Which is Better- NDA, CDS, or AFCAT: Check Difficulty Level

Joining the defense forces is the childhood dream of many Indians. Every year lakhs of aspirants appear to join the decorated services and realise this dream come true. After completing 12th or graduation, candidates can appear for the national-level defense entrance exam such as NDA, CDS (both conducted by UPSC), and AFCAT(conducted by Indian Air Force).

However, many of you are not clear on what to choose or which job is better, serving both your interests and which can add value to your lives. By comparing various aspects of these exams you can get a fair idea and begin your preparation accordingly. Whether it is NDA, CDS, or AFCAT, you end up serving the nation but finding your true calling is equally important to enjoy your service upon cracking these celebrated exams. 

What is NDA, CDS, and AFCAT?

All these are defense entrance exams and the candidates can check the detailed information about them in the sections below. All these exams are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers into different branches. One can take admission into NDA after they have completed their 12th, while for CDS and AFCAT exams, one needs to have passed their Bachelor's.

NDA (National Defence Academy)

It is India’s top tri-service training academy of the Indian Armed Forces, located in Khadakwasla, Pune. The exam conducted by the NDA is considered one of the toughest exams for getting selected for the Armed Forces Services training. The degrees conferred to the candidates in NDA are affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. At NDA cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together before going on to their respective service academies for their pre-commissioning training.  

CDS (Combined Defence Services)

The Combined Defence Services examination is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. It is a direct route for those aspiring to become officers in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).  

AFCAT (Air Force Combined Admission Test)

AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test. It is one of India’s most sought examinations for getting admitted into the Indian Air Force. AFCAT is held twice every year usually in February and August. Candidates after qualifying for the AFCAT exam get training at the Indian Air Force Academy at Dundigal, Telangana in their respective branches i.e. Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branch.

Exam Overview of NDA vs CDS vs AFCAT 

The basic overview of nda, cds or afcat which is better has been detailed below for the candidate's ease. It will help to get a clear picture of each exam. You need to analyze all three entrance exams based on exam pattern, exam difficulty level, selection process, training sessions, and after-job security closely.

NDA vs CDS vs AFCAT Exam Patterns

To understand the exam pattern of NDA, CDS, and AFCAT, refer to the table below. You must note that the mode of exam, chapters included, marking scheme, duration of the exam, and other factors make the paper pattern different. You must carefully analyze the paper patterns and syllabus to differentiate between all the defence exams.

Salary and Allowances for NDA vs CDS vs AFCAT

Knowing the remunerations and allowances gives an idea about what to financially expect from these coveted services during training periods and after commissioning. The details of the CDS, NDA, and AFCAT salary have been shared in the table below.

Which is better, NDA, CDS, or AFCAT, is a choice depending upon the individual’s personal interest and career goals. If the difficulty is the question, NDA is considered the toughest among the three choices. But, it also gives candidates unlimited opportunities just after completing their 12th.

The order of difficulty of these exams would be NDA>CDS>AFCAT but everything boils down to career choice and individual aspirations.