NDA · Cutoff
NDA Cutoff 2026 — expected score & rank bands
What does your score in National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination actually get you? These bands map a mock/exam percentage to the rank window and outcomes that score range has typically achieved.
AI-curated from historic cutoff patterns — indicative, not official. Always verify with the latest official notification.
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Category-wise expected cutoff (indicative)
| Category | Expected Cutoff (indicative) |
|---|---|
| General | 320–350 marks / 900 (35.5–39%) |
| EWS | 305–335 marks / 900 (34–37%) |
| OBC | 290–320 marks / 900 (32–35.5%) |
| SC | 270–300 marks / 900 (30–33%) |
| ST | 260–290 marks / 900 (29–32%) |
- Category differential: General cutoffs typically run 5–8% higher than OBC, 9–12% higher than SC/ST. EWS slots between General and OBC (1–2% below General).
- Year-to-year shifts: Cutoffs fluctuate ±10–15 marks based on paper difficulty, vacancy count (Army/Navy/Air Force allocation changes), and candidate pool strength. Easier papers push cutoffs toward 40–42% (General).
- SSB reality: Clearing written cutoff (35–40%) qualifies ~8–10× candidates per final vacancy for Services Selection Board interviews; ultimate selection depends on SSB performance, medical fitness, and merit order post-interview.
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Top 500 — Merit list leaders
92–100%rank ~1–500
- Elite written performance — approximately top 0.5% of 400,000+ applicants
- Final merit depends on SSB (900 marks vs 900 written marks)
- All three academies and branches accessible based on preference
- Air Force Flying branch — highly competitive even for top rankers (needs PABT + medical)
- IMA Arms like Armoured Corps, Artillery — top choices available
- INA Executive (General Service) — direct path to naval command roles
All-India top 1500
85–92%rank ~500–1,500
- Outstanding written score — top 1-2% nationally
- Virtually certain SSB call for all three services
- Service and branch choice mostly candidate's preference
- IMA — Regiment of Artillery, Corps of Engineers, Corps of Signals accessible
- AFA Flying branch — strong candidacy if medically fit (Class I medical)
- INA Executive branch — command-oriented naval career path
Top merit range
75–85%rank ~1,500–4,000
- Excellent written performance — approximately top 3-4% candidates
- Strong position for first-choice service allocation
- IMA — preferred arms like Armoured Corps, Mechanised Infantry competitive
- INA — Executive branch (General Service) highly likely with good SSB
- AFA — Flying branch realistic with PABT clearance and medical standards
- Last year's final merit list typically had General category cut-off around rank 2500-3500
Strong SSB call likelihood
65–75%rank ~4,000–8,000
- High probability of SSB interview in preferred service
- Indian Military Academy — all arms and services competitive
- Indian Naval Academy — Executive and Technical branches accessible
- Air Force Academy — Flying branch prospects (subject to PABT and medical)
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) — 4-year B.Tech followed by naval training
- Final selection depends on SSB performance and medical fitness
SSB interview probable
50–65%rank ~8,000–15,000
- Good chance of SSB interview call
- Recommended merit range for most NDA entries in recent years
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) — Army officer cadre, 4-year training
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) — Navy officer cadre, 4-year B.Tech
- Air Force Academy (AFA) — Flying/Ground Duty branches, 4-year training
- Physical fitness and SSB performance now critical
Marginal qualification zone
35–50%rank ~15,000–25,000
- May clear written cut-off depending on competition
- Borderline for SSB interview call (approximately 10,000-12,000 candidates called)
- Consider as backup; strengthen weak areas
- Focus on SSB preparation if called — written is only first stage
Below qualifying threshold
0–35%
- Unlikely to clear written exam cut-off
- NDA written cut-off typically around 30-35% for General category
- Focus on Mathematics and GAT fundamentals
- Recommend thorough revision before next attempt
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