Which is the best NDA, CDS or AFCAT?
Thinking whether NDA, CDS or AFCAT is best and easiest for you to appear for? If you are confused about which to choose amongst the three popular defence recruitment exams, continue reading to uncover all your answers! Find all about NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT below.
Which is the best NDA, CDS or AFCAT: Interested in joining armed forces after 12th or graduation? You might come across a common dilemma when choosing a pathway out of NDA, CDS, and AFCAT. These three have been considered notable entrances taken by lakhs of aspirants willing to embark on a journey to three armed wings namely Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Union Public Service Commission administers NDA and CDS while the Indian Air Force conducts AFCAT.
Each of these exams has its own set of challenges and advantages for test takers. Well, if you want to choose anyone to fulfill your career goals, you need to weigh certain factors such as eligibility, paper pattern, salary, exam difficulty level, and career opportunities.
This article will help you make an informed choice by offering details on exam patterns, paper difficulty levels, benefits, and related facts so you understand which is best: NDA, CDS, or AFCAT.
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NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT: Overview
Given each exam has different purposes and career paths, it is not easy to distinguish between UPSC NDA, UPSC CDS, and the AFCAT exam. For this, the following table will help you out by highlighting some key parameters about the trio:
Key Parameter | NDA | CDS | AFCAT |
|---|---|---|---|
Exam Name/Full Form | National Defence Academy and Navel Academy exam or UPSC NDA | Combined Defence Services Examination or UPSC CDS | Air Force Common Admission Test or AFCAT exam |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
Departments | Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA | Different branches of the armed forces | For IAF only - Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Technical and Non-Technical branches (Flying and Ground Duty) |
Eligibility Criteria | Passed 10+2 | Bachelor's Degree | Passed 10+2 |
Exam Frequency | Twice a Year | Twice a Year | Twice a Year |
Application Mode | Online | Online | Online |
Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview | Written Exam + SSB Interview | Written Exam + AFSB Interview |
Official Portal | upsc.gov.in | upsc.gov.in | afcat.cdac.in |
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NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT: Eligibility Criteria
While choosing between NDA, CDS or AFCAT, eligibility parameters are important to keep in mind as they differ per marital status, educational background, age limit, etc. The following table outlines the eligibility comparison for NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT:
Key Parameter | NDA Eligibility | CDS Eligibility | AFCAT Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
Age Limit/ Educational Background/ Marital Status |
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NDA or CDS or AFCAT: Exam Pattern
To understand the type of questions asked in the exam, their structure, format, difficulty level, recurring pattern, trickiness, number of questions/ sections, etc., test takers must comprehend the exam pattern beforehand. The following table outlines the exam pattern comparison for NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT:
NDA Exam Pattern | CDS Exam Pattern | AFCAT Exam Pattern |
|---|---|---|
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NDA or CDS or AFCAT: List of Training Centres
The following table briefs a list of the comparable NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT training centres across India:
NDA Training Centres | CDS Training Centres | AFCAT Training Centre |
|---|---|---|
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NDA or CDS or AFCAT: Salary/Stipend/Allowance
To learn more about the job responsibilities and potential for career advancement, applicants should analyse the NDA salary, AFCAT salary and CDS salary 2025 along with other benefits that are offered during the training period. The following table highlights the stipend/ allowance/ salary comparison for NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT:
NDA Salary/Stipend | CDS Salary/Stipend | AFCAT Salary/Stipend |
|---|---|---|
During their training at IMA, male and female cadets would get a monthly stipend of Rs 56,100 (Starting Service salary in Level 10). | For the course of their training in the service academies at IMA and OTA, male and female cadets would earn a stipend of Rs 56,100 per month (starting salary in Level 10). | For a year, training allowances including Transport, Island Special Duty, Flying, Field Area, Siachen, Special Force, etc. totalling Rs. 56,100 per month will be credited to male cadets. |
In summary, choosing which is the best NDA, CDS or AFCAT is based on an applicant’s career objectives and interests. The AFCAT is the easiest of all, followed by the difficulty level of CDS which is comparatively easier than NDA. So, the difficulty level of these three exams is as follows — NDA> CDS> AFCAT. This means NDA has the toughest level of questions asked in the written exam followed by an SSB interview compared to both CDS and AFCAT. Comparatively speaking to the NDA exam, however, the SSB interview for the CDS exam is exceedingly difficult.
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FAQs
What is the NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT selection process?
The NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT selection process is mostly similar as they all first conduct a written examination followed by a round of interviews. Thus, the two-stage selection procedure for NDA and CDS is the same i.e., Written Exam + SSB Interview. For AFCAT, the two-stage selection procedure includes a Written Exam + AFSB Interview.
CDS vs AFCAT which is easy?
Amongst CDS vs AFCAT, the latter one is considered relatively easier based on the previous year's trends and the topper's feedback. However, AFCAT is considered much easier compared to CDS and NDA as the type of questions asked and their difficulty are relatively easier of all.
NDA vs AFCAT which is easy?
Amongst NDA vs AFCAT, the latter one is considered relatively easier based on the previous year's trends and the topper's feedback. However, it is not the case that CDS is much easier compared to NDA, but the difficulty level of the questions is comparatively lower.
NDA vs CDS which is easy?
Amongst NDA vs CDS, the latter one is considered comparatively easier based on the previous year's trends and the topper's feedback. However, it is not the case that CDS is much easier compared to NDA, but relatively easier of the type of questions asked. Moreover, in contrast to the NDA exam, the SSB interview for the CDS exam is harder to pass.
Which is the best NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT?
Amongst NDA Vs CDS Vs AFCAT, the best exam for an average student would preferably be AFCAT as its difficulty level is comparatively less than both CDS and AFCAT. Moreover, second preference would be given to CDS, which is comparatively easier than NDA. While NDA has tougher questions asked in the written examination, the SSB interview for the CDS exam is harder to pass. Thus, whether NDA or CDS or AFCAT is better depends on an applicant’s interests, capabilities and career aspirations.