For defence career aspirants, the question of whether to go for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam or the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) can be very important. Both these examinations provide a golden opportunity to serve the country, however, the scope, eligibility, and areas of concentration are different. Learning these distinctions will ensure that you make a decision that is most beneficial to your interests and future career aspirations.

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CDS Exam Overview

The CDSexam online test for the CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) two times a year for the selection in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Candidates need to be graduates to appear for the exam. This exam (the CDS) aims at those who wish to serve in the Army, Navy, or Air Force as commissioned officers.

If you are gearing up for the CDS test series, it is crucial to consider focusing on languages such as English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics. For OTA candidates, Mathematics is not required. To gauge your preparation, you may take up a CDS free mock test or a CDS mock test to get an idea about the pattern and level of the examination.

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AFCAT Exam Overview

The AFCAT examination is aimed at those who wish to become officers in the Indian Air Force in any of the three branches- Flying, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). The exam is conducted two times a year and graduates in any discipline (with some subjects relevant to technical branches) are eligible to appear. General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning are some of the sections tested in the AFCAT examination.

Even though both the examination of CDS as well as AFCAT will make one eligible to join the defence forces, AFCAT is restricted to the Air Force which will suit the interests of those who are inclined towards aviation and technology. Due to the specific branches which it covers, AFCAT is also understood to be a little less competitive than CDS.

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Which Exam to Choose?

When looking at both CDS and AFCAT, one must apply them accordingly based on their career aspirations. In case one is willing to join any of the branches of the Armed Forces but is looking for wider possibilities, the point of the CDS would be the appropriate selection. In order to prepare for it, present-day people can use a CDS test series or even take a CDS exam online test.On the contrary, if a person is interested in the Air Force, the only option that is available is to sit for the AFCAT examination.

For both tests, regular practice with a CDS free mock test will be beneficial for improving overall precision while optimizing time management skills. Such a practice is also necessary for a deeper understanding of the pattern of the exam so that all exam-taking strategies are felt with ease and anxiety before the examination day.

CDS and AFCAT both are good options to serve the nation. Choose what you like, where your strengths are and definitely where you want to be in the future.