The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the cut-off marks for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2024. This long-awaited update gives candidates a clear idea of the minimum marks required to qualify for the next stages of selection in the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. The official cut-off marks have been published in PDF format on the UPSC’s official website, offering transparency and clarity for thousands of aspirants who appeared for this competitive exam.
I am writing about this because the NDA exam is not just another government test — it’s a gateway to India’s most respected defence institutions. Every year, lakhs of young candidates from across the country aspire to join the NDA or Naval Academy, making the cut-off list one of the most discussed updates after the result announcement. Knowing the official cut-off helps students evaluate their performance, set realistic goals for the next attempt, and plan their future strategy. It also reflects the overall competition level and exam trends, which are valuable insights for every NDA aspirant.
What is the NDA and NA Examination?
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2024 is conducted by UPSC to recruit eligible candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA and for the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). The exam is held twice a year — NDA (I) and NDA (II).
The recruitment process includes two stages:
- Written Examination – A pen-and-paper test with Mathematics and General Ability sections.
- SSB Interview – Conducted by the Services Selection Board, testing leadership, communication, and personality traits.
How to Download the NDA (I) 2024 Cut-Off PDF
Aspirants can easily download the official PDF from the UPSC website. Here’s how you can access it:
- Visit the official UPSC website – www.upsc.gov.in
- Click on the “Examinations” section from the main menu
- Choose “Cut-off Marks” from the list
- Look for “National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2024”
- Click on the link to download the official cut-off PDF
- Save the file for reference or comparison with previous years’ trends
