What is the difference between NDA and CDS exams?

National Defence Academy (NDA) is the joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces. Here, the cadets of the three services, the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force train together before they go on to the respective service academies for further pre-commissioning training. Combined Defence Service

The NDA exam is for candidates who have completed or are in Class 12, while the CDS exam is for those who have completed or are pursuing their graduation. Women candidates are now eligible to apply for both the CDS and NDA exams.

CDS officers, who are recruited after graduation, may receive slightly

Though both are defence exams, there are many similarities and differences in the recruitment process, exam pattern, training, salary, perks, promotion, eligibility, etc. NDA is conducted for candidates who wish to join the defence services after Class 12. CDS is the exam conducted for the graduate