The NDA 2 2026 Expected Cut Off is one of the most searched topics among candidates after the UPSC NDA examination. The cutoff helps aspirants understand the approximate marks required to qualify for the next stage of the selection process. Since the actual cutoff is released by UPSC after evaluating the examination and selection process, candidates should treat current estimates as indicative rather than final.
The NDA 2 2026 examination was conducted by the Union Public Service Commission on 13 September 2026. UPSC has also published the Mathematics and General Ability Test question papers and provisional answer keys on its official examination page.
Therefore, candidates can now analyse their expected scores, compare them with previous years’ cutoffs, and understand where their performance stands.
NDA 2 2026 Exam Pattern and Marks
The written NDA examination consists of two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Mathematics carries 300 marks, while GAT carries 600 marks. Both papers have a duration of 2½ hours.
| Subject | Total Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2½ Hours |
| General Ability Test | 150 | 600 | 2½ Hours |
| Total | 270 | 900 | 5 Hours |
The written examination is only one part of the overall selection process. Candidates who qualify the written stage are called for the SSB process, and the final merit is based on the combined performance as prescribed by UPSC.
NDA 2 2026 Difficulty Level and Good Attempts
The difficulty level of an examination directly affects the expected cutoff. Based on the available paper analysis, both Mathematics and GAT were broadly assessed in the easy-to-moderate range. However, individual performance can vary depending on accuracy, question selection, and time management.
| Paper | Level of Difficulty | Approx. Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Easy to Moderate | 90–100 |
| GAT | Easy to Moderate | 110–130 |
These good-attempt figures should not be treated as qualifying marks. Instead, they provide a broad indication of how many questions candidates may have attempted with reasonable accuracy.
Because NDA has negative marking, attempting more questions does not automatically mean a higher score. Consequently, accuracy should remain a priority while calculating the expected score.
NDA 2 2026 Mathematics Section Analysis
Mathematics is an important component of the NDA written examination because it contributes 300 marks to the total score. The paper covered questions from several areas of the NDA Mathematics syllabus.
| Topic | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|
| Relations and Functions | 5 |
| Conic Sections | 3 |
| Sequence and Series | 3 |
| Indefinite & Definite Integration | 5 |
| Straight Lines | 8 |
| Binomial Theorem | 2 |
| Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations | 9 |
| Application of Derivative | 4 |
| Application of Integration | 2 |
| Matrices and Determinants | 11 |
| Trigonometric Functions | 7 |
| Inverse Trigonometric Functions | 2 |
| Limits and Derivatives | 4 |
| Continuity & Differentiability | 3 |
| Differential Equations | 4 |
| 2-D | 11 |
| 3-D | 9 |
| Statistics | 5 |
| Probability | 15 |
| Permutation & Combination | 1 |
| Properties of Triangles | 4 |
| Logarithm | 1–2 |
| Sets | 1–2 |
| Vector Algebra | 6–7 |
| Miscellaneous/Number Theory | 0–2 |
The distribution indicates that candidates needed a balanced preparation strategy rather than relying on only a few chapters. In particular, areas such as Probability, Matrices and Determinants, coordinate geometry, and algebra contributed a substantial number of questions.
NDA 2 2026 Expected Cut Off Marks
The following figures represent expected written cutoff estimates, based on the reported paper difficulty and recent cutoff trends. They are not official UPSC cutoff marks.
| Branch/Wing | Expected Written Cutoff |
|---|---|
| Army | 310–325 |
| Navy | 340–355 |
| Air Force | 345–360 |
| Naval Academy | 340–355 |
Candidates should interpret these ranges carefully. UPSC’s official cutoff is not ordinarily released as an Army-versus-Navy-versus-Air-Force written cutoff in the manner shown above. Therefore, these figures should be used only for score analysis and preparation planning.
The final official cutoff can differ because it depends on the prescribed selection criteria, vacancies, candidate performance, and other factors considered by UPSC.
What Can Affect the NDA 2 2026 Cut Off?
The NDA cutoff can change considerably from one examination cycle to another. Therefore, comparing only one previous year may give an incomplete picture.
The major factors include:
- Difficulty level of Mathematics and GAT
- Number of candidates appearing for the examination
- Overall performance of candidates
- Number of available vacancies
- Minimum qualifying marks prescribed for each subject
- Performance at the SSB stage
- Marks obtained by candidates competing for final selection
For example, a comparatively difficult paper can result in a lower written cutoff, while an easier paper may push the cutoff higher. Similarly, the final cutoff is affected by performance in both the written examination and SSB.
NDA 2 2025 Official Cut Off Marks
The NDA 2 2025 Previous Years’ Cut Off is particularly useful for analysing the 2026 examination. UPSC has an official Cut-off Marks section where the NDA and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2025 cutoff document is listed.
For NDA 2 2025, the written cutoff was different for male and female candidates.
| Candidate Category | Written Cutoff (Out of 900) |
|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 304.90 |
| Female Candidates | 358.84 |
Both figures were subject to the applicable minimum qualifying requirement in each subject. The 2025 cutoff therefore shows why candidates should not compare their total score alone without considering the subject-wise qualifying requirement.
NDA 2 2025 Final Cut Off Marks
The final cutoff is calculated on the combined marks of the written examination and SSB, making the total 1800 marks.
| Candidate Category | Final Cutoff (Out of 1800) |
|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 666.01 |
| Female Candidates | 737.40 |
The 2025 figures are useful as a historical benchmark, but they should not be treated as the expected 2026 final cutoff. The final cutoff for NDA 2 2026 will depend on the complete selection cycle.
NDA Previous Years’ Cut Off for Written Exam
Looking at multiple examination cycles provides a broader understanding of cutoff fluctuations.
| Year | NDA 1 Cut Off | NDA 2 Cut Off |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 291 | 305 |
| 2023 | 301 | 292 |
| 2022 | 360 | 316 |
| 2021 | 343 | 355 |
| 2020 | 355 | 355 |
| 2019 | 342 | 346 |
| 2018 | 338 | 325 |
| 2017 | 342 | 258 |
| 2016 | 288 | 229 |
Recent data shows that the written cutoff has not remained constant. For instance, NDA 2 cutoff moved from 292 in 2023 to 305 in 2024, before the 2025 cycle introduced separate male and female written cutoffs of 304.90 and 358.84 respectively.
Consequently, candidates should focus on building a score buffer rather than preparing only to cross the previous cutoff.
NDA Previous Years’ Final Selection Cut Off
The final cutoff gives another perspective because it combines written examination and SSB performance.
| Year | NDA 1 Final Cut Off | NDA 2 Final Cut Off |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 654 | 673 |
| 2023 | 664 | 656 |
| 2022 | 720 | 678 |
| 2021 | 709 | 726 |
| 2020 | 723 | 719 |
| 2019 | 704 | 709 |
| 2018 | 705 | 688 |
| 2017 | 708 | 624 |
| 2016 | 656 | 602 |
These figures demonstrate that final selection cutoffs can vary substantially between examination cycles. Therefore, a candidate’s preparation should not stop after clearing the written cutoff.
How Should Candidates Analyse Their NDA Score?
Candidates should first calculate their probable score using the official answer key and the applicable marking scheme. Next, they should compare the score with recent written cutoffs rather than relying on a single year’s figure.
At the same time, candidates should check their performance separately in Mathematics and GAT. A high overall score cannot compensate for failing the applicable subject-wise minimum requirement.
Furthermore, candidates who are close to the expected written cutoff should continue preparing for the SSB stage instead of waiting for the official result. This approach keeps preparation continuous and avoids losing valuable time.
Prepare Strategically After NDA 2 2026
Clearing the written examination is an important milestone, but the NDA selection journey extends beyond the written test. Candidates need discipline, communication skills, confidence, awareness, and consistent preparation for the SSB process.
A structured preparation environment can make it easier to identify weak areas, practise mock tests, revise concepts, and maintain a regular study schedule.
For aspirants looking for structured NDA Coaching in Chandigarh, Chanakya’s Coaching Centre provides NDA-focused preparation with classroom learning, practice sessions, study resources, mock tests, doubt support, and guidance related to SSB preparation.
The right preparation strategy should combine conceptual clarity with regular testing. Moreover, analysing previous cutoff trends can help candidates set realistic score targets without becoming dependent on predicted figures.
Frequently Asked Questions About NDA 2 Cut Off
1. What is the NDA 2 2026 expected cutoff?
The current expected written cutoff estimates are around 310–325 for Army, 340–355 for Navy and Naval Academy, and 345–360 for Air Force. These are estimates based on paper analysis and are not official UPSC cutoff marks.
2. What was the NDA 2 2025 written cutoff?
For NDA 2 2025, the official written cutoff was 304.90 marks for male candidates and 358.84 marks for female candidates out of 900.
3. What was the NDA 2 2025 final cutoff?
The final cutoff was 666.01 marks for male candidates and 737.40 marks for female candidates out of 1800. The final stage includes marks from the written examination and SSB.
4. Does the NDA cutoff remain the same every year?
No. The cutoff can change from one examination cycle to another depending on factors such as paper difficulty, candidate performance, vacancies, and the applicable selection criteria.
5. Should I prepare for SSB after scoring near the expected cutoff?
Yes. Expected cutoffs are only estimates and can differ from the official result. Therefore, candidates who believe they have a reasonable chance of qualifying should continue their SSB preparation rather than waiting for the official cutoff.
Start Your NDA Preparation with a Structured Strategy
The NDA examination demands consistent preparation, regular revision, effective time management, and disciplined practice. Instead of depending entirely on predicted cutoff marks, candidates should work towards improving their accuracy and building a comfortable score margin.
If you are preparing for the next NDA examination and want expert guidance, structured classes, mock tests, study resources, and SSB-oriented support, Chanakya’s Coaching Centre can help you follow a systematic preparation plan.
Explore the NDA Coaching in Chandigarh program and take the next step towards your NDA preparation with focused guidance and consistent practice.