Comparing NDA and CDS Which Path Offers More Opportunities?

While the main objective of both examinations is the same, NDA and CDS differ considerably from one another. The differences between NDA and CDS include age restrictions, gender, training and service, exam pattern, and eligibility criteria. The eligibility requirements are one of the primary differences between NDA and CDS. Candidates who passed their 10+2 education are eligible for NDA, whereas those who have completed their graduation are eligible for CDS. In addition, applicants for the NDA and CDS who wish to apply to the Air Force or Navy must have completed studies in mathematics and physics in their 10+2. To be recruited for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, one must pass the CDS or NDA exam. This detailed article will help in comparing NDA and CDS to understand the unique features of both NDA and CDS.

Comparing NDA and CDS

There are many similarities between the two examinations and the opportunities they present, as well as considerable differences. Defense aspirants should be aware of all similarities and differences between the NDA and CDS exams to make an informed decision. Below is a detailed comparison of NDA and CDS to help aspirants prepare for the exam which suits them right.

Comparing NDA and CDS: Exam Pattern

• Subjects Covered in CDS– English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for IMA, AFA, and INA English and General Knowledge for OTA
• Subjects Covered in NDA– General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics

• Total Number of Papers in CDS– Three papers for INA, AFA, and IMA, Two Papers for OTA
• Total Number of Papers in NDA– Two Papers

• Duration of the Exam in CDS- Each paper is two hours
• Duration of the Exam in NDA– Each paper is for 2 ½ hours

• Number of questions in CDS– Math: 100, English: 120, General Knowledge: 120
• Number of questions in NDA– GAT: 150, Mathematics: 120

• Total marks in CDS– IMA, INA, and AFA: 300 and OTA: 200, The SSB Interview for IMA, INA, AFA is 300 marks each and for OTA, it’s 200
• Total marks in NDA– Written Exam: 900 and SSB Interview: 900

• Negative Marking in CDS– 0.33 for every wrong answer
• Negative Marking in NDA– GAT: 1.33 for every wrong answer and Mathematics: 0.83 for every wrong answer

• Difficulty level of syllabus in CDS– Elementary Mathematics for CDS is Class 10 level; other subjects are at the Graduation level
• Difficulty level of syllabus in NDA– syllabus is equivalent to classes 10-12

Comparing NDA and CDS: Eligibility Criteria

Age Eligibility:

• NDA 2: Candidates, both male and female, applying for NDA 2 must have been born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2005.

• NDA 1: For NDA 1, candidates, both male and female, should have been born between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2006.

• CDS: The acceptable age range for candidates is 19 to 25 years.

Gender Eligibility:

Both men and women are eligible to apply for both NDA and CDS examinations.

Educational Qualification:

• For Army Wing (NDA): Male and female candidates must have passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.

• For Air Force and Naval Wings (NDA): Male and female candidates must have passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• CDS: Candidates with a graduation degree are eligible to apply.

Comparing NDA and CDS: Syllabus

• Syllabus for NDA– Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), Subjects include English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, and Current Affairs

• Syllabus for CDA– English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics

• Difficulty level of NDA– Mathematics section can be challenging, requiring a strong understanding of mathematical concepts

• Difficulty level of CDA– Mathematics section is relatively higher in difficulty compared to the NDA

Comparing NDA and CDS: Training, Training Centres, Degrees Awarded

The cadets for both NDA and CDS are awarded degrees and go through different training processes, the difference between the training process of both is mentioned below:

Duration of Training for NDA:

• The training spans over a period of 4 to 4.5 years.
• Army cadets undergo 3 years of training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) followed by 1 year at the Indian Military Academy (IMA).
• Naval cadets spend 3 years at NDA and 1 year at the Naval Academy.
• Air Force cadets train for 3 years at NDA and 1.5 years at the Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad.

Duration of Training for CDS:

• Cadets undergo varying durations of training based on their respective wings:
• Indian Military Academy (IMA) cadets receive 18 months of training.
• Navy officers undergo training for a duration of 37 to 40 months.
• Air Force officers undergo an extensive training period of 74 months.

Training Centres for NDA:

• The training is conducted at various prestigious institutions:
• National Defence Academy, located in Khadakwasla, Pune.
• Indian Military Academy, situated in Dehradun.
• Indian Naval Academy, located in Ezhimala.
• Indian Air Force Academy, situated in Hyderabad.

Training Centres for CDS:

• Army Cadets attend the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.

• Navy Cadets receive training at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala.
• Air Force Officers undergo training at the Indian Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.
• Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai also plays a role in training.

Degrees Awarded to NDA Cadets:

• Upon successful completion of the training program, cadets are awarded different degrees based on their respective branches:
• Army Cadets: Receive degrees such as B.Sc., B.Sc. (Computer), BA, or B.Tech.
• Naval Cadets: Are awarded a B.Tech degree.
• Air Force Cadets: Also receive a B.Tech degree.

Degree/Diploma Awarded to CDS Cadets:

• Army Cadets at IMA are awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in ‘Military and Defense Management’.
• Cadets at OTA Chennai receive a Post Graduate Diploma in ‘Defence Management and Strategic Studies’

Comparing NDA And CDS: Salary and Promotional Avenues

There are major differences in the salaries and promotional avenues available to officers selected through the CDS and NDA exams. The variations in the salaries and promotional avenues are given below.

Comparing NDA and CDS: Which One Provides Better Opportunities?

Based on the pointers we have discussed above candidates can select whichever exam they find preferable based on the following points as discussed-

• For those who have completed their 10+2 education and meet the eligibility criteria, cracking the NDA exam might be comparatively easier due to its specific target audience.

• Aspirants with a strong foundation in Mathematics and a preference for a broader syllabus may find the NDA exam relatively easier. However, candidates who excel in English and General Knowledge might find the CDS exam more suitable.

• If you’re looking for relatively lower competition, the CDS exam could offer better chances to secure a position in the armed forces.

• Falling within the specified age limit for the NDA exam can make it more convenient to crack, especially since you can appear for the exam immediately after completing your 10+2 education.

• If you prefer a shorter training period, opting for the CDS exam might be more suitable.