NDA or CDS or AFCAT, Which is Better and Tougher
NDA or CDS or AFCAT: Check the complete details of the NDA or CDS or AFCAT exam in terms of eligibility, pattern, selection process, difficulty level, etc here. Check NDA vs CDS vs AFCAT here.
Kanak Joshi13 Dec, 2024
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NDA Vs CDS vs AFCAT: NDA, CDS and AFCAT are popular defence recruitment exams conducted twice a year for the admission of eligible candidates in the Indian Armed Forces. One of the most common things that arise in every student's mind is which exam is better and tougher among NDA, CDS, and AFCAT.
However, several factors are considered when comparing NDA vs CDS vs AFCAT, including eligibility, exam pattern, salary, and difficulty level of the exam, and they are completely different. Scroll down the page to get detailed information about NDA or CDS or AFCAT, which is better and tougher for the ease of the candidates.NDA or CDS or AFCAT, Which is Tougher
Here are the complete details on which defence exam is tougher among NDA or CDS or AFCAT recruitment provided below for the guidance of the aspirants.- The Union Public Service Commission conducts the National Defence Academy and Navel Academy exams (NDA) twice a year for admission of eligible candidates to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA.
- The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) twice a year for the admission of eligible candidates in different branches of the armed forces across the nation.
- The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) to recruit eligible candidates for Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
| NDA Vs CDS VS AFCAT-Overview | |||
| Parameter | NDA | CDS | AFCAT |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission | Union Public Service Commission | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy and Navel Academy exam | Combined Defence Services Examination | Air Force Common Admission Test |
| Frequency | Twice a Year | Twice a Year | Twice a Year |
| Application Mode | Online | Online | Online |
| Eligibility | 12th Class pass | Degree | 10+2 pass |
| Selection Process | Written Exam and SSB Interview | Written Exam and SSB Interview | Written Exam and AFSB Interview |
| Stipend | upsc.gov.in | upsc.gov.in | afcat.cdac.in |
NDA or CDS, Which is Better and Tougher
NDA full form is the National Defence Academy and Navel Academy exam conducted by UPSC twice a year for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA, whereas CDS full form is the Combined Defence Services Examination conducted for admission in different branches of the armed forces across the nation. The selection process for NDA and CDS exams is divided into two stages, i.e. written exam and SSB Interview. Check the complete details of which is better and tougher among the NDA vs CDS exams shared below.NDS or CDS Eligibility
The eligibility criteria of the NDA or CDS exam comprises various components such as age limit, educational qualification, marital status, and other related details as discussed below for the reference of the aspirants.| NDA Vs CDS Eligibility | ||
| Parameter | NDA | CDS |
| Age Limit, Educational Qualification, and Marital Status | Only unmarried male/female candidates whose age is between 16.5 years and 19.5 years are eligible to apply. 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination. | Age of the candidates must be between 20-24 years For IMA: Unmarried male candidates For Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates For the Officers' Training Academy (SSC Course for men), unmarried male candidates For Officers' Training Academy: SSC Women Non-Technical Course) Unmarried women Degree from a recognised University |
NDA or CDS Training Centres
Here is the detailed information of NDA or CDS training centres shared below for the reference of the candidates.| NDA Vs CDS Training Centres | ||
| Parameters | NDA | CDS |
| Training Centres | Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala Indian Military Academy, Dehradun Air Force Academy, Hyderabad National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune | Indian Military Academy, Dehradun Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala Air Force Academy, Hyderabad Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) |
NDA or CDS Exam Pattern
Candidates can find the exam pattern details of the NDA or CDS exam in terms of question mode, number of sections, total questions, maximum marks and other related details shared below.| NDA Vs CDS Exam Pattern | ||
| Parameters | NDA | CDS |
| Exam Pattern |
|
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NDA or CDS Salary, Which is Better
Here is the detailed information on NDA or CDS salary and allowances shared below for the ease of the candidates.| NDA Vs CDS Salary | ||
| Parameters | NDA | CDS |
| Stipend | Male/female Cadets will receive a stipend during the training period at IMA of Rs 56,100/-p.m (Starting Service pay in Level 10) | The stipend to Gentlemen or Women Cadets during the training period at IMA and OTA is Rs 56,100/-p.m. (Starting pay in Level 10) |
NDA or CDS Exam, Which is Easy
As per the past trends and feedback of the previous toppers, the difficulty level of questions in CDS is comparatively easier than the NDA exam. However, the SSB interview for the CDS exam is difficult as compared to the NDA exam.NDA or AFCAT, Which is Better and Tougher
NDA full form is the National Defence Academy and Navel Academy exam twice a year for admission of eligible aspirants to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA, whereas AFCAT full form is the Air Force Common Admission Test conducted for the recruitment of Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The NDA Selection Process consists of two stages, i.e. written exam and SSB interview, whereas the AFCAT Selection Process is divided into two phases, i.e. written exam and AFSB interview. Check the complete details of which is better and tougher among the NDA vs AFCAT exams shared below.NDS or AFCAT Eligibility
Candidates can find the eligibility details of the NDA or AFCAT exam in terms of age limit, educational qualification, marital status, and other related details tabulated below.| NDA Vs AFCAT Eligibility | ||
| Parameter | NDA | AFCAT |
| Age Limit, Educational Qualification, and Marital Status | Only unmarried male/female candidates can apply. Age of the candidates must be between 16.5 years and 19.5 years to be eligible to apply. Passed 12th standard of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent exam. | The age of candidates must be between 20 to 24 years for Flying Branch and 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty are eligible to apply. Unmarried candidates are eligible. Passed 12th Standard from any recognized board. |
NDA or AFCAT Training Centres
Here is the detailed information of NDA or AFCAT training centres shared below for the reference of the candidates.| NDA Vs AFCAT Training Centres | ||
| Parameters | NDA | AFCAT |
| Training Centres | Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala Indian Military Academy, Dehradun Air Force Academy, Hyderabad National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune | Indian Air Force Academy |
NDA or AFCAT Exam Pattern
Candidates must be familiar with the NDA or AFCAT exam pattern to understand the exam mode, structure, number of sections, number of questions, maximum marks and other related details as discussed below.| NDA or AFCAT Exam Pattern | ||
| Parameters | NDA | AFCAT |
| Exam Pattern |
|
|
NDA or AFCAT Salary, Which is Better
Aspirants must be familiar with the NDA salary and AFCAT salary before applying for the post to avoid any confusion at any recruitment stage. Here, we have provided NDA or AFCAT salary and allowances shared below for the reference of candidates.| NDA Vs AFCAT Salary | ||
| Parameters | NDA | AFCAT |
| Stipend | The stipend to male/female Cadets during the training period at IMA is Rs 56,100/-p.m (Starting Service pay in Level 10) | Rs. 56,100/- per month during one year of training with allowances such as Flying, Transport, Technical, Field Area, Special Compensatory (Hill area), Special Force, Siachen, Island Special Duty, etc. |
NDA or AFCAT Exam, Which is Easy
As per the feedback of the previous toppers and expert analysis, the difficulty level of questions in the AFCAT exam is comparatively easier than the NDA exam. However, candidates must use the right preparation techniques and books to excel in the exam with flying colours.CDS or AFCAT, Which is Better and Tougher
CDS full form is the Combined Defence Services Examination conducted twice a year for the admission of eligible candidates in the different branches, i.e. IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA of the armed forces across the nation, whereas AFCAT full form is Air Force Common Admission Test conducted to recruit eligible candidates for Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The CDS selection process will be held in two stages, i.e. written exam and SSB interview, whereas the AFCAT selection process will be conducted in two phases, i.e. written exam and AFSB interview. Check the complete details of which is better and tougher among the CDS vs AFCAT exams discussed below.CDS or AFCAT Eligibility
Candidates must ensure that they fulfil all the eligibility details of the CDS or AFCAT exam in terms of age limit, educational qualification, marital status, and other related details in order to be part of this recruitment drive.| CDS Vs AFCAT Eligibility | ||
| Parameter | CDS | AFCAT |
| Age Limit, Educational Qualification, and Marital Status |
|
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CDS or AFCAT Training Centres
Here is the detailed information about the CDS or AFCAT training centres provided below for the reference of the candidates.| CDS Vs AFCAT Training Centres | ||
| Parameters | CDS | AFCAT |
| Training Centres | Indian Military Academy, Dehradun Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala Air Force Academy, Hyderabad Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) | Indian Air Force Academy |
CDS or AFCAT Exam Pattern
Candidates must thoroughly analyse the CDS or AFCAT exam pattern to gain insights into the exam requirements, marking scheme and other related details as shared below.| CDS Vs AFCAT Exam Pattern | ||
| Parameters | CDS | AFCAT |
| Exam Pattern |
|
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CDS or AFCAT Salary, Which is Better
Candidates should check the CDS salary and AFCAT salary to understand the job offerings and career growth opportunities of the respective post. Here, we have provided CDS or AFCAT salary and allowances shared below for the ease of the aspirants.| CDS Vs AFCAT Salary | ||
| Parameters | CDS | AFCAT |
| Stipend | Gentlemen or Women Cadets will receive a stipend during the entire training duration in Service academies at IMA and OTA, which is Rs 56,100/-p.m. (Starting pay in Level 10) | Rs. 56,100/- per month during one year of training with allowances such as Flying, Transport, Technical, Field Area, Special Compensatory (Hill area), Special Force, Siachen, Island Special Duty, etc. |
CDS or AFCAT Exam, Which is Easy
According to the review of the past toppers and expert analysis, the questions asked in the AFCAT exam are comparatively easier than the CDS exam. Hence, it is advised to incorporate the right techniques and study material to achieve success in the exam.| NDA or CDS or AFCAT Other Links | |
| NDA 2024 Exam | CDS 2024 Exam |
| AFCAT 2024 Exam | UPSC CAPF 2024 Exam |
NDA or CDS or AFCAT, Which is Better FAQs
Q1. Which is better NDA or CDS or AFCAT?
Ans. NDA vs CDS vs AFCAT are different in terms of eligibility, exam pattern, salary, and difficulty level of the exam, and other related details.
Q2. Who conducts the NDA, CDS, and AFCAT exams?
Ans. Union Public Service Commission conducts NDA and CDS exams, whereas the Indian Air Force conducts the AFCAT exam.
Q3. What is the full form of the NDA, CDS, and AFCAT exams?
Ans. NDA full form is the National Defence Academy and Navel Academy exam, the AFCAT full form is the Air Force Common Admission Test, and the CDS full form is the Combined Defence Services Examination.
Q4. What is the selection process for the NDA vs CDS vs AFCAT Exam?
Ans. The NDA and CDS selection process will be held in two stages, i.e. written exam and SSB interview, whereas the AFCAT selection process will be conducted in two phases, i.e. written exam and AFSB interview.
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