The Indian Army recently opened applications for the NCC Special Entry on its official website: joinindianarmy.nic.in. Several eligible candidates who aspire to become officers will be applying to it. Yet, some wonder if the NCC entry is more difficult than the CDS entry. Today, we answer the NCC vs CDS entry debate for them.
NCC vs CDS Entry: Meaning
Before we begin the NCC entry vs CDS entry comparison, let us look into what each means.
The NCC Special Entry is a direct recruitment for candidates who were part of the National Cadet Corps and hold a ‘C’ certificate with a minimum of B grade. They do not have to sit for a written examination and are shortlisted for the SSB interview based on their graduation percentage and NCC certificate.
The CDS Entry, on the other hand, is a written one. Candidates must clear the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) to be eligible for the SSB interview.
Basic Differences
Here are some basic differences that candidates often notice in the two entries during the SSB interview:
| NCC Special Entry | UPSC CDS Entry |
| 1. Direct entry with no written examination | 1. Mandatory written exam |
| 2. Apply through joinindianarmy.nic.in | 2. Apply through upsconline.nic.in |
| 3. Short Service Commission (SSC) | 3. Permanent Commission for IMA, INA, and AFA SSC for OTA Chennai |
| 4. Final result is based on SSB interview | 4. Final result is a combination of marks in CDS & SSB |
| 5. Fewer number of vacancies | 5. More number of vacancies |
This table makes the NCC vs CDS entry comparison easier for candidates. As you can see, each entry has its own benefits.
NCC vs CDS Entry?
Now we come to the crux of the argument. The NCC Special Entry involves a smaller pool of candidates because of the ‘C’ certificate requirement as compared to the CDS Entry. Still, candidates think that the former is more difficult because of:
- More number of appearing candidates during screening.
- Prior military exposure through NCC.
- Comparisons with fellow NCC cadets who have achieved a lot.
- Final result is based on SSB alone.
But, let’s be clear. As far as SSB is concerned, the NCC entry is not more difficult or easier than the CDS entry. During screening, a lot of candidates report together, hence, it may appear to be slightly difficult. So, you may refer to these tried and tested screening tips for an advantage.
However, once you are in, you are at par with all other candidates. The entire process is only about the non-negotiable 15 OLQs and your performance.
Tips for NCC Entry Candidates
To avoid any hassle after shortlisting, you can follow these tips during your preparation phase of SSB:
- Know everything about NCC, that is, the organization, its motto, et cetera.
- Introspect about your tenure, camps, and other activities because the interviewing officer asks this deeply.
- Practice for the screening phase thoroughly for NCC entry.
- Build strong knowledge and current awareness to compensate for the direct entry.
- Do not compare yourself with another NCC cadet because not all fingers are alike.
The NCC vs CDS entry debate is just a thing created by candidates. In reality, the assessors judge you on their parameters, and there is no hard and fast rule that only one entry will be prioritized over another. Best of luck!
