NDA · Cutoff
NDA cutoff: expected score and rank bands
No official NDA cutoff is published on Shishya yet — the score bands below are indicative, not official. Official cutoffs are published at upsc.gov.in.
AI-curated from historic cutoff patterns. Indicative, not official. Always verify with the latest official notification.
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.
What does your score in National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination actually get you? These bands map a mock or exam percentage to the rank window and the outcomes that score range has typically achieved.
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Top 100 — exceptional merit
92–100%rank ~1–100
- National Defence Academy — Top merit, all service choices open
- NDA Air Force Wing — Fighter pilot stream priority (subject to PABT/medical)
- Indian Naval Academy — Observer/Pilot branch (if medically fit)
- Among top 100 candidates nationally in written examination
- Likely recipient of merit awards and recognition
- Service allocation primarily based on choice and SSB+medical clearance
Elite tier — top 500
85–92%rank ~100–400
- National Defence Academy — All wings with service/branch choice
- NDA Air Force Wing — Fighter pilot stream (subject to PABT and medical)
- Indian Naval Academy — Submarine/Aviation specialisation prospects
- Among top 500 nationally in written exam
- Written exam strong; SSB performance and medical standards critical
- Merit scholarship consideration at NDA Khadakwasla
High merit — top 1500
75–85%rank ~400–1,200
- National Defence Academy — Air Force Wing (preferred choice likely available)
- National Defence Academy — Naval Wing (strong position for Technical branch)
- Indian Naval Academy — 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Executive/Technical)
- National Defence Academy — Army Wing (top merit, choice of regiment possible)
- Excellent written exam score; focus on SSB psychology and group tasks
- Approximately top 1500 nationally
Strong SSB call prospects
65–75%rank ~1,200–3,000
- National Defence Academy — Army Wing (comfortable merit position)
- National Defence Academy — Air Force Wing (good prospects, cut-off typically ~70%)
- National Defence Academy — Naval Wing (competitive range)
- Indian Naval Academy — Executive Branch (strong written exam score)
- SSB interview and medical will be decisive factors
- Approximately top 3000-4000 candidates range
Moderate selection prospects
50–65%rank ~3,000–8,000
- Good chance of SSB interview call (SC/ST category strong prospects)
- National Defence Academy — Army Wing (lower merit range)
- National Defence Academy — Air Force Wing (borderline, depends on vacancies)
- Indian Naval Academy — Executive Branch (competitive)
- Final selection depends heavily on SSB performance and medical fitness
Borderline qualifying range
35–50%rank ~8,000–15,000
- May clear written exam cut-off (varies by category)
- Limited chances for SSB interview call
- NDA merit list typically requires higher scores
- Consider this a practice attempt and aim for 60%+ next cycle
Below qualifying threshold
0–35%
- Unlikely to clear written exam cut-off
- Strengthen Mathematics and General Ability fundamentals
- Focus on previous year paper practice
- Consider comprehensive revision before next attempt
Where would your score land?
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