Which Is Better NDA Vs. IIT – Compare and Decide

Difference table

Only hard working and aspiring students can understand the pain of  choosing between NDA and IIT. Both of them needs great deal of intelligence and dedication. An average student will not give a damn about NDA or IIT, all he want is a job in any of these field and student with such attitude can never make it to either one of them.

People who are driven by passion are more likely to succeed in life. So, if you are passionate about any of these two fields, then without any doubt you should simply follow it. But still, if you are unable to decide which one to pick, then the following article can help you.

See also: Complete NDA selection process

Entrance Exam

NDA and IIT, both are considered among the toughest exams in India. Going by the statistics, almost 15 lakh students sit for the IIT-JEE exam each year, and only 9 thousand (approx) are selected, where on the other hand, only 29% of the candidates who apply for NDA are selected.

Don’t get fooled by the given statistics, one may conclude that written exam of NDA is tougher than IIT, while the truth is other way round. Most of the students who sat for both the exams confessed that cracking NDA written exam is much easier than IIT.

# NDA

The syllabus for NDA is undoubtedly vast, as it includes all the subjects that one must have read in his entire schooling life i.e Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, Social Science, and to top those questions from current affairs.

Despite having such a long list of subjects, one may wonder why this exam is easier than IIT? The reason is simple, you will not be asked to make complex machines or hi-tech gadgets in NDA. It is more about dealing with real life problems, and basic information is more than enough to do so. Therefore, the level of the entrance exam is not as high as IIT.

The SSB interview of NDA is the real deal breaker. This interview lasts for 5 days and the worst part is that there is no fixed pattern. And it is the main reason for the low selection rate.

# IIT

Written exams are the only hurdle to get admission in an IIT college, and they make sure that these written exams are as hard as hell. So, no student with ordinary IQ can get admission in IIT.

Though the subject list of IIT is simple, but the questions asked in the entrance exam are so difficult that students drop 1 to 4 years just to practice and clear the exam. The question paper of IIT exam has been totally unpredictable from past 3-4 years, and cut-offs reaches dizzying heights year by year. Lakh of students appear in the exam and only 10% get the signal to go ahead.

To get an IIT college, one has to clear two written exams namely JEE mains and JEE advance. Clearing JEE mains will give you NIT college, only after clearing both the exam will assure an IIT college.

Training / Learning

In both the cases, one has to complete the graduation degree. For IITians, it is obvious that they have to pursue B.tech for bachelors degree. Whereas, NDA cadets can pursue either B.Sc, BA or B.tech for Graduation.

# NDA

It is all about discipline and mindfulness for NDA cadets. During the 3 years of training, the time table is very strict and tight, the routine just involves physical activities, study and nothing else. You will be completely isolated from the temptation of outer world to ensure that you get the graduation degree with good percentage and prepare for the forth coming 1 year of hard training simultaneously.

Studies are not going to be any easy, they will rather be more difficult. While in the final year of training, a candidate has to go under immense physical and mental pressure. In every batch, there are at least 2 to 4 dropouts who quit the training just because they find it impossible to bear, and found life at NDA hard to live.

# IIT

Challenge for an IITian starts right from the 1st year of graduation. The subjects and their level of difficulty is extreme from the 1st year. Class assignments, notes, and time to time testes makes sure that a student always remain busy in studies. The semester exams are also very difficult to pass.

In the final year, pressure to prepare for the campus interview, and to show a live self-made project is tremendous.

Career Prospects

IIT and NDA comes up with such an excellent career prospects that both are worth a struggle. Both are entirely different fields of making a better career. Where, NDA is to serve your country’s defence, in IIT you can build your country with better structure.

# NDA

After 4 years of training, you will be given the Lieutenant rank (officer rank) in Indian Army, in Air Force, you will be given provisional commission in the rank of Flying Officer, and Naval cadets are selected for Executive, Engineering and Electrical Branches of the Navy.

The salary package of NDA selected officer starts from 60 to 70 thousand which is by every means rewarding enough for all the struggle he has been through. Promotions are given time to time which increases both rank and salary. As a government job, it provide the surety of salary at the end of the month, no matter what.

# IIT

After clearing the final semester, there are awe-inspiring placements from IIT campuses with unbelievable salary packages. Multinational companies will give anything to have a skilled and knowledgeable engineer on their side.

There are no fixed numbers on salary of an IIT passed engineer, the starting may range from lakh to even crore per annum. And sky is the limit when it comes to promotion and raise in salary.

An IITian do not necessarily have to work under someone, with knowledge and ideas one can start his own business and become an entrepreneur. In recent years, India have produced many successful business start ups which became a big success and were started by IITians.

Monetary Benefits

There are whole lot of monetary benefits in both the fields, with excellent salary packages. Life can always be spent in luxury. But, salary is not the only monetary benefit in a job. There are lots of other perks of being in a high profile profession.

# NDA

In defence, one may not get the happiness of living in personal home, but who cares if you are getting a luxurious house with big lawn in a clean and safe environment. Residential facilities is one of the major perks that Indian defence personnel gets.

Other facilities like military hospital for free medical care, canteen for groceries at low prices, transportation etc. are the main centre of attraction in Defence. Festive bonus and extra allowances (especially for border areas) are additional benefits.

If you are in army, then at least once in a lifetime you will get the chance to go to some foreign country as a part of Indian army for United Nation, and stay there for at least 6 months. In this time period, normal salary + salary from UN is paid, an it sums up way more than normal salary. And you thought people in defence have fewer savings.

Like in private sector, PF (provident fund) is also deduced on monthly basis from the salary. This ensure that you get good amount in your hand during retirement.

# IIT

Private sectors do not provide much of extra benefits as compared to government sectors. But it does offer some very attractive ones. Reputed companies provide very good health insurance to their employees, also the festive bonus given are mind blowing.

Since, IITans are most likely to work in MNC’s, which opens as a window of working in foreign countries. This implies that earning will be in foreign currency, and as per stats, most of the Indian engineers work in developed countries like America.

In both the professions, respect comes along wherever you go. An army officer and a genius IITian is respected everywhere.

Job Security

Whenever a student seeks for a job, the first thing which he looks for, is the job security. How secure the environment will be ? How much it will be affected by recession ? How much salary he would be able to save ? And what after retirement ? etc.

# NDA

Being a government job, NDA naturally gives the job security. Setbacks like recession never affects the salary of an officer. Immaterial of whether the economy falls or rupee falls, no one will be sent home jobless.

Unless you do something horribly wrong, there is no way, you will loose your job until the time of retirement.

# IIT

Unlike NDA, IIT do not guarantee permanent job security, and it can be affected by recession. But, a good engineer is never jobless, if you have knowledge of your field and some experience, then any company will take you without having a second thought. An IITian with good professional skills, will never have to worry about money.

Self Development

Self growth is one of an important aspects, but aspirants often ignore this point while choosing a career. One must always consider the scope of self development that a career can provide, after all development is the ultimate goal of any profession.

# NDA

NDA help candidates in overall self development. Since, physical exercises and outdoor games are common routine, therefore, NDA candidate is always fit and healthy. Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment, and it comes naturally to the defence officers.

Posting to different places gives an opportunity to get different experiences. Also, officers are trained in such a way that they develop skills like quick thinking, decision making etc. And learning different skills is also a part of training which makes a person self dependent.

# IIT

An engineer is always aware of the latest technologies and how to use it, this gives an upper hand over other (whenever there is any debate on such topics). Unlike NDA where a person is jack of everything but master of none, an IITian is master of his profession.

You can also follow your passion while being at job, like if you are passionate about singing, then you can follow it even when you are in the job. When earning enough, living a dream life become possible, like driving luxurious cars, living in a pent house etc.

If you are lucky, then at some point of the career, you may get chance to work from home. Now how good is that!

Challenges

Every profession comes with challenges, in fact, life itself comes up with so many. Either, it is NDA, IIT or some other walk of life, one has to face obstructions throughout this journey. And it is because of these challenges that gives value to success. NDA and IIT both are challenging career prospects with struggles in training period and even in the job. But again, if you love your profession, then you will also like the challenges coming with it.

# NDA

The four year of training in NDA is a challenge in itself, not everyone can handle such harsh training.

After completing the training, the main challenges of an officers life are: adapting to new situations, place, environment and people. Posting in different part of the country is a regular process, and one has to be flexible enough to quickly adapt to new environment.

A defence person rarely gets the happiness of living with family (except when they are on leave). One has to live without having loved ones near, this can be really frustrating especially when you know that they need you, or when their is someone sick in the family and you can not be around to help.

Following one strict routine everyday and living life strictly makes it colorless.

# IIT

The 4 years of graduation are challenging enough to make life hard in IIT. 80% chances are that you will have to stay away from home to pursue your graduation, which can make some home sick. In professional life, an engineer is all time working machine. It is said that “mind of an engineer is never off the hook” it is fixated only in solving the problem, this may sound very motivating, but often it becomes stressful. Also, adapting to the work environment can be really difficult.

Each new project is a challenge, and getting things right from others prospective is not an easy task. Dealing with people is also a major challenge.

Retirement

planning future is the sign of intelligent and foresighted people, and if you have this quality, then you sure have thought about your retirement.

# NDA

The officer in armed forces get so many benefits after retirement, like Pension at 50% of last pay drawn, death cum retirement gratuity, free medical treatment for self and those who are dependent on them, canteen facilities as before, insurance cover, resettlement opportunities, MBA program etc.

# IIT

Though, most of  the corporate organization  do not have any scheme for pension, but there are many which do. But, a good engineer earns more than enough while in job to spend the old age days comfortably.

Besides, using the experience so gained in the job period, one can start a small business where not much of work is needed.

What Should You Pick?

Those interested in both the professions should try for NDA first, but prepare themselves more for IIT, because if you can crack JEE exams, then you can surely crack written exam of NDA. As for the SSB part, like they say “either you have it, or you don’t”.

And if you want to stay focused on just one, then you already know which one to choose, just close your eyes and ask yourself “which one do you like more?”.

NDA vs IIT

NDA Syllabus NDA Online Test Crack NDA SSB NDA Interview Questions

34 Comments
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  1. My dream is to serve military . But i lack in communication skills, and also i have flat foot. what should i do?

    1. Prof. Rajeev Mehra

      Communication is not a problem as you can talk in Hindi if you are not comfortable with English, but, flat foot is the problem. Flat foot is not allowed in army.

  2. i am class11 student , i have always scored better since my childhood, but now in 11 i get scared studying the chapter. iit has been my dream. but now i am feeling uncertain if i will clear it or not. i m from a small town having no coaching center. also i study under state board of uk. i always overthink about topics, going beyond it, but could not get my doubts clear, leading stress. please tell what to do?

  3. I am Sachin Singh of class 11th. I am confused about what is preparing for NDA or IIT. Which one is best? I don’t understand.

    1. Prof. Rajeev Mehra

      Go for IIT, because if you prepare for IIT then you can easily crack NDA exam as the test for NDA is lot easier than IIT. Also, make sure you keep yourself fit and healthy so that if the times comes then you care prepared for NDA too.

  4. Hi I am in 12th(PCM) & I think first I should prepare for IIT and then go for NDA. Am i right?

    1. Prof. Mohan Singh Rawat

      If you do prepare for IIT, then it will be easy for you to crack NDA. But, you must make your mind on what you want more, NDA or IIT.

  5. Wrong information the ssb interview is held for 5 days not for 4 days.

    1. Prof. Mohan Singh Rawat

      Hello Adarsh, thanks for informing us. It was just a typo.

  6. NDA makes you a player, gentlemen, intelligent and highly respectable person with extremely royal and rare facilities with honor and dignity as well as money.
    The biggest myth is that all IITians get healthy packages. Check the packages of IIT Jodhpur, Dhanbad etc. as well as other small branches of big IIT’s(eg aeronautical).Students are struggling and are thus forced to teach in coaching centres.
    Even for the selection purpose.You just have to become a nerd to get into a good IIT with good branch( no other option left).You need to leave all your hobbies and passions.
    To get into NDA you need to be studious as well as a overall active person who is involved is various activities and has the ability to lead a group and thus having various OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES.

    Students who is confused b/w what to choose must therefore introspect and find his aim as both the exams are extremely tough and demanding.He must not get convinced what others say and must take this decision by the end of the matriculation.

  7. Thanks for this information. But sir I am a private student of class 10th. Will there be any difficult in interview?

    1. Prof. Rajeev Mehra

      Hello Shatrudhan,
      It will no matter in the SSB interview. Though you may be asked questions like why did you do your class 10th from private etc. But if you answer honestly then it won’t be a problem.

  8. Thanks for the information. I’m really confused which one I should pick up as both are good. Again thanks for the information. I what to insure that while preparation of NDA can we get the IIT collage or not?please answer me.

    1. Hi Nakul.
      What you need to understand is both NDA and IIT are two different career options and for the preparation of both you need to have different approach. So, you cannot expect that if you are preparing for NDA you can clear the IIT exam if not the NDA exam. The difficulty level of questions in both the examination are different so you can either prepare for NDA or IIT. We would recommend you to focus on one thing and then start your preparation. Be dedicated because only then you will be able to achieve you aim.

  9. Hello,
    I’m Sarthak khaneja. I’m pursuing B.Tech in computer science, currently I’m in 2nd year. I’m interested in joining naval academy but my eye sight is weak. So, I would like to know if I’m eligible for CDS exam or not?

    1. Hi Sarthak.
      The visual standards set is that you should be able to read in a distant vision chart 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye with or without glasses. Myopia should not be more than 2.5 D and hyper-metropia not more than 3.5 D including Astigmatism.

  10. Hello sir/mam. I am Jaydeep Samanta. At present I’m studying in class 10. I want to join Indian army. Please explain it to me, what is NDA test and how can I prepare for this exam?

    1. Hi Jaydeep.
      First of all I would like to say that it is really impressive that you look forward to join Indian army. NDA(National Defense Academy) exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year for both 12th appearing and 12th pass out students who aspires to join Indian army, Navy and Air force as officers. The age limit criteria for this exam is 16 and half to 19 and half years. In one way you can say that NDA is the first step towards starting your career in the Armed Forces. Students from every field can apply for the exam from PCM to PCB to Arts. But if you dream to join Indian Navy and Air force then you must have studied Physics and Maths in 11th and 12th. You can say that PCM students have a little advantage as they can apply for army, navy and air force also.
      Once you will apply for NDA exam you will have to clear the written exam and after that you will have to qualify the 5 days of SSB(Staff Selection Board) including the interview to get your name into the final merit list. As, you have mentioned that you are in 10th class so, at present you are not eligible for this exam but later on you can prepare for this exam. For more information on NDA exam just search for ‘Complete NDA Selection Process – How To Get Selected’ in the search box of your website.

  11. Hello mam, I am doing my 12th grade CBSE right now. I am interested in both of these. I am really good at Physics and Maths. My ambition was to become an airforce officer. But, because the NDA exam consists of Social Science and GK(which i am worst at), I think its more difficult. And I am also scared about the SSB interview. I am going for entrance coaching and my teachers there told me I can clear IIT easily. I am not sure for which one I should go for. Can you please help me with what I should do first?

    Thanks in advance 😊😊

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Ashwin, you seems to be bit confused. I always suggest students to listen to their own hearts. Do, what you really want to do. If you want to become an airforce office, then nothing can stop you to become one(not even Social science and GK). It all requires a bit more hard work.
      SSB interviews are not that difficult. Read out: Top 13 Questions Asked In NDA Interview.It will surely help you to change your mindset.

      However, if you want to pursue your career in engineering then preparing for IIT is also a good idea. Choice is all yours. Good luck.

  12. Sir, what is the age limit for NDA examination? Clearly I am asking that my date of birth is 11/12/1998 so can I apply for NDA 1 exam in 2018? Waiting for your reply sir.

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Aditya.
      The age limit criteria for NDA exam is that you must be greater than 16 and half but lesser than 19 and half years. And according to the DOB that you have mentioned you will be 20 years old in 2018. So, you will not be eligible to apply for the NDA exam next year.

  13. Hello mam. I want to know that is SSB interview difficult to clear for a 12th passed candidate?

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Vikas.
      The whole procedure of SSB is quite difficult, not only for 12th pass out student but for all the candidates. You must prepare yourself according to it. For more information on how you can clear the SSB search for ‘Success Mantras to Crack NDA SSB – 5 Days Strategy’ in the search box of our website.

  14. Hi mam how many % is required to join NDA and what is minimum height that is required?

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Daler.
      There is no specific percentage that is required in 12th class to apply for NDA exam. For more information like the physical standards that are required for this exam search for ‘Complete NDA Selection Process – How To Get Selected’ in our search box and there you will find all the information.

  15. Hi Sir,
    My ambition is to became an army officer. As I have learned that I can get into Indian army through NDA but sir can u suggest me more options other than NDA that are applicable to join army
    Presently I’m in 10th grade. Please sir can u help me to reach my goal?

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi.
      First of all it is really impressive that you are looking forward to join Indian army as an officer. Yes, it is true that you can apply for NDA exam once you fit in the age limit criteria and through this you can join Indian army and directly become an officer. Let me tell you that this is the best option for you as, you have mentioned that at present you are in 10th then you can really start your preparation for this exam and start accruing officers like qualities which will eventually help you a lot in SSB. If you set your mind and are really determinant than you can clear NDA exam. Other than NDA there is CDS exam which is conducted by UPSC for graduates who desires to join Indian army as officers. But for this exam you must first complete your graduation.

  16. Respected sir,
    I have passed +2 (PCMB). Now I am looking forward to join Indian army. I want to join as officer. I have read all the above details. As it is given after +2 can I get direct in Indian army officer. Would you please guide me. And give details of being Indian army officer.

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Muhammed.
      It is really impressive that you look forward to join Indian army as officer. Yes, once you have cleared the NDA exam you will go through 4 years of training and then you will join Indian army as officers. The age limit of the exam is more than 16 and half and less than 19 and half years. For more detail on NDA exam search for ‘Complete NDA Selection Process – How To Get Selected’ in the search box of our website.

  17. Hello mam. Mai 12th ke bad leuitenant bannaa chahta hu fir aap mujhe bta sakte hai ke mujhe uske liye kya karna par sakta hai?

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Amanpal.
      As, you have mentioned you want to join Indian army as officer after completing your 12th then your best option is NDA exam. This exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year for students who desires to join Indian army as officers. The age limit for this exam is more than 16 and half years and less than 19 and half years. Both 12th appearing and 12th pass out students can apply for this exam. There is no specific percentage that is required 12th to apply for NDA. For more information you can search for ‘Complete NDA Selection Process – How To Get Selected’ in our search box and there you will find all the information.

  18. mam,i just passed 12th with science and my results are not out yet. i think that my % is around 70.is iam able to fill NDA????
    can you please tell me some high salary govt. jobs exams that i can apply now.as my finacial status is not so good,so i do not want to join any college or universities. i just want to do hardwork and clear examination that can greatly help me financialy..
    please help me mam…………. just tell me exams that i can clear to join any high paying govt. job……..

    1. Prof. Divyanshi Sharma

      Hi Harshit.
      As, you have mentioned that you have completed your 12th class, then preparing for NDA is the best option for you. There is no specific percentage that is required in class 12th for NDA exam. Once you cleared the written exam and the SSB interview you can join Indian Army, Indian Navy or Indian Air Force. But make sure that you are eligible to give the exam as, the age limit is 17-19 and half years. Preparing for NDA is the best option because after you crack the exam you will directly become an officer and will have job security. Other than this you must first complete graduation for good government jobs. If you decide to do job right after 12th then you will not get good salary. For more information on jobs after 12th you can search for ’12th Pass Jobs – At Good Salary Packages’ in the search box of our website, where you will find all the information.

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