NDA-2 2026 Paper Analysis and Expected Cutoff Marks

The NDA-2 2026 examination was successfully held on 13th September 2026. Students from all over the country got an opportunity to appear for this prestigious exam for the National Defence Academy. Since the exam has been conducted, it is now time for analysis of the pattern of the examination, the difficulty level of the examination, the good attempts, and the cut-off marks expected.

Analysis of the NDA-2 2026 Examination has been conducted by Centurion Defence Academy, the best defence academy in India.

NDA-2 2026 Exam Overview

The NDA exam consisted of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), conducted in two shifts on the same day.

Subject	Total Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
Mathematics	120	300	2½ Hours
General Ability Test	150	600	2½ Hours
Total	270	900	5 Hours

NDA-2 2026 Difficulty Level & Good Attempts

The overall level of NDA-2 2026 was easy to moderate. Candidates with good accuracy and time management could attempt a safe number of questions.

Paper	Level of Difficulty	Good Attempts (Approx.)
Mathematics	Easy to Moderate	90–100
General Ability Test (GAT)	Easy to Moderate	110–130

NDA Exam Analysis 2026 Mathematics Section

The Mathematics section of the NDA 2026 exam consisted of questions from many areas of mathematics. Here’s a preview of the topics covered and the number of questions per topic:

Topics	No. of Questions
Relations and Functions	5
Conic Sections (Parabola, Ellipse, Circle & Sphere)	3
Sequence and Series	3
Indefinite & Definite Integration	5
Straight Lines	8
Binomial Theorem	2
Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations	9
Application of Derivative	4
Application of Integration	2
Matrices and Determinants	11
Trigonometric Functions	7
Inverse Trigonometric Functions	2
Limits and Derivatives	4
Continuity & Differentiability	3
Differential Equations	4
2-D	11
3-D	9
Statistics	5
Probability	15
Permutation & Combination	1
Properties of Triangles	4
Logarithm	1-2
Sets	1–2
Vector Algebra	6–7
Miscellaneous (Number Theory)	0-2

NDA Exam Analysis 2026 General Ability Section

The General Ability section had questions from different subjects, which formed the overall assessment. Below is the summary of topics with the number of questions:

Topic	No. of Questions
Ordering of words	2
Word classes	2
Antonyms	5
Passage	6
Synonyms	5
Sentence Completion	5
Idioms and phrases	5
Cloze test	5
Current Affairs	15–17
Ancient History	3–4
Medieval History	2–3
Modern History	8–10
Geography	15–17
Polity	5–7
Economics	2–3
Physics	20–23
Chemistry	14–16
Biology	10–12

NDA Cut Off – Overview

The NDA cut-off marks are the minimum marks candidates need to qualify for another selection process in the SSB Interview and Medical Exam. The cut-off is determined based on the following:

Total number of candidates
Vacancies available
Difficulty level of the exam
Marks obtained in the written exam

NDA 2 2026 Expected Cut Off

Branch/Wing	Written Exam (Out of 900)
Army	310–325
Navy	340–355
Air Force	345–360
Naval Academy	340–355

The final selection cut-off is out of 1800 marks (900 for the written exam + 900 for SSB/Medical).

NDA-2 2025 Official Cut-Off Marks

The previous year’s cut-off provides a useful benchmark for candidates analysing the NDA-2 2026 examination.

According to the official UPSC Cut-off Marks Portal, the NDA-2 2025 written cut-off differed for male and female candidates.

NDA-2 2025 Written Cut-Off

Category	Written Cut-Off (Out of 900)
Male Candidates	304.90 marks
Female Candidates	358.84 marks

The NDA-2 2025 written cut-off for male candidates was 304.90 marks out of 900, while the female written cut-off was 358.84 marks out of 900.

These figures matter for candidates because they show the qualifying benchmark can differ between male and female candidates.

NDA-2 2025 Final Cut-Off

The final merit is prepared using the combined marks obtained in the written examination and SSB/Interview. The final selection cut-off is therefore calculated out of 1800 marks.

Category	Final Cut-Off (Out of 1800)
Male Candidates	666.01 marks
Female Candidates	737.40 marks

For NDA-2 2025, the male final cut-off was 666.01 marks out of 1800, whereas the female final cut-off was 737.40 marks out of 1800.

Candidates should use these figures only as a previous-year benchmark. The NDA-2 2026 cut-off may increase or decrease depending on the examination difficulty, vacancies, and overall candidate performance.

NDA Previous Year Cut Off for Written Exam

Year	NDA 1 Cut Off Marks	NDA 2 Cut Off Marks
2024	291	305
2023	301	292
2022	360	316
2021	343	355
2020	355	355
2019	342	346
2018	338	325
2017	342	258
2016	288	229

Final Selection Cut Off (Out of 1800)

Year	NDA 1	NDA 2
2024	654	673
2023	664	656
2022	720	678
2021	709	719
2020	723	719
2019	704	709
2018	705	688
2017	708	624
2016	656	602

What Should NDA-2 2026 Aspirants Do After the Written Exam?

Candidates who believe they have performed well in the written examination should not wait for the official result before starting SSB preparation.

The SSB selection process evaluates candidates on several aspects, including:

Officer-Like Qualities
Communication skills
Leadership potential
Psychological suitability
Teamwork
Decision-making ability
Reasoning and problem-solving
Confidence and personality

The gap between the written examination and SSB can be valuable preparation time. Candidates should use this period to work on OIR, PPDT, Psychology Tests, GTO Tasks, and Personal Interview preparation.

Want to Experience the SSB Process Before Your Actual Interview?

Join 2-DAY SSB BOOT CAMP 2026

Centurion Defence Academy’s 2-Day SSB Boot Camp is designed to give aspirants practical exposure to the different stages of the SSB process, including Screening, Psychology, GTO Tasks and Personal Interview. The boot camp allows candidates to understand how SSB activities are conducted, experience tasks such as OIR, PP&DT, Group Discussion, Lecturette, and GTO activities, and receive guidance on areas where they can improve. Rather than waiting until the SSB date to understand the process, aspirants can use this 2-Day SSB Boot Camp as an opportunity to experience the selection environment and assess their preparation beforehand.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

Mathematics wasn’t too difficult to attempt, but it certainly required some time and smart utilisation of that time.
English would have given you good marks with direct questions.
Apart from memorising GK, knowledge about Science and current affairs was equally important for this paper.
The probable cut-off has been taken into account in the current scenario; hence, it can be counted on confidently.

Centurion Defence Academy – Your Trusted NDA Guide

Clearing the NDA written examination is an important achievement, but it is only the first step towards becoming an officer in the Armed Forces. The next stage requires focused preparation for the SSB Interview.

Centurion Defence Academy provides structured guidance for both the NDA written examination and SSB preparation. With experienced faculty, comprehensive study material, mock tests, mentorship, and dedicated SSB training, the academy helps aspirants prepare for the different stages of the NDA selection process.

For candidates who have appeared for NDA-2 2026, this is the right time to evaluate their written performance and begin preparing for SSB rather than waiting for the result.

Whether you are preparing for the written examination or looking ahead to the SSB Interview, the right strategy, consistent practice and proper mentorship can make a significant difference.

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Final Words

The NDA-2 2026 examination has given aspirants a clear picture of the level of competition and the importance of conceptual clarity, accuracy and effective time management. For candidates who appeared in the examination, the next step is to evaluate their performance and focus on what comes ahead.

Clearing the written examination is just the beginning of the journey towards becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates should use this time to start their SSB preparation, strengthen their communication and reasoning skills, and work on the qualities expected of future officers.

With the right guidance, disciplined preparation, and consistent effort, aspirants can approach the next stage with greater confidence. Stay focused, keep improving, and prepare today for the opportunity to lead tomorrow.