Is 700 Marks Good in NDA? This is one of the most searched questions among defence aspirants preparing for the National Defence Academy entrance exam. If you are scoring around 700 marks or aiming for it, you are likely wondering about your rank, selection chances, SSB call probability, and final merit position.
In this complete SEO-friendly guide, we will explain:
- What is a good score in the NDA exam?
- Is 700 marks enough for top rank?
- Is 70 percent good for NDA?
- Is NDA harder than IIT?
- Is NDA 1 harder than NDA 2?
- Which is the lowest rank in NDA?
This article is written in simple language so that both beginners and serious aspirants can clearly understand how 700 marks impact NDA selection.
NDA Exam Overview: Structure and Marking Scheme
The NDA exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission into the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune.
The selection process has two main stages:
- Written Examination – 900 marks
- SSB Interview – 900 marks
Written Exam Pattern (900 Marks)
- Mathematics – 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 marks
- English – 200 marks
- General Knowledge – 400 marks
Final Merit Calculation
- Written: 900
- SSB: 900
- Total: 1800 marks
Final selection is based on combined performance in written and SSB.
What Is a Good Score in the NDA Exam?
A very common question among aspirants is: What is a good score in the NDA exam?
The answer depends on:
- Paper difficulty level
- Number of vacancies
- Competition level
- Cutoff trend
Average NDA Cutoff Trend
The written cutoff usually ranges between:
- 340 to 400 marks out of 900
That means even 400 marks can get you an SSB call. However, just clearing the cutoff does not guarantee final selection.
Score Categories
| Marks Range | Performance Level | Selection Chances |
| 350–400 | Just above cutoff | SSB call possible |
| 450–550 | Good | Strong SSB chances |
| 600–650 | Very Good | High merit position |
| 700+ | Excellent | Top-tier performance |
So, a good score in NDA is generally above 450, but 700 marks is considered outstanding.
Is 700 Marks Good in NDA? Complete Analysis
Now let’s answer the main question in detail.
1. Percentage Analysis
700 out of 900 equals approximately 77–78%.
In a competitive exam like NDA where lakhs of students apply, scoring nearly 78% is a remarkable achievement.
2. Comparison with Cutoff
If the cutoff is around 370 and you score 700:
- You score almost double the cutoff.
- You are likely among top-ranking candidates in written exam.
- Your SSB call is almost guaranteed.
3. Impact on Final Merit
Even though written marks are important, final selection depends on total score out of 1800.
Example:
- Written: 700
- SSB: 550
- Final Total: 1250
This is a very strong final merit score.
Final Answer
Yes, 700 marks in NDA is not just good — it is excellent and gives you a major advantage in the selection process.
Is 70 Percent Good for NDA?
Many aspirants also ask: Is 70 percent good for NDA?
Let’s calculate:
70% of 900 = 630 marks.
630 marks is:
- Far above the cutoff
- Competitive for merit
- Safe for SSB call
So yes, 70 percent is good for NDA, but 700 marks (around 78%) is even stronger and more competitive.
Is NDA Harder Than IIT?
Another popular comparison is: Is NDA harder than IIT?
Academic Comparison
The IIT entrance exam (JEE Advanced) involves deeper conceptual understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The numerical problems are generally more complex.
From a purely academic perspective, IIT exams are tougher.
Overall Selection Comparison
However, NDA includes SSB which tests personality, leadership, confidence, and decision-making. Many academically strong students fail in SSB.
So:
- Academically → IIT is tougher
- Overall selection process → NDA can be equally challenging
Both require different skills and preparation strategies.
Is NDA 1 Harder Than NDA 2?
Another question students search for is: Is NDA 1 harder than NDA 2?
There is no fixed rule.
- Some years NDA 1 is difficult.
- Other years NDA 2 is tougher.
The difficulty level depends on UPSC’s paper setting for that particular year. It changes annually.
The smart approach is to prepare equally well for both attempts instead of assuming one is easier.
Which Is the Lowest Rank in NDA?
Many candidates ask: Which is the lowest rank in NDA?
NDA itself is a training academy. After completing training and commissioning, candidates receive officer ranks.
Entry-Level Officer Rank
- Army → Lieutenant
- Air Force → Flying Officer
- Navy → Sub Lieutenant
In the Army, Lieutenant is the starting and lowest commissioned officer rank.
Your written marks (like 700) influence your merit ranking, which can affect your service preference allocation.
How 700 Marks Improve Your Service Preference Chances
Higher written marks improve your chances of getting:
- First preference (Army/Navy/Air Force)
- Air Force, which usually requires higher merit
- Better branch allocation
Candidates scoring 700 are often in a strong position for competitive branches.
Detailed FAQ Section (SEO Optimized)
Below are the most searched and important FAQs related to NDA scores.
- Is 700 marks enough to get selected in NDA?
Yes, 700 marks is more than enough to clear the written cutoff comfortably. However, final selection depends on SSB performance and medical fitness. If you perform well in SSB, 700 marks gives you a strong advantage in final merit.
- What is a safe score for NDA written exam?
A safe score is generally around 400–450 marks. This usually ensures an SSB call. However, for better merit position, aim for 600+ marks.
- What is a good score in the NDA exam for Air Force?
For Air Force, merit is usually higher. A score above 600 improves chances significantly. 700 marks gives you a strong competitive edge for Air Force preference.
- Is 70 percent good for NDA selection?
Yes, 70% (around 630 marks) is very good. It is well above cutoff and competitive for final merit if SSB performance is strong.
- Can I get top rank in NDA with 700 marks?
Yes, it is possible. If your SSB score is also high (500–600+), your combined total can place you among top merit candidates.
- Is NDA harder than IIT?
Academically, IIT exams are tougher. But NDA includes personality testing through SSB, which makes the overall selection process challenging in a different way.
- Is NDA 1 harder than NDA 2?
No fixed pattern exists. Difficulty varies each year depending on UPSC’s paper setting.
- Which is the lowest rank in NDA after selection?
After commissioning:
- Army → Lieutenant (starting rank)
- Air Force → Flying Officer
- Navy → Sub Lieutenant
Lieutenant is the lowest commissioned officer rank in the Army.
Final Conclusion
To conclude clearly:
- NDA Written Total = 900 marks
- Average Cutoff = 350–400
- 700 Marks = Around 78%
- Far above cutoff
- Excellent for merit ranking
So, Is 700 Marks Good in NDA?
Yes, it is an outstanding score that significantly increases your chances of final selection, better service allocation, and a higher merit ranking—provided you perform equally well in the SSB interview process. Achieving a high NDA score reflects strong academic preparation, consistency, and strategic planning.
If your goal is 700+ marks, staying disciplined with your preparation is essential. Regular mock tests, thorough syllabus coverage, and continuous self-assessment play a crucial role. Equally important is personality development, communication skills, and leadership qualities, which are vital for success in the SSB.
For aspirants looking to strengthen their preparation journey, our previous blog, Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing NDA Coaching in Chandigarh, offers valuable insights into selecting the right coaching institute in Chandigarh to enhance both written exam performance and SSB readiness.