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The NDA 2 2026 Examination, conducted by the UPSC, is scheduled for 13 September 2026. After the exam, one of the most common questions among aspirants is, “What will be the NDA 2 2026 expected cut-off?”
Although UPSC releases the official cut-off only after the entire recruitment process is completed, experts analyze the paper’s difficulty level, previous year trends, vacancies, and candidate performance to estimate the expected cut-off.
In this article, we’ll discuss the expected written cut-off, safe score, previous year cut-offs, factors affecting the cut-off, and preparation tips.
NDA 2 2026 Expected Cut-Off (Written Exam)
Based on previous UPSC trends and the expected difficulty level of the exam, the estimated cut-off is:
| Stage | Expected Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| Written Examination (Out of 900) | 350–400 Marks |
| Safe Score | 350+ Marks |
| Final Merit (Written + SSB out of 1800) | 700–750 Marks |
Note: These are expected figures based on historical trends and expert analysis. The official UPSC cut-off may vary depending on vacancies and the overall performance of candidates.
NDA 2 2026 Minimum Qualifying Marks
Candidates must not only achieve the overall cut-off but also score the minimum qualifying marks in each paper.
- Mathematics: Minimum 25%
- General Ability Test (GAT): Minimum 25%
Failing to secure the sectional qualifying marks may result in disqualification even if the overall score is above the cut-off.
NDA 2 2026 Written Exam Pattern
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 |
| Total | 900 |
Candidates who clear the written examination are shortlisted for the SSB Interview.
Factors Affecting NDA 2 2026 Cut-Off
The cut-off is influenced by several factors, including:
- Difficulty level of the Mathematics paper
- Difficulty level of the GAT paper
- Number of candidates appearing
- Total vacancies announced
- Overall performance of candidates
- Previous year cut-off trends
Previous Year’s NDA Written Cut-Off
| Exam | Written Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| NDA 2 2025 | 328 |
| NDA 1 2025 | 312 |
| NDA 2 2024 | 295 |
| NDA 1 2024 | 305 |
| NDA 2 2023 | 285 |
These figures show that the cut-off changes each year depending on the exam’s difficulty level and competition.
What is a Safe Score in NDA 2 2026?
If your goal is to comfortably qualify for the SSB Interview, aim for:
- 350+ Marks: Strong chances of qualifying
- 330+ Marks: Excellent position for the written stage
- 310+ Marks: Highly competitive score
Remember that your SSB Interview performance plays a crucial role in the final merit list.
How to Calculate Your Expected Score
After the exam, use the NDA answer key and the official marking scheme.
Mathematics
- Correct Answer: +2.5 Marks
- Wrong Answer: −0.83 Marks
General Ability Test (GAT)
- Correct Answer: +4 Marks
- Wrong Answer: −1.33 Marks
Formula:
Expected Score = (Correct Answers × Marks) − (Wrong Answers × Negative Marks)
What Happens After Clearing the Cut-Off?
Candidates who qualify the written examination proceed through the following stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
- Training at the National Defence Academy and respective service academies
Why Choose Trishul Defence Academy?
Trishul Defence Academy has guided thousands of defence aspirants preparing for:
- NDA Written Coaching
- NDA Foundation (After 10th)
- CDS Coaching
- AFCAT Coaching
- SSB Interview Coaching
- MNS Coaching
- Air Force Coaching
Why Students Prefer Trishul Defence Academy
- Experienced defence faculty
- Updated study material
- Daily practice tests
- Previous year paper analysis
- Performance tracking
- Online & Offline classes
- Dedicated SSB guidance
Whether you’re targeting your first NDA attempt or looking to improve your score, Trishul Defence Academy provides structured preparation to help you achieve your goal of becoming an officer.
FAQs
1. What is the expected cut-off for NDA 2 2026?
The expected written cut-off is around 320–350 marks out of 900, depending on the exam difficulty and number of vacancies.
2. What is a safe score for NDA 2 2026?
A score of 350+ marks is generally considered a safe target for the written examination.
3. Is there sectional qualifying criteria in NDA?
Yes. Candidates must secure at least 25% marks in both Mathematics and GAT.
4. When will the official NDA 2 2026 cut-off be released?
UPSC releases the official cut-off only after the recruitment process is completed.
5. Does the SSB Interview affect the final selection?
Yes. Final selection is based on the combined marks of the written examination and the SSB Interview.
6. What are the total marks of the NDA written exam?
The written examination carries 900 marks.
7. How many papers are there in NDA?
There are two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks).
8. Can I qualify with 350 marks?
It depends on the actual cut-off. A score around 320 may be close, but 350+ marks generally offers a stronger chance.
9. Does UPSC release an official answer key?
Yes. UPSC publishes the official answer key after the recruitment process concludes.
10. Where can I get NDA 2 2026 exam analysis and answer key?
You can follow Trishul Defence Academy for detailed exam analysis, unofficial answer keys, expected cut-off updates, and expert guidance immediately after the examination.
Conclusion
The NDA 2 2026 Expected Cut-Off Marks provide a useful benchmark for evaluating your performance after the written examination. While the official cut-off will be announced later by UPSC, candidates scoring around 320–350 marks may have a reasonable chance of qualifying, while aiming for 350+ marks offers a stronger margin of safety. Start preparing for the SSB Interview as soon as you estimate a competitive score, and stay updated with Trishul Defence Academy for answer keys, exam analysis, results, and comprehensive defence exam preparation.
