NDA vs. CDS: For those aiming to join the Indian Defence Forces, understanding the difference between the NDA and CDS exams is crucial. The NDA and CDS exams are two most of popular exams conducted by the UPSC, are well-known tests for recruiting candidates into India’s defense services. These exams are very competitive, demanding thorough preparation and dedication to succeed. Both NDA and CDS aim to pick the right candidates for the Indian Armed Forces, covering the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
While both exams share the goal of selecting candidates for the defense services, NDA and CDS have notable differences in eligibility criteria, exam pattern, age limit, gender, training, and service.
A significant difference between the NDA and CDS lies in their eligibility criteria. NDA is for those who’ve finished their 10+2 education, whereas CDS is for graduates. Also, candidates aiming for the Air Force or Navy in both NDA and CDS need to have studied Mathematics and Physics during their 10+2 education.
A noteworthy difference is the age limit. For NDA, it’s 16.5 to 19.5 years, while for CDS, it’s 20 to 24 years. Both exams are open to both male and female candidates.
Candidates who clear NDA undergo three years of training at the National Defence Academy, Pune, followed by one year of specialized training at respective service academies. In contrast, CDS qualifiers proceed directly to their respective service academies for training.
NDA and CDS serve as gateways to various defense services in India, with differences in eligibility criteria, exam patterns, age limits, and training structures. Aspiring candidates should carefully consider their interests and eligibility before choosing between NDA and CDS to pursue a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Introduction to NDA and CDS Exams
Before exploring the difference between the NDA and CDS, let’s take a quick look at the NDA and CDS exams:
NDA Exam:
The National Defence Academy trains cadets for the Army, Air Force, and Navy and conducts its exam twice a year. The NDA Selection Process includes a written exam followed by an interview.
CDS Exam:
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is an annual national-level test that picks candidates for different military forces such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
Difference Between the NDA and CDS – Eligibility Criteria
Let’s break down the differences in eligibility criteria between NDA and CDS exams:
NDA Eligibility Criteria:
NDA is designed for candidates who have completed their 10+2 education. They should have finished their schooling from a recognized board or university. If aspiring for the Air Force or Navy in NDA, candidates need to have studied Mathematics and Physics in their 10+2 education. Those currently in the 10+2 phase can also apply, but they must provide proof of passing before starting the NDA course.
CDS Eligibility Criteria:
CDS requires candidates to hold a graduation degree from a recognized university or institution. The degree can be in any discipline. However, those aiming for the Air Force Academy in CDS must have studied Mathematics and Physics either in their 10+2 education or during graduation.
Apart from educational qualifications, age is a crucial factor. For NDA, candidates should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old at the beginning of the course month. In the case of CDS, the age range is 20 to 24 years at the commencement of the course month. Meeting these eligibility criteria is essential for candidates interested in applying for NDA and CDS exams.
Difference Between the NDA and CDS – Selection Process
Understanding the specific components and focus areas of the selection processes in NDA and CDS is crucial for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces.
NDA Selection Process:
- Involves a written exam covering General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics.
- Successful candidates proceed to an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
- SSB interview includes Psychological test, Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), and Personal Interview.
- Final selection is based on performance in both the written exam and the SSB interview.
CDS Selection Process:
- Begins with a written exam covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Maths.
- Candidates clearing the written exam move on to the SSB interview.
- SSB interview includes Psychological test, Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), and Personal Interview.
- Final selection is based on performance in both the written exam and the SSB interview.
Difference Between the NDA and CDS – Exam Pattern
NDA Exam Pattern:
- Conducted in two stages: – a written exam and an SSB interview.
- The written exam includes Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) papers.
- Mathematics paper: 300 marks; GAT paper: 600 marks.
- Total duration: 5 hours.
- Both papers are objective with negative markings for wrong answers.
- SSB interview is a 5-day process with two stages (Stage I and Stage II).
- Final selection based on performance in both written exam and SSB interview.
CDS Exam Pattern:
- Conducted in two stages – written exam and SSB interview.
- Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics papers.
- Each paper has 100 marks, and total duration is 6 hours.
- English and General Knowledge papers are objective, and Mathematics papers are subjective.
- Negative marking for wrong answers in objective papers.
- SSB interview is a 5-day process with two stages (Stage I and Stage II).
- Final selection based on performance in both written exam and SSB interview.
Difference Between the NDA and CDS – Salary
NDA Salary:
- Cadets at NDA get a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month during training.
- After training, NDA officers receive a pay scale ranging from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 2,50,000 per month based on their rank and experience.
CDS Salary:
- Officers selected through CDS also receive a pay scale of Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 2,50,000 per month based on their rank and experience.
- The salary of a CDS officer may be slightly higher than that of an NDA officer as CDS officers are recruited after graduation, while NDA officers are recruited after 10+2.
Difference Between the NDA and CDS – Training and Service:
Difference Between the NDA and CDS – Training
NDA:
- After qualifying for NDA, candidates undergo a three-year training program at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune.
- The program consists of six semesters, with the first two and a half years dedicated to academic training.
- The last six months involve specialized training in the chosen field (Army, Navy, or Air Force).
CDS:
- Successful CDS candidates undergo rigorous training for one and a half years at the respective training academies of the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
- Training duration may vary but generally lasts for 12-18 months.
- It includes a mix of classroom training, physical fitness training, and on-the-job training.
Difference Between the NDA and CDS – Service
NDA Service:
- NDA cadets are commissioned into the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as Second Lieutenants or Flying Officers based on their chosen service.
- They have the option to serve for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 14 years.
- After this period, they can choose to leave the service or continue on a contractual basis.
CDS Service:
- CDS candidates can join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers after completing their training.
- They are commissioned as Lieutenants or Flying Officers.
- Similar to NDA, they can opt to serve for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 14 years, with the choice to continue on a contractual basis afterward.
In summary, the difference between the NDA and CDS exams is crucial for aspiring candidates aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces. While NDA targets 10+2 graduates for a three-year training program, CDS is for graduates seeking specialized training. Understanding the differences in eligibility, selection processes, exam patterns, and training structures is essential for candidates to make informed decisions about their career paths in the military.