Check CDS 1 Expected Cut Off 2026 for IMA, OTA, INA & AFA. Know the safe score, previous year trends, and minimum marks required to clear the CDS 1 2026 exam.

The CDS 1 2026 exam was organised on April 12, 2026. As per the student’s feedback, the overall difficulty level was moderate. Now, the biggest question for aspirants is: What will be the CDS 1 expected cut off 2026?

The CDS 1 expected cut off 2026 will be around 120-130 marks for IMA, 105-120 for INA, 130-145 for AFA, and 85-95 for OTA, depending on difficulty level and vacancies.

Familiarity with the expected CDS cut off, safe score, and past years' trends is important. It helps you predict your chances of clearing the written exam and getting shortlisted for the SSB stage.

In this article, we have discussed the expected CDS 1 cut off 2026, including academy-wise expected marks, safe score, and the last 5 years' cutoff trends.

CDS 1 Expected Cut Off 2026 (Academy-Wise)

As per the past trends & analysis, the CDS 1 cutoff has been stable in the last 2 years

No major upward spike is expected in 2026. If the paper is moderate, then there might be a similar or slightly fluctuating cut-off. In simple words, the CDS 1 2026 expected cut off is likely to remain in a stable range. There can be minor variations depending on exam difficulty and the number of candidates who appeared in the exam.

Based on exam difficulty level, 5-year trends, and student feedback, here are the expected cutoff marks for CDS 1 2026:

These expected cutoffs are based on CDS safe score analysis, difficulty level, and past cut-off trends. If you have calculated your tentative marks using the CDS 1 2026 Answer Key, evaluate your score with the above range to predict your qualifying chances.

CDS 1 2026 Safe Score- How Much Should You Target?

Candidates who have appeared in this exam should check their CDS safe score.

Safe Score for CDS 1 2026

• IMA: 135+ marks
• INA: 130+ marks
• AFA: 150+ marks
• OTA: 80+ marks

How to Calculate Your Safe Attempts

• Attempt accuracy should be 70%-80%+
• Avoid random guesswork
• Maintain a balance across English, GK, and Maths

CDS 1 Previous Year Cut Off Trends (2020-2025)

Candidates should analyse CDS 1 previous year cutoff. It helps them know the increase/decrease in past trends and set realistic targets. Most importantly, it helps them predict the CDS 1 expected cutoff 2026 and determine their chances of selection.

We have shared below the CDS 1 Previous Year Cutoff marks from 2020 to 2025 for reference purposes.

CDS Cut Off Trend Analysis (Key Highlights)

• 2021 had the highest cut-off across all academies, marking a peak year.
• Consistent decline after 2021 indicates increased exam difficulty or lower scoring patterns.
• 2024-2025 shows stabilisation, especially for IMA and AFA cut-offs.
• IMA cut-off is now steady around 120 marks. This makes it more predictable.
• INA cut-off remains consistently lower than IMA by 10-15 marks.
• AFA always has the highest cut-off, due to fewer vacancies and higher competition.
• OTA cut-off is the most stable, ranging between 85-100 marks in recent years.
• OTA (Men & Women) cut-offs are identical, showing uniform selection criteria.
• A major drop from 2021 to 2022 suggests a tougher paper or a change in pattern.
• Overall trend suggests moderate cut-off levels for CDS 2026 with no major spikes expected.

Factors Affecting CDS 1 Cut Off 2026

The CDS 1 Cut Off 2026 depends on various factors. These factors fluctuate every year and directly affect the final selection chances. Understanding them helps candidates set a realistic target score.

• Exam Difficulty Level:  If the paper is easy, the cut-off usually goes higher. A difficult paper leads to a lower cut-off.
• Number of Vacancies: A huge number of vacancies results in a slightly lower cut-off. Fewer vacancies make competition extreme and increase the cut-off.
• Number of Candidates Appearing: A huge number of test-takers raises competition, which may further increase the cut-off and vice versa.
• Previous Year Cut Off Trends: Past cutoff trends give a rough idea of the expected cut-off. However, they fluctuate and change with exam difficulty level.

This is why the expected CDS cut off is expressed as a range rather than a fixed figure.

CDS 1 Minimum Qualifying Marks 2026

Candidates should secure the minimum qualifying marks in the CDS 1 2026 exam to get shortlisted for the next stage. Candidates need to secure at least 20% marks in each subject to be declared successful.

How to Use the CDS 1 Answer Key 2026 to Predict Expected Cut Off

Candidates can use the following instructions to predict the CDS 1 expected cut off 2026 using the answer key:

• Match response using CDS 1 2026 Answer Key
• Calculate the tentative score
• Tally with CDS expected cut off 2026
• Analyse the qualifying chances.

Quick Links

• CDS 1 2026 Exam Analysis
• CDS 1 2026 Maths answer key
• CDS 1 2026 English answer key
• CDS 1 2026 GK Answer Key

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