AFCAT Vs CDS
Have you ever wondered about the differences between AFCAT vs CDS exams? It’s important to understand these differences so you can prepare effectively and choose the exam that aligns best with your goals. Read below to know everything about the difference between AFCAT vs CDS.
AFCAT vs CDS:AFCAT is your gateway to the Air Force via a technical or non-technical entry, while CDS offers a broader path into the Army, Navy, and Air Force through UPSC. Choosing between them depends on your math proficiency and service preference. The CDS orCombined Defence Forcesexam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), opens doors to officer ranks in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. On the other hand, the AFCAT orAir Force Common Admission Testis the key test for those aspiring to serve in the Indian Air Force.
These exams not only offer a chance to serve the nation but also provide a ground-level perspective. Therefore, students must understand the nuances and distinctions between AFCAT and CDS exams. When you are aiming to make your career in defence you must take a decision that what you want to choose exactly AFCAT or CDS. While both exams lead to prestigious defence services, their focus, eligibility criteria, and selection processes vary significantly. Preparing for these career paths requires a clear understanding of the unique characteristics and differences between AFCAT vs CDS exams.
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AFCAT Vs CDS Which is Better?
In the list of AFCAT vs CDS, there are multiple factors. Both AFCAT and CDS are conducted to get admission into the Indian Armed Forces. The table given below shows the significant and major differences between the AFCAT vs CDS exams:
Particulars | AFCAT | CDS |
|---|---|---|
Conducting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Frequency of the Exam | Twice every year | Twice every year |
Age Limit | The age criteria for AFCAT students are:
| The age criteria for CDS students are as follows:
|
Type of Force | Indian Air Force | Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force |
Eligibility | The minimum qualification is to complete 10+2 boards with 60% marks in aggregate. |
|
Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
AFCAT Vs CDS: Eligibility Criteria
In the next step of AFCAT or CDS, eligibility criteria are one of the important steps. Here is the difference between AFCAT Vs CDS eligibility criteria.
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria
In theAFCAT eligibility criteria, there are multiple factors, which are mentioned below:
Age Limit: The age limit for the Flying branch is 20-26 years, and for the Ground Duty branch is 20-26 years.
Educational Qualifications:
- For Flying Branch- A minimum of 50 % in Physics and Maths at 10+2 level with graduate with BE/B.Tech with a minimum of 60%.
- For Ground Duty (Technical) Branch -A minimum of 50 % in Physics and Maths in 12 th with B.E/B.Tech with 60% marks.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch -students who are applying for the non-technical branch must have passed 10+2 and a Graduate Degree (Minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks.
CDS Eligibility Criteria
TheCDS eligibility criteriaare mentioned below:
Age Limit:
- Indian Military Academy: 19 - 24 years
- Officer’s Training Academy: 19 - 25 years (For men)
- Officer’s Training Academy: 19 - 25 years (For women)
- Air Force Academy: 20 - 24 years
- Indian Naval Academy: 19 - 24 years
Educational Qualifications:
- Indian Military Academy: Graduation Degree
- Officer’s Training Academy: Graduation Degree
- Officer’s Training Academy: Graduation Degree
- Air Force Academy: BE/B.Tech (10+2 with Physic and Maths)
- Indian Naval Academy: BE/B.Tech (10+2 with Physic and Maths)
AFCAT Vs CDS: Time of Notification and Exam
The notification window for the AFCAT 1 begins in the first week of December and lasts for one month. For the AFCAT 2, applications are allowed for a month after notice, which occurs in the first week of June. AFCAT 1 was held on February 22 and February 23, 2026. Following that, AFCAT result is now expected in March 2026.
The notification for CDS 1 often arrives at the start of November, and the application process takes a month. Applications are accepted for a month for the CDS 2 and notifications are made in the final week of May. CDS 1 and CDS 2 are held at the beginning of the months of February and September, respectively.
AFCAT Vs CDS Syllabus
Both theAFCAT syllabusandCDS syllabusare distinct. They have different topics and subjects. You can check the details mentioned below:
AFCAT Syllabus
The AFCAT exam comprises two papers AFCAT and EKT.
- For AFCAT - The syllabus includes General Awareness, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Military Aptitude, and English.
- For EKT - The syllabus comprises Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics.
CDS Syllabus
For CDS, there are three papers: English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. Check out the CDS syllabus mentioned below in the table:
Paper Name | Syllabus |
|---|---|
English |
|
General Knowledge |
|
Elementary Mathematics |
|
AFCAT Vs CDS Exam Pattern
AFCAT and CDS exam patterns stand different from each other. AFCAT carries a negative marking system while CDS doesn’t have one. Both exams have many differences between the exam patterns. Check below to get a clear explanation of both:
AFCAT Exam Pattern
The AFCAT exam pattern comprises 100 questions to be completed in a span of 2 hours. This entrance involves two papers for AFCAT and EKT. Check theAFCAT exam patternbelow:
Exam | AFCAT | EKT |
|---|---|---|
Total Questions | 100 | 50 |
Maximum Marks | 300 | 150 |
Exam Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) | 45 minutes |
Negative Marking | 1 mark | 1 mark |
CDS Exam Pattern
The CDS exam pattern also consists of 100 questions with a duration of 2 hours. It has three papers Mathematics, English and GA. TheCDS exam patternis mentioned below:
Name of Subject | Exam Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
English | 2 hours | 100 |
General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
Is CDS Harder Than AFCAT? A Sectional Breakdown
Students must check the deeper analysis of the last three years of papers that clearly mentions the differences in difficulty level between two and and where to focus while appearing for the exam.
Mathematics:
CDS Mathematics mainly includes topics of class 11th - 12th level such as Trigonometry identities, elements of Calculus, and advanced Algebra. On the other hand, AFCAT focuses mainly on Commercial Arithmetic, basic Algebra, and simple Geometry. If you are not strong with Calculus or higher-level Trigonometry, AFCAT is the safer bet.
English:
CDS English focuses on sentence improvement, comprehension-heavy passages, and vocabulary in context. CDS English requires sustained reading practice. AFCAT English is comparatively lighter, with direct grammar rules, cloze tests, and shorter comprehension passages.
General Awareness:
If you are preparing for CDS GK, then it requires strong command over subjects like History, Political Science, Geography, and Science. You must be able to solve factual and analytical questions. AFCAT GA is inclined towards current affairs and applied military aptitude. In this section, students can score more if they follow news and current affairs regularly.
You can also look at the table given below which briefly explains the topics that are asked for different sections on both AFCAT and CDS Exams.
Exam | English | General Awareness | Mathematics |
AFCAT | Variety is limited, antonym-synonym is tough, and passage is easy. | It consists primarily of current affairs and has a lower level than CDS. | Simple class 10th level questions. |
CDS | The variety of questions is more, the level is acceptable, and the questions are simpler. | The level is difficult and requires a solid understanding of the fundamentals. | A range of questions from the 10th level, which is somewhat higher than the AFCAT level. |
Visualizing the Syllabus Overlap
Students can look at the conceptual overlap of AFCAT and CDS subjects that will help them to understand where preparation intersects. Some of the observed factors are mentioned here and also explained in the form of a diagram.
Common Areas:
Basic English Grammar
General Awareness / Current Affairs
Elementary Arithmetic
CDS-Heavy Areas:
Advanced Trigonometry
Higher Algebra
Geometry & Mensuration
Static GK (History, Geography, Polity)
AFCAT-Heavy Areas:
Military Aptitude
Reasoning
Computer & Technical Knowledge (EKT)
AFCAT Vs CDS Career Opportunities
AFCAT and CDS offer different career opportunities for the students depending on their education and other interests. students can make a career in AFCAT or CDS depending on their choice. Here are the details of the career opportunities in both AFCAT and CDS.
AFCAT Job Profiles
students can apply for the exam and work in the Flying, Technical, Administration, and Logistics branch on a long-term and short-term basis. All the job profiles in AFCAT make a handsome amount of money. Some of the famous job profiles after the AFCAT are mentioned below:
Level | Profile Name |
|---|---|
Junior Level Officers |
|
Leader Level Officers |
|
Chief Level Officers |
|
CDS Job Profiles
CDS offers jobs in the Indian Military, Air Force, and Navy. students can opt for various job profiles through CDS, and some of the job profiles are mentioned below.
Army | Navy | Air Force |
|---|---|---|
Lieutenant | Sub-Lieutenant | Flying Officer |
Captain | Lieutenant | Flying Lieutenant |
Major | Lieutenant Commander | Squadron Leader |
Lieutenant Colonel | Commander | Wing Commander |
Colonel | Captain | Group Captain |
Brigadier | Commodore | Air Commodore |
Major General | Rear Admiral | Air Vice Marshal |
Lieutenant General | Vice Admiral | Air Marshal |
General (Chief of Army Staff) | Admiral | Air Chief Marshal |
Field Marshal | Admiral of the Fleet | Marshal of the Air Force |
Knowing the difference between AFCAT and CDS is essential for students to choose the best career option. Students can choose AFCAT or CDS depending on the differences according to eligibility, exam pattern, and other factors.
AFCAT vs CDS Salary
AFCAT and CDS salaries show similar trends as per the rank of the student, both adhering to the 7th Pay Commission framework for Indian military officers.
AFCAT Salary
Rank | Level | Salary Per Month (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
Flying Officer | Level 10 | 56,100 - 1,77,500 |
Flight Lieutenant | Level 10 B | 61,300 - 1,93,900 |
Squadron Leader | Level 11 | 69,400 - 2,07,200 |
Wing Commander | Level 12 A | 1,21,200 - 2,12,400 |
Group Captain | Level 13 | 1,30,600 - 2,15,900 |
Air Commodore | Level 13 A | 1,39,600 - 2,17,600 |
Air Vice Marshal | Level 14 | 1,44,400 - 2,18,200 |
Air Marshal HAG Scale | Level 15 | 1,82,200 - 2,24,100 |
HAG + Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 - 2,24,400 |
VACS/ Airforce Cdr /Air Marshal (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000 (FIXED) |
CAS | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (FIXED) |
CDS Salary
CDS Ranks | Levels | Pay in INR | Military Service Pay in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 | 15,500 |
Captain | Level 10 B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 | 15,500 |
Major | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 | 15,500 |
Lt Colonel | Level 12 A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 | 15,500 |
Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 | 15,500 |
Brigadier | Level 13 A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 | 15,500 |
Major General | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 | – |
Lieutenant General | Level 15 | 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 | – |
HAG+Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 | – |
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000 (fixed) | – |
COAS | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (fixed) | – |
To succeed in both of these exams, consistent effort is key. Familiarize yourself with the exam schedule and syllabus ahead of time to prepare effectively. Start by excelling in the fundamentals, as the questions typically assess your understanding of core concepts. The comparison between AFCAT and CDS is straightforward. AFCAT exams progressively increase in difficulty, urging students to prepare diligently. While AFCAT questions are slightly less rigorous than those in CDS, both demand dedicated effort for success.
Hope this article on AFCAT vs CDS will help you to choose the right exam for your career path. If you want to know more, stay tuned withCollegeDekho!