There are many ways to join the Indian Armed Forces. Here in this article, we will talk about the NDA Entry and CDS Entry etc. We will get to know which is better to join and why. To get complete information about this, One must check the complete article below:

One must have the Idea that the NDA is after the 12th while the CDS is after graduation. There is a huge difference between the NDA and CDS. The NDA is an Academy that stands for National Defence Academy while the CDS is the only conducting body, it stands for Combined Defence Examination. Still, if you are passionate about joining defence, this article will help you in finding a better option for you. Let Discuss One by One.
NDA 1 2021 Result Out, Check Now
NDA or CDS Which is better?
These both exams have a different pattern and also the eligibility criteria are very different from each other. Let’s see the details about each entry individually:
National Defence Academy(NDA)
This exam held twice a year and conducted by UPSE which is Union Public Service Commission. You can apply for this right after your 12th. while in CDS it’s not the same.
Eligibility criteria for NDA
- You must have physics and mathematics in 10+2.
- Your age should not be less than 16.5 while applying.
- If you are in class 12th. Then too you can apply.
- Age limit for the NDA is only 16.5 to 19.5 yrs old. • Your age should not be more than 19.5 on the date of commencement of training.
Selection Procedure of NDA:
- Written exam (Conducted by UPSC)
- SSB Interview
- Medical test
After you clear all these tests. You will join the National defence academy as a cadet for 3 years. After that, you will be sent to your respected wings Indian Army, Indian Navy or Indian Air Force for 2 years of training. You will be sent to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy or Indian Air Force Academy. That would also matter upon your performance in the academy in the last 3 years. You will have to score well in the academy to get your desired wings.
Now let’s see the details about the CDS and its required eligibility criteria as well as the Selection Process etc.
CDS 1 2021 Result Out, Check the UPSC CDS Result
Combined Defense Service (CDS):
There are some similarities between NDA and CDS like the Selection procedure is the same but the eligibility criteria and age limit is very different. After clearing the CDSE you will be directly sent to your respected wings Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA)or Indian Air Force Academy(AFA) for 2 years of training. Which academy you are going to join would completely depend on your score in the written test and SSB interview. Now, let’s see the details about the Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit requirement for this.
Eligibility criteria for CDSE:
- You can apply for the CDS examination only after graduation.
- If a candidate is in the final year of his graduation can also apply for this.
- Candidate must have at least 60% marks in his graduation.
- Age Limit for CDSE Age criteria for each academy is different so we will discuss one by one:
- For IMA, candidate age must be between 19-24yrs old.
- For AFA, candidate age must be between 19-24yrs old.
- For INA, candidate age must be between 19-22yrs old.
- For OTA, candidates ages must be between 19-27yrs old. (Girls also can apply in this).
This is the complete difference between the NDA and CDS in terms of Eligibility Criteria, Selection Process and Age Limit Criteria. Now let’s see the overall which is better to join.
NDA or CDS Which is better Entry to choose?
Look, these both academies are best at their own place. But if you defence aspirants decided to join the defence, I would suggest you join NDA because competition is less and if you will get select in the NDA. You would have no worries about the college or life after colleges. You may miss your college life but it is gonna be amazing. You will be just settled after college. Which is one of the best thing and tension free.
nd best thing is you will not have to run in the rat race as usually everybody starts preparing after graduation. CDS is not bad if you cannot qualify for NDA anyhow. You can prepare for the CDS after graduation. Everything is the same in both but the training period is different. While in NDA you will be trained for 3+2 years.
It is completely up to you to decide which is better and which one to choose. Both are the same only the qualification and eligibility are different. I hope this was helpful to you.
Why Choose CPDA for Defense Exam Preparations
This blog was all about Which is better Entry NDA or CDS? I hope you got the complete details about this. To prepare for the Defence Exam, you can join the Cadets Point Defence Academy and get proper education and training about the exam, Interviews, Physical Fitness and Medical Fitness etc. You can check the official website www.cadetspointdefenceacademy.com to get details or to know more about the Institute.
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