CDS vs AFCAT which defence exam should you choose guide by Shield Defence Academy

Dreaming of serving in the Indian Armed Forces? You’re not alone! Lakhs of aspirants gear up every year to clear top-tier exams like CDS and AFCAT. But when choosing between CDS vs AFCAT , things can get confusing real quick.

Here at Shield Defence Academy, we’ve mentored thousands of aspirants who had the same question you have now – “Which one should I go for?” This guide breaks down the differences so you can confidently choose the right path.

Exam Conducting Authorities

CDS

• Organized by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Held twice a year (typically in February and September)

AFCAT

• Managed by the Indian Air Force

• Also held twice annually, usually in February and August

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualifications

• CDS:

  • IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree in any field

  • INA: Engineering degree

  • AFA: Degree with Physics and Math at 10+2 or Engineering

• AFCAT:

  • Flying: Graduation with 60% + 10+2 with Physics & Math

  • Technical: Engineering degree with 60%

  • Ground Duty (Non-Tech): Any graduate with 60%

Age & Marital Status

• CDS:

  • IMA: 19–24 years, Unmarried

  • OTA: 19–25 years (Men & Women, married candidates eligible)

  • INA: 19–22 years

  • AFA: 19–24 years

• AFCAT:

  • Flying Branch: 20–24 years

  • Ground Duty: 20–26 years

Gender

• CDS: Female candidates can apply only for OTA

• AFCAT: Open to both males and females in all branches (depending on physical eligibility)

Wings & Roles Offered

CDS Wings

• IMA – Indian Army (Permanent Commission)

• OTA – Short Service Commission (Army)

• INA – Indian Navy

• AFA – Indian Air Force

AFCAT Wings

• Flying Branch – Combat Pilots

• Technical Branch – Engineers, Weapon Systems

• Ground Duty – Logistics, Admin, Education, etc.

Selection Procedure

CDS Exam Format

• English: 100 marks

• General Knowledge: 100 marks

• Mathematics: 100 marks

• (OTA candidates appear for only English & GK)

AFCAT Exam Format

• 100 questions, 300 marks

• Subjects: Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, General Awareness

• EKT: Optional paper for Technical roles (150 marks)

SSB Interview

Clearing the written exam leads to the 5-day SSB Interview – a comprehensive personality and leadership assessment.

Medical & Final Merit

Only those clearing both medical tests and getting into the merit list get recommended for training.

Comparing the Difficulty

Which Exam is Tougher?

• CDS: Known for in-depth academic questions, especially GK and Maths

• AFCAT: Reasoning-heavy with more emphasis on smart solving than hardcore theory

Subject Difficulty

• CDS has a Mathematics section, making it a bit more academic

• AFCAT focuses more on aptitude, reasoning, and general knowledge

Training Academies

• CDS Academies:

  • IMA (Dehradun)

  • OTA (Chennai)

  • INA (Ezhimala)

  • AFA (Hyderabad)

• AFCAT Academy:

  • All candidates train at Air Force Academy, Hyderabad

Career Progression

• CDS Entries: Start as Lieutenant or Flying Officer, rise to Colonel/General

• AFCAT Entries: Begin as Flying Officer, rise through ranks like Squadron Leader, Group Captain, etc.

Work Culture and Transfers

• Army Life: Field-intensive, command-based, rugged

• Navy Life: Naval ships, overseas postings, high-tech environment

• Air Force Life: Technologically advanced, more fixed bases

Transfers are common in all three services, but the Air Force generally has fewer field postings.

Salary and Perks

• Starting Pay: ₹56,100 (basic pay) + allowances

• Flying Allowance: Up to ₹11,250/month

• Other Benefits:

  • Canteen & Medical Facilities

  • Free Education for Kids

  • Subsidized Housing

  • Leave Travel Concessions

Career Stability & Retirement

• CDS Permanent Commission means longer tenure, pension, and job stability

• AFCAT SSC candidates serve 10–14 years (extendable), with post-retirement options in civil sectors

Why Shield Defence Academy?

All-Round Training

Our expert faculty and updated study materials help you prepare for both CDS and AFCAT, including SSB and Physical tests.

What Makes Us Stand Out?

• Daily mock tests

• Interview and personality development classes

• Individual mentoring

• Hostel and physical fitness facilities

CDS vs AFCAT: What’s Right for You?

Ask Yourself:

• Do I want Army, Navy, or Air Force?

• Do I enjoy field challenges or prefer technical jobs?

• Do I want permanent commission or a short-term service?

If you’re more Army/Navy-oriented, go for CDS.
If your heart is in aviation and Air Force tech, AFCAT is the better choice.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between CDS vs AFCAT is tough enough. Both are elite paths to serve the nation. Whether you choose the CDS route for its versatility or AFCAT for its specialized Air Force focus, make sure you’re mentally and physically prepared.

And if you need guidance, Shield Defence Academy is here to help you soar.

FAQs

Q1. Can I apply for both CDS and AFCAT in the same year?
Yes, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for both.

Q2. Which has a better success rate – CDS or AFCAT?
AFCAT generally sees slightly higher success rates due to its exam structure.

Q3. Are there permanent commissions through AFCAT?
Yes, but only for select branches and top candidates.

Q4. Can girls join through CDS?
Yes, but only for the OTA (Short Service) entry.

Q5. What’s the role of coaching in these exams?
Institutes like Shield Defence Academy streamline your preparation and boost your chances of selection significantly.