What Are the Minimum Marks for NDA?

At Trishul Defence Academy, many aspirants are eager to know the minimum marks they need to achieve to continue to prepare for their NDA examinations. How does this work? What are the minimum marks for NDA?” Will the UPSC keep its criteria for admission extremely low for them to realise their dreams of serving in the Army/Navy/Air Force?

Let’s clear all doubts related to eligibility, written exam marks, cut-off, and academic requirements in a simple and structured way.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

UPSC sets a low bar for qualifying when they set the lower end of their possible NDA qualifications, so someone has a shot at being accepted into NDA after only passing Class 12 with any Canadian Institute that has been recognised by the Government of Canada.

• A successful NDA applicant can achieve 33% on their best subject each year.

• Pass your subjects. A candidate must pass each of their subjects as a condition of being eligible to sit for the NDA examination.

• Candidates who receive their “pass” status through either a Compartmental pass (they are deemed eligible) or through receiving Grace Marks (as identified through the policy established by the individual boards). 

So, a candidate’s minimum marks for NDA in 12 are very, very low because of the philosophy that UPSC has that true qualifications are determined during the entire process of selection and not just the very beginning when you apply.

What Is the Minimum Marks Required for NDA in 12th?

Minimum Marks in 12th for NDA – Explained Clearly.

Regardless of whether you come from a Science, Arts, or Commerce background (depending on the specific subject qualifications required for each wing of the NDA), the minimum marks required for NDA in 12th is 33% (minimum).

• Army Wing: All NDA class streams accepted

• Navy & Air Force: Physics and Mathematics are compulsory subjects to be taken in the 12th standard exam for eligibility to apply.

Yes! Your board exam percentage does not need to be high; simply meeting the minimum marks for NDA in 12 will qualify you academically to apply for the NDA.

Why Does UPSC Keep Minimum Marks for NDA So Low?

The NDA is conducted by UPSC in 3 very highly competitive exams (i.e.

• Written Test

• SSB Interview

• Medical Examination

Because the written test conducted for the NDA is one of the most difficult competitive exams in India, UPSC does not have a high academic percentage cut-off at the entrant level of the NDA. The NDA written test is a test of aptitude, ability, and officer-related attributes, and is based on an individual’s performance, not on their marks in school.

At Trishul Defence Academy, we always say:

“Your marks in the 12th grade only allow you to start the game; your performance determines who wins.”

Minimum Marks for NDA Written Exam

Minimum Marks for NDA Written Exam – Subject-wise Rule

To successfully pass the NDA written exam, you must:

Achieve an overall cleared minimum score from the UPSC; receive at least 25% in each of the exam’s two components – Mathematics and General Aptitude Test (GAT).

The NDA written test comprises:

• Mathematics (300 points)
• GAT (600 points)

Scoring below the minimum value for either component disqualifies you, regardless of your total score.

Therefore, the minimum marks for NDA written exam are not fixed, but it’s important for aspirants to know the following factors:

• Exam difficulty
• Candidate population
• Vacancy level

NDA Minimum Marks for Selection: Written + SSB

NDA Minimum Marks for Selection – The Real Picture

Many wonder, what is the minimum marks to qualify in nda​? The NDA minimum marks for selection consist of the combined score of the written exam and the SSB interview.

• Written Exam: 900 points
• SSB Interview: 900 points
• TOTAL: 1,800 POINTS

Final selection from the NDA is based on Merit List Rank and is not limited to passing registration and interview requirements. This is why consistent performance matters more than just crossing the minimum marks for NDA.

Trishul Defence Academy offers expert SSB Interview Coaching in India to make the candidates confident and equipped with leadership qualities.

Subjects Covered in NDA Written Exam

The NDA exam tests applicants across several high-weight subjects, such as:

• Mathematics

• English

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Biology

• History

• Geography

• Polity

• Economics

• Current Affairs

All subjects are imperative, making the minimum marks for NDA written exam attainable with adequate direction.

Does 10th or 12th Marks Matter Beyond Eligibility?

Minimum Marks for NDA in 12 – Do They Affect Selection?

Once you pass the written exam, Class 10th and 12th marks do not affect your final selection. They will only confirm your eligibility for the position; they will not increase your merit.

At Trishul Defence Academy, we concentrate upon:

• Clear concepts
• Preparation That Is Targeted Toward The Examination
• SSB-Specific Practice

These considerations will be what matter.

Final Thoughts

Minimum marks required for NDA in 12th should not act as a barrier; they should encourage you! The UPSC Allows for Fair Competition Among All Serious Candidates, Regardless of Records. Your Mindset and Preparation, in Addition to Honourable Counsel, Will Determine Your Success In Achieving Your Goals.

If you’re serious about passing the NDA, stop worrying about what percentage you earned and begin developing your mindset as an Officer.

Contact Trishul Defence Academy today to get personalised guidance from one of the best NDA coaching in India and boost your preparation.

FAQs

1. What are the minimum qualifying marks for NDA?

To be eligible to apply for NDA after completing your education in Class 12th, you must achieve 33% marks in your Class 12th Examination and also have achieved 25% or greater for each of the questions that make up the NDA Written Examination. Meeting the minimum qualifying marks for NDA is how you meet the unmet education requirement.

2. What is the cut-off mark of NDA?

The NDA cut-off score changes every year based on the overall test and the number of applicants for that year. The cut-off score for both the the minimum marks for NDA written exam and final merit for NDA minimum marks for selection is based upon your score on the written examination.

3. What is the minimum percentage required in 10th class for the NDA?

No, there is no specific score you must achieve in 10th grade. You just need to pass. The focus is mainly on the minimum marks for NDA in 12.

4. Is 10th percentage important for NDA?

When applying for the NDA, you are probably only going to need to provide proof of your date of birth, as well as the fact that you are going through the NDA program, so the NDA does not include your 10th-grade score in the final selection of any applicants.

5. Does 12th marks matter for NDA?

The only impact the Class 12 grade mark will have is that you meet the minimum mark required for NDA review (33%) and that all future selections will be based on your written exam and SSB performance.