Expected NDA Cut Off Mark 2026 Written Exam Out of 900: Latest Analysis, Trends & Prediction

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a gateway for young aspirants seeking to join the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year, this exam tests candidates on Mathematics and General Ability, serving as the first step towards a career in the Army, Navy, or Air Force .Understanding the expected cut-off mark is crucial for effective preparation. This article provides a detailed analysis of the expected NDA cut-off mark for the 2026 written exam (out of 900), along with insights into the exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategies, and frequently asked questions.

What is the NDA Exam?

The NDA exam is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the UPSC to select candidates for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. Successful candidates undergo training at the NDA, followed by specialized training at their respective service academies. The NDA selection process comprises two stages: a written exam and the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

NDA Exam Pattern

The NDA written exam consists of two papers:

1. Mathematics: 300 marks
2. General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks

The GAT is further divided into two sections:

• English
• General Knowledge

The total marks for the written exam are 900. Both papers are objective type, with negative marking for incorrect answers ]. The duration of each paper is 2.5 hours, making a total of 5 hours for the written examination 

NDA Syllabus

The NDA syllabus is broad, covering topics from Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge [6][10].

• Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Analytical Geometry, Statistics and Probability
• English: Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Cohesion, Spotting Errors, Para Jumbling
• General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events.

The standard of the Mathematics paper is of Class 11th and 12th level. The GAT assesses candidates’ general awareness and knowledge of various subjects .

Factors Affecting NDA Cut-Off Marks

The NDA cut-off marks are not fixed and vary each year. Several factors influence the determination of these marks:

1. Number of Candidates Appearing: A higher number of candidates increases competition, potentially raising the cut-off marks.
2. Difficulty Level of the Exam: If the exam is tougher than usual, the cut-off may be lowered, and vice versa.
3. Number of Vacancies: A higher number of vacancies may reduce the cut-off slightly, while fewer vacancies generally lead to higher cut-off marks.
4. Performance of Candidates: If a large proportion of candidates perform well, the overall cut-off goes up.
5. Previous Year Trends: UPSC considers the cut-off trends of past NDA examinations to decide on a fair benchmark.

Expected NDA Cut-Off 2026 (Out of 900)

Predicting the exact NDA cut-off for 2026 is challenging due to the factors mentioned above. However, based on previous year trends and expert analysis, here’s a reasonable expectation:

• Expected Cut-Off Range: 365-385 out of 900.

It’s important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual cut-off may vary. Candidates should aim to score as high as possible to increase their chances of selection.

Also Read: MAAUN Cut Off Mark For All Courses 2025/2026

Previous Year Cut-Off Trends

Analyzing previous year cut-off trends can provide valuable insights. Here’s a look at the NDA cut-off marks for the written exam in recent years:

Note: This data may not be fully comprehensive, as some sources had incomplete information. It is intended to show general trends.

Minimum Qualifying Marks

UPSC mandates that candidates score at least 25% marks in each paper to be considered qualified in the written exam. This translates to:

• Minimum 75 marks out of 300 in Mathematics.
• Minimum 150 marks out of 600 in GAT.

However, merely achieving these sectional minimums isn’t enough to get called for the SSB interview. The overall cut-off is typically higher .

How to Prepare for the NDA Exam

Effective preparation is key to cracking the NDA exam. Here are some essential tips :

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Thoroughly understand the NDA syllabus and exam pattern.
2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic study schedule that allocates sufficient time to each subject.
3. Focus on Basics: Build a strong foundation by mastering the fundamental concepts in Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge .
4. Use Quality Study Material: Invest in high-quality study material, including textbooks, reference guides, and online resources.
5. Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests regularly to gauge your progress and identify areas of weakness .
6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Stay abreast of current affairs, both national and international.
7. Enhance English Language Skills: Read newspapers, novels, and magazines to build vocabulary and improve comprehension.
8. Time Management: Practice time-bound mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
9. Stay Physically Fit: Maintain a good level of physical fitness.
10. Stay Motivated: Maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated throughout your preparation .

Strategies for Scoring High in Mathematics

Mathematics is a crucial section of the NDA exam . Here are some strategies to score high in this section:

• Focus on NCERT books to cover the basics .
• Practice past papers to understand question patterns and difficulty levels.
• Allocate a specific amount of time for each question to improve speed .
• Memorize formulas and theorems.

Strategies for Scoring High in GAT

The General Ability Test (GAT) is equally important. Here are some tips to score high in this section:

• Improve your English language skills by reading regularly and practicing grammar .
• Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers and magazines .
• Focus on key topics in History, Geography, and General Science.

The SSB Interview

Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview. The SSB interview is a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s personality, intelligence, and leadership qualities. It consists of two stages:

• Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT) .
• Stage II: Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychological Tests, and Personal Interview .

The SSB interview carries 900 marks, making the total selection process worth 1800 marks (900 for the written exam + 900 for the SSB interview).

Final Cut-Off

The final cut-off is determined based on the marks scored in the written exam and the SSB interview . The final cut-off is released out of 1800 marks .

FAQs

Q: What is the minimum qualifying mark in each subject?

A: Candidates must score at least 25% marks in each subject to qualify for the written exam .

Q: Is it enough to score just the minimum qualifying marks?

A: No, the overall cut-off is typically higher than the minimum qualifying marks.

Q: How is the NDA cut-off calculated?

A: The NDA cut-off is calculated based on several factors, including the number of candidates appearing, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of vacancies .

Q: Do the cut-off marks differ for Army, Navy, and Air Force?

A: No, the cut-off marks for the written exam are the same for all three services . However, the final cut-off for the SSB interview may vary.

Q: How can I check the NDA cut-off marks?

A: The UPSC releases the NDA cut-off marks on its official website after the final results are announced .

Conclusion

The NDA exam is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for young aspirants to serve the nation. Understanding the expected cut-off mark, exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategies is crucial for success. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, candidates can increase their chances of cracking the NDA exam and achieving their dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. Remember to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on your goals.