AFCAT Vs CDS

Updated On: October 28, 2024 04:13 PM | AFCAT

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.

Table of Contents

AFCAT Vs CDS: Highlights
AFCAT Vs CDS: Eligibility Criteria
AFCAT Vs CDS: Time of Notification and Exam
AFCAT Vs CDS Syllabus
AFCAT Vs CDS Exam Pattern
AFCAT vs CDS: Level of Difficulty
AFCAT Vs CDS Career Opportunities
AFCAT vs CDS: Salary Trends
Faqs

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 Career Path	Dress Code for AFCAT Exam Day
AFCAT 2025 Exam Day Instructions	UPSC CDS Selection Process 2025

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: Flying Staff - 19 - 23 years Technical Staff - 18 - 28 years. Ground Duties - 19 - 26 years	The age criteria for CDS aspirants are as follows: Indian Military Academy - minimum 19 - 24 years Air Force Academy - minimum 19 - 24 years Naval Academy - minimum 19 - 24 years Officers Training Academy - minimum 19 - 25 years
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.	Indian Military Academy - Graduation from any recognized university. Air Force Academy - Graduation from any recognized university (with Physics and Maths at 10+2 level) or B.E/B Tech. Naval Academy - Engineering degree from any recognized university.
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	Synonyms Antonyms Reading Comprehension Para Jumbles Error Spotting Jumbled Sentences Sentence Correction Fill in the Blanks
General Knowledge	Current Events History Economics Physics Geography Scientific Inventions Science Sports Biology
Elementary Mathematics	Number System Time and Distance Time and work Percentages Profit and loss Ratio and proportion Algebra Trigonometry Geometry Mensuration Statistics

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	Flying Officer Flight Lieutenant
Leader Level Officers	Squadron Leader Wing Commander Group Captain
Chief Level Officers	Air Commodore Air Vice-Marshal Air Marshal

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 !

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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.

Can I crack the AFCAT exam in 3 months?

Yes, with the appropriate strategy, preparation, and study plan, you can surely pass the AFCAT exam in less than 60 days. You must adhere to a detailed AFCAT study plan designed by subject matter experts, which will properly guide you when preparing for this tough test.

What is the rank of CDS in the Indian Air Force?

The CDS is a four-star officer chosen from among the Indian Armed Forces' serving officers. CDS is the Indian Armed Forces' military commander and the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

How many attempts are there in AFCAT and CDS exams?

In India, there is no restriction to the number of CDS and AFCAT exam attempts. However, you must meet the age limit each time you appear for these exams. The AFCAT exam has an age limit of 20-24 years for Pilot/Technical branches and 20-26 years for Ground Duty (GD) branches. While the Army and Navy have an age limit of 19-24 years, the Air Force has an age limit of 19-25 years.

Who are not eligible for AFCAT and CDS exams in India?

The following candidates are not eligible to take the AFCAT and CDS exams in India:
- Candidates who are not Indian citizens.
- Candidates who are under the age of 18.
- Candidates who are above the age of 24 for the AFCAT exam and above 25 years for the CDS exam.
- Candidates who have been convicted of any crime.
- Candidates who have a physical or mental impairment that prevents them from carrying out the responsibilities of an officer in the Armed Forces.
- Candidates who have been discharged from the Armed Forces or any other government service due to disciplinary reasons.

How long is CDS training for Indian Air Force?

In the Indian Air Force, CDS officers must complete a 4-year of mandatory training programme. There are two stages to the training:
- Stage 1: The Air Force Academy in Hyderabad hosts the initial part of training.
- Stage 2: Various IAF operating bases conduct the second part of training.

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