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Defence (CDS/NDA/AFCAT) Answer Key Downloader

Download official Defence (CDS/NDA/AFCAT) Answer Keys. Verified from official government sources, updated within hours of release.

Quick Info — Defence Examinations (AFCAT / CDS / NDA)

Full Name:Defence Examinations
Short Name:AFCAT / CDS / NDA
Established:Indian Armed Forces (since 1947)
Headquarters:New Delhi (Ministry of Defence)
Type:Government Examinations for Armed Forces
Official URL:https://afcat.cdac.in

About AFCAT / CDS / NDA

Defence examinations are conducted by various organizations to recruit officers and personnel for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and paramilitary forces. The major exams include AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) by the Indian Air Force, CDS by UPSC for entry into Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA).

The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam, also conducted by UPSC, is unique as it allows 12th-pass candidates to join the prestigious NDA at Khadakwasla, Pune — the joint services academy for Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard conducts recruitment for Assistant Commandant and Navik positions.

Defence careers offer unmatched prestige, adventure, discipline, and service to the nation. Officers in the Indian Armed Forces receive excellent pay, free accommodation, subsidized canteen facilities, free medical treatment, and generous pension benefits. The defence forces also offer opportunities for deputation to international organizations, UN peacekeeping missions, and foreign postings.

Exams Conducted by AFCAT / CDS / NDA

Exam Name Posts / Vacancies
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) ~300-400/cycle
CDS (Combined Defence Services) ~400-500/cycle
NDA (National Defence Academy) ~400/cycle
Indian Coast Guard (Assistant Commandant) ~50-100/year
Territorial Army Officer As per vacancy

Exam Pattern

Stage Type
Written Exam Objective (MCQ)
SSB Interview 5-Day Assessment
Medical Examination Physical & Medical

Defence exams typically have a written exam followed by a 5-day SSB (Services Selection Board) interview that tests candidates through psychological tests, group tasks, personal interviews, and outdoor activities. The SSB assesses OLQs (Officer Like Qualities) including planning, initiative, courage, determination, and group effectiveness. Final selection is based on combined merit of written + SSB.

Total Marks: CDS: 600 (Written + Interview)

Eligibility Criteria

Min Age: 19 years (NDA: 16.5 years)
Max Age: 24-25 years (varies by entry)
Age Relaxation: Very limited relaxation
Education: NDA: 12th Pass | CDS IMA: Graduation | AFCAT: Graduation (60%) | CDS OTA: Graduation
Attempts: No limit (age limit applies)
Nationality: Indian Citizen (unmarried for NDA/CDS IMA)

Salary & Pay Scale

Post Basic Pay
Lieutenant (Army/Navy/Air Force) ₹56,100 ₹80,000 - ₹1,00,000
Captain (after 2 years) ₹61,300 ₹90,000 - ₹1,10,000
Flying Officer (IAF) ₹56,100 ₹90,000+ (with flying allowance)
Coast Guard AC ₹56,100 ₹80,000 - ₹95,000

Exam Calendar

AFCAT 1 Notification: December
AFCAT 1 Exam: February
AFCAT 2 Notification: June
AFCAT 2 Exam: August
CDS I Exam: April
CDS II Exam: September
NDA I Exam: April
NDA II Exam: September

Recruitment Statistics

3 Lakh+
AFCAT Applicants (per cycle)
5 Lakh+
CDS Applicants (per cycle)
6 Lakh+
NDA Applicants (per cycle)
~5-10%
SSB Success Rate
14.5 Lakh+
Indian Armed Forces Strength

How to Download AFCAT / CDS / NDA Answer Key using Answer Key Downloader

  1. Visit the official AFCAT / CDS / NDA recruitment website at https://afcat.cdac.in.
  2. Directly navigate to the "Answer Key" or "Latest Results" section.
  3. Select your specific exam year and paper set (if applicable).
  4. Download the official PDF and verify your responses instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does UPSC release CDS/NDA answer keys?
UPSC releases CDS and NDA answer keys within 7-10 days after the examination on upsc.gov.in. Candidates can raise objections within the specified window. For AFCAT, the Indian Air Force releases answer keys within 15-20 days on afcat.cdac.in.
What is SSB Interview?
SSB (Services Selection Board) is a 5-day comprehensive assessment that evaluates candidates for Officer Like Qualities. It includes screening test, psychological tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD), group testing (GD, GPE, PGT, HGT, Command Task), personal interview, and conference. Only about 5-10% of candidates recommended by SSB get selected.
Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes, since 2022, female candidates are eligible to apply for NDA exam following the Supreme Court of India's landmark directive. Women can now join the NDA and train alongside male cadets for officer-level positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Is there a physical fitness test for defence exams?
Yes, all defence entries require candidates to pass a medical examination that checks physical fitness, eyesight, hearing, and overall health. Specific entries like NDA and CDS also include physical assessments during SSB. AFCAT flying branch has strict vision requirements.
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