NDA Exam Cut-Off

Introduction

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and candidates are recruited into the Navy, Army, and Air Force through this test. After the exam is conducted, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the exam cut-off. UPSC will release the NDA 2 2023 cut-off on their official website.

Understanding NDA Exam Cut-Off

Cut-off marks are the minimum marks you need to qualify for the NDA exam. The Written exam and the SSB Interview have separate cut-off marks.

Minimum Qualifying Marks: Theseare the minimum marks you need to qualify (Mathematics and General Ability Test) for the written exam. They are usually 25% of the total marks in each subject: 75 marks for Mathematics (25% of 300) and 150 marks for General Ability Test (GAT) (25% of 600). Remember, this is an estimated analysis based on previous years’ cut-offs.

NDA cut-offs for Previous Year's Written Exams

Year	NDA 1	NDA 2
2023	301	To be announced
2022	360	355
2021	343	356
2020	342	346

Final Cut-off

This cut-off is calculated out of 1800 marks (900 from the written exam and 900 from the SSB Interview)

Year	NDA 1	NDA 2
2023	664	–
2021	709	–
2020	726	719
2019	709	704

How is the NDA exam cut-off calculated?

The exact method used by UPSC to calculate NDA cut-offs is not publicly available, but the factors that decide are:

Number of Vacancies Available: A higher vacancy means a lower cut-off.

Number of Candidates Appearing: The total number of candidates who enter the exam. A higher number of applicants means a higher cut-off.

Candidate Performance: The overall performance of the candidates is also a deciding factor. If the overall performance of the student is good, the cut-off level rises.

Difficulty Level of the Exam: if the exam is perceived as difficult cut-off gets lower, and vice-versa

Here's how these factors might influence the cut-off:

Example 1: Higher vacancies, Easy Exam, fewer Applicants – This could lead to a relatively low cut-off.

Example 2: Low vacancies, Difficult Exam, More Applicants – This could result in a higher cut-off due to increased competition.

It’s important to remember that these are just general factors that influence exam cut-off. But UPSC likely uses a more complex method to determine the final cut-off that ensures they select the most qualified candidates.

How to check the NDA 2023 cut off?

NDA 2023 cut-off for NDA 2 exams won’t be available yet.

However, to check the cut-off, follow these steps:

Visit UPSC’s official website
Search NDA cut-off 2023
UPSC NDA cut-off PDF file will be displayed on the screen
Download and save the NDA 2 cut-off 2023 for future reference

Using Cut-offs to Your Advantage

The NDA exam’s previous year cut-offs can be a valuable tool for your preparation, but it’s also important to understand how to use them effectively.

Setting a Realistic Goal

Analysing the previous year’s trend of the NDA cut-off can help you understand the present level of your preparation. Using this information, you can set a realistic score for yourself. This target should be higher than the actual cut-off to increase your chances of selection.

Identifying Areas You Need Improvement

If your current mock test scores are less than the previous year’s cut-off, then you need to identify the topics that need improvement and focus your studies on strengthening your weaker sections.

Understanding Competition

It will also help you to understand the competition level and then adjust your preparation according to it.

Here’s a summary of how to use cut-offs effectively:

Use cut-offs as a starting point and then set a realistic score target.
Identify your areas of weakness and work on them.
Understand competition levels based on cut-off trends.
Focus on your overall preparation, not just scoring more than the cut-off.
Only rely on the UPSC official website for information.

Conclusion

For students who are looking for the previous year’s NDA cut-off to set a starting point for their preparation, you should also remember that these numbers vary every year based on competition or the difficulty of the exam, so obsessing over them might harm you instead of doing good. Use this as a benchmark to start your preparation and understanding of the competition.

Join Cadets Defence Academy, the best NDA coaching in Dehradun, as we proudly celebrate the final selection of our 7 students in NDA 2 2023, We have expert faculty, and comprehensive coaching programs, we can help you achieve your goal of clearing the NDA exam. Join us and unlock your full potential for success.

Contact Us

For any inquiries or assistance regarding NDA coaching in Dehradun, feel free to reach out to us. Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: Sahastradhara Rd, near kriti appartment, opp. shani dev mandir, B Block, Aman Vihar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Visit us at our campus located in Dehradun.

Phone Numbers:
You can contact us directly via phone for immediate assistance. Our phone numbers are +91- 099970 34744and + 91-7599367318.

Email: cadetsdefenceacademy@gmail.com
Do you have a question or require additional details? Send us an email at cadetsdefenceacademy@gmail.com Our team will get back to you promptly with the answers you need.

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Feel free to reach out to us through any of the channels mentioned above. We’re here to assist you on your journey towards achieving your NDA coaching goals in Dehradun.

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Best Books and Resources for NDA Written Exam Preparation 2026

Best Books and Resources for NDA Written Exam Preparation 2026 Table of Contents Hey future warriors! If you dream of wearing that glorious uniform, you are in right place. Doing solid NDA Written Exam Preparation is a very serious task. Over 4 lakh candidates apply for the National Defence Academy every single year, but only about 1% actually crack it. Cadets Defence Academy is proud to be the leading NDA coaching in Dehradun, and we are here to help you crack this exam. Understand NDA Exam Basics First Before you collect books for your NDA written exam prep, you absolutely must know the battleground. Many students jump into buying heavy guides without analyzing the real NDA syllabus 2026. Detailed Exam Pattern and Syllabus Breakdown The NDA exam pattern written consists of two offline papers conducted on the same day. Paper 1: Mathematics Total Marks: 300 Questions: 120 Duration: 2.5 Hours Marking: +2.5 for correct, -0.83 for wrong. The NDA maths syllabus is strictly 11th and 12th grade level. If you look closely at past papers, topics like Calculus (20-25 questions), Matrices & Determinants (30 questions), and Trigonometry (30 questions) hold the maximum weightage. Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT) Total Marks: 600 Questions: 150 Duration: 2.5 Hours Marking: +4 for correct, -1.33 for wrong. The GAT syllabus NDA is divided into English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks). GK further splits into Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events. You should target scoring above the NDA cut off marks previous years. Usually, clearing 350-360 out of 900 marks guarantees you a call for the SSB Interview. Common Mistakes to Dodge When peoples ask me how to prepare for NDA written exam, I tell them to avoid these exact errors: Ignoring Negative Marking: Attempting every question blindly will destroy your score. Skipping Physical Fitness: This is a defence exam. While doing written prep, you must run 2-3 km daily. Only Studying Math: Math is a qualifying paper (you need minimum 25% marks), but GAT decides your final merit rank. Creating a balanced schedule is your best NDA written exam strategy. Top Books for Mathematics Section Your NDA maths preparation requires speed and accuracy. You get around 1 minute per question. Must-Have Core Math Books Mathematics for NDA and NA by RS Aggarwal: This book is legendary. It provides 500+ objective questions per chapter. If you want excellent NDA algebra practice, this book breaks down complex numbers and quadratic equations perfectly. Pathfinder NDA book by Arihant: It has great chapter-wise theory. I recommend using it strictly for solving previous year questions given at the end of each unit. NDA maths book Lucent: This is highly beneficial if you are weak in base concepts. It explains set theory and probability with very simple examples. Advanced Practice Books RD Sharma (Objective): If you want to solve calculus questions NDA level, RD Sharma builds insane speed. It teaches you how to skip steps and find answers mentally. Target: Solve 50 unique problems daily. Focus majorly on trigonometry for NDA exam because it links directly with calculus and geometry. Quick Revision Guides NCERT Class 11-12: Never ignore these. UPSC directly picks theoretical statement-based questions from NCERT lines. Keep a separate diary just to write down formulas and NDA practice questions maths. Best Resources for General Ability Test (GAT) GAT is huge. It can easily push your marks above 400 if you play smart. English and Comprehension Books Your NDA English preparation checks basic grammar and vocabulary. Wren & Martin High School English Grammar: The best tool to master active/passive voice, prepositions, and tenses. Objective General English by SP Bakshi: Use this specifically for Synonyms, Antonyms, and Spotting Errors. It has 2000+ MCQs. GK and Current Affairs Picks You cannot memorize the whole world’s history. For NDA GK current affairs, be specific. Lucent General Knowledge: This small book covers everything. Focus on the Indian National Movement (1857-1947) if you want direct history questions NDA. Manorama Yearbook 2026: Good for defense deals, international summits, and sports awards. Science and Geography Books Science covers around 200 marks in GAT. physics for NDA GAT: Read NCERT Class 9th and 10th. Focus on Optics, Electricity, and Laws of Motion. chemistry NDA exam: Focus on everyday chemistry like Acids, Bases, Salts, Cements, and Glass from NCERT Class 10. Online Platforms and Mock Tests Books give you knowledge, but digital tools give you speed. NDA Written Exam Preparation in 2026 needs technology. Free and Paid Apps For fast NDA online preparation, use your smartphone wisely. Current Affairs Apps: Download Inshorts or similar news apps to read daily headlines in 60 words. NDA app for practice: Search the Play Store for apps that offer daily 10-question quizzes while you are travelling. Best Mock Test Series You must evaluate yourself weekly. Use a NDA mock test free available on various portals to check your initial level. Purchase a premium NDA online test series. Cadets Defence Academy provides an exact UPSC simulation interface that trains your brain for the real exam pressure. YouTube Channels for Prep NDA YouTube channels prep: Many channels teach shortcut tricks for integration and matrices. Subscribe to the Cadets Defence Academy channel where our faculty solves NDA maths previous papers live. Topper Strategies and Study Plans You need a strict military-style discipline to clear this exam. Here is a hardcore NDA 2026 preparation guide timetable. Sample 7-Day Timetable Structure 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM: Physical exercise (Running, pushups) and fresh newspaper reading. 07:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Mathematics core study (New concepts). 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Math practice (Solving 50+ MCQs). 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM: GAT Science (Physics/Chemistry alternate days). 04:30 PM – 06:00 PM: English Grammar and Vocabulary building. 07:00 PM – 08:30 PM: History/Geography/Polity reading. 09:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Daily revision of all notes before sleeping. Beyond Written: The SSB Interview Your NDA Written Exam Preparation is only stage one. Stage two is the 5-Day SSB Interview. Day 1: OIR Test and Picture

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A Day in the Life of an NDA Cadet at Cadet Defence Academy

A Day in the Life of an NDA Cadet at Cadet Defence Academy Table of Contents Hook: Picture a 4:30 AM alarm buzzing in the pitch dark. Outside, the Dehradun air is chilling. Horns blare in the distance. Cadets bolt from their beds, eyes wide open. This isn’t just another boarding school; this is a day in the life of an nda cadet at cadet defence academy. I am writing this to give you a real peek behind the curtains. From grueling drills on the ground to intense desk work in the classroom, the schedule here is tough. But let me tell you, its rewarding too. In 2025 alone, we saw 450 cadets trained here, and a whopping 28% cleared NDA written exam. That is a huge number! My thesis for this blog is simple: Follow one day with us. If you read till the end, you gain tips to join. I will walk you through the daily routine of NDA cadet at Cadet Defence Academy, showing you exactly what it takes to wear the uniform. Early Morning Routine: Rise and Shine (4:30 AM – 6:00 AM) Reveille and Personal Prep The day kicks off before the sun is even up. The wake up time NDA cadets Cadet Defence Academy adhere to is strictly 4:30 AM. There is no snooze button here. Cadets have to fold their beds in under 2 minutes—military style. Next comes the hygiene rush. You have hundreds of cadets rushing to wash, shave, and comb. There is no time for delays. Everyone gets into their uniform, and boots must shine like mirrors. If your boots don’t reflect your face, you are in for trouble. Quote: “Discipline starts at dawn,” says our head trainer Col. Raj Singh. This part of the morning routine NDA cadet Cadet Defence Academy follows is crucial. It sets the tone. Takeaway: If you want to join, start practicing 5-minute routines at home. It helps. Light Breakfast and Briefings After the rush, we head to the mess hall. The breakfast time NDA cadets get is quick but nutritious. We usually have porridge, eggs, and tea. You need those 400 calories to fuel the long day ahead. During breakfast, seniors or instructors give out Daily orders. We review rules and goals for the day. A quick stat for you: 95% attendance rate boosts pass chances by 15%. So, nobody misses this briefing. Eat fast. Listen close. Mental Warm-Up Before the physical grind, there is a early morning drill NDA cadet life demands—mental focus. We do 10 minutes of meditation. Just focus breaths. For example, Cadet Priya used it during her time here. She actually scored top in the SSB interview because she remained calm under pressure. Action step: You should try apps like Calm before bed or early morning to build this habit. Physical Training: Build the Body (6:00 AM – 8:30 AM) PT Drills and Runs Now, the real sweat begins. The NDA cadet PT session Cadet Defence Academy organizes is famous in Dehradun. We do push-ups, squats, burpees, and a mandatory 5 km run. We divide into groups and compete. The fastest team wins points for their squadron. Stat: The NDA selection needs 40+ levels in the beep test. Our Academy hits an 85% success rate in this because of our physical training start NDA cadets do every single morning. Quote: “Pain forges warriors,” as alumni Capt. Vikram always told us. Obstacle Course and Sports It’s not just running. The obstacle course NDA cadet day includes is tough. We have 6-foot walls, ropes, and monkey bars. You have to be quick. We also have team relays, volleyball, or boxing matches. Example: The 2025 batch cleared the course in a record 8 minutes! That was a proud moment for Cadet Defence Academy. Takeaways: Train 3x weekly on cardio. Partner up for motivation. Cool-Down and Inspection After the grind, we do stretches and head for showers. Then comes the Kit check. If there is dirt on your uniform, you get deductions. You might lose privileges for the NDA cadet weekend Cadet Defence Academy allows. Discipline is key in a day in the life of an nda cadet at cadet defence academy. Academic Sessions: Sharpen the Mind (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Core Subjects Classes By 9:00 AM, we shift gears. The NDA cadet classes Cadet Defence Academy runs are very serious. We study Math, Physics, and English in 45-minute blocks. Teachers use the blackboard to solve complex problems. We have group quizzes to keep everyone alert. Stat: 70% mock scores predict real NDA results, so we take these classes very seriously. GK and Current Affairs You cant crack NDA without General Knowledge. The academic schedule NDA cadets follow includes news debates and map quizzes. Quote: “Knowledge wins wars,” says our principal Dr. Anita Rao. Case: Cadet Arjun topped GK in our academy mock tests. He got a direct NDA call-up because his interview answers were so sharp. This proves how important study time is in one day in NDA cadet life Cadet Defence Academy. Mock Tests and Review We often do full papers timed. Errors are fixed on the spot. This is vital exam prep NDA cadets day in and day out. Actionable: Review your wrong answers daily. Keep a track progress sheet. Afternoon Training: Skills for Battle (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) Weapon Handling and Drills After the lunch break NDA cadet routine (which is a much-needed pause), we go back to the ground. We do weapons training NDA cadet routine using mock rifles. We practice marching squads on the parade ground. Safety is first here: 100% zero incidents at Cadet Defence Academy. Stat: The national NDA SSB pass rate is around 12%. But our Academy grads hit 25%. This training makes the difference. Leadership and Team Tasks The NDA cadet training day Cadet Defence Academy isn’t just following orders; it’s about leading. We play Group planning games. You have to lead a patrol in a simulation. Example: A cadet team built

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National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 Table of Contents Date : April 12, 2026! Hello future officers! Welcome to the official blog of Cadets Defence Academy, the leading best NDA coaching in Dehradun. Today, I am here to share everything you need to know about the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. If you are dreaming of serving in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force, this guide is your best friend. In this blog, I will provide all the informations you need to clear this eaxam. Here is the most important official data you need to know right away: Particulars Details Date of Notification 10/12/2025 Date of Commencement of Examination 12/04/2026 Duration of Examination One Day Last Date for Receipt of Applications 30/12/2025 – 6:00pm Date of Upload 10/12/2025 Download Notification Notice (2.2 MB) Document Type Document Date of Upload Examination Time Table PDF icon TimeTable NDA-I-26-English-090126.pdf 09/01/2026 Let’s dive deep into the details so you have clear picture of this exam. No fluff, just real information! National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) To start off, let us understand what this exam actually is. The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 is a golden gateway for young, dynamic unmarried male and female candidates to join the defence forces. The NDA full form is National Defence Academy, located in Khadakwasla, Pune. The UPSC NDA NA 2026 exam is strictly conducted by the Union Public Service Commission ([suspicious link removed]). When we talk about the NDA exam 2026, it generally refers to two cycles in a year. Right now, our main focus is on NDA 1 2026. This single exam includes both the National Defence Academy exam 2026 and the Naval Academy exam 2026. These prestigious academies train you physically and mentally for years to become elite officers. To get in, you have to pass a written test and then face the SSB interview. Here is a quick overview: Feature Detail Exam Name National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 Conducting Body UPSC NDA Vacancy 2026 394 (approx.) Level National Selection Process Written Exam + SSB Interview So, if you are looking for the absolute best guidance to clear this stage, remember that Cadets Defence Academy offers excellent training at an affordable price to help you succeed. Notification and Dates Time management is everything for a future officer. You must be very aware of the UPSC NDA calendar 2026 so you don’t miss any deadline. The official NDA 1 2026 notification was officially released by UPSC on December 10, 2025. According to the official schedule, the NDA 1 2026 application form date process started on the same day as the notification. For those wondering about the timeline, the NDA last date to apply 2026 was December 30, 2025, exactly at 6:00 PM. Let me break down the complete NDA 2026 exam schedule for you so you can plan: Notification Release: December 10, 2025 NDA 1 2026 exam date application form Window: Dec 10 to Dec 30, 2025 NDA application last date 2026: December 30, 2025 National defence academy and naval academy examination i 2026 date: April 12, 2026 NDA admit card 2026 date: Last week of March 2026 NDA result date 2026: Expected in May 2026 The UPSC will conduct the exam precisely on April 12, 2026, for 394 vacancies to fill positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force (157th Course/119th INAC). Mark these NDA exam date 2026 on your calendar! Eligibility and Apply Before you even try to fill the NDA form 2026 apply online, you need to strictly check if you fit the rules. The NDA eligibility criteria 2026 are very tough and non-negotiable. Age Limit and Nationality Both unmarried male and female candidates can apply for this exam. The NDA age limit 2026 requires candidates to be born between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2010. This is the exact NDA eligibility age. If your birthday does not fall in this range, unfortunately, you cannot write the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. Educational Qualification For Army Wing: 12th pass (or appearing) from any recognized state or central board. For Air Force and Naval Wings: 12th pass (or appearing) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are require. Physical and Medical Standards Being physically fit is a must. You must meet the strict NDA medical standards and clear the NDA physical test 2026 during your SSB phase. The exact NDA height weight 2026 charts are given in the official notification PDF. The minimum height is generally 157 cm (with some relaxation for specific hilly regions), but make sure to checking the official PDF for your category. How to Apply Step-by-Step To successfully complete the NDA online application 2026, candidates had to visit the upsconline.nic.in website. Here is how it is done: Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t already. Fill out Part 1 (Basic details) and Part 2 (Upload documents, center choice) of the NDA Registration form 2026. Pay the NDA apply online fee, which is ₹100 for General/OBC candidates. Good news is that SC/ST/Females are completely exempted from this fee. Choose your Exam Centres. Remember, centers are allotted on a “first apply, first allot” basis, so always be quick! If you missed the deadline this year, don’t worry. Keep these steps in mind for the NDA 2 cycle! Syllabus and Pattern To beat the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026, you must know your enemy very well—which in this case, is the massive syllabus! The NDA exam pattern 2026 is completely Offline (Pen-Paper mode) using OMR sheets. It consists of two papers, conducted on the exact same day in two shifts. Paper Subject Marks Duration Shift Timing Paper 1 Mathematics 300 2.5 hours Morning Paper 2 General Ability Test (GAT) 600 2.5 hours Afternoon Total 900 5 hours Mathematics Syllabus The NDA maths syllabus covers deep topics from 11th and 12th standard. You will

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NDA Exam Cut-Off

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding NDA Exam Cut-Off

NDA cut-offs for Previous Year's Written Exams

Final Cut-off

How is the NDA exam cut-off calculated?

Here's how these factors might influence the cut-off:

How to check the NDA 2023 cut off?

Using Cut-offs to Your Advantage

Setting a Realistic Goal

Identifying Areas You Need Improvement

Understanding Competition

Conclusion

Contact Us

Reach Us

Best Books and Resources for NDA Written Exam Preparation 2026

A Day in the Life of an NDA Cadet at Cadet Defence Academy

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026

CDA - BEST NDA COACHING CENTRE COURSES

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