The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) cut off marks are among the first things you should know if you intend to enrol in the NDA in 2025/2026.

It can be difficult to get into the Nigerian Defence Academy, but it gets much easier if you meet the requirements, which include being aware of the NDA Cut Off Mark.

As you read on, we'll go over the 2025/2026 NDA course requirements, the various course cut off marks, and other eligibility requirements you must meet.

NDA Cut Off Mark for all Courses

The school administration has informed the public that the official and recognised NDA JAMB cut off mark for the 2025/2026 academic year is 180 for the arts and social sciences and 210 for engineering.

It is recommended that all applicants to the Nigerian Defence Academy take note of this so they can understand what they are getting into. The departmental cut off marks for the Nigerian Defence Academy for this academic year are listed below.

NDA Departmental Cut off Mark

Check the list to make sure you meet the cut off marks for the courses that are offered and the corresponding grades.

S/N

Faculty/Departments

Cut Off Mark

1.

SCIENCES

Biology Science

180

Biotechnology

180

Chemistry

180

Mathematics

180

Physics

180

2.

MILITARY & INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES

Computer Science

180

Cyber Security

180

Intelligence and Security Studies

180

3.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Civil Engineering

210

Electrical & Electronics Engineering

210

Mechatronics Engineering

210

Mechanical Engineering

210

4.

ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES

Geography

180

History & War Studies

180

Political Science & International Relations

180

Defence & Security Studies

180

Psychology

180

Languages

180

5.

MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

Accounting

180

Logistics & Supply Chain Management

180

Economics

180

Management Science

180

NDA Admission Requirements 2025/2026

The Nigerian Defence Academy admission requirements are as follows:

  1. Must be in good moral standing and be physically and medically fit.

  2. Must be a single man or woman who is not legally required to provide for any children or other people.

  3. Show a Certificate of Indigeneity issued by the state or local government.

  4. Be between the ages of 17 and 21 by August 2025, when they will be admitted to the Academy.

  5. A minimum of five O-level credits in SSCE (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, and NABTEB), including English language, mathematics, and three other subjects related to the intended programme, must be earned in no more than two sittings.

  6. Must have met an acceptable minimum score and passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME).

  7. Males must be at least 1.68 metres tall, and females must be at least 1.65 metres.

  8. The ability to speak Arabic, French, or Mandarin is a bonus.

Candidates should take note of this:

  1. Applications will not be accepted if they do not include O-level results.

  2. Applicants who are awaiting results are not eligible. Results from ordinary level exams that are no older than five years from the date of the exam will be accepted.

  3. Only Nigerian men and women are eligible to apply for admission to the academy.

When cadets are accepted into the Nigerian Defence Academy, they are enrolled as regular students rather than trainee employees.

They will not be able to claim any kind of engagement or right as an employee of the Federal Government of Nigeria or the institution if they are fired or leave the Academy before being commissioned as officers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the JAMB cutoff mark for NDA?
A: The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) JAMB cut off mark for the 2025/2026 academic session (77th Regular Course) is 180 for Arts, Science, and Social Science courses and 210 for Engineering courses.

Q: Is the NDA cut off mark the same every year?
A: No, the cut off mark may change yearly depending on competition, performance statistics, and admission policies.

Q: Is the cut off mark the same for all courses?
A: No, competitive courses like engineering and sciences often require higher scores than arts and social sciences.

Q: Does meeting the cut off mark guarantee admission?
A: No, meeting the cut off mark only qualifies candidates for screening, medical tests, interviews, and further evaluations.

Q: Must I choose NDA as my first choice?
A: Yes, the Nigerian Defence Academy must be selected as the first choice during UTME registration for eligibility consideration.

Q: Are O-Level results required apart from the cut off mark?
A: Yes, candidates must have five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in relevant subjects.

Q: What happens after passing the cut off mark?
A: Candidates proceed to screening tests, physical assessments, medical examinations, and the Armed Forces Selection Board interview process.