NDA VS TES: Which is better?

NDA VS TES: Which is better?
11-April 2023...........

NDA and TES are among the many options before the 12th passed or appearing candidates for joining Indian Armed Forces as an officer. Through this article, we will compare NDA and TES and explain the advantages and disadvantages of joining both of them.

 

NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam

 

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a highly prestigious and competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the Indian Armed Forces. It is the gateway to the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, and is one of the most sought-after examinations in the country. The NDA exam is conducted twice a year and is open to male candidates who have passed the 10+2 examination or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. The examination is conducted in two stages - a written examination and an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

 

The written examination consists of two papers - Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics paper is 300 marks, while the GAT paper is 600 marks. The GAT paper tests the candidate's proficiency in English, General Knowledge, and Basic Science.

 

Candidates who clear the written examination are then called for the SSB interview, which is conducted over a period of five days. The interview consists of various tests that assess the candidate's personality, intelligence, and leadership qualities. Successful candidates are then selected for admission to the NDA, where they undergo rigorous training for a period of three years. Upon completion of the training, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

 

What is the Eligibility of Male and Female Candidates for the NDA Exam

 

                            Eligibility for NDA Exam for Male and Female Candidates

                            Particulars

                                 Details

Age

  • Candidates should be between the ages of 16.5 to 19.5.

Educational Qualification

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Army- 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education

Or

  • Equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
  • Navy- 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education

Or

  • Equivalent to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
  • Air Force- 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education

Or

  • Equivalent to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

 

What will be the pattern of the NDA Exam?

 

                                                        NDA Written Exam Pattern

                       Particulars

                              Details

Papers

  • Mathematics
  • GAT(General Aptitude Test)

Total Questions

  • Mathematics- 120
  • GAT-150

Total Marks

  • Mathematics- 300
  • GAT- 600
  • Total- 900

Time Duration

  • Mathematics- 2.5 Hours or 150 Minutes
  • GAT- 2.5 Hours or 150 Minutes

SSB Interview

  • 900 Marks

 

TES (Technical Entry Scheme)

 

The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is a program offered by the Indian Army to recruit technically skilled individuals as commissioned officers. This program is open to male candidates who have completed their 10+2 Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as their core subjects. The TES program is aimed at individuals who have a passion for technology and want to serve their country as commissioned officers in the Indian Army. Candidates who are selected for this program undergo a rigorous training program and are provided with the necessary technical knowledge and skills to become successful officers. The TES program offers candidates the opportunity to serve in a variety of technical fields such as engineering, communication, electronics, and computers. Candidates who are selected for this program are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.

 

Basic Information of Technical Entry Scheme

 

                           Particulars

                                Details

Educational Qualification

10+2 Passed Physics, Chemistry, and Math with 60% aggregate marks.

+

Appeared in JEE Mains Exam

Age Limit

Between 16.5 to 19.5 years.

Height

  • Female- 152 cm (relaxation of 5 cm height for north-east Girls)
  • Male- 157 cm

Academy

Officers Training Academy, Gaya

Training Duration

1 year of basic training

Nature of Commission

Permanent Commission

Rank at Commissioning

Lieutenant

Recruitment Process

SSB Interview

+

Medical Test

+

Documentation

Salary

56,100 Basic Pay

 

Comparison of NDA and TES

 

                                  NDA

                                 TES

The NDA Exam is not a direct entry scheme. This exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission of India. To clear this exam, you have to appear in a written exam conducted by UPSC.

TES is a direct entry. It means you will not have to appear for any written exam for joining the Armed Forces as an officer.

For the NDA Exam, the minimum eligibility criteria are 12th passed or 12th to appear for both male and female candidates. There are no minimum marks criteria for the NDA Exam.

For TES, Candidates must get at least 60% marks in their 12th class. JEE Mains Score Card is also required for TES.

Through the NDA Exam, you can join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.

But through TES, you can join the Indian Army.

Successful Candidates in the NDA Exam are trained at the National Defence Academy for 3 years.

Successful Candidates in TES are trained at OTA (Officers Training Academy) Gaya for four years.

In NDA, You can pursue B.Tech, B.Sc, or B.A. as your undergraduate degree.

But in OTA Gaya, you have only one option i.e. B.Tech as an undergraduate course.

Through NDA, You have more diverse choices for your career. You can join Flying Branch, Infantry, Para, Para (SF), Mechanised Infantry, Armored Corps, etc.

But Through, TES, the choices of the regiments are very limited. You can join mainly engineering regiments such as EME, Signals, Engineer Corps, etc.

Officers selected through NDA are generalist in nature. They are mainly trained for generalist roles, not specific roles.

Officers selected through TES are trained in specialized skills such as mechanics, electronics, computer science roles, etc. So their skills are highly valued and respected in the Army.

 

This was the brief comparison between NDA and TES. Both Entries have their own pros and cons. It totally depends upon the candidate which entry is the best for him/her. Both entries offer a great chance to serve their nation and earn glory. Some candidates who have a specific choice of the domain to work in can join the Indian Army through TES. Otherwise, Candidates are advised to prepare for both schemes.

 

Read More: 

NDA or IIT: Which is the Best Option After the 12th Class

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