Every year, lakhs of students sit for the NDA and IIT exams, but only a handful can clear either one of them. NDA and IIT are among the toughest examinations in the country, and students in Class XII are often confused about which career to choose that would give them the life they desire. Both examinations demand a high level of intelligence and commitment, and only the most dedicated aspirants who are motivated by a strong sense of purpose are more likely to succeed in both exams.
It is quite tough to say which is better when comparing the Indian Institute of Technology and the National Defence Academy because each has a distinct function. Comparing the NDA exam and the IIT exam is like comparing apples and oranges. As opposed to IIT, which produces some of the greatest engineers in history, the NDA produces the best cadets for our country who commit their lives to serving it.
For the convenience of aspirants to better comprehend the distinctions and commonalities between the NDA and IIT, we are providing comprehensive comparisons based on exam patterns, career prospects, job stability, financial perks, retirement, and more here in the given article. Although it is quite tough to choose which is best, students will have a better idea based on these factors.
NDA vs IIT: Exam Pattern
Everyone is aware of how competitive the NDA and IIT exams are. Only 300-400 of those who apply for the NDA are chosen following the SSB, while only 9,000-10,000 of the 15 lakh students who register for the JEE exam are successful in passing it. According to data, the selection ratio for NDA is 0.15 percent, compared to 0.71 percent for IIT.
- The NDA syllabus is comprehensive and covers all of the subjects that one must have studied in school, as well as knowledge of current affairs. While for the IIT entrance exam, only candidates with a strong command of the three subjects Maths, Physics and Chemistry can hope to live in an IIT.
- The NDA exam is more of a generalist exam where all aspects are assessed in fair detail. This makes the NDA written exam comparatively simple compared to the IIT, where in-depth scientific knowledge is tested.
- Despite the broad range of disciplines covered by NDA, students won’t need to be knowledgeable about complex tools or high-tech devices. Real-world problems are more the focus, and a solid foundation in knowledge is more than enough. For qualifying for the IIT exam, a candidate must solve complex problems and have a high IQ. The difficulty level of the questions is quite higher for the IIT entrance exam than for the NDA exam.
- For IIT exams, students do not have to undergo any physical test, unlike the NDA exam; therefore, they just need to concentrate on the written exam. For NDA, the real deciding aspect is the SSB interview. The hardest thing about this five-day interview is that there won’t be a fixed format. And this explains why there is such a low selection rate.
NDA vs IIT: Life and Academics
A bachelor’s degree is offered to applicants from both institutions. Although NDA emphasises academics, similar to IITs, where there are periodic exams, it also focuses on physical training, in which candidates must do well during the three-year training period. In IITs, physical training is not a must.
- Both institutes offer a graduate degree. In IITs, students pursue an engineering bachelor’s degree, whereas, in NDA, cadets have the option of choosing a B.Sc., BA or B.Tech. degree.
- The three-year training period in NDA is a rigorous journey that involves intense physical and mental conditioning. Through activities like team games, boxing fights, and 10-kilometre marathons, the NDA instils courage, bravery and a sense of teamwork in its cadets to bring out their best. The cadets are even trained in basic weapons and military tactics.
- The IITs feature some of the top faculty, the best facilities, and an abundance of growth prospects. That is what distinguishes IITs as a unique place to learn. IITs are not the place for rigorous physical development and general growth. However, students can use the greatest resources available to stay in shape and pursue their interests in other co-curricular activities.
- IIT has the strictest academic standards of any institution. The academics, though, and important aspects are not as intense as the IITs. The students at IITs are inspired with a passion to succeed since they receive the best exposure possible and have strong alumni networks with people like the CEOs of Twitter and Google.
- The NDA cadets receive training on how to live in a community that values order and discipline. In IIT, academics is all that students have to focus on, and after 4 years of graduation, one can have a good and easy life ahead.
NDA vs IIT: Career Prospects
The employment opportunities offered by IIT and NDA are so promising that the work is worth it. Both are quite different ways to advance your career. IIT enables you to better build your country, whereas NDA is for serving your nation’s defence.
- Joining the academy after the competition of the training in NDA, candidates feel valued right away. After four years of arduous training and work, cadets are given permanent positions in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. An officer in defence makes between 60 and 70 thousand rupees per month at the start, and promotions are time-based. After many years of service in the Indian army, officers are also given a monthly pension.
- On the other hand, IIT graduates make significantly more money than graduates of any other B.tech programme. MNCs come to the IIT campus to recruit bright students in the final semester. Although the payment structure is not specified, students typically receive a package of lakhs annually. The academic record is very important in the interview.
NDA vs IIT: Job Security
- As a government position, NDA offers job security. Recessions and other difficulties have no impact on an officer’s pay. Regardless of how the economy or the currency performs, nobody can lose their job until reaching retirement age.
- IIT, in contrast to NDA, does not guarantee permanent employment and is vulnerable to economic downturns. On the other side, a good engineer never runs out of work; if one is knowledgeable in their profession and has good skills, any company will be happy to recruit them. An IIT graduate with strong professional skills won’t ever struggle with money.
NDA vs IIT: Retirement
- Armed forces officers are entitled to a pension equal to 50% of their final pay upon retirement, as well as other benefits like insurance coverage, resettlement opportunities, free medical care for themselves and any dependents, and the same canteen facilities.
- An IIT graduate is usually not guaranteed a pension. Some companies do have pension plans, even though the majority of them do not. However, talented engineers can make enough money while working to live well in their old years.
Hopefully, the above points of commonalities and differences help the aspirants to choose the field of their liking. However, students must go over the NDA syllabus or the IIT syllabus, depending on the exam they choose to sit for, to prepare themselves better and outperform their competition. It requires a lot of practice and hard work to qualify for either one of the exams.
Choosing between NDA and IIT is entirely up to the individual. NDA is a better choice for individuals who are passionate about serving their country. In contrast, candidates who are passionate about new technologies must go to IITs. An officer and an engineer both lead respectable and comfortable lives.
