A huge number of young Indians believe that a career in the Armed Forces epitomizes service, adventure, and discipline. The Indian Armed Forces provide various avenues to get commissioned as an officer. However, the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) examinations are the most sought-after and prestigious options. NDA vs CDS is a must to know before applying.
It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for various defence services in India. However, they serve separate educational stages and cater to different career paths. the overall difference between NDA vs CDS is worth discussing.
Let's crack the key differences in eligibility, age limit, exam pattern, and career options in this complete NDA vs CDS comparison guide.
Basic Overview of NDA and CDS
What is an NDA?
NDA is a joint services institution where Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets train together before attending their individual service academies, where they receive additional training before commissioning.
NDA Exam Eligibility :
One of the major differences between NDA and CDS is the eligibility. Aspirants need to assess the criteria before going for the application. Here’s a detailed explanation for you:
For male candidates only (as per present norms; some alterations may be in progress). Must be 10+2 (12 class) pass. Also, for both NDA and CDS, candidates willing to apply for the Air Force or Navy have to do Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level.
Age limit:The age limit must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years for the NDA.
Services Offered: Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Training Locations:NDA, Khadakwasla (Pune).
Selection Process:
Written exam (conducted by UPSC):The exam pattern for NDA and CDS is also different. The examination is in two parts: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks while the GAT paper carries 600 marks. The total time for the examination is 5 hours.
SSB interview: There is an SSB interview which contains several tests like Psychological test, GTO, Personal Interview, etc., after the candidate clears the written exam. The NDA examination is trained for the National Defence Academy, Pune for three years after which they proceed to respective service academies for a year of dedicated training. In contrast, SSB interviews along with GAT are the last parts of the multi-step recruitment process.
Medical examination: A complete medical examination has to be done prior for selection to ensure the candidate is fully medically fit for the position.
Degree:A candidate earns a graduation degree during training (B.A./B.Sc.)
Career Start:There are alot of better career options in NDA and CDS. As a cadet, then commissioned as Lieutenant (or equivalent) after training.
What is CDS?
The Combined Defence Services exam is a post-graduation level entry into the Indian Armed Forces.
CDS Exam Eligibility:
Both male and female candidates can apply (for OTA; male only for IMA, INA, and AFA). Must have completed graduation (or be in the final year). ). Additionally, for both NDA and CDS, candidates must have studied Mathematics and Physics in their 10+2 education if they want to apply for the Air Force or the Navy.
Age limit:Age limit is also very crucial for this as the applying candidate must be between 19 to 25 years (varies slightly by service).
Services Offered:Indian Military Academy (IMA) – Army, Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Army (Short Service), Indian Naval Academy (INA) – Navy, Air Force Academy (AFA) – Air Force
Selection Process:
Written exam (by UPSC): CDS also has a written exam followed by an SSB interview. The written exam consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The English paper is of 100 marks, the General Knowledge paper is of 100 marks, and the Elementary Mathematics paper is of 100 marks. The total duration of the exam is 6 hours.
SSB interview:The SSB (Services Selection Board) interview is not a typical job interview. It is a rigorous evaluation system used by the Indian Armed Forces to select officers. After qualifying the CDS written exam (conducted by UPSC), candidates are called for this interview, which spans 5 days and includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
Medical examination:A detailed medical examination must be taken before selection to ensure that the candidate is completely medically fit for the role.
The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in the written exam as well as the SSB interview. Candidates who clear the CDS go directly to the respective service academies for training.
Career Start:Directly commissioned as a Lieutenant or equivalent.
Exam pattern for NDA:
The NDA exam is conducted in two stages - a written exam and an SSB interview.
The written exam consists of two papers - Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
The mathematics paper has a total of 300 marks, and the GAT paper has 600 marks.
The total duration of the written exam is 5 hours.
Both papers are of the objective type and have negative marking for wrong answers.
The SSB interview is a 5-day-long process and has two stages - Stage I and Stage II.
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview.
The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in both the written exam and the SSB interview.
Exam pattern for CDS:
The CDS written exam is followed by the SSB interview in the second stage. The written examination is divided into 3 papers -- English, General Knowledge and Mathematics. There are 100 marks for each paper and the duration of the written examination is six hours. English and General Knowledge papers are objective as the Mathematics paper is subjective.
There is negative marking for wrong answers in the objective-type papers.
The SSB interview is a 5-day-long process and has two stages - Stage I and Stage II.
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview.
The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in both the written exam and the SSB interview.
Pros and Cons of NDA and CDS
✅ Advantages of NDA
Start young: Begin your officer career right after school.
Extensive training: 3 years of joint-service training builds deep camaraderie and discipline.
Graduation included: You earn a degree during training.
Long-term career growth: More years to rise through the ranks.
❌ Disadvantages of NDA
Boys only (for now): Not open to girls.
Early commitment: Requires military decision at a young age.
Long training: Longer path to commissioning than CDS.
✅ Advantages of CDS
Open to both genders: OTA welcomes women aspirants.
Flexibility: Join after exploring other academic or career interests.
Faster commissioning: Less training time compared to NDA.
Short Service option: OTA allows a 10–14-year career without long-term commitment.
❌ Disadvantages of CDS
Competitive: Graduation-level exam with older, more prepared candidates.
No degree: Unlike NDA, no academic qualification is awarded during training.
Less bonding time: Shorter training means less time for building inter-service networks.
NDA vs CDS Comparison
| Category | NDA (National Defence Academy) | CDS (Combined Defence Services) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | UPSC | UPSC |
| Eligibility (Education) | 10+2 (Class 12 pass or appearing) | Graduation (or final year appearing) |
| Eligibility (Gender) | Male only (as per current norms) | Both male and female (females for OTA only) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years | 19 to 25 years (varies by academy) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried | Unmarried (IMA, INA, AFA); unmarried/married (OTA – male) |
| Entry Level | After school | After graduation |
| Services Offered | Army, Navy, Air Force | Army (IMA/OTA), Navy (INA), Air Force (AFA) |
| Type of Commission | Permanent Commission | Permanent or Short Service Commission |
| Academy for Training | NDA, Khadakwasla (then IMA/INA/AFA) | IMA, OTA, INA, or AFA (direct entry) |
| Training Duration | 3 years at NDA + 1 year at the respective academy | ~1.5 years (varies by academy) |
| Degree Awarded | Yes (B.A., B.Sc., B.Tech, depending on stream) | No degree awarded |
| Exam Subjects | Mathematics, General Ability Test | English, General Knowledge, Elementary Maths (for IMA/INA) |
| Exam Level | 10+2 level | Graduation level |
| Rank on Commissioning | Lieutenant (or equivalent) | Lieutenant (or equivalent) |
| Female Candidates | Not eligible (as of now) | Eligible (for OTA) |
| Best For | Early starters committed to a defence career after school | Graduates seeking officer entry into the Armed Forces |
Final verdict
Both NDA and CDS are prestigious avenues into the Indian Armed Forces, each with its flavor of honor, responsibility, and opportunity. The right choice depends on where you stand today in your academic journey and how ready you are to commit to a life of discipline, valor, and service. Stay disciplined, Stay humble, Stay hungry. Whether you’re 17 or 23, the uniform is waiting for you—but only if you earn it with grit, heart, and honor. Although CDS and NDA are the best defense exams after 12th/graduation.
Career advice:
Your dreams are larger than life, and that’s exactly what the NDA and CDS are made for. You will be trained alongside the best of your generation, molded into a leader from the ground up. You are not just preparing for an exam, you’re preparing to lead men in combat, to inspire, and to protect.
No matter which path you take, the journey toward wearing the uniform is transformative and one of the most respected in the nation.
One life. One goal. One nation. Be the officer your country will be proud of.
FAQs:
What is the key difference between NDA and CDS?
NDA is for candidates who have just completed or are appearing for Class 12, while CDS is for those who have completed or are in the final year of graduation.
FAQs:
Q 1: What is the key difference between NDA and CDS?
NDA is for candidates who have just completed or are appearing for Class 12, while CDS is for those who have completed or are in the final year of graduation.
Q 2: Which is easier: NDA or CDS?
It depends on your educational level:
NDA: 10+2 level exam with focus on Maths and General Ability.
CDS: Graduation-level exam with English, GK, and Elementary Maths (optional).
CDS is generally considered more competitive due to older, more prepared candidates.
Q 3: Can I apply for both NDA and CDS?
Yes, but not at the same time. You must meet the age and education criteria separately for each. NDA is before graduation, CDS is after.
Q 4: Do NDA and CDS offer permanent jobs?
NDA: Offers Permanent Commission.
CDS: Offers Permanent Commission through IMA/INA/AFA and Short Service Commission through OTA.
Q 5: Where does the training take place for NDA and CDS candidates?
NDA: Initial training at NDA (Pune) followed by service-specific academies.
CDS: Direct training at IMA (Dehradun), OTA (Chennai), INA (Ezhimala), or AFA (Hyderabad).
Q 6: Which career opportunity is better: NDA or CDS?
Both offer excellent career paths: NDA vs CDS
NDA officers start younger and have more years for promotions.
CDS offers flexibility, especially through the Short Service Commission for those unsure about long-term military careers.