The UPSC CDS I 2024 results are out, and thousands of aspirants are eagerly checking their marks, cut-offs, and merit lists. If you’re one of them, this guide breaks down everything—from how to download your scorecard to understanding the final cut-off trends for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. With 590 candidates making it to the final list this year, competition was fierce. We’ll also look at real-life success stories, expert insights on SSB interviews, and what the marks reveal about this year’s selection process.
Key Highlights
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS I 2024) |
| Total Posts | 457 |
| Final Selected Candidates | 590 (470 Men, 120 Women) |
| Courses Starting | April 2025 (121st SSC Men / 35th SSC Women) |
| Result Declaration Date | 8 January 2025 |
| Marks Release Date | 13 January 2025 |
| Top Rankers | Ranbir Negi (Men), Divya (Women) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
How to Check Your UPSC CDS I 2024 Marks 🖥️
Wondering where to find your scorecard? Follow these steps:
- Visit UPSC’s website: Go to upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to ‘Results’: Look for the “What’s New” section.
- Click the CDS I 2024 Link: Find “Final Marks: CDS I 2024”.
- Download the PDF: Open the file and search for your roll number (use Ctrl+F).
- Save/Print: Keep a copy for future reference.
Pro Tip: Marks are available for 30 days only, so download yours ASAP!
UPSC CDS I 2024 Cut-off: Academy-wise Breakdown 📊
Cut-offs vary by academy and gender. Here’s this year’s expected range based on past trends:
| Academy | Written Exam Cut-off | Final Cut-off (Written + SSB) |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | 110-125 | 245-255 |
| INA | 108-115 | 230-244 |
| AFA | 135-142 | 260-270 |
| OTA (Men) | 90-94 | 160-170 |
| OTA (Women) | 90-95 | 158-165 |
Insight: AFA has the highest cut-off due to limited seats and high Physics/Math weightage. OTA (Women) saw a slight dip this year .
Merit List Analysis: Who Made It? 🏅
The final merit list includes:
- 237 candidates for IMA/INA/AFA (158th DE Course).
- 590 candidates for OTA (121st SSC Men & 35th SSC Women).
Notable Trends:
- Women candidates increased by 15% vs. 2023.
- Top scorers averaged 75%+ in written exams and 90%+ in SSB interviews.
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders secured 32 reserved seats .
Real-Life Success Stories 🌟
- Divya’s Journey: From failing the SSB in 2023 to topping the women’s list in 2024, she credits “mock interviews and mental resilience training” for her turnaround.
- Ranbir Negi’s Strategy: Scored 158/300 in the written exam but aced the SSB with 218/300, emphasizing “leadership tasks and group discussions” .
Expert Tips for Future Aspirants 🎯
- SSB Preparation: “Focus on officer-like qualities (OLQs)—decision-making, communication, and adaptability matter more than scores.” — Col. R. Sharma (Retd.)
- Written Exam: “Practice previous years’ papers; 20% of questions repeat.” — Dr. A. Khanna (Defense Coach) .
What’s Next for Selected Candidates? 🚀
- Document Verification: Submit original certificates to Army HQ.
- Medical Check: Even if you’re on the merit list, medical fitness is mandatory.
- Joining Date: April 2025 for OTA; IMA/AFA dates to be announced .
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
| Mistake | Why It’s Costly |
|---|---|
| Ignoring SSB Prep | 60% of rejects happen here |
| Overlooking Cut-off Trends | AFA aspirants often underestimate Physics needs |
| Late Document Submission | Provisional selection can be revoked |
Final Thought: The UPSC CDS I 2024 results highlight the importance of balanced prep—ace the written test, but don’t neglect the SSB’s psychological hurdles! 🧠
Ananya Reddy is a creative writer specializing in exam notifications and admit cards. With a degree in Journalism and 4+ years of experience, Ananya loves crafting engaging content for students. She enjoys exploring new cuisines.
