NDA Passing Marks & Cut Off 2025: Category-wise Qualifying Scores Explained

f you are dreaming of joining the National Defence Academy or Naval Academy through the UPSC NDA route, understanding passing marks, qualifying marks, and cut off marks is absolutely essential. Many students prepare well but still miss out simply because they misunderstood how the written stage and SSB interview marks are used for final selection.

This detailed guide explains nda passing marks, minimum qualifying marks, nda cut, nda cutoff, nda cut off 2025 expectations, and how the exam and ssb interview together decide your place in the final merit list. We will also look at previous year trends so that you can set a realistic minimum score target and cross the expected cut off comfortably.

What Do NDA Passing Marks and Cut Off Mean?

First, it is important to separate three ideas: passing marks, minimum qualifying marks, and cut off marks. Passing marks or qualifying marks are the minimum marks required in the written exam for a candidate to be considered as having passed that stage. These are based on subject-wise minimum qualifying marks that all the candidates must score.

The cut off is different. The written exam cutoff is the actual score at which the last candidate is shortlisted for the SSB interview. This written exam cutoff depends on how many candidates need to be called, the wing vacancies number, and the overall difficulty level. Later, after the SSB interview stage, there is a final cut based on the total marks of written exam and ssb. That final cut decides the final merit list.

NDA passing marks therefore refer to the minimum qualifying marks in each paper, but to get selected, you must also beat the cut off marks at the written stage and then clear the final nda cut after the interview.

Selection Process for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the upsc nda examination twice a year. These are usually called nda i and nda ii, and the exam date for each cycle is mentioned in the official upsc calendar and notification. The exam selects candidates for the Army, Air Force and Naval wings of the defence academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry for the naval academy.

The selection process has two broad stages. First is the nda written exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Second is the ssb interview conducted by the respective services selection boards. Only those who cross the nda exam cut for the written stage are called for the ssb interview stage, and only those who meet the final nda cut make it to the final selection list.

UPSC NDA Written Stage – Papers, Total Marks and Negative Marking

The upsc nda written exam has two written papers conducted on the same day. The first is the Mathematics paper and the second is the General Ability Test (GAT). Together these written papers decide whether you clear the cut off for written and move to the next stage.

The mathematics paper focuses on core concepts from Classes 11 and 12. The General Ability Test covers English, general ability, science and general awareness. The total marks of the written test are 900, and both papers have negative marking, which also affects the written exam cutoff in each session.

Subject-wise Marks in Each Subject and Weightage

Here is a quick view of the exam pattern for the written stage:

Paper	Subject	Total Marks	Questions	Marks in Each Subject (Per Question)	Negative Marking
Paper I	Mathematics	300	120	2.5	0.83
Paper II	General Ability Test (GAT)	600	150	4	1.33

Remember that the marks in each subject are multiplied by the number of correct answers, and then negative marking is deducted. The marks obtained in Mathematics plus the marks obtained in GAT together determine whether you clear the nda exam cut and qualify for the interview.

Minimum Qualifying Marks and NDA Passing Marks in the Written Exam

UPSC usually fixes minimum qualifying marks as a fixed percentage in each paper. Traditionally, candidates need to secure at least 25% or so in marks in each subject to be considered to have passed the written exam, though the exact minimum marks required can change. These minimum qualifying marks ensure that a candidate is not extremely weak in any one subject.

These qualifying marks are not the same as the nda cut off marks. Even if you clear the minimum marks in each subject, you also need to cross the overall cut off for written to be shortlisted for the SSB. So, while meeting the minimum qualifying marks means you have technically cleared the written stage, you must aim much higher than the bare passing marks.

Minimum Marks to Qualify NDA Written Exam – Subject-wise View

The table below gives an example of how minimum marks to qualify nda written exam might look if the minimum qualifying marks are set at 25% for each paper:

Paper	Total Marks	Minimum Qualifying Marks (%)	Minimum Score (Marks)	Safe Score for Expected Cut Off
Mathematics	300	25%	75	120–140
GAT	600	25%	150	260–300

These safe scores are above the qualifying marks and will help you stay comfortably above the expected cut off once the union public service commission announces the final figures.

NDA Cut Off for Written Papers and Final Stage

For every cycle, there is a cut off for written decided by UPSC. This is the minimum aggregate score in the written exam at which candidates are called for the ssb interview. The nda cut off marks for the written stage are usually in the range of 330–380 out of 900, depending on previous year trends and exam difficulty.

After the SSB, there is a final cut based on the total marks of written exam and ssb interview. This final nda cut is usually higher, around 700 or more out of 1800, because it includes both written marks and ssb interview marks. The final stage cut off marks decide which candidates finally join the National Defence Academy or Naval Academy.

Difference Between Written Exam Cutoff and Final NDA Cut

The written exam cutoff is used only to shortlist candidates for the SSB. At this stage, only marks from the nda written are considered. The final nda cut, on the other hand, is the combined cut off for written and ssb interview stage.

So, you can think of it in two steps: first cross the cut off for written, and then aim to be above the final cut after the exam and ssb interview. Candidates need to secure marks well above the written exam cutoff if they want a good chance of staying comfortably above the final nda cut as well.

NDA Cut Off for General Category and Other Categories

The nda cut off for general category is usually the benchmark most candidates look at. However, the cut off marks for OBC, SC and ST are often similar or very close, because upsc nda follows a strict merit order system. The nda cut off marks may vary slightly between categories depending on wing vacancies number and reservation policy.

In practice, you should not depend only on category relaxation. Treat the general category cut off as your real target. Whether you are aiming for the Army, Air Force or Naval wings, planning to stay 20–30 marks above the expected cut off is always a safer strategy.

Previous Year NDA Cut Off Trends

Previous year data is the best tool to estimate nda exam cut and set realistic goals. By studying nda previous year cut values, you can understand how written exam cutoff changes with difficulty level and number of seats.

Typically, nda previous year cut shows that if the paper is tough, the nda cut drops slightly, and if the paper is easier, the cut off marks go up. The previous year's nda cut also shows that the difference between written cut off and final cut can be quite large because of the weightage of the ssb interview.

NDA Previous Year Cut – Written Stage

Below is a simplified illustration for a few recent cycles (numbers are indicative):

Year	Cycle	Written Exam Cutoff	Marks Secured by Last Candidate (Final)
2021	NDA I	343	709
2021	NDA II	355	726
2022	NDA I	360	720+
2022	NDA II	355	720+

These previous year trends show how marks secured by last recommended candidates are significantly higher than the written exam cut. Looking at previous year's nda data, you should treat the written cut off as the absolute minimum score and target at least 30–40 marks above it.

NDA Previous Year Cut – Final Merit List

When we look at the final merit list, the previous year's nda cut values show that candidates who finally make it often score well above the bare minimum marks required. For instance, where the written cutoff marks might be around 355, the final cut may be 720 or 730.

This gap highlights why candidates need to secure strong marks in both nda written and the ssb interview stage. The marks obtained in the written exam are only one part; consistently high marks secured in SSB lead to final selection.

NDA Cut Off 2025 and NDA 2 2025 – Expected Cut Off

For nda cut off 2025, including nda 2 2025, we look at previous year trends, present difficulty level, and wing vacancies number. Since the exam difficulty and number of seats can change, the exact cut off 2025 will only be known from the official upsc notification and result.

However, based on typical nda previous year cut values, many mentors expect cut off 2025 for the written stage to be somewhere in the 340–380 range. For nda cut off 2025 in the final stage, combining written and SSB, the expected cut off could be in the 700–740 range. These are only indicative numbers to help candidates preparing set their targets.

NDA Expected Cut for NDA I and NDA II 2025

For NDA I 2025, the nda expected cut for the written stage is likely to be similar to recent NDA I cycles. For NDA II 2025, the nda expected cut will depend on exam difficulty and the number of candidates. In many sessions, nda ii cut offs are close to those of NDA I, though sometimes NDA II can have a slightly higher or lower cut off depending on the paper.

Therefore, for NDA 2 2025, aim to cross the expected cut off by at least 20–30 marks. Treat the nda exam qualification marks as the floor, not the goal. If your target is to clear the final nda cut, keep your preparation aimed at the upper band of the expected cut off range.

Factors Affecting NDA Cut and Expected Cut Off

There are several factors affecting nda cut every year. The most important are:

Exam difficulty: If the paper is tough, the cut off often drops. If the paper is easier, the cut off goes up because more candidates score high.
Wing vacancies number: If more seats are available in the Army, Air Force and Naval wings, the cut off marks may be slightly lower. If fewer seats exist, the cut off can rise.
Number of candidates: If many strong candidates appear, the nda cut can be higher.
Previous year trends: The commission also looks at previous year data and may adjust minimum qualifying marks or cut off for written accordingly.

Because of all these factors, expected cut and expected cut off are always estimates. Still, knowing how these elements influence the nda cut helps you plan a realistic and ambitious target.

NDA Written Exam Cut and SSB Interview Stage

Once you clear the nda written exam cut, you are called for the ssb interview. The ssb interview is a detailed assessment which checks officer-like qualities, communication, psychology, and group performance. The marks secured in this stage are added to your written marks to decide the final merit list.

You must treat the written exam and ssb as one continuous process. Preparing only for the written test is not enough. The exam and ssb interview together decide if you meet the final cut and secure a place in the National Defence Academy or Naval Academy.

Final Selection, Final NDA Cut and Final Merit List

Final selection is based on the total marks secured in the written exam and ssb interview stage. UPSC publishes a final merit list which includes the names of candidates who have cleared the final nda cut. The final stage marks depend heavily on how well you perform in SSB because SSB has 900 marks, equal to the written.

Remember that even if you clear the nda cutoff at the written stage, you can still miss the final selection if your SSB performance is weak. So, candidates need to secure consistent marks across both stages, keeping the final cut and final nda in mind throughout their preparation journey.

How Many Marks Do Candidates Need to Secure in Each Subject?

In order to clear both minimum qualifying marks and the written exam cutoff, candidates need to secure a balance across Mathematics and GAT. Heavy dependence on only one paper is risky because of the requirement for minimum marks in each subject.

A practical thumb rule is that candidates need to secure at least 120–140 in Mathematics and 260–300 in GAT to be safely above the expected cut off. This way you are well above the minimum marks required in each paper and are also targeting a strong buffer above the likely cut off for written.

Strategies to Clear Mathematics Paper Above Cut Off

For Mathematics, focus on concepts, formulae and speed. Since marks in each subject question are only 2.5 but negative marking is present, accuracy is crucial. Work through previous year papers and previous years question papers to understand the typical difficulty level.

Practise topic-wise problem sets and timed mock tests on Mockat.com so that your marks obtained go up steadily. With consistent practice, you can move from just meeting minimum marks to comfortably crossing the cut off in this paper.

Strategies to Clear General Ability Test (GAT) Above Cut Off

The General Ability Test is very scoring if you prepare properly. It includes English, general ability, science and current affairs. Because the General Ability Test GAT paper has 600 marks, performance here strongly influences whether you beat the cut off marks.

Read regularly, revise vocabulary, and focus on grammar for the English section. For the general ability part, make short notes on important topics so you can revise before the exam date. With good preparation, you can score well above the qualifying marks in this section and push your overall score above both the written exam cutoff and the final nda cut target.

Role of Previous Year Papers, Previous Years Question Papers and Mock Tests

Previous year papers are the best tool to understand the exam pattern and the exact difficulty level. Solving them helps you judge how high the nda exam cut might go for a given year. The more familiar you are with the style of questions, the more confident you will be on exam day.

Combine previous years question papers with topic-wise mock tests on Mockat.com. Timed mock tests simulate the real written exam and help you build stamina. Analysing the marks secured in each mock shows whether you are safely crossing the expected cut off or still hovering near the minimum score.

How Exam Difficulty and Wing Vacancies Number Influence Cut Off Marks

A high difficulty level usually results in a lower cut off. For example, if many students find the Mathematics paper unexpectedly tricky, the nda cut for that session may come down slightly. On the other hand, if most questions are straightforward, the cut off can increase because more candidates score high.

Similarly, if the wing vacancies number for the Army, Air Force or Naval wings is increased, the commission can afford to call more candidates to the ssb interview. This often leads to a slightly lower cut off marks threshold. A reduction in vacancies generally pushes the cut off upward. Understanding this relationship helps you interpret nda previous and previous year trends better.

Smart Plan for Candidates Preparing for UPSC NDA 2025

Candidates preparing for UPSC NDA 2025 should start by understanding the exam pattern, minimum qualifying marks, and typical nda cut off marks. Set clear short-term goals: first to meet the minimum marks in each subject, next to cross the expected cut off, and finally to stay comfortably above the final cut target.

Divide your weekly schedule between concept learning, practice, and revision. Use Mockat.com for structured mock tests and topic-wise drills. Keep track of your marks obtained in each mock, and ensure that your average scores are at least 30–40 marks above the estimated cut off 2025 for both NDA I and NDA II.

Summary – NDA Exam Cut, Passing Marks and Takeaways

To sum up, NDA passing marks are the minimum qualifying marks that you must score in each paper of the written exam. Clearing the qualifying marks does not guarantee selection; you must also cross the cut off for written, which is the real nda exam cut used to shortlist candidates for SSB.

After that, your written marks and ssb interview marks together decide whether you are above the final cut and final nda cut. Focus on achieving a strong minimum score in both papers, staying well above the expected cut off, and building the confidence needed to excel in the ssb interview stage for final selection.

FAQs on NDA Cut Off Marks and Qualifying Marks

Q1. What are the minimum marks required to pass the NDA written exam?
Minimum qualifying marks are usually a fixed percentage in each paper. Traditionally, candidates need to secure around 25% as minimum marks in each subject, but you should always check the official upsc notification for the exact figures.

Q2. Is clearing minimum qualifying marks enough for selection?
No. Clearing qualifying marks only means you have passed the written exam at a basic level. You must still cross the nda cutoff or nda cut off marks for the written stage to be called for ssb, and later cross the final cut based on combined marks.

Q3. How is nda cut off 2025 for NDA 2 2025 decided?
The nda cut off 2025 for NDA 2 2025 will depend on exam difficulty, wing vacancies number, and the overall performance of candidates. The upsc nda cut is fixed so that a sufficient number of candidates reach the interview stage, while maintaining standards.

Q4. What is the role of ssb interview in final selection?
The ssb interview carries 900 marks. The marks secured in this stage are added to your written marks. Only those above the final nda cut, based on combined marks, make it to the final merit list and final selection for the National Defence Academy or Naval Academy.

Q5. How can I estimate the cut off for written in an upcoming cycle?
Use previous year papers, analyse previous year's nda cut and previous year trends, and see how your scores in mock tests compare. If your scores are consistently higher than the recent nda previous year cut for the written stage, you are likely to be above the expected cut off in the real exam.

Q6. Does category affect nda cut off for general category vs others?
There may be minor variation in cutoff marks between categories, but since the exam is highly competitive, you should treat the nda cut for the general category as your benchmark and target marks required comfortably above that level, regardless of your category.

With clear understanding of nda passing marks, nda exam cut, cut off marks and final nda, you can now plan your preparation and use Mockat.com resources wisely to reach your goal of joining the defence academy or naval academy.

NDA Passing Marks and Cut Off 2025: Complete Guide for UPSC NDA Aspirants