The Union Public Service Commission published the NDA (1) 2026 official cut off for the first cycle of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination 2026. Candidates who appeared for the examination can now check the minimum qualifying marks for the written examination and the final selection stage.
The list of NDA (1) 2026 comprises the number of vacancies, recommended candidates, the minimum qualifying standard in written exam (cut-off marks), and the marks of the last SSB recommended candidate.
Vacancies in NDA 1 2026
Before we elaborate on the NDA 1 2026 official cut off, we must also look at the final number of vacancies for each of the tri-services, namely, Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Here is a wing-wise distribution of the vacancies for the said course beginning at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla and the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala:
NDA 1 2026 Official Cut Off Marks
As per the NDA 1 2026 official cut off list, a total of 617 candidates were recommended by the Services Selection Board, which includes 551 males and 66 females.
Here is a list of the minimum qualifying marks that a candidate had to score in the written examination as well as the SSB interview to be recommended:
| Selection Stage | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Written Examination (Out of 900) | 207.83 | 287.01 |
| Final Selection (Out of 1800) | 577.00 | 649.18 |
Let us now decode the NDA 1 2026 cut off marks beyond these numbers.
Decoding The NDA 1 2026 Cut Off
The NDA written examination consists of two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Mathematics carries 300 marks, while GAT carries 600 marks, making the total written examination worth 900 marks.
For NDA 1 2026, the minimum qualifying standard for male candidates was 207.83 marks, whereas female candidates had to secure 287.01 marks.
However, meeting the overall cut-off alone was not sufficient. Candidates also needed to obtain at least 20% marks in both papers. This means candidates had to secure:
- Mathematics: 60 out of 300 marks.
- General Ability Test: 120 out of 600 marks.
Candidates who failed to meet the subject-wise qualifying requirement would not qualify, even if their overall score exceeded the prescribed written cut-off.
What Do The Cut Off Marks Indicate?
The NDA 1 2026 official cut off provides an important indication for all aspirants. Candidates should remember that cut-off marks can change between examination cycles depending on several factors, including the difficulty level of the question paper and the overall performance of candidates.
A low written cut-off should not be considered a recommended preparation target. Aspirants should aim to score comfortably above the qualifying standard rather than depend on minimum marks.
Additionally, written examination preparation and SSB preparation should go hand in hand. Candidates must work on their communication skills, decision-making abilities, general awareness and overall personality alongside their academic preparation.
How To Check NDA 1 2026 Official Cut Off Marks?
Candidates can follow the given steps to access the NDA 1 2026 official cut-off PDF document:
Download NDA 1 2026 Official Cut Off PDF
Final Thoughts
The NDA 1 2026 official cut off marks are now available. The written qualifying standard stands at 207.83 for male candidates and 287.01 for female candidates, while the final cut-offs are 577.00 and 649.18, respectively.
Aspirants preparing for upcoming NDA examinations should study these figures carefully and use them as a reference while planning their preparation.
Clearing the written examination is an important milestone, but consistent preparation for both the written examination and SSB interview is essential for achieving the ultimate goal of joining the Indian Armed Forces.
