AFCAT Vs CDS
Have you ever wondered about the differences between AFCAT vs CDSE exams? It’s important to understand these differences so you can prepare effectively and choose the exam that aligns best with your goals. Read below to know everything about the difference between AFCAT vs CDS.
AFCAT vs CDS: The difference between AFCAT and CDS exams is often confusing for many aspirants, yet the opportunities they offer are highly esteemed in the Indian Defence Forces. The CDS or Combined Defence Forces exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), opens doors to officer ranks in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. On the other hand, the AFCAT or Air Force Common Admission Test is the key test for those aspiring to serve in the Indian Air Force.
These exams not only offer a chance to serve the nation but also provide a ground-level perspective. Therefore, candidates must understand the nuances and distinctions between AFCAT and CDS exams. While both exams lead to prestigious defence services, their focus, eligibility criteria, and selection processes vary significantly. Preparing for these career paths requires a clear understanding of the unique characteristics and differences between AFCAT vs CDS exams.
Also Read:
AFCAT Vs CDS: Highlights
In the list of AFCAT vs CDS, there are multiple factors. Both AFCAT and CDS are conducted to get admission into the Indian Armed Forces. The table given below shows the significant and major differences between the AFCAT vs CDS exams:
Particulars | AFCAT | CDS |
|---|---|---|
Conducting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Frequency of the Exam | Twice every year | Twice every year |
Age Limit | The age criteria for AFCAT aspirants are:
| The age criteria for CDS aspirants are as follows:
|
Type of Force | Indian Air Force | Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force |
Eligibility | The minimum qualification is to complete 10+2 boards with 60% marks in aggregate. |
|
Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
AFCAT Vs CDS: Eligibility Criteria
In the next step of AFCAT or CDS, eligibility criteria are one of the important steps. Here is the difference between AFCAT Vs CDS eligibility criteria.
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria
In the AFCAT eligibility criteria, there are multiple factors, which are mentioned below:
Age Limit: The age limit for the Flying branch is 20-26 years, and for the Ground Duty branch is 20-26 years.
Educational Qualifications:
- For Flying Branch - A minimum of 50 % in Physics and Maths at 10+2 level with graduate with BE/B.Tech with a minimum of 60%.
- For Ground Duty (Technical) Branch - A minimum of 50 % in Physics and Maths in 12 th with B.E/B.Tech with 60% marks.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch - Aspirants who are applying for the non-technical branch must have passed 10+2 and a Graduate Degree (Minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks.
CDS Eligibility Criteria
The CDS eligibility criteria are mentioned below:
Age Limit:
- Indian Military Academy: 19 - 24 years
- Officer’s Training Academy: 19 - 25 years (For men)
- Officer’s Training Academy: 19 - 25 years (For women)
- Air Force Academy: 20 - 24 years
- Indian Naval Academy: 19 - 24 years
Educational Qualifications:
- Indian Military Academy: Graduation Degree
- Officer’s Training Academy: Graduation Degree
- Officer’s Training Academy: Graduation Degree
- Air Force Academy: BE/B.Tech (10+2 with Physic and Maths)
- Indian Naval Academy: BE/B.Tech (10+2 with Physic and Maths)
AFCAT Vs CDS: Time of Notification and Exam
The notification window for the AFCAT 1 begins in the first week of December and lasts for one month. For the AFCAT 2, applications are allowed for a month after notice, which occurs in the first week of June. The dates of the AFCAT 2 are set for August 25 to 27, 2023.
The notification for CDS 1 often arrives at the start of November, and the application process takes a month. Applications are accepted for a month for the CDS 2 and notifications are made in the final week of May. CDS 1 and CDS 2 are held at the beginning of the months of February and September, respectively.
AFCAT Vs CDS Syllabus
Both the AFCAT syllabus and CDS syllabus are distinct. They have different topics and subjects. You can check the details mentioned below:
AFCAT Syllabus
The AFCAT exam comprises two papers AFCAT and EKT.
- For AFCAT - The syllabus includes General Awareness, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Military Aptitude, and English.
- For EKT - The syllabus comprises Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics.
CDS Syllabus
For CDS, there are three papers: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. Check out the CDS syllabus mentioned below in the table:
Paper Name | Syllabus |
|---|---|
English |
|
General Knowledge |
|
Elementary Mathematics |
|
AFCAT Vs CDS Exam Pattern
AFCAT and CDS exam patterns stand different from each other. AFCAT carries a negative marking system while CDS doesn’t have one. Both exams have many differences between the exam patterns. Check below to get a clear explanation of both:
AFCAT Exam Pattern
The AFCAT exam pattern comprises 100 questions to be completed in a span of 2 hours. This entrance involves two papers for AFCAT and EKT. Check the AFCAT exam pattern below:
Exam | AFCAT | EKT |
|---|---|---|
Total Questions | 100 | 50 |
Maximum Marks | 300 | 150 |
Exam Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) | 45 minutes |
Negative Marking | 1 mark | 1 mark |
CDS Exam Pattern
The CDS exam pattern also consists of 100 questions with a duration of 2 hours. It has three papers Mathematics, English and GA. The CDS exam pattern is mentioned below:
Name of Subject | Exam Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
English | 2 hours | 100 |
General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
AFCAT vs CDS: Level of Difficulty
In both tests, the level of difficulty varies by subject. Let us now look at the difference in levels between the two exams:
Exam | English | General Awareness | Mathematics |
|---|---|---|---|
AFCAT | Variety is limited, antonym-synonym is tough, and passage is easy. | It consists primarily of current affairs and has a lower level than CDS. | Simple class 10th level questions. |
CDS | The variety of questions is more, the level is acceptable, and the questions are simpler. | The level is difficult and requires a solid understanding of the fundamentals. | A range of questions from the 10th level, which is somewhat higher than the AFCAT level. |
AFCAT Vs CDS Career Opportunities
AFCAT and CDS offer different career opportunities for the aspirants depending on their education and other interests. Candidates can make a career in AFCAT or CDS depending on their choice. Here are the details of the career opportunities in both AFCAT and CDS.
AFCAT Job Profiles
Candidates can apply for the exam and work in the Flying, Technical, Administration, and Logistics branch on a long-term and short-term basis. All the job profiles in AFCAT make a handsome amount of money. Some of the famous job profiles after the AFCAT are mentioned below:
Level | Profile Name |
|---|---|
Junior Level Officers |
|
Leader Level Officers |
|
Chief Level Officers |
|
CDS Job Profiles
CDS offers jobs in the Indian Military, Air Force, and Navy. Candidates can opt for various job profiles through CDS, and some of the job profiles are mentioned below.
Army | Navy | Air Force |
|---|---|---|
Lieutenant | Sub-Lieutenant | Flying Officer |
Captain | Lieutenant | Flying Lieutenant |
Major | Lieutenant Commander | Squadron Leader |
Lieutenant Colonel | Commander | Wing Commander |
Colonel | Captain | Group Captain |
Brigadier | Commodore | Air Commodore |
Major General | Rear Admiral | Air Vice Marshal |
Lieutenant General | Vice Admiral | Air Marshal |
General (Chief of Army Staff) | Admiral | Air Chief Marshal |
Field Marshal | Admiral of the Fleet | Marshal of the Air Force |
Knowing the difference between AFCAT and CDS is essential for candidates to choose the best career option. Students can choose AFCAT or CDS depending on the differences according to eligibility, exam pattern, and other factors.
AFCAT vs CDS: Salary Trends
AFCAT and CDS salaries show similar trends as per the rank of the candidate, both adhering to the 7th Pay Commission framework for Indian military officers.
AFCAT Salary
Rank | Level | Salary Per Month (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
Flying Officer | Level 10 | 56,100 - 1,77,500 |
Flight Lieutenant | Level 10 B | 61,300 - 1,93,900 |
Squadron Leader | Level 11 | 69,400 - 2,07,200 |
Wing Commander | Level 12 A | 1,21,200 - 2,12,400 |
Group Captain | Level 13 | 1,30,600 - 2,15,900 |
Air Commodore | Level 13 A | 1,39,600 - 2,17,600 |
Air Vice Marshal | Level 14 | 1,44,400 - 2,18,200 |
Air Marshal HAG Scale | Level 15 | 1,82,200 - 2,24,100 |
HAG + Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 - 2,24,400 |
VACS/ Airforce Cdr /Air Marshal (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000 (FIXED) |
CAS | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (FIXED) |
CDS Salary
CDS Ranks | Levels | Pay in INR | Military Service Pay in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 | 15,500 |
Captain | Level 10 B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 | 15,500 |
Major | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 | 15,500 |
Lt Colonel | Level 12 A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 | 15,500 |
Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 | 15,500 |
Brigadier | Level 13 A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 | 15,500 |
Major General | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 | – |
Lieutenant General | Level 15 | 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 | – |
HAG+Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 | – |
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000 (fixed) | – |
COAS | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (fixed) | – |
To succeed in both of these exams, consistent effort is key. Familiarize yourself with the exam schedule and syllabus ahead of time to prepare effectively. Start by excelling in the fundamentals, as the questions typically assess your understanding of core concepts. The comparison between AFCAT and CDS is straightforward. AFCAT exams progressively increase in difficulty, urging candidates to prepare diligently. While AFCAT questions are slightly less rigorous than those in CDS, both demand dedicated effort for success.
Hope this article on AFCAT vs CDS will help you to choose the right exam for your career path. If you want to know more, stay tuned with CollegeDekho!
Get Help From Our Expert Counsellors
FAQs
Can I prepare for both CDS and AFCAT?
Yes, you can study for both the CDS and the AFCAT. Because the syllabus for the two tests is so similar, you can utilise the same study resources for both. However, there are some variances in the curriculum, so be certain that you are familiar with all of the topics included in each test.
Does AFCAT come under CDS?
No, AFCAT does not come under CDS. The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is a national-level test for admission to the Indian Armed Forces administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The Indian Air Force's Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level test for admission to the Indian Air Force.
Is CDS tougher than AFCAT?
It is difficult to say which exam is more difficult, the CDS or AFCAT, because the difficulty level of an exam varies from year to year and also relies on the individual's skills and shortcomings. According to current research, the CDS exam is typically thought to be a little more challenging than the AFCAT exam.
Which is better CDS or AFCAT?
CDS and AFCAT are both excellent examples for prospective officers in the Indian Armed Forces. However, which exam you take is determined by your personal interests and aspirations. CDS is a more broad exam available to all branches of the military. If you are unsure about which branch to join, this is a decent alternative. The AFCAT is a highly specialised test that is solely available to members of the Air Force. If you want to work in aviation, this is a fantastic alternative.
How AFCAT and CDS are different?
The Indian Air Force takes the AFCAT exam, whereas the Indian Army and Navy take the CDS exam. The Indian Air Force administers the AFCAT exam twice a year, whereas the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the CDS exam twice a year. English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Knowledge are part of the AFCAT syllabus, whereas Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are part of the CDS syllabus.
Is the CDS exam easier than the AFCAT exam?
Considering the format, syllabus, and degree of difficulty of the exams, there are some distinctions between AFCAT and CDS. Some think that the AFCAT is a little easier than the CDS exam. In contrast, others may feel the opposite as the AFCAT test also has a few extra components, such as spatial aptitude and engineering knowledge. However, both examinations need extensive preparation to pass.
Is AFCAT similar to CDS?
Yes, there are many parallels between the AFCAT and CDS exams. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the two examinations, that are used to choose applicants for the Indian Armed Forces. The two tests do, however, differ significantly in some crucial ways.
Can I write both CDS and AFCAT exams?
Yes, you may write both CDS and AFCAT examinations as there is a month gap of approx 3 months between the 2 exams. The UPSC conducts the CDS and AFCAT, to select officers for the Indian Armed Forces. The number of times you can take the CDS and AFCAT exams is unlimited. You must, though, be eligible for both tests.
What is the salary of CDS in the Airforce?
A CDS officer's salary in the Air Force is based on their rank and level of experience. In the Air Force, a CDS officer's beginning pay is around INR 56,100 per month. The compensation of the officer will rise as their career develops.
Can I become a pilot through the CDS exam in India?
Yes, anyone may become a pilot in India by taking the CDS exam. The test is used to select applicants for many IAF subdivisions, including the flying branch. You can apply for the CDS exam in India if you match the eligibility requirements. The examination takes place twice a year, in February and September.