Chase Your Dreams by Joining Indian Armed Forces (NDA, CDS, AFCAT)

Terrorism, now a days, is a major burning issue for all countries. ISIS, AL QAEDA & many other terrorist groups have jolted the human psyche with bombing & blasts in the world.

The UN is working to demolish or overcome this problem, adjoining countries together. Like other countries, India has the second largest military power in the world after China.

The role of defense services is primarily subjected to national security. Indian army is divided into three parts- Army, Navy & Airforce. They have differences working on ground but the action is the same. Not only from terrorism, it also, protects from other country's interference on the borders.

Indian army works on the lines below:

“Never Gives Up!

  Doesn't Stop!

  Continuous to Walking!

  Until the Target is Achieved!”

Defense as a carrier option:

As far as the violence is increasing, it is forcing the defense ministry to think over the security; for it demands of soldiers on a larger scale. Despite general duty, clerical & apprentice trades,  the defense ministry is giving an opportunity to all Indian citizens to join this disciplined organization as a commissioned officer through different entries (NDA, CDS & AFCAT).

Earlier, people avoided joining the army simply because of the fear factor of war, low salary & lack of allowances. Recently, In India, this service is considered to be the best among all services. It is now providing lifetime full security to the retired army persons & their families, no other service has such an advantage.

There are three basic reasons behind joining defense. First, With every pay commission, the army officers are getting a high salary with medical , canteen & pension facilities. Second, patriotism & a highly reputed job. Third, getting bravery awards. That's all about the scope & benefits of joining Indian army.

What is NDA, CDS & AFCAT:

NDA, CDS & AFCAT are the top most examinations for defense services as commissioned officers.

First, NDA stands for National Defence Academy & Naval Academy: an entry for +2 pass out or appearing candidates.The candidate will give preference for either of naval academy or navy, army & airforce. The candidates who opt for Naval academy are studying for a B.Tech degree of four years.

Second, CDS stands for Combined Defense Service exam for graduates. In CDS, The candidate will opt for either IMA (Indian Military Academy or OTA(Offices Training Academy).

Third, AFCAT is for joining the air force only & stands for Airforce Common Aptitude Test. The candidates opt for the preferences- ground duty branch, logistics & educational branch. All three exams are conducted twice a year.

UPSC(Union Public Service Commission), conducts NDA & CDS only. The selected candidates have to undergo training in the academy for NDA entry although the candidates for CDSE & AFCAT are appointed directly after completion of the training.

Other Entries:

Indian army conducts separate examinations for the Education corps(AEC), law graduate entry, NCC (National Cadet Core) entry, B.Tech entry & B.SC nursing commission.

Syllabus of  NDA, CDS & AFCAT:

First of all, I would like to share with you  the detailed syllabus of NDA. This paper consisted of two papers- Mathematics of (300 marks) & General Ability of (600 marks).

For mathematics, the questions will be designed on Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of two & three Dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus & Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics & Probability.

For general ability, the questions will be on English Comprehension & Grammar usage, G.K on Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography & Current Events.

In CDS, students will get two papers of English & General Studies if they opt for OTA, Mathematics as an additional part for those applying for IMA.

For English, the syllabus will be the same. For GS, the question will be on Indian economy, Polity, Geography, Economics & General Science.

The arithmetic questions will be on Mensuration, HCF-LCM, Number System, Time & Work, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra, Variation, SI & CI, Ratio & Proportion.

For AFAT, the paper is of 100 marks & the questions will be on English, Reasoning, Maths & General Knowledge. The syllabus is the same as in the case of NDA & CDSE.

Approach for the Exam:

The candidates appearing for the examination for the first time are seen in trouble on what to study. A smart strategy is required for a fruitful result. I am gonna share with you the most recommended books & other authentic sources which may help you a lot.

For Maths, read & practice on 6th to 10th standard books of arithmetic. R.S Aggrewal's books on Arithmetic & Logical Reasoning are sufficient for these exams.

For English, read Indian Express which will build your vocab & understanding of the language. Arihant's book on Antonyms & Synonyms is enough.

For General Studies, read 6th to 12th standard books, Lucent's book on General Studies & newspaper for current events.

Pratiyogita Darpan, a monthly magazine, is very helpful for current events of the past six months.  Don't read many more books; it will waste your time. Just focus on these books. They will really take all candidates to success.

Being  a Soldier is more than courage, it’s sacrificing yourself for something greater than yourself.