Loading...
NDA vs CDS
Detailed comparison between National Defence Academy and Combined Defence Services — question patterns, subjects, and preparation strategies.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | NDA | CDS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | National Defence Academy | Combined Defence Services |
| Paper | General Ability Test (GAT) | General Knowledge (GK) |
| Total PYQs | 1,469 | 1,426 |
| Years | 2019–2025 | 2020–2025 |
| Answers Available | 50% | 83% |
| Frequency | Twice a year (April & September) | Twice a year |
| Eligibility | 12th Pass, Age 16.5-19.5 | Graduation |
| Sessions | Multiple per year | Multiple per year |
Practice PYQs
Other Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NDA and CDS?▼
NDA (National Defence Academy) requires 12th Pass, Age 16.5-19.5 and is conducted twice a year (april & september). CDS (Combined Defence Services) requires Graduation and is conducted twice a year. Both are conducted by UPSC.
Can I prepare for both NDA and CDS 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 — NDA or CDS?▼
Difficulty comparison depends on the paper. General Ability Test (GAT) has 1469 PYQs in our database, while General Knowledge (GK) has 1426. Compare the question patterns across years using our PYQ database to understand the difficulty trends for each exam.