NDA vs. CDS Exam: Which is Easier to Crack?

March 17, 2025 0 Comments

Every year, thousands of young aspirants in India prepare for defense exams to join the armed forces. Among the most prestigious and competitive exams are the National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam. Both these tests are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) but cater to different categories of candidates.

The NDA exam is for students who have completed or are appearing in their 12th grade, while the CDS exam is designed for graduates who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Though both exams serve the same purpose—recruiting officers for the Indian Armed Forces—their difficulty levels, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and selection processes differ.

But which of the two is easier to crack? To answer this question, we will analyze various factors such as exam difficulty, eligibility, selection rates, competition levels, and preparation strategies for both NDA and CDS. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of which exam might be a better fit for you.

The National Defence Academy (NDA) was established in 1954 as the world's first tri-service academy, preparing cadets for roles in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The NDA exam has since been a crucial gateway for young students aspiring to join the armed forces straight after school.

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam was introduced later to recruit trained graduates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Naval Academy (NA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). Unlike NDA, which selects school graduates, CDS is meant for candidates who have already completed their bachelor’s degree.

Despite their differences, both exams have been instrumental in shaping the careers of India’s finest defense personnel. However, the selection process for each is unique, leading to a common question among aspirants: Which is easier to crack?

To determine which exam is easier, let’s analyze several key parameters:

1. Eligibility Criteria

NDA: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old and have completed or are appearing for their 12th board exams.
CDS: Candidates must be 20 to 25 years old with a graduation degree (or final-year students).

2. Exam Pattern & Syllabus

NDA Exam Pattern

Mathematics – 120 questions (300 marks)
General Ability Test (GAT) – 150 questions (600 marks) covering English, History, Geography, Science, and Current Affairs.
Total Marks: 900
Exam Type: Objective
Negative Marking: Yes

CDS Exam Pattern

Indian Military Academy (IMA), Naval Academy (NA), and Air Force Academy (AFA):

English – 100 marks
General Knowledge (GK) – 100 marks
Mathematics – 100 marks
Total Marks: 300

Officers Training Academy (OTA):

English – 100 marks
General Knowledge (GK) – 100 marks
Total Marks: 200

Exam Type: Objective
Negative Marking: Yes

3. Level of Difficulty

Many candidates find CDS slightly easier than NDA. Some reasons for this include:

NDA has more subjects (especially Mathematics and Science, which are extensive).
CDS focuses only on English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics (for IMA, AFA, and NA), making its syllabus more streamlined.
NDA Mathematics is considered slightly tougher, as the syllabus covers higher-level concepts from Class 11 and 12.

4. Competition & Selection Ratio

NDA: Over 5 lakh candidates appear for the NDA exam each year, but only 7,000 to 8,000 qualify for the next stage (SSB Interview). Success rate: 1.5% to 2%.
CDS: Around 2.5 lakh candidates appear for CDS, with 8,000 to 9,000 qualifying for the SSB. Success rate: 3% to 4%.

CDS has a slightly higher selection rate, which suggests lower competition compared to NDA.

1. Lt. Gen. Anil Chouhan (Retd.) – NDA Graduate

Lt. Gen. Chouhan cleared the NDA exam in his first attempt and later became the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India. His disciplined preparation and strong grasp of Mathematics played a crucial role in his success.

2. Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore – CDS Graduate

An Olympic medalist and a distinguished Indian Army officer, Col. Rathore joined the armed forces through CDS. His preparation included a mix of physical training and subject-specific focus on English and GK, which helped him succeed.

Selection Trends for NDA and CDS (Last 5 Years)

Year	NDA Applicants	NDA Final Selections	CDS Applicants	CDS Final Selections
2019	4.5 lakh	500	2.3 lakh	700
2020	5.0 lakh	520	2.5 lakh	750
2021	5.5 lakh	540	3.0 lakh	800
2022	5.2 lakh	530	2.8 lakh	780
2023	6.0 lakh	550	3.2 lakh	820

So, which exam is easier to crack—NDA or CDS? The answer depends on the candidate's background, interest, and preparation level.

For school students ready to dedicate 2–3 years to rigorous study, NDA is a great option.
For graduates with good English and GK skills, CDS is relatively easier due to its narrower syllabus and slightly better success rate.

Ultimately, success in either exam comes down to hard work, strategy, and determination.

Back to blog