NDA Vs CDS, Know the Difference Between NDA and CDS

NDA Vs CDS: Understanding the difference between the NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defense Services) exams is essential for individuals aspiring to join the Indian Defence Forces. Clearing the NDA and CDS Examination is mandatory to get selected for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This detailed article will help to understand the unique features of both NDA and CDS, encouraging informed choices for defence aspirants.

Books for NDA Exams Preparation

Introduction to NDA and CDS Exams

CDS Exam: The Combined Defense Services ( CDS) Exam , an annual national-level test, selects candidates for various military forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy, and Officers' Training Academy.

Differences Between NDA and CDS

Distinct Training:

NDA: National Defence Academy provides joint training for Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets.

CDS: Selects candidates for various academies like the Officers' Training Academy, Indian Military Academy and Indian Air Force Academy.

Eligibility Criteria:

NDA: NDA Eligibility considers factors such as age, marital status, height, weight, and educational background. Married candidates are ineligible. Age ranges from 15.7 to 18.7 years.

CDS: CDS Eligibility requires candidates to be single and unmarried for specific academies. Age restrictions vary, with candidates above 25 ineligible for particular roles.

Educational Requirements:

NDA: Requires completion of senior secondary education for the Army, and for Air Force and Naval wings, a science stream background with physics and math is necessary.

CDS: Mandates a graduate degree for the Indian Military Academy and a B.Tech or BE degree for the Indian Naval Academy.

Selection Process:

NDA: The NDA Selection Process comprises a written examination covering the General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics, followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Candidates who successfully pass the written exam proceed to the SSB interview. The final selection is determined by the candidate's performance in both the written exam and the SSB interview.

CDS: The CDS Selection Process involves a written examination covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board ( SSB ). Candidates who clear the written exam move on to the SSB interview. The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in the written exam and the SSB interview.

Physical Standards:

• NDA: Specifies minimum height requirements, chest expansion, and visual acuity standards. Candidates from specific regions may have different height criteria.
• CDS: Evaluates candidates for overall physical fitness, with specific height requirements for males and females. Visual and auditory abilities are also considered.

Salary:

• NDA: During their training period at NDA, cadets receive a fixed stipend, currently set at Rs. 56,100 per month. Upon completion of training, NDA cadets are commissioned as officers and receive NDA Salary ranging from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 2,50,000 per month, determined by their rank and experience.
• CDS: Officers selected through CDS are also commissioned into the Indian Armed Forces, with CDS Salary of Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 2,50,000 per month based on their rank and experience.

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