Share on

xfacebooklinkedininstagramreddit
Sandeep Pratap Singh
Written By Sandeep Pratap Singh
966
2 min
0 Comments

A complete difficulty analysis of UPSC NDA & CDS exams.

The NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) are two prestigious defence recruitment exams in India. 

While both lead to officer-level positions, their patterns, eligibility, and difficulty vary.

Quick Overview of NDA & CDS Exams

Know the basics before comparing difficulty:

Feature 

NDA 2025

CDS 2025

Conducted By

UPSC

UPSC

Entry Type

After 10+2

After Graduation

Age Limit

16.5–19.5 years

19–25 years (varies by service)

Number of Papers

2

3 (IMA/INA/AFA) or 2 (OTA)

Mode

Offline

Offline

Syllabus

10+2 level

Graduation level

Services Offered

Army, Navy, Air Force

Army, Navy, Air Force, OTA

📌 Read more: NDA Online Courses | CDS Online Courses

Syllabus Difficulty - Which Was More Challenging in 2025?

Compare the academic depth of both exams.

NDA 2025 Syllabus Highlights
 Focuses on Mathematics (10+2 level) and General Ability Test (GAT). More about speed and accuracy than complex theory.

  • Mathematics – Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability

  • GAT – English, General Knowledge, Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs

CDS 2025 Syllabus Highlights
 Requires a graduation-level understanding of subjects. More analytical and concept-based.

  • Mathematics – Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration (higher difficulty)

  • GK – Current Affairs, Defence, Science, Economics

  • English – Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension

📌 Read more: MKC Books for NDA & CDS

Exam Pattern Comparison - NDA vs CDS 2025

A side-by-side look at structure and marks distribution.

Paper

NDA Marks

CDS Marks

Mathematics

300

100

GAT

600

-

English

-

100

General Knowledge

-

100

Total

900

300 (OTA) / 400 (IMA /INA/ AFA) 

Cut-Off Trend 2025 - Which Needed Higher Marks?

Analysing the passing benchmark for each exam.

Exam

Written Cut-Off

Final Cut-Off

NDA 1 2025

375–385

710–720

CDS 1 2025 (IMA)

120–125

245–250

Observation: NDA has a higher written cut-off, but CDS questions are tougher in depth and standard.

Which Was Tougher in 2025?

Final verdict on difficulty based on exam nature.

  • For Freshers: NDA felt harder due to time pressure and speed-based solving.

  • For Graduates: CDS was tougher due to advanced subject level.

  • Overall: CDS 2025 was academically harder, while NDA 2025 had stiffer competition.

MKC Preparation Tips for NDA & CDS

Expert suggestions to ace your chosen exam.

For NDA Aspirants

  • Strengthen NCERT basics for Mathematics & Science.

  • Practice GAT regularly with PYQs.

  • Keep up with current affairs for SSB readiness.

For CDS Aspirants

  • Read The Hindu or Indian Express daily.

  • Revise graduation-level Mathematics concepts.

  • Use MKC’s CDS GK material for focused learning.

📌 Check: NDA Offline Coaching | CDS Offline Coaching

Conclusion

Choosing your path depends on your academic stage.

While NDA demands speed and accuracy, CDS requires deep conceptual understanding. 

With Major Kalshi Classes’ structured coaching, books, and online/offline courses, clearing either becomes achievable.

Categories
View All