Is 140 a Good Score in CDS?

Yes, 140 can be a good score in CDS especially for OTA (200 marks exam), where you have a good chance of selection in CDS. However, for IMA, INA and AFA (300 marks exam) 140 is considered average and may not always clear CDS expected cut off. Whether 140 is sufficient or not depends on the level of the CDS exam, the number of vacancies, and your performance in the SSB. Let's do a full CDS good score analysis to understand the position of 140.

Understanding the CDS Exam Structure

Before analysing if 140 is a good score, it's important to understand the structure of Combined Defence Services Examination, which is conducted by Union Public Service Commission.

1. Exam Pattern

• Each paper carries 100 marks.

• Negative marking (1/3 marks for each wrong answer).

Is 140 a Good Score in CDS for Different Academies?

Let's break this down academy wise for accurate CDS good score analysis.

1. For OTA (200 Marks Exam)

• 140/200 = 70% score

• Historically, OTA cut-off scores are 90-120 (written).

Conclusion: 140 is a good and often very safe score for OTA. Your CDS selection chances become high, if you are decent in the SSB.

2. For IMA, INA, AFA (300 Marks Exam)

• 140/300 = 46.6% score

• Average written cut offs usually vary between 120-160 based on the shift.

Conclusion: 140 is borderline. In a hard paper year, it may get over the cut-off. In an easier paper year, it might not be enough.

Read More - Is static GK asked in CDS?

CDS Expected Cut Off – Previous Year Trend

The CDS expected cut off changes every year depending upon the vacancies and the difficulty level of CDS exam.

Previous Year Cut-Off Trends (Approx.)

What This Means for 140 Marks

• For OTA -> Very competitive score.

• For IMA/INA --> Possible selection according to year.

• For AFA --> Slightly risky, because AFA normally has higher cut-offs.

CDS Score vs Rank: Where Does 140 Stand?

Understanding CDS score vs rank is important as rank is the determinant in academy allocation.

• Higher vacancies → Lower rank required.

• Tough paper → Lower cut-off → Better rank at 140.

• Easy paper → Higher cut-off → Rank may drop.

If the paper is tough:

• For example, "I have 140 and that may be in a competitive range for IMA/INA.”

If the paper is easy:

• Try to remember the following rule: 140 may move you down in the merit ranking.

So your CDS selection chances are relative and not absolute.

Factors That Decide Whether 140 Is Enough

1. CDS Exam Difficulty Level

• Tough paper → 140 becomes strong.

• Moderate paper → 140 is average.

• Easy paper->140 may not be enough for top academies.

2. Number of Vacancies

Increased vacancies make it better for CDS selection even at 140 marks.

3. SSB Performance

Remember:

• Only written marks are considered to qualify you for SSB.

• Final merit = Written + SSB marks

A good SSB performance may make up for an average written score.

Percentage Analysis of 140 Marks

This makes it clear that 140 is more suited for OTA aspirants.

How to Improve Beyond 140 in CDS?

If you are in the range of 130-150, you are near a competitive range. Here’s how to push beyond:

1. Practice with CDS Previous Year Question Paper

• Understand question trends.

• Improve speed and accuracy.

• Analyze weak areas.

Solving cds previous year question paper regularly increases the performance to a great extent.

2. Focus on English Section

English is scoring and not as unpredictable as GK.

• Example: - "I use a good cds english book.”

• Practice comprehension and vocabulary daily.

3. Choose the Best Book for CDS Exam Preparation

Quality resources matter:

• Standard Maths reference.

• Updated GK material.

• Trusted best book for cds exam preparation which is recommended by toppers.

4. Mock Tests & Analysis

• Attempt full-length tests.

• Track sectional improvement.

• Reduce negative marking.

CDS Good Score Analysis – What Is Considered a Safe Score?

From this CDS good score analysis:

• 140 is very good for OTA.

• 140 is average for IMA/INA.

• 140 is slightly low for AFA.

Final Verdict: Should You Be Happy With 140?

Yes - but it depends on your goal academy. 

If you are aiming for OTA then 140 dramatically improves your chances of selection for CDS. If you are aiming for IMA or INA, it depends on difficulty level of CDS examination and CDS expected cut off for that year. For AFA, you want to ideally be higher.

Instead of stressing out if 140 is good or not, focus on:

• Reducing negative marking

• Improving Maths accuracy

• Practicing cds previous year question paper always

• Using Right cds english book and best book for cds exam preparation

With the right strategy, crossing from 140 to 160+ is very achievable.