The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the cut-off marks for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2019. Candidates who appeared for the examination can now check the official cut-off list to know the minimum qualifying marks required for selection. This information is crucial for aspirants to assess their performance and plan their preparation for future CDS exams.
I am writing about this topic because knowing the official cut-off marks is vital for candidates aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces through the CDS route. Cut-offs serve as a benchmark to understand the level of competition and the scoring pattern of previous years. For aspirants preparing for upcoming CDS exams, reviewing past cut-off trends helps in strategising study plans, focusing on high-weightage sections, and setting realistic targets. Sharing this information ensures candidates have access to authentic data directly from UPSC, helping them avoid confusion caused by unofficial or inaccurate sources.
CDS (I) 2019 Official Cut-off Marks
The cut-off marks are provided for different academies and categories. Candidates can download the official PDF from the UPSC website to view detailed marks for:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
- Category-wise (General, OBC, SC, ST)
How to Download the Official Cut-off PDF
Candidates can easily download the official cut-off marks by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website – www.upsc.gov.in
- Navigate to the “Examinations” section and click on “Cut-off Marks”
- Select “Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2019”
- Click on the PDF link to view or download the document
- Save the PDF for reference and future exam planning
Why Checking the Cut-off Marks Matters
- Helps aspirants assess if they meet the minimum eligibility for selection
- Provides insights into scoring trends for different academies
- Guides preparation strategies for the next CDS examination
- Enables candidates to benchmark their performance against previous years

















