The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official cut-off marks for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026.
This publication provides detailed information regarding the vacancies, recommendations, and cut-off marks for this cycle. Below is a comprehensive overview of the results.
Vacancies:
- Army: There were 208 vacancies, including 10 reserved for female candidates.
- Navy: A total of 42 spots were open, with 5 earmarked for female candidates.
- Air Force:
- Flying: 92 positions were available, including 2 for female candidates.
- Ground Duties (Technical): There were 18 vacancies, with 2 designated for female candidates.
- Ground Duties (Non-Technical): 10 spots were offered, including 2 for female candidates.
- Naval Academy: 24 vacancies were noted, with 3 reserved for female candidates.
NDA 1 2026 Official Cut Off Marks
NDA Exam Previous Year Cut Off Marks
| NDA EXAM YEAR | WRITTEN EXAM MARKS | WRITTEN + SSB |
|---|---|---|
| NDA & NA (II) 2025 | 304.90 (For Men) & 358.84 (For Women) | 666.01 (For Men) & 737.40 (For Women) |
| NDA & NA (I) 2025 | 334 | 699 |
| NDA & NA (II) 2024 | 305 | 673 |
| NDA & NA (I) 2024 | 291 | 654 |
| NDA & NA (II) 2023Â | 292 | 656 |
| NDA & NA (I) 2023Â | 301 | 664 |
| NDA & NA (II) 2022Â | 316 | 678 |
| NDA & NA (I) 2022Â | 360 | 720 |
| NDA & NA (II) 2021Â | 355 | 726 |
| NDA & NA (I) 2021Â | 343 | 709 |
| NDA & NA (II) 2020 | 355 | 723 |
| NDA & NA (I) 2020 | 355 | 723 |
| NDA & NA (I) 2019 | 342 | 704 |
| NDA & NA (II) 2018 | 325 | 688 |
| NDA & NA (I) 2018 | 338 | 705 |
| NDA & NA (II) 2017 | 258 | 624 |
| NDA & NA (I) 2017 | 342 | 708 |
| NDA & NA (II) 2016 | 229 | 602 |
| NDA & NA (I) 2016 | 288 | 656 |
Minimum Qualifying Standards
- The minimum qualifying standard at the written stage was set at 207.83 for male candidates and 287.01 for female candidates. Candidates were required to score at least 20% in each subject to be considered for advancement.
- The marks secured by the last recommended male candidate were 557.00 and for female candidates were 649.18.
Tie-Principles
To address scenarios where candidates achieved equal aggregate marks, the following tie-principles were applied:
(i) If two candidates have the same aggregate (final) marks, the one with higher marks in the written examination will be ranked higher.
(ii) If the written marks are also equal, the candidate scoring higher in Paper-II (General Ability Test) will be placed higher in the merit list.
(iii) If the marks in both (i) and (ii) are identical, the candidate senior in age will be given the higher rank.
These details underline the rigorous standards and the transparent selection process upheld by the commission to ensure the selection of the most suitable candidates for the defense services.
