NDA & NA (National Defence Academy & Naval Academy) Cut-Off Marks
Official NDA & NA qualifying cut-off marks are published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) across General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories. Clearing the Prelims/Tier 1 benchmark requires scoring approximately 45%–55% of the total Written: 900 Marks | SSB Interview: 900 Marks, evaluated after negative marking (Mathematics: -0.83 marks per wrong answer; GAT: -1.33 marks per wrong answer).
NDA & NA Category-Wise Cut-Off Matrix
Official scores published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
2024 - NDA (I) Written
Total: 900| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General (All) | 306 | Minimum qualifying mark with 20% sectional minimum in Math & GAT |
| General (All) | 306 | Minimum qualifying mark with 20% sectional minimum in Math & GAT |
2024 - NDA (I) Final
Total: 1800| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General (All) | 678 | Final recommended cutoff after 5-day SSB interview |
| General (All) | 678 | Final recommended cutoff after 5-day SSB interview |
2023 - NDA (I) Written
Total: 900| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General (All) | 301 | Minimum qualifying score in written papers |
| General (All) | 301 | Minimum qualifying score in written papers |
2023 - NDA (I) Final
Total: 1800| Category | Official Cut-Off Score | Qualifying Remarks / Context |
|---|---|---|
| General (All) | 664 | Final score for entry into NDA Khadakwasla |
| General (All) | 664 | Final score for entry into NDA Khadakwasla |
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4 Factors That Determine NDA & NA Cut-Offs
Total Vacancies Notified
An increase in vacancies directly lowers the qualifying cut-off multiplier, whereas a reduction intensifies competition.
Difficulty of Question Paper
A tougher question paper lowers raw qualifying marks. Multi-shift examinations apply mathematical normalization to maintain parity.
Applicant Volume
Rising registration numbers across India elevate competition density, especially within the General, OBC, and EWS tiers.
Reservation Norms
Central/State statutory quotas (OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, PwD) govern the distribution of qualifying thresholds across all stages.
Recommended Safe Target Score for 2026/2027
Based on 5-year statistical cut-off fluctuations, our academic faculty recommends aiming for +10% to +15% above the previous year's threshold to guarantee a comfortable selection margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the previous year cut-off for NDA & NA (General / UR Category)?
For NDA & NA (National Defence Academy & Naval Academy), the qualifying score benchmark varies by exam stage. In recent cycles, candidates in the General (UR) category required roughly 45% to 55% of the total maximum marks to qualify for the next stage or final merit list.
How much concession is given to OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates in NDA & NA cutoffs?
Cut-offs for OBC and EWS categories typically track within 2% to 6% of the General merit list, while SC and ST cutoffs typically range 12% to 25% lower, subject to government reservation guidelines and category-wise seat distribution.
What factors cause fluctuations in NDA & NA cut-off scores each year?
Cut-offs fluctuate primarily based on three key factors: (1) Total vacancies officially notified by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), (2) Difficulty level and shift normalization of question papers, and (3) The total number of candidates appearing for the examination.
Where can I predict my rank and qualifying probability for NDA & NA?
You can calculate your estimated percentile, category qualifying probability, and college/service allocation using the TargetClasses Rank & Cut-off Predictor, or consult our academic counselors at +91 63528 74776.
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