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CDS vs NDA
Detailed comparison between Combined Defence Services and National Defence Academy — question patterns, subjects, and preparation strategies.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | CDS | NDA |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Combined Defence Services | National Defence Academy |
| Paper | General Knowledge (GK) | General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Total PYQs | 1,426 | 1,469 |
| Years | 2020–2025 | 2019–2025 |
| Answers Available | 83% | 50% |
| Frequency | Twice a year | Twice a year (April & September) |
| Eligibility | Graduation | 12th Pass, Age 16.5-19.5 |
| Sessions | Multiple per year | Multiple per year |
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Other Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CDS and NDA?▼
CDS (Combined Defence Services) requires Graduation and is conducted twice a year. NDA (National Defence Academy) requires 12th Pass, Age 16.5-19.5 and is conducted twice a year (april & september). Both are conducted by UPSC.
Can I prepare for both CDS and NDA together?▼
Yes, the GK/GA sections of both exams share significant overlap in topics like History, Geography, Polity, and Current Affairs. Practicing PYQs from both exams can strengthen your preparation. However, each exam has its own specific topics and question patterns that need dedicated attention.
Which exam is harder — CDS or NDA?▼
Difficulty comparison depends on the paper. General Knowledge (GK) has 1426 PYQs in our database, while General Ability Test (GAT) has 1469. Compare the question patterns across years using our PYQ database to understand the difficulty trends for each exam.