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), 2022. Aspirants who appeared for the exam or are preparing for future NDA attempts can now check and download the official cut-off PDF directly from the UPSC website. The cut-off marks reveal the minimum qualifying scores required for selection to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy.
I am writing about this topic because the NDA exam continues to be one of the most prestigious entry routes to India’s armed forces. Every year, lakhs of young candidates appear for this examination after Class 12, driven by the dream of joining the defence services and serving the nation. Understanding the official cut-off marks helps aspirants evaluate their preparation level and set practical goals for upcoming exams. The NDA & NA (I) 2022 cut-off list released by UPSC gives clear insights into the competition level, paper difficulty, and what kind of performance is considered safe for selection. Analysing these numbers can help future aspirants approach the next exam with better strategy and focus.
About the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for officer training in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Successful candidates join the National Defence Academy in Pune or the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala after completing the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
The NDA & NA (I) 2022 written examination was held in April 2022, consisting of two papers — Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks), totalling 900 marks. After clearing the written test, candidates appear for the SSB Interview, which carries another 900 marks, making the overall selection process highly competitive and comprehensive.
Key Details of the Examination
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2022 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Mode of Examination | Written Test + SSB Interview |
| Total Marks | 1800 (900 for Written, 900 for SSB) |
| Academies Covered | Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA, and Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Why Knowing the Cut-off is Important
For defence aspirants, analysing the cut-off marks is not just about numbers — it’s about understanding the competition level, exam pattern, and expected score range. Knowing the previous year’s cut-offs helps candidates:
- Plan their study targets more effectively
- Focus on high-weightage topics in Maths and GAT
- Practise time-bound mock tests to match real exam pressure
- Set realistic expectations for written and SSB stages
It also highlights how consistent and balanced preparation can make a difference, as both academic performance and personal interview skills are crucial in NDA selection.
How to Download the Official Cut-off PDF
Candidates can easily download the UPSC NDA & NA (I), 2022 Cut-off Marks PDF by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website – https://www.upsc.gov.in
- Click on the “Examinations” tab on the homepage
- Select “Cut-off Marks” from the drop-down menu
- Find “National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2022”
- Click the link to open and download the official PDF file
It’s recommended to save the file for future reference, especially for comparing trends in upcoming exams.
