Union public service commission conducts NDA exam twice a year to select the students for National Defence Academy. More than 300000 candidates take this written exam in each sitting and around 9000 candidates qualify this exam and are subsequently called for SSB interview.

Over all cut off marks

NDA exam paper is of a total of 900 marks. 900 marks is divided in two papers, Paper 1 that is mathematics is of 300 marks, Paper 2 that is general ability test is of 600. 335 marks out 900 which is approximately 37%, was the cut off in 2012-2, very similar cut off was for 2013-1 exam, overall cut off remains around 40%.

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Paper wise NDA exam cut off marks

NDA paper 1 : Mathematics

Paper wise cut off is 30%. Mathematics is of 300 Marks, hence the paper wise cut off marks for mathematics is 90.

NDA Paper 2: General ability

General ability test is of 600 marks, hence 30% marks is 180 marks.

There are many students who get more than 350 marks but still fail because they do really well in one of the paper while not doing well in the other paper. Paper 2 is of 600 marks, so a student can score 400 marks in this paper, which is more than the overall cut off mark of  say 350 but if if he scores only 50 marks in paper 2 that is Mathematics, he will fail even with 450 marks cause he could not achieve paper cut off marks.

Therefore doing well in both the paper is imperative. Students can score well in paper 2 that is of 600 marks to achieve over all cut off marks, while enough practice of mathematics should be done so that they satisfy the paper wise cut off.

Students should keep in mind that cut off marks changes every year but not by much and the above given cut off marks are good indicator of what to expect in the next NDA exam, overall cut of marks rarely goes above 40% and paper wise has remained constant at 30% mark. Regular and specific practice for 3 to 4 months is needed to clear NDA exam.

Previous Years NDA Cut Off Marks