About CDS Examination (I) 2017
The Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2017 was conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for prestigious defence academies such as:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
The examination consisted of a written test followed by the Services Selection Board interview for shortlisted candidates.
Why CDS I 2017 Cut-Off Marks Are Important
Even years later, CDS I 2017 cut-off marks are relevant because they help aspirants:
- Understand the minimum qualifying score for each academy
- Compare difficulty levels with recent CDS exams
- Set safe score targets during mock test practice
- Analyse trends between written exam and final selection
Many coaching institutes still use CDS 2017 data for benchmark analysis.
CDS I 2017 Official Cut-Off Marks (Written Exam)
The official cut-off marks released by UPSC include academy-wise qualifying scores. These marks indicate the minimum score required in the written exam to be called for the SSB interview.
| Academy | Written Exam Cut-Off (Out of 300 / 200) |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | As per UPSC notification |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | As per UPSC notification |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | As per UPSC notification |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | As per UPSC notification |
Exact figures are available in the official PDF released by UPSC.
Final Cut-Off Marks After SSB
Apart from written exam cut-offs, UPSC also releases final cut-off marks, which combine:
- Written examination marks
- SSB interview marks
These final cut-offs decide the actual selection and academy allotment.
How to Download CDS I 2017 Cut-Off Marks PDF
Candidates can download the official CDS I 2017 cut-off PDF by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Go to the “Examinations” section
- Click on “Cut-off Marks”
- Choose the year 2017
- Select Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2017
- Download and save the PDF
Always rely on the official UPSC website for accurate data.

















