Where can I check the NDA cutoff scores?

NDA cutoffs are released on the official website in PDF form after the declaration of the final result. The cutoff marks are also provided on this page after it is announced by the examination authority. The cut off are released separately for written exam and final selection. Candidates need to secure the cut off marks inorder to get selected in the exam. The steps to check NDA cut off marks are given below: Visit the official website of UPSC From the 'Examination' tab, candidates need to go to the 'Cut off' tab In the cut off page, candidates will find the NDA cut off marks Check the cut off marks

What is the sectional cut off in NDA exam?

The sectional NDA cut off is decided out of the total marks in each subject. The sectional cutoff is 25 per cent in each subject. Apart from the qualifying marks, candidates are also required to secure the overall cut off marks. The cut off marks are calculated out of 900 marks. NDA cut off marks are calculated based on the various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, number of vacancies, total marks and number of test takers. Candidates need to secure the cut off marks separately in the written exam and SSB interview. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the written exam and SSB interview.

What does 25% marks mean in each subject in the NDA?

In the National Defence Academy NDA 25% marks in each subject means that the candidates need to secure this percentage in a particular subject. It is important to note that the exact passing marks may vary depending on certain factors. Besides the qualifying marks, candidates are also required to secure the cut off marks fixed by the examination authority for the written exam and final selection.

Does each armed force have separate NDA cut off marks?

No, NDA cut offs are the same for all armed forces - Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy. The cut off for the written exam is calculated out of 900 marks. Moreover, candidates are also required to secure the sectional cut off marks in the exam. Candidates need to secure separate cut off marks in the written exam and final selection. NDA Cut Off is released after completion of the NDA exam along with the NDA Result. NDA cutoff is will be released separately for the written exam and the final selection. The written exam cutoff is calculated out of 900 marks. The last selected candidates’ scores are used to determine the final selection cutoff, which is based on their performance out of 1800 marks (900 for the written exam and 900 for the SSB interview).

How is the NDA cut off determined?

NDA cutoff is determined based on factors such as the number of test takers, total vacancies, and exam difficulty level. NDA cut off for written exam and final selection is released after the completion of the selection process. Separate cutoff marks are announced for written exam and final selection. NDA cut off marks are the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure inorder to qualify the exam. The written exam cutoff is calculated out of 900 marks. The last selected candidates’ scores are used to determine the final selection cutoff, which is based on their performance out of 1800 marks (900 for the written exam and 900 for the SSB interview). The prescribed qualifying NDA cutoff marks for each subject were 25 per cent.

Are there any allowances along with the NDA salary?

There are multiple allowances offered to the Officers along with NDA salary such as Uniform Allowance, Dearness and Transport Allowance, Para Reserve Allowance, Technical Allowance, Children Education Allowance, Hostel Subsidy, High Altitude Allowance, etc. The Army Aviators (Pilots) in Lt and above in Level 10 and above serving in the Army Aviation Corps are entitled to flying allowance of INR 25,000 (R1H1 of Risk and Hardship Matrix).. .

What was NDA 1 cut off 2022 for the written exam and final selection?

In 2022, NDA 1 cutoff for the written exam was 360 (With at least 25 per cent marks in each subject) while it was 720 for final selection. NDA 1 cut off 2021 for written exam and final selection is given below: NDA Cut off for Written Exam (Minimum qualifying standard at the written stage (out of 900): 360 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) NDA Cut off for Final Selection (Marks secured by last recommended candidate [Final Stage] (out of 1800): 720.

What was NDA 2 cutoff in 2021?

NDA 2 cutoff for the written exam in 2021 was 355 whereas it was 726 for final selection. The final selection of candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA was done based on the written exam and SSB interview. NDA cut off for the written exam is calculated out of 900 marks. The last selected candidates’ scores are used to determine the final selection cutoff, which is based on their performance out of 1800 marks (900 for the written exam and 900 for the SSB interview). Candidates are required to secure 25 per cent in each subject. It is mandatory to secure the cut off marks inorder to qualify the exam by securing the separate cut off marks in the written exam and SSB interview. Candidates based on the performance in the written exam and SSB interview are called for admission to National Defence Academy.

NDA & NA I and II Exams: Know the Differences in Dates, Eligibility, Vacancies & Cutoff Marks

2.1K Students Q&A

Exam On - 13 Apr '25

Anangsha Patra

Deputy Manager – Editorial

Updated on Apr 9, 2024 18:27 IST

The structure/pattern of NDA 1 and 2 exams are the same. However, there is a difference in the month in which the exams are conducted as well as the beginning of the courses. NDA 1 and 2 exams are conducted in April and September, respectively. NDA 1 exam is conducted for courses commencing from January while NDA 2 exam is held for courses starting from July. Check here the difference between NDA & NA 1 & 2 exams in terms of exam dates, age limit, cutoff and many more.

Know the Difference Between NDA 1 and 2 exams

'What is the difference between NDA 1 and 2 exams?' is the common question asked by many aspirants/candidates preparing for the NDA exam. Well, the exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, application fee, etc. for both exams are the same. The only difference is that the exams are conducted in different months of the year for the courses commencing in different sessions. NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA and Naval Academy courses. This is a national-level exam for candidates who wish to join the Army, Navy and Air Force. The exam process involves two stages-candidates first need to appear for the written exam and those who qualify are called for the personality test or interview, conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). Read below for more details on NDA & NDA 1 & 2 exams.

What is the Difference Between NDA 1 and 2 exams?

NDA 1 and 2 are the two different exam sessions conducted in different months of the year. National Defence Academy inducts cadets in the academy two times a year-January and July. Therefore, UPSC conducts the exam in two sessions. Even the eligibility criteria in terms of age limit for both NDA 1 and 2 are different. The intake of students in both sessions is also different. The cutoff and qualifying marks are different for both sessions. The notification and application forms are released on different dates.

NDA 1 2024 Exam

NDA & NA 1 2024 notification is released for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA for the 153^thcourse and 114^th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from January 2, 2025. The written exam of NDA 1 is scheduled to be conducted on April 21, 2023.

NDA 2 2024 Exam

NDA & NA 2 2024 is released for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from July 2, 2025. The written exam of NDA 2 exam is scheduled to be conducted on September 1, 2024.

Women in NDA

On August 18, Supreme Court of India passed an interim order allowing women candidates to participate in NDA 1 and 2 exams. The first batch of women candidates appeared for NDA 2 exam in 2021. NDA eligibility criteria as well as the training process for women are the same as their male counterparts.

NDA 1 & 2 Eligibility Criteria

NDA eligibility criteria in terms of age limit, educational qualification, marital status, and physical standards are given below:

Nationality

1) A citizen of India or

2) A subject of Nepal or

3) A subject of Bhutan or

4) A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India or

5) A person originally Indian who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India

Provided that a candidate belonging to categories 2, 3, 4, and 5 must be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Indian government. A certificate of eligibility is not required for Gorkha candidates from Nepal.

Age Limit

For NDA 2, candidates must have born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2005
For NDA 1, candidates should be born not earlier than July 2, 2003, and not later than July 1, 2006
Candidates who are appearing in Class 12 can apply provisionally

Educational Qualification

The Army wing of NDA	Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board
The Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and 10 2 Cadet entry scheme at INA	Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

Gender, Marital Status & Physical Standards

Only unmarried male and female candidates who are physically fit can apply for NDA exam.

NDA 1 & 2 Notifications

NDA 1 notification is usually released in December. The notification for NDA 2 is released in May. The notification contains details related to the exam such as the number of vacancies, exam dates, exam pattern, syllabus, course name, salary, exam centres, eligibility criteria, medical standards, the process of filling the application form, etc.

NDA 1 & 2 Application Forms

NDA 1 application form is released in December. The application form remains open till January. NDA 2 application form is released in May. Candidates can submit their application forms till June. The application fee is INR 100. However, SC/ST/Women candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from paying the fees.

NDA 1 & 2 Result

NDA 1 result for the written exam is announced by UPSC in June while the final result is declared in December. NDA 2 result for the written exam is announced in November while the final result is announced in May.

NDA 1 & 2 Cutoff & Qualifying Marks

NDA 1 & 2 cutoff and qualifying marks for written exam and final selection for the last three years are given below.

NDA 1 Cutoff Marks for Written Exam

Year	NDA 1 cut off (Out of 900 marks)
2022	360 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)
2021	343 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)
2020	355 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)
2019	342 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)

NDA 1 Cutoff Marks for Final Selection Process

Year	NDA 1 cut off (Out of 1800 marks)
2022	720
2021	709
2020	723
2019	704

NDA 2 Cutoff Marks for Written Exam

Year	NDA 2 cut off (Out of 900 marks)
2020	355 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)
2019	346 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)
2018	325 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)

NDA 2 Cutoff Marks for Final Selection

Year	NDA 2 cut off (Out of 1800 marks)
2020	719
2019	709
2018	688

NDA 1 & 2 Vacancies

NDA 1 and 2 vacancy break-up of last few years are given below.

Year	NDA I	NDA II
2022	400	400
2021	400	400
2020	418	413
2019	415	415
2018	415	383
2017	390	390

NDA 1 & 2 Exams FAQs

Q: When NDA 1 and 2 notifications are released?

A: NDA 1 notification is released in December while NDA 2 notification is released in May. NDA notification is released to select eligible candidates for the admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Cource (INAC).

Q: When NDA 1 and 2 exams are conducted?

A: NDA 1 exam is conducted in April while NDA 2 is held in September. Both the exams are conducted offline by UPSC and carry questions from two subjects-Maths and GAT. Total marks allotted to the written exam are 900.

Q: When the courses commence after selection through NDA 1 and 2 exams?

A: NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to courses commencing in January. NDA 2 exam is held for admission to courses commencing in July.

Q: Are the cutoff marks for NDA 1 and 2 same?

A: No, the cutoff marks for NDA 1 and 2 exams are different. Usually, the cutoff marks for NDA 2 are lower. In 2022, NDA 1 cut off for the written exam was 360 (With at least 25% marks in each subject). The final cut off was 720.

Q: What is the difficulty level of NDA 1 and 2 exams?

A: NDA 2 exam is much easier than NDA 1 exam. In 2022, the difficulty level of NDA 1 GAT paper was moderate to difficult. The difficulty level of the Mathematics paper was moderate. The difficulty level of NDA 2 Maths paper was easy whereas the GAT paper was moderate to difficult.

Q: Can I appear for both NDA 1 and 2 exams?

A: Yes, candidates can appear for both NDA 1 and 2 exams provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria. The educational qualification prescribed for the exam is Class 12 pass. The age of candidates should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years.

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