In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the distinctions and parallels between the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination. Unraveling the dissimilarities and likenesses between these two esteemed tests, we explore their contrasting eligibility criteria, exam structures, and potential career pathways in the Indian Air Force and other armed forces branches. Whether you’re seeking insights into the variations between AFCAT and CDS or aiming to comprehend the similarities, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about your future in the defense sector.
We all know that AFCAT is Air Force Common Admission Test, and CDS is the Combined Defense Service Examination. Both exams are in written mode and require equal hard work and determination.
Many aspirants have questions regarding the differences between AFCAT and CDS exams. Today, in this article, we will discuss the different parameters of AFCAT and CDS exam to clarify the queries.
Checkout : Difference between IBPS Bank PO Exam & UPSC Civil Service Exam
Let’s begin with the difference between AFCAT and CDS exams.
AFCAT – Introduction
Let’s discuss the eligibility criteria and other parameters of the AFCAT exam.
Everybody is aware of the fact that AFCAT is a test for boys and girls in AIRFORCE. The exam takes place twice a year and is conducted by the Indian Airforce twice a year. The notification usually comes in the first week of December else in the last week. The notification for AFCAT 2 comes in the first week of June and applications are accepted for a month. The AFCAT 1 takes place in the last week of February and AFCAT 2 in the last week of August.
AFCAT – Age Limit
The difference between AFCAT and CDS exam age eligibility criteria is quite noticeable. Here is the age limit for the various branches of the Airforce-
- Flying: 19 to 23 years
- Technical: 18 to 28 years.
- Ground Duties: Graduation (20 to 23 years), PG (20 to 25 years), LLB (20 to 26 years), MEd/Ph.D./CA/ICWA (20 to 27 years)
AFCAT- Exam Pattern
The difference between AFCAT and CDS exams can be seen in their exam pattern. So, the AFCAT exam pattern comprises one paper with four sections – English, GA, Mathematics, and Reasoning, making a total of 100 questions with a duration of 2 hours.
AFCAT – syllabus
- English: The difficulty level of passage is easy, but antonym and synonym is quite difficult. There is not much variety.
- General Awareness: Comprises mainly of Current Affairs, and the level is more comfortable as compared to CDS.
- Mathematics: Simple class 10th-level questions.
AFCAT- Job Profile
Airforce offers three posts. Candidates can check the responsibilities of all the three branches given below.
AFCAT Flying Branch Job Profile
- Looking after and operating the fighter planes in combat.
- Transportation of material and ammunition tasks
- Air support and supplies.
- Looking after and operating Helicopters for causal and emergencies.
AFCAT Ground Duty Technical Job Profile
- Maintaining all the technical tools and equipment of aircraft.
- Managing the other qualified technicians/
- Check with the other technician if they have all the equipment and tools for the job.
- Must perform aeronautical engineering, weapons, communication systems, avionics, etc.
- Responsible for handling technical processes, aircraft service and other managements.
Annual Salary Package of AFCAT
- Flying Branch – Rs. 14 -15 Lakhs
- Ground Duty (Tech) – Rs. 12-13 Lakhs
- Ground Duty (Non-Tech) – Rs. 11-12 Lakhs
CDS – Introduction
The CDS exam, or the Combined Defense Services is for all three wings – the Army, the Navy, and the Airforce. The exam takes place twice a year and is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The notification for CDS-1 comes in the first week of November, whereas the CDS-2 comes in the last week of May. The CDS-1 exam takes place in February and the CDS-2 at the start of September.
CDS- Age Limit
Here is the age limit for different wings.
- Indian Army: 19 to 24 years
- Indian Air Force: 19 to 23 years
- Indian Navy: 19 to 22 years
CDS- Exam Pattern
As we have already said, the difference between AFCAT and CDS exams can be seen in the exam pattern. The CDS exam consists of three papers English, GA, and Mathematics (optional for the OTA Aspirants). Each paper comprises 120 questions, and the time is 2 hours each.
CDS- Syllabus
- English: The variety of questions is more, and the level is easy to moderate.
- General Awareness: The level of question is difficult and requires good proration.
- Mathematics: A variety of questions from the 10th level, the level is slightly higher than AFCAT.
CDS- Post under CDS
| 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 |
CDS- Salary
| CDS Ranks | Levels | Pay in Rupees | Military Service Pay |
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500 | Rs 15,500 |
| Captain | Level 10 B | Rs 61,300 – Rs 1,93,900 | Rs 15,500 |
| Major | Level 11 | Rs 69,400 – Rs 2,07,200 | Rs 15,500 |
| Lt Colonel | Level 12 A | Rs 1,21,200 – Rs 2,12,400 | Rs 15,500 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | Rs 1,30,600 – Rs 2,15,900 | Rs 15,500 |
| Brigadier | Level 13 A | Rs 1,39,600 – Rs 2,17,600 | Rs 15,500 |
| Major General | Level 14 | Rs 1,44,200 – Rs 2,18,200 | – |
| Lieutenant General | Level 15 | Rs 1,82,200 – Rs 2,24,100 | – |
| HAG+Scale | Level 16 | Rs 2,05,400 – Rs 2,24,400 | – |
| VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | Rs 2,25,000 (fixed) | – |
| COAS | Level 18 | Rs 2,50,000 (fixed) | – |
Frequently Asked Questions on the Difference between AFCAT and CDS Exam
Q1- How AFCAT and CDS are different?
A1- Both exams are for the armed forces. CDS allows boys and girls to join the Indian Air Force for the Flying course exclusively, and girls can only enter the OTA. On the other hand, AFCAT requires both boys and girls to enrol in the Flying, Technical, or Ground Duty courses.
Q2- Which exam is tough – AFCAT or CDS?
A2- Well, it’s better to prepare well for AFCAT because the standard and difficulty of questions are increasing every year, yet the difficulty level of CDS is a little higher than AFCAT.
Q3- Can I apply for both the exam – AFCAT and CDS?
A3- Yes, candidates can apply for both exams, as the eligibility criteria are nearly the same.
Q4- Is AFCAT and CDS syllabus the same?
A4- There is some difference between the AFCAT and CDS exams in exam pattern and syllabus. But, if we compare these two exams, AFCAT is easier, but both exams require good practice.