There are two levels of defence exam conducted by UPSC every year. Both are gateways to are tri-service of the Indian Armed Forces. The process of recruitment, training, perks, salary, promotions, and opportunities differ in both.
Combined Defence Service” (CDS) : It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is for the recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Air Force Academy, and Indian Naval Academy. It invites only unmarried graduates for the exam.
National Defence Academy [NDA] : It is conducted by the UPSC on the basis of 12th Standard. A candidate has to undergo training for a period of 4 years and be suitable for relevant posts.
Following are the detail of CDS and NDA:
Particulars | CDS | NDA |
Age Group | 19-25 years of age | 16.5-19.5 years of age |
Educational Qualification | Graduates/Degree | 10+2 |
Eligibility | Both Men & Women | Only Men |
Pattern of Exam | Written/offline+ SSB | Written/offline+ SSB |
Frequency of Exam | 2 times a Year | 2 times a Year |
Training Duration | 18 months for IMA 37-40 months for NO 74 months for AFO | 4-4.5 years (4 years at NDA and 1 year in IMA, NA, AFA) |
Training Departments | Indian Military Academy | National Defence Academy |
Subjects | English General Knowledge Elementary Mathematics | English General Knowledge Elementary mathematics |
Languages of Exam | Hindi & English | Hindi & English |