You should consider both ranks, but the one that matters for admission depends on the college and state counselling authority. If the college or counselling process has a separate reservation or quota for Defence (Ex-Servicemen/Armed Forces), then your Defence Rank (1,500) will be considered within that quota.

Yes, Defence Rank gives you an advantage if:

• The counselling authority provides reserved seats for Defence candidates.

• You have valid documents proving your eligibility under the Defence quota (like an ex-serviceman certificate, etc.).

When checking college cutoffs:

• If you are applying through General category, check cutoffs based on General Merit Rank.

• If applying through Defence quota, check if the counselling brochure or college website provides separate cutoffs or last admitted Defence ranks.