Choosing between CDS (Combined Defence Services) and NDA (National Defence Academy) is one of the most common dilemmas for defence aspirants. Both exams are conducted by UPSC, both lead to a prestigious career as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces, yet they differ significantly in terms of eligibility, exam pattern, training, and career path.
This article provides a complete comparison of CDS vs NDA, covering exam differences, eligibility criteria, age limit, education, training, and career prospects, helping aspirants decide which exam suits them best.
What Is NDA Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC for candidates who wish to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force immediately after Class 12.
Entry at a younger age
Joint training of Army, Navy & Air Force cadets
Training at NDA, Khadakwasla
What Is CDS Exam?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted for graduates aiming to become officers in:
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
CDS is ideal for candidates who decide to join defence after graduation.
CDS vs NDA: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | NDA | CDS |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | UPSC | UPSC |
| Entry Level | After Class 12 | After Graduation |
| Age at Entry | Younger | Relatively older |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year | Twice a year |
| Gender Eligibility | Men & Women | Men & Women |
| Training Duration | 3 Years (NDA) + Academy | Academy-specific |
| Rank on Commission | Lieutenant / Flying Officer | Lieutenant / Flying Officer |
CDS vs NDA Eligibility Criteria Comparison
Educational Qualification
| Criteria | NDA | CDS |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | 10+2 | Graduation |
| Army | Any stream (12th) | Any Bachelor’s Degree |
| Navy | 10+2 with PCM | Engineering Degree |
| Air Force | 10+2 with PCM | Graduate with PCM / Engineering |
Age Limit Comparison
| Exam | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| NDA | 16.5 – 19.5 years |
| CDS | 19 – 25 years (academy-wise) |
NDA is ideal for early starters, while CDS suits graduates.
Marital Status
| Exam | Marital Status |
|---|---|
| NDA | Unmarried only |
| CDS | Unmarried for IMA/INA/AFA, Married allowed for OTA |
CDS vs NDA Exam Pattern Comparison
NDA Written Exam
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 |
| GAT (English + GK) | 600 |
| Total | 900 |
CDS Written Exam
| Academy | Subjects | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| IMA / INA / AFA | English, GK, Maths | 300 |
| OTA | English, GK | 200 |
Difficulty Level
| Aspect | NDA | CDS |
|---|---|---|
| Maths Level | Higher (10+2) | Moderate (Class 10) |
| GK Level | Moderate | Tougher & Wider |
| English | Moderate | Moderate–High |
Training Comparison: NDA vs CDS
NDA Training
3 years at NDA, Khadakwasla
Joint training of all three services
Followed by 1–1.5 years at respective academies
Total training: 4–4.5 years
CDS Training
| Academy | Training Duration |
|---|---|
| IMA | 18 months |
| INA | 22 weeks |
| AFA | ~74 weeks |
| OTA | 49 weeks |
CDS candidates complete training faster than NDA cadets.
Career Growth: NDA vs CDS
Rank on Commission (Same for Both)
Lieutenant (Army)
Sub-Lieutenant (Navy)
Flying Officer (Air Force)
Long-Term Career
| Aspect | NDA | CDS |
|---|---|---|
| Promotion Speed | Faster (early entry) | Slightly slower |
| Leadership Exposure | Very High | High |
| Command Opportunities | Earlier | Slightly later |
NDA officers get seniority advantage due to early entry.
Which Is Better: NDA or CDS?
Choose NDA If:
You are 16.5–19.5 years old
You want an early defence career
You are ready for long training
You want strong leadership grooming from teenage years
Choose CDS If:
You are a graduate
You decided to join defence later
You want shorter training duration
You prefer flexibility (especially OTA entry)
Can a Candidate Apply for Both NDA and CDS?
Yes ✅
If you meet eligibility conditions, you can:
Apply for NDA after Class 12
Apply for CDS after Graduation
Many officers have cleared both exams at different stages.
CDS vs NDA: Salary & Perks (Same for Both)
Starting Salary: ₹56,100 (Level 10 Pay Matrix)
Military Service Pay: ₹15,500
Free accommodation
Medical facilities
LTC & Canteen facilities
Pension & post-retirement benefits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – CDS vs NDA
Q1. Is NDA better than CDS?
Neither is better; both are different entry routes. NDA offers early entry, CDS offers graduate-level entry.
Q2. Can women apply for both NDA and CDS?
Yes, women can apply for NDA and CDS (OTA).
Q3. Which exam is tougher – CDS or NDA?
NDA Maths is tougher, while CDS GK is more challenging.
Q4. Do NDA officers get higher rank than CDS officers?
No, rank is same, but NDA officers gain seniority earlier.
Q5. Is CDS training easier than NDA?
CDS training is shorter but equally rigorous.
Q6. Which exam has more vacancies?
Generally, NDA has more vacancies than CDS.
Conclusion
Both CDS and NDA are prestigious gateways to becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. The right choice depends on age, education level, career timing, and personal readiness. NDA builds officers from a young age, while CDS offers a powerful opportunity for graduates to join the forces with maturity and academic experience.
No matter which path you choose, dedication, discipline, and determination remain the real keys to success.
