NDA Vs CDS, Which is Better or Easy
NDA Vs CDS Which is Better: In this article, we will discuss NDA Vs CDS in terms of eligibility, pattern, difficulty level, salary, promotion, etc for the reference of candidates.

NDA Vs CDS Which is Better: All the defence aspirants have a common question what is the difference between NDA and CDS or NDA Vs CDS Which is Easy? To address this concern, we have formulated this article which can answer all the queries of the aspirants. Before that, we must know what is NDA and CDS. NDA examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course.
On the other hand, the CDS examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for the admission to Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, and Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Madras). Both male and female candidates can apply for the NDA and CDS exams. In this article, we will discuss NDA Vs CDS Which is better in terms of eligibility, pattern, difficulty level, salary, promotion, etc for the reference of candidates.
NDA Vs CDS Which is Better
To know NDA Vs CDS which is better, it is important to discuss their eligibility, pattern, difficulty level, salary, promotion, etc as it can provide clear insights into the exact exam requirements. Check below the comparison of the NDA Vs CDS which is better for reference purposes.
NDA Vs CDS Which is Better-Eligibility
Here is the NDA Vs CDS Which is Better in terms of eligibility criteria shared below for the ease of the candidates.
NDA Vs CDS Eligibility | ||
Exam | NDA | CDS |
Nationality | (i) a citizen of India, or (ii) a subject of Nepal, or (iii) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India |
(i) a Citizen of India, or (ii) a subject of Nepal, or (iii) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India |
Qualification | For the Army Wing of National Defence Academy-12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination.
For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy-12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University |
(i) For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai-Degree of a recognised University or equivalent. (ii) For Indian Naval Academy- Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution (iii) For Air Force Academy-Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering. |
Marital Status | Unmarried Male and Female | Unmarried Male and Female |
NDA Vs CDS Which is Better-Exam Pattern
Here is the NDA Vs CDS Which is Better in terms of exam pattern shared below for the ease of the candidates.
NDA Vs CDS Exam Pattern | ||
Parameters | NDA | CDS |
Subjects | Mathematics and General Ability Test | IMA, INA, And AFA: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics
OTA: English and General Knowledge |
Marks | 900 | IMA, INA, And AFA: 300
OTA: 200 |
Duration | 2.5 hours for each paper | 2 hours for each subject |
Negative Marking | One third (0.33) marks | One third (0.33) of the marks |
Type | Objective type | Objective type |
Medium | English and Hindi | English and Hindi |
NDA Vs CDS Salary
Here is the NDA Vs CDS Which is Better in terms of salary shared below for the ease of the candidates. The salary for both NDA and CDS officers is usually the same. Both career paths led to commissioned officer ranks in the Indian Armed Forces. The initial salary, promotions, and subsequent salary increases are decided by your rank and experience, not by whether you entered through NDA or CDS.
NDA Vs CDS Salary | ||||
Rank | Basic Pay | Military Service Pay (MSP) | Allowances (Approx.) | Total (Approx.) |
Lieutenant | Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500 | Rs 15,500 | Rs 20,000 – Rs 30,000 |
Rs 91,600 – Rs 2,23,000
|
NDS Vs CDS Rank
Upon successful completion of their respective training academies, both NDA and CDS cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, or Air Force). Both entry-level posts lead to the same rank progression within the Indian Armed Forces. Here is the NDA Vs CDS Which is Better in terms of rank shared below for the ease of the candidates.
NDA Vs CDS Rank | |
Rank | Designation |
Lieutenant |
Junior Commissioned Officer
|
Captain | Captain |
Major | Major |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Lieutenant Colonel
|
Colonel | Colonel |
Brigadier | Brigadier |
Major General | Major General |
Lieutenant General |
Lieutenant General
|
General | General |
Field Marshal | Field Marshal |
NDA Vs CDS Promotion
There is no difference in the NDA Vs CDS promotion structure for officers who join the Indian Armed Forces through the NDA or CDS Exam. Both entry-level posts lead to the same rank structure and promotion timelines. The factors that determine the pace of promotion are performance, vacancies and government policies. Here is the NDA Vs CDS Which is Better in terms of promotion shared below for the ease of the candidates.
NDA VS CDS Promotion Structure | |
Rank |
Typical Time to Promotion
|
Lieutenant | 2-3 years |
Captain | 3-4 years |
Major | 4-5 years |
Lieutenant Colonel | 6-7 years |
Colonel | 7-8 years |
Brigadier |
Based on merit and vacancies
|
Major General |
Based on merit and vacancies
|
Lieutenant General |
Based on merit and vacancies
|
General |
Based on merit and vacancies
|
NDA Vs CDS Which is Better in Hindi
NDA Vs CDS which is better: सभी रक्षा उम्मीदवारों का एक सामान्य प्रश्न है कि एनडीए और सीडीएस या एनडीए बनाम सीडीएस के बीच क्या अंतर है, कौन सा आसान है? इस चिंता का समाधान करने के लिए, हमने यह लेख तैयार किया है जो उम्मीदवारों के सभी प्रश्नों का उत्तर दे सकता है। उससे पहले हमें यह जानना होगा कि एनडीए और सीडीएस क्या है। एनडीए और भारतीय नौसेना अकादमी पाठ्यक्रम की सेना, नौसेना और वायु सेना विंग में प्रवेश के लिए संघ लोक सेवा आयोग द्वारा एनडीए परीक्षा आयोजित की जाती है।
दूसरी ओर, भारतीय सैन्य अकादमी, देहरादून, भारतीय नौसेना अकादमी, एझिमाला, वायु सेना अकादमी, हैदराबाद और अधिकारी प्रशिक्षण अकादमी, चेन्नई (मद्रास) में प्रवेश के लिए संघ लोक सेवा आयोग द्वारा सीडीएस परीक्षा आयोजित की जाती है। पुरुष और महिला दोनों उम्मीदवार एनडीए और सीडीएस परीक्षा के लिए आवेदन कर सकते हैं। इस लेख में, हम उम्मीदवारों के संदर्भ के लिए पात्रता, पैटर्न, कठिनाई स्तर, वेतन, पदोन्नति आदि के संदर्भ में NDA Vs CDS which is better पर चर्चा करेंगे।
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NDA Vs CDS Which is Tough
NDA vs CDS Which is tough: Understanding whether NDA or CDS is tougher is subjective and depends on individual strengths. While the CDS written exam is considered easier due to its concentration on English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics compared to NDA’s Mathematics and General Ability Test, the overall difficulty lies in qualifying in the SSB interview. Both exams have a competitive selection process, and the SSB stage is challenging for many. Ultimately, success in either NDA or CDS requires solid strategy, hard work, and a strong mental aptitude.
NDA Vs CDS Which is Easy
NDA vs CDS Which is easy: Knowing whether NDA or CDS is easier is subjective and depends heavily on individual strengths. NDA focuses on Mathematics and General Ability, making it potentially easier for those strong concepts in these areas. However, its immense competition and subsequent training make it challenging overall. CDS focuses on English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, and is usually considered less competitive. However, the SSB interview is common to both and can be challenging for many. Ultimately, the best exam depends on your educational background, aptitude, and personal choice for the specific defence force.