Preparing for the National Defence Academy Exam (NDA) requires the right strategy, proper guidance, and disciplined preparation. Many defence aspirants look for expert coaching that can guide them throughout the journey of clearing the written exam and the SSB interview.
Samaritan Defence Arena, Lucknow is one of the leading institutes providing complete preparation for NDA written examination and SSB interview guidance. The institute focuses on concept clarity, regular practice, and exam-oriented training to help students achieve their dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. With experienced faculty members, structured study material, and regular mock tests, Samaritan Defence Arena has helped many aspirants prepare effectively for the NDA exam.
The National Defence Academy Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for the National Defence Academy, where future officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force are trained.
After appearing for the exam, many aspirants search for the NDA 1 2026 expected cut off to estimate their chances of qualifying for the next stage of selection, which is the SSB Interview.
In this article, we will discuss the NDA 1 2026 expected cut off, previous year cut off trends, and factors that may affect the cut off marks.
NDA 1 2026 Expected Cut Off (Written Exam)
Based on previous year trends and exam difficulty level, the NDA 1 2026 expected cut off is likely to be around:
| Category | Expected Marks |
| Written Exam Cut Off | 340 – 360 Marks |
| Final Cut Off (After SSB) | 700 – 720 Marks |
The NDA written exam consists of:
- Mathematics – 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 marks
The total marks for the written exam are 900.
Candidates must also secure minimum qualifying marks in both papers to clear the written examination.
Previous Year NDA Cut Off Trends
Analyzing previous year cut offs helps students understand the trend of the exam.
| Exam | Written Cut Off | Final Cut Off |
| NDA 2 2024 | 340 | 709 |
| NDA 1 2024 | 291 | 654 |
| NDA 2 2023 | 292 | 656 |
| NDA 1 2023 | 301 | 664 |
From the trend, it can be observed that the NDA written cut off generally ranges between 290 and 340 marks depending on the difficulty level of the exam.
Factors Affecting NDA 1 2026 Expected Cut Off
Several factors influence the NDA expected cut off each year.
Difficulty Level of the Exam
If the exam paper is difficult, the cut off tends to decrease. If the paper is easier, the cut off may increase.
Number of Candidates Appearing
A higher number of candidates appearing for the exam increases competition and may affect the cut off.
Number of Vacancies
The total vacancies announced for the National Defence Academy also impact the cut off marks.
Overall Performance of Candidates
If many candidates perform well, the cut off may rise slightly.
How to Score Above the NDA Cut Off
To safely clear the NDA 1 2026 expected cut off, candidates should aim to score 380–400 marks in the written exam.
Preparation tips:
- Focus on high-weightage Mathematics topics
- Improve English grammar and vocabulary
- Revise Physics, Chemistry, History, and Geography basics
- Practice previous year question papers
- Attempt regular mock tests
Students who follow a disciplined preparation strategy have a better chance of clearing the NDA exam.
Why Choose Samaritan Defence Arena for NDA Preparation
Many aspirants choose Samaritan Defence Arena because of its structured training programs and experienced faculty.
Key features include:
- Expert faculty for NDA preparation
- Regular NDA pattern mock tests
- Detailed performance analysis
- Updated study material
- Guidance for both written exam and SSB interview
- Doubt clearing sessions and personal mentoring
The institute focuses on building strong concepts, discipline, and confidence, which are essential qualities for success in the National Defence Academy Exam.
Conclusion
The NDA 1 2026 expected cut off is likely to be around 340–360 marks for the written exam, although the final cut off will depend on exam difficulty and overall candidate performance.
Candidates should aim for a safe score above 380 marks to increase their chances of qualifying for the SSB interview.
With proper preparation, regular practice, and expert guidance from institutes like Samaritan Defence Arena, aspirants can successfully clear the National Defence Academy Exam and move one step closer to joining the Indian Armed Forces.
FAQs – NDA 1 2026 Expected Cut Off
What is the expected cut off for NDA 1 2026?
The NDA 1 2026 expected cut off is likely to be around 340–360 marks for the written exam.
What is the safe score for NDA written exam?
Candidates should aim for 380–400 marks to stay on the safer side.
Does NDA have sectional cut off?
Yes, candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in both Mathematics and GAT papers.
When will the NDA 1 2026 result be declared?
The result of the National Defence Academy Exam is generally declared within 15–20 days after the exam by the Union Public Service Commission.
