The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is the gateway for aspirants looking to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. To move forward in the selection process, candidates must clear the NDA written exam by securing Minimum Marks to Qualify NDA Written Exam.
In this guide, we will cover:
Minimum marks required to qualify
- Subject-wise cut-off details
- Previous year cut-off trends
- Factors affecting NDA cut-off
- Frequently asked questions
Minimum Marks Required to Qualify NDA Written Exam
The NDA written exam consists of two papers:
- Mathematics – 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 marks
Minimum Qualifying Marks
To qualify for the NDA written exam, candidates must secure:
- At least 25% marks in Mathematics (i.e., 75 marks out of 300)
- At least 25% marks in GAT (i.e., 150 marks out of 600)
However, clearing the minimum qualifying marks does not guarantee selection. Candidates must also meet the overall cut-off score, which varies each year based on exam difficulty and competition.
NDA Previous Year Cut-Off Trends
The cut-off marks for the NDA written exam are determined based on 900 total marks (Mathematics + GAT). Below are the previous years’ cut-offs:
| Year | NDA (I) Cut-Off | NDA (II) Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 343 | 355 |
| 2023 | 360 | 355 |
| 2022 | 355 | 355 |
| 2021 | 343 | 355 |
| 2020 | 355 | 355 |
Key Takeaways:
- The NDA cut-off generally ranges between 340-360 marks.
- Candidates should aim for 400+ marks to secure a safe position in the merit list.
Factors Affecting NDA Cut-Off Marks
Several factors influence the NDA cut-off each year:
- Number of Candidates Appearing – Higher competition leads to higher cut-offs.
- Exam Difficulty Level – Tougher exams may result in lower cut-offs.
- Total Vacancies Available – More vacancies can lead to a lower cut-off.
- Previous Year Trends – UPSC adjusts cut-offs based on past results.
(FAQ) – NDA Qualifying Marks
1. What is the minimum passing mark for NDA Mathematics?
Candidates must score at least 75 marks out of 300 (25%) in Mathematics to qualify.
2. What is the minimum passing mark for NDA GAT?
Candidates must score at least 150 marks out of 600 (25%) in GAT to qualify.
3. What is the overall NDA cut-off for selection?
The overall cut-off varies each year but is generally between 340-360 marks.
4. Does NDA have sectional cut-offs?
Yes, candidates must score at least 25% marks in both Mathematics and GAT to qualify.
5. How many marks should I aim for in NDA to be safe?
Aiming for 400+ marks increases your chances of selection.
6. Is NDA cut-off different for Army, Navy, and Air Force?No, the NDA written exam cut-off is the same for all branches.
7. What happens after clearing the NDA written exam?
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB Interview, which carries 900 marks.
8. Can I qualify NDA with just the minimum marks?
Meeting the minimum qualifying marks is necessary, but candidates must also clear the overall cut-off to proceed to the SSB interview.
9. How can I check the NDA cut-off marks?
UPSC releases the cut-off marks on its official website after the exam results are declared.
10. How can I improve my NDA score?
Focus on previous year papers, mock tests, and time management to boost your score.
Conclusion
To qualify for the NDA written exam, candidates must secure at least 25% marks in Mathematics and GAT. However, clearing the minimum marks alone is not enough—aspirants should aim for 400+ marks to ensure selection.
Understanding cut-off trends, exam difficulty, and preparation strategies can help candidates maximize their scores and move forward in the NDA selection process.
