NDA Cut off

NDA (I) 2026 cutoff is expected to be released in December 2026. The written exam of NDA (I) was conducted on April 18. NDA (I) cutoff 2026 for the written exam is expected to be around 350-360. The cutoff for the written exam and final selection is released after the declaration of the final result. NDA cutoff for the written exam is calculated out of 900. The final cutoff is calculated based on the marks secured by the last recommended candidates out of 1800 marks (900 marks of written exam and 900 marks of SSB Interview).

The qualifying NDA cutoff marks prescribed for each subject were 25%. Candidates are required to qualify the exam by securing separate cutoff marks in written exam and SSB Interview. On the basis of NDA cutoff, candidates are recommended for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. NDA (II) 2026 cutoff is expected to be released in May 2026.

NDA Cut off 2026 Dates

The table below contains the NDA 2026 dates related to the release of cut off marks.

NDA Cut off 2026 EventsNDA 1 2026NDA 2 2026
Written Exam18-Apr-202605-Sept-.2026 
SSB InterviewJuly 2026 to September 2026 January 2026 to April 2026
Release of NDA cut off marksDecember 2026May 2026

NDA (I) 2026 Expected Cutoff

Stages of examExpected cutoff
Written exam350-360
Final cutoff704

How is NDA Cut off calculated?

NDA cut off is calculated based on the following factors:

  • Number of test-takers
  • Total vacancies
  • Exam difficulty

NDA Cut off 2026 for written exam

The cut off of NDA for this stage is decided out of 900 marks. UPSC also decides sectional NDA cut off for the written exam. The sectional cut off is calculated on the basis of the total marks of each section. The sectional NDA cut off is different for NDA 1 and 2 exams. In 2018, the sectional NDA 1 and 2 cut-offs were 25% in each subject. In 2016, the sectional NDA 2 cut off was 20% while it was 25% for NDA 1 in the same year. 

Previous years’ NDA Cut off for written exam

NDA (I) 2026 Cutoff

WingMinimum qualifying standard at the written stage (out of 900)Marks secured by last recommended candidate (Final Stage) (out of 1800) 
Army 355 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) 723 
Navy 
Air Force
Naval Academy

NDA (2) 2026 Final Cut off 

Minimum qualifying standard/marks at the written stage (out of 900 marks) Marks secured by the last candidate in the merit order (out of 1800 marks) 
346 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) 709 

NDA 2 cut off

YearNDA 2 cut off (Out of 900 marks)
2018325 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)
2017258 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)
2016229 (With at least 20% marks in each subject)

NDA 1 cut off

YearNDA 1 cut off (Out of 900 marks)
2026342 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)
2018338 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)
2017342 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)
2016288 (With at least 25% marks in each Subject)

NDA Cut off 2026 for Final Selection

NDA cut off 2026 for final selection is the marks secured by the last finally recommended candidates. The cut off for this stage is decided out of 1800 marks (900 marks of written exam + 900 marks of Interview.

Previous years’ NDA Cut off for Final Selection 

NDA 1 2026 final Cut off 

Academy NDA 1 Final Cut off 2026 (out of 1800)
Army 704
Navy 
Air Force 
Naval Academy

NDA 2 cut off

YearNDA 2 cut off (Out of 1800 marks)
2018688
2017624
2016602

NDA 1 cut off

YearNDA 1 cut off (Out of 1800 marks)
2018705
2017708
2016656

NDA Cut off 2026 Dates

The table below contains the NDA 2026 dates related to the release of cut off marks.

NDA 2026 Cut off FAQs

Q. What will be the NDA 2026 cut off for the written exam?

A. NDA cut off 2026 for written exam is expected to be around 350 to 360. The overall cut off of NDA is expected to be around 704.

Q. What is the sectional cut off in NDA exam?

A. The sectional NDA cut off is decided out of the total marks in each. 

Q. What is NDA cut off?

A. NDA cut off is the minimum qualifying marks at the written stage and marks secured by the last candidate in the merit order at the final stage of the exam.

Q. Where can I check NDA cutoff marks?

A. NDA cutoffs are released on the official website in PDF form after the declaration of final result.

Q. How is the NDA cut off determined?

A. The cutoff is determined based on factors such as the number of candidates appearing in the exam, total vacancies, and exam difficulty level. 

Q. Is there any sectional NDA cut off?

A. Yes, candidates need to secure at least 25% in each subject. However, the qualifying marks differ as per the session of the exam. 

Q. Do I need to secure separate NDA cut off marks in the written exam and SSB Interview?

A. Yes, candidates need to secure separate NDA cut off marks in the written exam and SSB Interview. 

Q. How the final NDA cut off determined?

A. The final NDA cut off is determined based on the written exam and SSB Interview. 

Q. Is NDA 2 cut off higher than NDA 1 cut off?

A. It is completely unpredictable. It is normally seen that the cut off for NDA 2 is higher than NDA 1. 

Q. Does each armed force have separate NDA cut off marks?

A. No, NDA cut-offs are the same for all armed forces – Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy.

Q. Do I need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in each subject of NDA exam?

A. Yes, you need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in each subject of NDA exam.