The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam is one of the most prestigious exams in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Every year thousands of aspirants appear for the NDA exam with the dream of joining the Indian Army Navy or Air Force.
One of the most common questions among candidates is: What are the NDA passing marks out of 900? Understanding the cutoff marks selection criteria and preparation strategies is essential for clearing the exam.
This topic provides a detailed guide on NDA passing marks expected cutoff and tips to improve your score.
Understanding the NDA Exam Structure
The NDA exam consists of two papers:
- Mathematics – 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 marks
Total marks: 900
After the written exam candidates undergo the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview which is also 900 marks.
To qualify candidates need to secure the minimum passing marks in the written exam and also perform well in the SSB Interview.
NDA Passing Marks Out of 900
The minimum passing marks for the NDA written exam vary each year depending on factors like difficulty level number of candidates and overall performance.
Expected NDA Passing Marks
- Candidates must score at least 25% marks in each subject to qualify.
- This means a candidate must secure at least:
- 75 marks in Mathematics (out of 300)
- 150 marks in GAT (out of 600)
Thus the minimum NDA passing marks out of 900 is around 225 marks. However merely passing is not enough as candidates must meet the cutoff marks to proceed to the next stage.
NDA Cutoff Marks for Selection
The NDA cutoff marks are higher than the minimum passing marks. The cutoff is the minimum score required to be shortlisted for the SSB interview.
Previous Year NDA Cutoff Trends
| Exam Year | NDA Written Exam Cutoff (Out of 900) | Final Cutoff (Including SSB) (Out of 1800) |
|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2023 | 360-370 | 705-715 |
| NDA 2 2022 | 355-365 | 700-710 |
| NDA 1 2022 | 340-350 | 690-700 |
| NDA 2 2021 | 345-355 | 705-715 |
| NDA 1 2021 | 330-340 | 680-690 |
As seen in previous years the NDA written exam cutoff is around 350-370 out of 900. Candidates scoring above the cutoff qualify for the SSB interview.
How is the NDA Cutoff Determined?
The NDA cutoff depends on various factors:
- Number of candidates appearing for the exam
- Difficulty level of the question paper
- Total number of vacancies available
- Overall performance of candidates
UPSC decides the cutoff based on these factors to ensure the best candidates move forward.
NDA Selection Process After Clearing the Written Exam
Once a candidate clears the NDA written exam they must go through the SSB Interview which carries 900 marks. The selection process includes:
1. Screening Test
- Officers Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
2. Psychological Tests
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Word Association Test (WAT)
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
3. Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO)
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
- Progressive Group Task (PGT)
- Command Task
4. Personal Interview and Conference
- Candidates face one-on-one interviews with senior officers.
The final NDA selection is based on the combined marks of the written exam (900 marks) and the SSB interview (900 marks) making a total of 1800 marks.
How to Score Well in the NDA Exam?
To pass the NDA exam and secure a high score candidates must follow an effective preparation strategy.
1. Focus on Mathematics
- Solve at least 50-60 questions daily.
- Strengthen basic concepts in algebra trigonometry and calculus.
- Practice previous years’ NDA question papers.
2. Master the General Ability Test (GAT)
- Improve English vocabulary and grammar.
- Study history geography and current affairs.
- Revise basic physics chemistry and biology.
3. Time Management
- The NDA exam has a negative marking system (-0.83 for Mathematics -1.33 for GAT).
- Avoid guessing if you’re unsure about an answer.
- Attempt easy questions first to save time.
4. Solve Previous Year Papers
Practicing last 10 years’ NDA question papers helps understand:
- Exam pattern and difficulty level
- Important topics frequently asked
- Time management strategies
5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- Read newspapers daily.
- Follow defense-related news and government policies.
6. Improve Physical Fitness for SSB
- Engage in regular exercise running and strength training.
- Practice group discussions and leadership activities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many aspirants fail to clear the NDA exam due to common mistakes. Avoid the following:
- Ignoring Mathematics Preparation – Since Mathematics is scored separately failing to meet the minimum marks can disqualify you.
- Lack of Time Management – Candidates often waste too much time on difficult questions.
- Ignoring Negative Marking – Guessing too many answers can lead to a lower score.
- Not Preparing for the SSB Interview – Some candidates focus only on the written exam and struggle in the SSB.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the NDA passing marks out of 900?
- Candidates must score at least 25% in each subject meaning around 225 marks in total.
2. What is the expected NDA cutoff for selection?
- The cutoff varies each year but usually falls between 350-370 marks in the written exam.
3. What happens after clearing the NDA written exam?
- Candidates qualify for the SSB interview which carries 900 marks.
4. Is the NDA exam difficult to pass?
- With proper preparation time management and practice clearing the NDA exam is achievable.
5. How can I improve my NDA score?
- Focus on Mathematics General Ability Test current affairs and time management.
The NDA exam is a gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. Understanding the passing marks cutoff trends and selection process helps candidates prepare effectively.
To increase your chances of success focus on concept clarity time management and regular practice. With dedication and smart preparation clearing the NDA exam is within reach.
