Every year, thousands of young aspirants across India dream of joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) — a prestigious institution that shapes the future officers of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The NDA exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of the toughest and most competitive exams in India.
If you’re preparing for this exam, you might be wondering: “Is 700 marks good in NDA?”
Let’s break it down clearly so that you can understand how NDA marking works, what 700 marks really mean, and how it affects your chances of selection.
1. Understanding the NDA Exam Pattern
Before evaluating whether 700 marks are good or not, it’s important to understand how the NDA exam is structured. The exam is conducted in two stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination
The written test has two papers conducted on the same day:
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 Marks | 2½ Hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 Marks | 2½ Hours |
So, the total written marks = 900.
Stage 2: SSB Interview
If you clear the written test, you are called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview, which carries 900 marks.
Therefore, the overall NDA exam is out of 1800 marks.
2. What Does Scoring 700 Marks Mean?
Now that we know the total marks, let’s see what 700 marks represent.
If you scored 700 out of 1800, your overall percentage would be around 38.8%.
But wait — not all candidates score equally in both stages. For example:
- Some may score 400 marks in the written exam and 300 marks in the SSB.
- Others may score 500 in written and 200 in SSB, and so on.
So, the meaning of “700 marks” depends on which stage we’re referring to.
Let’s analyze both cases.
3. If You Scored 700 Marks in the Written Exam
If you get 700 marks out of 900 in the written test, that’s an excellent score — almost 78%, which is extremely good.
In fact, the NDA written exam cutoff (the minimum score required to qualify for SSB) usually ranges between:
- 330–360 marks for NDA 1 and NDA 2 exams in recent years.
So, if you’re scoring 700 marks in the written test, you’re far above the cutoff and are among the top-performing candidates. This means:
- You’ll definitely qualify for the SSB interview.
- You’ll have a strong foundation to perform well in the next stage.
4. If You Scored 700 Marks Overall (Written + SSB)
If your total score (written + SSB) is 700 out of 1800, then the situation is slightly different.
In recent years, the final NDA cutoffs (after SSB) have been around:
- 720–750 marks for Army and Navy wings.
- 760–780 marks for the Air Force wing.
So, if you scored 700 overall, you’re very close to the cutoff.
It means:
- You performed decently, but your selection might depend on the year’s difficulty level and competition.
- If the exam was tougher that year, 700 might still get you through.
- But if the competition was high, you might just miss the final merit list.
In short:
700 marks = Good performance,
But may or may not guarantee final selection, depending on the cutoff trend.
5. NDA Cutoff Trends (Past Few Years)
Let’s look at some past NDA cutoff marks to understand where 700 stands:
| Year | Written Exam Cutoff (900) | Final Cutoff (1800) |
|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2024 | 360 | 720 |
| NDA 2 2023 | 325 | 706 |
| NDA 1 2023 | 350 | 707 |
| NDA 2 2022 | 316 | 718 |
| NDA 1 2022 | 360 | 720 |
As you can see, the final cutoff usually stays between 700 and 720 marks.
This clearly shows that 700 marks put you right around the selection line.
You’re not far behind the top candidates — you’re almost there.
6. What to Do If You Scored Around 700 Marks
If you’ve scored around 700 marks, congratulations — you’ve done quite well!
But if you just missed the merit list, here’s what you can do:
1. Analyze Your Weak Areas
Check whether your marks were lower in Mathematics, GAT, or SSB.
Work specifically on those sections.
2. Strengthen Conceptual Clarity
For written exams, focus on your fundamentals in Maths and General Knowledge. Solve previous year papers and practice time management.
3. Improve SSB Performance
Many candidates clear the written test but lose marks in SSB due to lack of communication skills, confidence, or leadership qualities.
Practice group discussions, psychological tests, and interviews under expert guidance.
4. Join Professional Guidance
If you’re preparing seriously, join a reputed institute for NDA coaching.
For example, Chanakya Defence provides expert guidance and personalized mentoring for defence aspirants. If you’re searching for NDA Coaching in Chandigarh, their experienced trainers and structured courses can help you push your score beyond 700 and secure a top rank in the merit list.
7. How to Score Above 700 Marks
Here are some proven tips to help you aim higher:
- Set Clear Targets – Aim for at least 400+ in written and 350+ in SSB.
- Master NCERTs – Especially for Maths and General Science.
- Practice Mock Tests – Simulate the actual exam environment.
- Work on Communication Skills – Vital for SSB interviews.
- Physical Fitness – Stay physically active to perform well in outdoor tasks.
- Stay Updated – Regularly read current affairs and defence-related news.
- Stay Consistent – Dedicate at least 6–8 months of focused preparation.
Remember: NDA is not just an exam; it’s a test of discipline, personality, and determination.
8. Final Verdict — Is 700 Marks Good in NDA?
Yes, 700 marks is definitely a good score in NDA.
It means you have performed well and are on the verge of selection.
However:
- If 700 marks are in the written test, it’s excellent.
- If 700 marks are overall, it’s good but borderline, and you might need a few extra marks to be completely safe in the merit list.
Whether you’re preparing for your first attempt or planning to improve your score, remember that consistency and the right guidance are key.
With dedication and proper mentorship, crossing 700+ marks is absolutely achievable.
Conclusion
To sum up:
- The NDA exam is challenging, but not impossible.
- Scoring 700 marks places you among the strong contenders.
- With focused preparation, disciplined practice, and the right guidance from institutes like Chanakyas Defence, you can easily move from a “good” score to an “excellent” one.
If your dream is to wear the uniform of pride, start preparing smartly today — because the Nation waits for its future leaders.