Introduction:
The cutoff for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is determined based on the number of vacancies available for each branch. The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for admission into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA.

Determining the cutoff:
The cutoff for the NDA exam is calculated based on various factors, including the number of vacancies available for each branch, the difficulty level of the exam, and the performance of the candidates. The UPSC sets the cutoff marks to ensure that only the most deserving candidates are selected for the next stage of the selection process.

Factors influencing the cutoff:
1. Number of vacancies: The number of vacancies available for each branch plays a crucial role in determining the cutoff. If there are a higher number of vacancies, the cutoff may be comparatively lower as there is a higher chance of more candidates being selected.

2. Difficulty level of the exam: The difficulty level of the NDA exam is another important factor that influences the cutoff. If the exam is more challenging, the cutoff may be set at a higher mark to ensure that only candidates with exceptional performance are selected.

3. Performance of the candidates: The overall performance of the candidates also affects the cutoff. If a larger number of candidates perform exceptionally well, the cutoff may be set at a higher mark to maintain the desired level of competition and select the most deserving candidates.

Determining the cutoff marks:
The UPSC takes into consideration the aforementioned factors and determines the cutoff marks for each branch of the NDA exam. The cutoff marks are generally announced along with the result of the written exam. Candidates who score equal to or above the cutoff marks are eligible for the next stage of the selection process, which includes the SSB interview and medical examination.

Conclusion:
The cutoff for the NDA exam is determined based on the number of vacancies available for each branch, the difficulty level of the exam, and the performance of the candidates. It is important for candidates to perform well in the written exam to secure a score equal to or above the cutoff marks in order to move forward in the selection process.