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.

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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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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

CDS Salary

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 !