Last updated on February 21st, 2023 at 04:03 pm
Exams for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) and the National Defense Academy (NDA) are used to choose candidates for the Indian Armed Forces. Even though the Union Public Service Commission administers both exams twice a year, there are numerous parallels and variances in the hiring, training, pay, benefits, promotion, eligibility, etc. We have outlined UPSC NDA Vs CDS in this article.
The Indian Armed Forces’ joint services academy is called the National Defence Academy (NDA). Before continuing to their separate service academies for additional pre-commissioning training, the Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets train here together.
For admission to the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy, candidates must pass the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam.
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UPSC NDA Vs CDS: Which Is Tougher, Easier, and Better?
Students in our school frequently ask us which branch of the Indian Armed Forces offers the best chances, duties, education, ranks, and pay. Both the NDA (National Defense Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) tests are required for enlistment in the Indian Armed Forces. The Union Public Service Commission conducts both of these exams twice a year (UPSC). The hiring procedures for the NDA and CDS exams are quite similar and dissimilar. Here, we shall distinguish between and analyze the aspects involved in both exams’ recruitment processes before determining the superior option.
UPSC NDA Vs CDS: Overview
Key differences between NDA and CDS are as follows:
|
Key Points of Difference |
NDA |
CDS |
|
Age Limit |
16.5-19.5 Years |
19-25 Years
|
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Men can apply for this |
Men & Women both can apply for this |
|
Educational Qualification |
Candidate should have a 10+2 Certificate from a recognized institute. |
The candidate should be Graduated from a recognized university. |
|
Scheme of Examination |
Written exam and SSB interview |
Written exam and SSB interview |
|
Frequency of the Exam |
Conducted two times in a year |
Conducted two times in a year |
|
Centres for Training |
|
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun for Army Cadets Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala for Navy Cadets Indian Air Force Academy, Hyderabad for Air Force Officers Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai |
|
Rank assigned after the training completes |
Lieutenant |
Lieutenant |
NDA Vs CDS Promotion
The pay and benefits provided to the officers chosen via the NDA and CDS exams vary greatly. The differences in compensation, benefits, and opportunities for promotion are listed below.
|
Rank-wise Category |
Promotional Avenues (Minimum Time of Commissioned Service for Promotion) |
|
|
NDA |
CDS |
|
|
Lieutenant |
On Commission |
On Commission |
|
Captain |
02 Years |
02 years |
|
Major |
06 years |
06 years |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
13 years |
13 years |
|
Colonel(Selection) |
15 years |
15 years |
|
Colonel (Time Scale) |
26 years |
26 years |
|
Brigadier |
On Selection |
23 years |
|
Major General |
On Selection |
25 years |
|
Lieutenant General |
On Selection |
28 years |
|
General |
On Selection |
No restrictions |
UPSC NDA Vs CDS: Why CDS Salary is more than NDA?
Officers in the CDS earn higher money than those in the NDA. A CDS officer’s compensation begins at 45–50 K, but an NDA officer’s income begins at 21 K. And the pay is consistent with the position. However, NDA is superior because pupils can apply for it after they finish grade 12. Therefore, it is quite simple to handle the training for three years if we include physical training. Although the CDS training duration is shorter, it is quite challenging to complete it.
Compare the salary structure of NDA and CDS with the tables provided below:
NDA Salary Structure
| Ranks | NDA salary |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant to Major | Lieutenant: Level 10 (Rs.56,100 – Rs.1,77,500)Captain: Level 10 B (Rs.61,300 – Rs.1,93,900)Major: Level 11 (Rs.69,400 – Rs.2,07,200) |
| Colonel to Major General | Lieutenant Colonel: Level 12A (Rs.1,21,200-Rs.2,12,400)Colonel: Level 13 (Rs.1,30,600-Rs.2,15,900)Brigadier: Level 13A (Rs.1,39,600-Rs.2,17,600)Major General – Level 14 (Rs.1,44,200-Rs.2,18,200) |
| Lieutenant General to HAG Scale | Level 15 (Rs.1,82, 200 to Rs.2,24,100) |
| HAG+Scale | Level 16 (Rs.2,05,400-Rs.2,24,400) |
| VCOAS/ArmyCdr Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 (Rs.2,25,000) (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 (Rs.2,50,000) (fixed) |
CDS Salary Structure
| Rank | Salary |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 Rs.56,100 -Rs.1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10 B Rs.61,300- Rs.1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 Rs.69,400 – Rs.2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A Rs.1,21,200 – Rs.2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 Rs.1,30,600-Rs.2, 15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A Rs.1,39,600-Rs.2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 Rs.1,44,200-Rs.2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General HAG Scale | Level 15 Rs.1,82, 200-Rs.2,24,100 |
| HAG+Scale | Level 16 Rs.2,05,400 – Rs.2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 Rs.2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 Rs.2,50,000 (fixed) |
UPSC NDA Vs CDS: FAQs
UPSC administers the NDA and CDS exams.
No, the NDA and CDS age restrictions are not the same. For NDA, the age limit is 16.5-19.5 years, and for CDS, it is 19-25 years.
Candidates who have completed the 12th grade and are between the ages of 16 and 19 may apply for the position.
No, the NDA and CDS officers are qualified for promotions based on the length of their employment.
The candidate should graduate from a recognized university to appear for the CDS examination.
