AFCAT Vs CDS

AFCAT Vs CDS is a confusing difference for many aspirants, though the difference range is high. These two renowned tests - CDS or Combined Defence Forces and AFCAT or Air Force Common Admission Test are the two different ways leading to highly esteemed career opportunities in the Indian Defence Forces.

The CDS examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, also known as UPSC. After clearing CDS students get into different officer ranks in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. On the other hand, the AFCAT is the flagship test for those who intend to serve the country by being a part of the Indian Air Force.

These exams will not only offer candidates the opportunity to serve the country but also a chance to be at the ground level. So, it becomes crucial for students to be aware of the minute details and differences between the AFCAT and CDS exams. Though both these tests offer entry to some of the prominent defence services, the focus, eligibility criteria, and selection procedure differ greatly. So, to prepare you for this coveted career, you must not miss out on these distinct characteristics and differences between the AFCAT Vs CDS exams.

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AFCAT Vs CDS: Highlights

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:

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 the AFCAT 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 - Aspirants 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

The CDS eligibility criteria are 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. The dates of the AFCAT 2 are set for August 25 to 27, 2023. 

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 the AFCAT syllabus and CDS syllabus are 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:

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 the AFCAT exam pattern below:

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. The CDS exam pattern is mentioned below:

AFCAT Vs CDS Career Opportunities 

AFCAT and CDS offer different career opportunities for the aspirants depending on their education and other interests. Candidates 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 

Candidates 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:

CDS Job Profiles

CDS offers jobs in the Indian Military, Air Force, and Navy. Candidates can opt for various job profiles through CDS, and some of the job profiles are mentioned below. 

Knowing the difference between AFCAT and CDS is essential for candidates 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: Level of Difficulty

In both tests, the level of difficulty varies by subject. Let us now look at the difference in levels between the two exams:

Aside from that, the argument of AFCAT is simple. As the level and standard of questions in AFCAT increase with each exam, it is recommended that you work hard for AFCAT as well. However, the standard of questions in the AFCAT is slightly less than that of the CDS.

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 with CollegeDekho!