A key consideration for applicants getting ready for the National Defence Academy exam is the NDA Cut Off 2026. One of the most prominent admission tests for applicants hoping to enter the Indian Armed Forces is the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination, which is administered by the Union Public Service Commission.
Candidates might greatly benefit from planning their preparation strategy by being aware of the anticipated cut-off scores and examining trends from prior years. We offer comprehensive information about the NDA Cut Off 2026, prior year cut-offs, qualifying scores, and selection procedure in our blog.
Table of Contents
NDA Cut Off 2026 Overview
The Union Public Service Commission conducts the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examinationtwice a year (NDA 1 and NDA 2).
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Level | National |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Cut-Off Type | Written & Final Cut-Off |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Candidates must clear both the written exam and SSB interview to get selected.
NDA Cut Off 2026 (Expected)
The expected cut-off for NDA 2026 is based on previous year trends and exam difficulty level.
Expected Written Exam Cut-Off
| Exam | Expected Cut Off (Out of 900) |
|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 | 350 – 370 |
| NDA 2 2026 | 340 – 360 |
Expected Final Cut-Off (Out of 1800)
| Exam | Expected Final Cut Off |
|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 | 700 – 720 |
| NDA 2 2026 | 680 – 710 |
Note: These are expected values and may vary.
Previous Year NDA Cut Off
Analyzing previous year cut-offs of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination helps understand the competition level.
NDA 2025 Cut Off
| Exam | Written Cut Off | Final Cut Off |
|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2025 | 355 | 726 |
| NDA 2 2025 | 340 | 710 |
NDA 2024 Cut Off
| Exam | Written Cut Off | Final Cut Off |
|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2024 | 360 | 725 |
| NDA 2 2024 | 345 | 712 |
NDA 2023 Cut Off
| Exam | Written Cut Off | Final Cut Off |
|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2023 | 350 | 720 |
| NDA 2 2023 | 340 | 705 |
NDA Minimum Qualifying Marks
To qualify for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination, candidates must meet both sectional and overall cut-offs.
Subject-Wise Minimum Marks
| Subject | Maximum Marks | Minimum Qualifying |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | ~25% |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | ~25% |
Candidates must score minimum marks in each subject along with the overall cut-off.
NDA Selection Process 2026
The selection process conducted by the Union Public Service Commission consists of two stages:
1. Written Examination
Objective-type questions
Mathematics and General Ability Test
2. SSB Interview
Psychological Tests
Group Tasks
Personal Interview
Final merit is prepared based on combined marks of both stages.
Factors Affecting NDA Cut Off 2026
Several factors influence the cut-off marks:
Difficulty level of the exam
Number of candidates appearing
Total vacancies
Previous year trends
A tougher exam generally leads to a lower cut-off and vice versa.
Tips to Score Above NDA Cut Off
1. Strong Preparation Strategy
Focus on both Mathematics and General Ability sections.
2. Practice Mock Tests
Regular mock tests improve accuracy and time management.
3. Analyze Previous Papers
Understanding question patterns helps boost confidence.
4. Improve General Knowledge
Stay updated with current affairs and static GK topics.
FAQs
What is the expected NDA cut-off for 2026?
The expected cut-off for NDA 2026 is around 350–370 marks for the written exam.
Who conducts the NDA exam?
The exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
What is the total marks for NDA written exam?
The written exam is conducted for 900 marks.
Is there sectional cut-off in NDA exam?
Yes, candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in each subject.
Conclusion
The NDA Cut Off 2026 plays a vital role in determining candidates’ chances of selection in the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination. By analyzing previous year cut-offs and preparing strategically, candidates can improve their chances of success.
Consistent practice, strong fundamentals, and awareness of exam trends will help candidates score above the cut-off and move forward to the SSB interview stage.
