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Difference Between Joining The Army Through NDA and CDS

Embarking on a journey into the Indian Armed Forces offers a unique and gratifying path, and the two major entry gates for aspiring officers are the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exams. While both serve as prestigious pathways to military service, they cater to different educational backgrounds and age groups, each with different eligibility criteria, exam formats, and training processes.

Understanding these differences is crucial for candidates aiming to choose the path that best aligns with their goals, whether entering directly through NDA after school or as a graduate through CDS. In today’s article, we will provide information about the Difference Between Joining The Army Through NDA and CDS.

Difference Between Joining The Army Through NDA and CDS

For those aspiring to lead an extraordinary life, familiarity with two of the most sought-after exams conducted by the UPSC is essential: the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Combined Defence Services (CDS). These esteemed entrance exams offer pathways into the defense sector as commissioned officers. In this exploration, we will highlight the key distinctions between NDA and CDS, offering a comprehensive overview to guide you in choosing the right path for your ambitions in the armed forces.

Eligibility Criteria

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is conducted at the higher secondary level, which means candidates can apply after completing their 10th grade. In contrast, the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is intended for graduates, so applicants must either hold a degree or be in their final year of graduation to qualify.

  • Educational Qualification: The NDA is a higher secondary level examination, allowing candidates to apply after completing their 10th grade. In contrast, the CDS is a graduate-level exam, which means candidates must either hold a degree or be in their final year of graduation to be eligible.
  • Age Limit: The age requirement for NDA candidates is between 16 and 19 years, while for CDS, candidates must be between 19 and 25 years of age.
  • Gender Eligibility: Previously, women were not permitted to sit for the NDA examination. However, recent changes in regulations now allow female candidates to apply for both NDA and CDS.

Exam Pattern and Level

When considering a career in the Indian Armed Forces, understanding the structure and difficulty levels of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) exams is essential, as each offers a distinct pathway based on educational qualifications and testing requirements.

NDA Exam Structure: The NDA exam is designed to align with higher secondary education and consists of two papers: the General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. Each paper is allotted a duration of two and a half hours, with the written test totaling 900 marks. This is followed by the SSB interview, which also carries a weight of 900 marks.

CDS Exam Structure: In contrast, the CDS exam is aimed at graduates. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Naval Academy (INA) must complete three papers: Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge. However, those applying for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) are exempt from the Mathematics paper. Each CDS examination allows candidates two hours to complete their papers, with a total composite score of 300 marks (200 for OTA). The SSB interview holds the same significance as the written examination.

Difficulty Level: In terms of difficulty, many candidates perceive the NDA exam as more challenging than the CDS. This perception arises mainly because the Mathematics portion in CDS is at an elementary level, while the NDA exam features 10+2 level mathematics. Additionally, NDA candidates tend to be younger, though opinions on this aspect may vary.

NDA 2(2021) CDS 2 (2021)
Vacancy  total 400 total 339
Previous year cuttoff (written) 355 out of 900
  • IMA – 130 out of 300
  • INA – 118 out of 300
  • AFA- 143 out of 300
  • OTA (men)- 93 out of  200
  • OTA(women)- 93 out of 200
Previous year Cutoff (final)

  • the data given is based on marks of recommended cadets
719 out of 1800
  • IMA – 250 out of 600
  • INA – 242 out of 600
  • AFA- 274 out of 600
  • OTA (men)- 173 out of 400
  • OTA(women)- 177 out of 400
 Approx. no of applicants (previous year) 5.3 lakh 2,343,43
Approx. no of candidates appeared (previous year)  2.4 lakh 1,182,50
Difficulty level
  • Mathematics- moderate to difficult
  • GAT – moderate
  • GA- easy to  moderate
  • English- easy to moderate
  • Mathematics – difficult

Training After Recommendation

Once you get recommended by the SSB interview panel and made it to the final merit list ,you undergo a rigorous training program.

  • NDA – If you get recruited through NDA , you will first get admitted to  National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, it is a three year program and after that you will be trained at different academies based on your cadre.
    Army IMA Dehradun
    Navy INA, Ezhimala
    Air force AFA, Hyderabad.
  • CDS- If you get selected by CDS exam you will be  directly trained at the respective defence academies you have applied for, such as IMA Dehradun for Army, INA Ezhimala for navy, AFA, Hyderabad  for Airforce and OTA Chennai.

Time Period of Training

Training Program Duration
NDA 3 years at NDA + 12 to 18 months at specified academies
CDS (Army Cadets) 18 months
CDS (Navy Cadets) 37 to 40 months
CDS (Air Force Cadets) 74 months

Degrees Awarded After Training

Upon completion of their training, cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) are awarded different degrees, reflecting the educational foundations they build during their respective programs.

NDA cadets receive various degrees based on their branch of service:

  • Army Cadets are awarded degrees such as BSc, BTech, BA, and BSc in Computer Science.
  • Navy Cadets obtain a BTech degree.
  • Air Force Cadets also receive a BTech degree.

On the other hand, CDS cadets are awarded postgraduate diplomas depending on their chosen path. Army cadets earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Military and Defence Management, while those opting for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) receive a PG Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies.

Training Program Degrees Awarded

NDA Cadets

Army Cadets BSc, B. Tech, BA, B.Sc. in Computer Science
Navy Cadets B. Tech
Air Force Cadets B. Tech

CDS Cadets

Army Cadets Postgraduate Diploma in Military and Defence Management
OTA Cadets PG Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies

Job Profile

  • After successfully completing your training you are given the rank of Lieutenant. be it through  NDA or CDS.
  • The cadets through NDA get Permanent service commission while through CDS both short and permanent commission is granted depending on the post.
  • The career and promotion path is similar for both however cadets selected through NDA reach higher designations as they start the journey from a young age .

Salary and Allowances

Though both the services induct you as an officer but there are slight differences in the salaries,the chart given below will help you in understanding better.  Apart from that there are several other allowances officers are eligible for, the government takes well care of the Military Officers so there is no dearth of financial aids.

Rank                   NDA Officer Pay (in Rupees) CDS Officer (Total Pay in Rupees)
Rank Pay Grade Pay
Lieutenant 15,600—39,100/- 5,400/- 56,100 – 1,77,500
Captain 15,600—39,100/- 6,100/- 6,13,00-1,93,900
Major 15,600—39,100/- 6,600/- 6,94,00 – 2,07,200
Lieutenant Colonel 37,400—67,000/- 8,000/- 1,21,200 – 2,12400
Colonel 37,400—67,000/- 8,700/- 1,30,600-2, 15,900
Brigadier 37,400—67,000/- 8,900/- 1,39,600-2,17,600
Major General 37,400—67,000/- 10,000/- 1,44,200-2,18,200
Lieutenant General HAG Scale 67,000/–79,000/-   – 1, 82, 200-2,24,100
HAG+Scale 75,500/- 80,000/- 2,05,400 – 2,24,400
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) 80,000/- 2,25,000/-(fixed)
COAS 90,000/- (fixed) 2,25,000/-(fixed)

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FAQs

What is the difference in eligibility criteria between NDA and CDS exams?

The NDA exam is for candidates who have completed their 10th grade, with an age range of 16-19 years. In contrast, the CDS exam is for graduates or final-year students, with an age range of 19-25 years. Both exams are open to men and women, although NDA had previously restricted female candidates.

How do the training programs differ between NDA and CDS?

NDA candidates undergo 3 years of training at the National Defence Academy, followed by 12-18 months at their respective service academies. CDS candidates, depending on the branch, undergo training for 18 months at IMA for the Army, 37-40 months at INA for the Navy, or 74 months at AFA for the Air Force.

What are the salary differences between NDA and CDS officers?

Both NDA and CDS officers receive similar pay scales, but CDS officers may earn slightly higher due to their advanced age and qualifications. For example, the starting pay for a CDS Lieutenant is around ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500, while an NDA officer starts at ₹15,600—39,100 with ₹5,400