CDS vs AFCAT: Which Defence Exam Should You Choose?
When it comes to joining the Indian Armed Forces as an officer, two prestigious gateways often stand out: the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam and the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). While both exams offer incredible opportunities to serve the nation, they cater to different interests, eligibility criteria, and career paths. Choosing the right exam depends on your long-term goals, educational background, and the wing you wish to join — Army, Navy, or Air Force.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CDS vs AFCAT, including eligibility, selection process, training, salary, and how Centurion Defence Academy can be your perfect launchpad for success in both.
Understanding CDS: Gateway to Tri-Services
CDS (Combined Defence Services) is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. This exam offers direct entry into:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) — Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) — Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA) — Hyderabad
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) — Chennai
CDS Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian citizen or subject of Bhutan/Nepal.
- Educational Qualification:
- IMA/OTA: Graduation from any recognized university.
- INA: Engineering degree.
- AFA: Degree with Physics and Maths at 10+2 or Bachelor of Engineering.
- Age Limit:
- IMA: 19–24 years
- INA: 19–24 years
- AFA: 20–24 years
- OTA: 19–25 years
- Gender: Both men and women (for OTA); only men for IMA, INA, AFA.
Understanding AFCAT: Your Flight to the Indian Air Force
AFCAT is conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year for commissioning in:
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical)
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria
- Flying Branch:
- Age: 20–24 years
- Education: Graduation with 60% + Physics & Maths in 10+2 OR B.E/B.Tech
- Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech):
- Age: 20–26 years
- Education: Varies by department; technical roles require engineering background.
- Gender: Open to both men and women.
CDS vs AFCAT: Key Differences
CriteriaCDSAFCATConducted ByUPSCIndian Air ForceServices OfferedArmy, Navy, Air ForceAir Force onlyEducational QualificationGraduation (with subject-specific criteria)Graduation with Physics & Maths or B.E/B.TechFrequencyTwice a yearTwice a yearExam LevelModerate to DifficultModerateSelection ProcessWritten + SSB InterviewAFCAT + AFSB Interview + EKT (for tech)Job RoleCommissioned OfficerCommissioned Officer
CDS Exam Pattern and Selection Process
Written Exam:
- IMA, INA, AFA:
- English — 100 Marks
- General Knowledge — 100 Marks
- Elementary Mathematics — 100 Marks
- OTA (Only two papers):
- English — 100 Marks
- General Knowledge — 100 Marks
SSB Interview:
A 5-day selection process including psychology tests, GTO tasks, personal interview, and conference.
AFCAT Exam Pattern and Selection Process
AFCAT Written Exam:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Sections:
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude
EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) for technical branches.
AFSB Interview: Similar to SSB but tailored for Air Force roles. Includes physical test, psychological test, and group tasks.
Training and Career Growth
CDS Training:
- IMA, INA, AFA: Rigorous training for 1.5–3 years.
- OTA: 49 weeks of pre-commission training.
AFCAT Training:
- Flying Branch: 74 weeks
- Technical Branch: 52 weeks
- Non-Technical Branch: 52 weeks
Career Progression in both is structured and offers timely promotions, foreign postings, and higher military education.
Salary and Perks
RankApprox. Salary (INR)PerksLieutenant/Flying Officer₹56,100 — ₹1,77,500Medical, housing, canteen, allowancesCaptain/Flight Lieutenant₹61,300 — ₹1,93,900Free travel, insurance, pensionMajor/Squadron Leader₹69,400 — ₹2,07,200Subsidized education, foreign trainingColonel/Group Captain₹1,21,200 — ₹2,12,400VIP status, club memberships
Which Exam Should You Choose?
- Choose CDS if you are interested in Army or Navy or want the flexibility to apply across all wings.
- Choose AFCAT if you are passionate about aviation and want to specialize in the Air Force.
- Both offer excellent careers, but your educational background, physical fitness, and passion should determine your choice.
Centurion Defence Academy: Your Launchpad to Success
At Centurion Defence Academy, we offer specialized CDS and AFCAT coaching programs designed to help aspirants crack these competitive exams with confidence.
Why Choose Centurion Defence Academy?
- Top-Rated Faculty: Experts from defence backgrounds and SSB mentors.
- Daily Practice Tests: CDS and AFCAT-oriented MCQs and mock tests.
- Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one guidance for written and SSB preparation.
- Updated Study Material: Comprehensive books, notes, and digital content.
- SSB Preparation Cell: Real-time GTO ground, psychology testing, and PI preparation.
- English Communication Training: Focus on spoken and written English to ace the interviews.
- CBT Lab Facility: First-of-its-kind online test platform for real AFCAT exam simulation.
Whether you dream of marching with the Indian Army, sailing with the Indian Navy, or flying high with the Indian Air Force — Centurion Defence Academy is the trusted name to transform your aspirations into achievement.
Admissions Open for CDS & AFCAT 2025 Courses
🔹 Offline Classroom Batches (Lucknow & Dehradun)
🔹 Online Courses via Centurion Digital App
🔹 Crash Courses & Full-Year Plans available
Visit Centurion Defence Academy to learn more or call 9795977776 for counselling.
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