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NDA Coaching7 min read15 November 2025

NDA Written Exam Cut-off 2025: What Score Do You Actually Need?

Atharva Defence Academy Coaching Team
Ex-Army Officers | NDA Faculty

The NDA written exam cut-off isn't just one number — it's a combination of Paper I, Paper II, and total aggregate scores. Here's what you actually need to secure an SSB call.

Crack the NDA Cut-offs with the Best Defence Academy in Dehradun

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is highly competitive, and thousands of aspirants wonder exactly what score is needed to secure an SSB call letter. Understanding the NDA written exam cut-off is crucial for your preparation strategy. At Atharva Defence Academy, recognized as the best defence academy in Dehradun located in Garhi Cantt, we ensure our cadets aim significantly above the bare minimum.

How NDA Cut-offs Are Calculated

The UPSC NDA cut-off is determined based on several factors: the difficulty level of the question paper, the total number of vacancies, and the aggregate performance of the candidates. Importantly, the cut-off is divided into two parts:

  • Sectional Cut-off: Candidates must secure a minimum percentage (usually around 25%) individually in Paper I (Mathematics) and Paper II (General Ability Test).
  • Aggregate Cut-off: Out of the total 900 marks, you must cross the overall cut-off declared by UPSC.

NDA Cut-off Marks: Last 5 Years at a Glance

Analyzing past trends helps us set realistic targets. Here is a brief look at the recent cut-offs out of 900 for the written exam:

  • NDA (I) 2024: Expected around 340-350
  • NDA (II) 2023: 341
  • NDA (I) 2023: 342
  • NDA (II) 2022: 316
  • NDA (I) 2022: 360

What Score Should You Actually Target?

If you aim merely for the cut-off, you risk falling short due to negative marking. As the best NDA coaching in Dehradun, we advise our cadets to target a minimum of 400+ marks. The Army wing cut-offs tend to be slightly more forgiving, but Air Force and Navy selections demand higher aggregates. Aiming for 130+ in Maths and 270+ in GAT gives you a massive safety net.

Common Mistakes That Cost Students the Cut-off

Every year, capable students miss out because of poor exam strategy:

  • Ignoring Sectional Cut-offs: Scoring 300 in GAT but failing to get 25% in Maths disqualifies you.
  • Blind Guessing: The 1/3rd negative marking heavily penalizes guesswork.
  • Poor Time Management: GAT requires speedy reading, especially in the English comprehension sections.

How Atharva's NDA Programme Prepares You

Situated in the heart of Garhi Cantt, Atharva Defence Academy provides a rigorous, exam-centric environment. Our ex-Army faculty conducts weekly mock tests replicating UPSC standards, ensuring cadets are well-versed in pacing and accuracy. With daily doubt-clearing and strategic timeline planning, our students consistently score in the 450+ range.

Final Verdict

Don't just aim to pass; aim to rank. If you're looking for the best NDA academy near me, step into Atharva Defence Academy in Garhi Cantt, Dehradun. Let’s turn your defence dream into a reality.

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