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NDA 2 2026 Cutoff: Expected Cutoff, Safe Score & SSB Call

NDA 2 2026 Cutoff: Quick Answer

Based on previous year cutoffs and the expected level of the examination, the NDA 2 2026 written cutoff may be around 300–380 marks out of 900.

For a better safety margin, candidates should target 350+ marks.

The NDA 2 2026 examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026. The official cutoff will be released by UPSC after the examination and selection process.

Important: The cutoff mentioned in this article is an expected cutoff. It is not the official UPSC cutoff.

What Will Be the NDA 2 2026 Cutoff?

After the NDA 2 2026 examination, the first question for most students will be:

“How many marks are required to clear NDA?”

The exact answer cannot be given until UPSC releases the official cutoff.

However, we can make a reasonable estimate by looking at:

• Previous NDA cutoffs
• Difficulty of the paper
• Number of candidates
• Number of vacancies
• Overall performance of candidates
• Maths and GAT scores

The NDA cutoff changes every year. Therefore, candidates should not depend on one fixed number.

NDA 2 2026 Expected Cutoff

Based on recent trends, the expected written cutoff may be around:

300–380 Marks out of 900

Here is a simple score guide:

Marks	Expected Position
Below 280	Difficult
280–300	Borderline
300–320	Possible
320–350	Good
350–380	Strong
380+	Very Strong

These numbers are only an estimate.

Some experts may predict a lower cutoff, while others may expect a higher cutoff. The final cutoff will depend on the actual difficulty level and overall performance of candidates.

What Is a Safe Score for NDA 2 2026?

Many NDA aspirants ask:

“What score should I target?”

Our advice is simple:

Target 350+ marks.

If possible, try to score:

380+ marks

You should never prepare only to cross the expected cutoff.

For example, if the actual cutoff is 320 and you score 350, you have a better margin.

So remember:

Expected cutoff = minimum target

Safe score = score comfortably above the expected cutoff

NDA 2 2026 Exam Pattern

The NDA written examination has two papers:

Paper	Maximum Marks	Time
Mathematics	300	2.5 Hours
GAT	600	2.5 Hours
Total	900	5 Hours

The SSB stage carries another 900 marks.

This means that the complete NDA selection process is not based only on your written marks.

You also need to perform well in SSB and meet the required medical standards.

Watch NDA 2 2026 Cutoff Analysis

For a detailed explanation of the NDA 2 2026 cutoff, safe score, previous year trends and SSB chances, watch the video:

NDA 2 2026 Cutoff Analysis | Expected Cutoff and Safe Score

NDA 2 2026 Maths and GAT Qualifying Marks

NDA candidates also need to meet the minimum qualifying marks in both papers.

The recent qualifying standard has been 25% in each paper, as prescribed in the relevant examination scheme.

This means:

Mathematics

300 × 25% = 75 marks

GAT

600 × 25% = 150 marks

But there is an important point:

225 marks is NOT the NDA cutoff.

The 225 marks are only the minimum qualifying marks based on the 25% paper-wise requirement.

The actual written cutoff can be much higher.

For example:

• Mathematics: 100
• GAT: 140
• Total: 240

The total score is 240, but the candidate has not reached 25% in GAT.

Therefore, you need to focus on both Mathematics and GAT.

NDA Previous Year Cutoff

Previous year cutoffs can help us understand the NDA cutoff trend.

Examination	Written Cutoff
NDA I 2022	360
NDA II 2022	316
NDA I 2023	301
NDA II 2023	292
NDA I 2024	291
NDA II 2024	305
NDA I 2025	334
NDA II 2025	304.9*

*The published NDA II 2025 figures include separate details for different candidate groups. The figure shown here is the reported male written cutoff.

UPSC publishes official cutoff information through its examination cutoff records.

Read Also: NDA Foundation Course 2027: Maths, English, GAT and SSB Preparation Explained

What does this tell us?

The NDA cutoff can change a lot from one examination to another.

This is why candidates should not assume:

“Last year’s cutoff was 305, so this year’s cutoff will also be 305.”

It may be higher or lower.

Why Can the NDA 2 2026 Cutoff Increase?

The cutoff may increase if the overall performance of candidates is high.

Some important reasons are:

1. The paper is easy

If Mathematics and GAT are easy, more students may score high marks.

2. Candidates attempt more questions

A higher number of correct attempts can increase the average score.

3. GAT is easy

GAT carries 600 marks, so an easy GAT paper can have a big effect on the total score.

4. Competition is high

If many candidates perform well, the cutoff can move upward.

Why Can the NDA 2 2026 Cutoff Decrease?

The cutoff can also decrease if the paper is difficult.

For example:

• Mathematics may be difficult
• GAT may be lengthy
• Questions may take more time
• Candidates may make more mistakes
• Average marks may be lower

In such a situation, the cutoff may remain closer to the lower end of the expected range.

Therefore, nobody can honestly say the exact NDA 2 2026 cutoff before UPSC releases it.

NDA 2 2026 Cutoff and SSB Call

Clearing the written cutoff is only the first step.

The NDA selection process is:

Written Exam → SSB → Medical → Final Merit

Candidates who qualify the written stage move towards the SSB stage as per the applicable UPSC process.

At SSB Guide Defence Academy, candidates are assessed on different qualities such as:

• Confidence
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Decision-making
• Responsibility
• Intelligence
• Social behaviour

This is why you should not wait for the written result before starting SSB preparation.

If You Score 300, 320, 350 or 380 Marks

If You Score Around 300

You may be in the borderline zone.

Do not lose hope.

Wait for the official cutoff.

If You Score Around 320

You have a chance, depending on the actual cutoff.

Start SSB preparation immediately.

If You Score Around 350

This is a good score based on current expected cutoff estimates.

You should seriously start preparing for SSB.

If You Score 380+

You have a stronger margin against many current estimates.

Your main focus should now be SSB preparation.

NDA 2 2026 Written Cutoff vs Final Cutoff

Many students confuse the written cutoff with the final cutoff.

They are different.

Written Cutoff

The written examination is conducted for 900 marks.

You need to clear the written cutoff to move to the next stage.

Final Selection

The written examination and SSB marks are considered under the applicable selection process.

The maximum marks for Written + SSB are:

1800 marks

Recent final cutoffs have also changed from year to year. This shows why candidates should not treat one year’s final cutoff as a fixed number for the next examination.

What Should You Do After NDA 2 2026?

After the exam, do not spend all your time searching for cutoff predictions.

Instead, follow these steps:

Step 1: Calculate Your Expected Marks

Use a reliable answer key and calculate your approximate score.

Step 2: Compare With Previous Cutoffs

This will give you a rough idea of your chances.

Step 3: Start SSB Preparation

If your score is near or above the expected cutoff, start preparing immediately.

Step 4: Improve Communication

Read newspapers and stay updated about important national and international issues.

Step 5: Work on Fitness

Regular running, exercise and sports can help you prepare for SSB and military life.

5 Things You Must Remember About NDA 2 2026 Cutoff

• The official cutoff is not released yet.
• The expected written cutoff may be around 300–380 marks.
• 350+ is a good target.
• 380+ gives you a stronger margin.
• If your marks are close to the expected cutoff, start SSB preparation now.

NDA 2 2026 Cutoff: Our Expected Range

Based on previous year trends and current estimates, the practical expected range is:

• Expected Written Cutoff: 300–380 Marks
• Good Target: 350+ Marks
• Strong Target: 380+ Marks

These are not official UPSC figures.

The actual cutoff will depend on the difficulty of the NDA 2 2026 paper and the performance of candidates.

Only UPSC can confirm the official cutoff.

Should You Join an NDA 2 Crash Course 2026?

An NDA 2 Crash Course 2026 may be particularly useful for students who:

• Have already completed most of the syllabus
• Need structured revision
• Want regular mock-test practice
• Struggle with time management
• Need guidance on high-weightage topics
• Want systematic last-minute preparation
• Need expert analysis of previous-year questions

If your fundamentals are weak, however, you should not

Final Advice for NDA 2 2026 Aspirants

Do not prepare only to cross the cutoff.

Prepare to score as high as possible.

If you score around 300–320, wait for the official cutoff but do not stop preparing for SSB.

If you score around 350, you are in a better position based on current estimates.

If you score 380+, stop worrying about unofficial cutoff predictions and focus on SSB.

Remember:

Written Exam Gets You to the Next Stage.

SSB Takes You Closer to Becoming an Officer.

So, if you believe your marks are good enough, start your SSB preparation today.