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Trishul Defence Academy 
Defence aspirants who have completed their Class 12 or 10+2 find it challenging to decide between NDA vs TES entry. Both NDA entry and TES entry into the Armed Forces are similar in that they both lead to becoming Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army; however, they differ greatly in many ways, such as Entrance Exams, Eligibility Criteria, Training, etc. Understanding the difference between TES and NDA helps candidates choose the entry that best suits their goals.
NDA vs TES Entry – Entrance Exam
With NDA Entry, candidates will have to appear for the NDA Entrance Exam conducted by UPSC. The NDA Entrance Exam consists of Mathematical and General Ability Testing, then, from there, the next step in the process will be the Selection Services Board (SSB) Interviews for selection to join the Armed Forces, and Medical Examination and Final Merit List for your selected branch for which you have applied for entry into the Armed Forces. The NDA Exam is considered one of the most competitive National Level Entrance Examinations and will be conducted twice annually.
With TES Entry, candidates are not required to take any Written Tests. There is no TES entrance exam. Candidates are selected for TES Entry based solely on their performance on their JEE(s), and then directly called for the SSB interview, provided they meet TES eligibility standards set by the Indian Army.
Educational Qualification: NDA vs TES
For NDA Educational Qualifications, it varies according to the mode of service selected by the candidate. For the Indian Army, the minimum qualification is 12th standard pass from a Recognised Board of Education, while for the Indian Navy/Air Force, a minimum of 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM).
The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) qualification requires candidates to have completed their 10+2 examination with a minimum of 70% in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, as well as having passed the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). This technical requirement is the key distinction in TES vs NDA.
NDA Selection Criteria
The NDA selection criteria include clearing the UPSC written examination before proceeding to the SSB Interview and Medical examinations. In contrast, TES eligibility allows candidates to be interviewed at the SSB level without taking a written test first, so candidates in this route can complete the entire process much faster, though it remains as competitive as going through the NDA route.
Age Limit
The Age Limit for both NDA vs TES entry is very similar; Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 (as of the start of an NDA/SBS course).
Training and Degree
Candidates who are selected through the NDA process complete training at the NDA in Khadakwasla and then proceed to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), where they earn either a BA or B.Sc Degree.
Candidates selected through TES entry undergo training at CME Pune, MCTE Mhow, or CEME Secunderabad, followed by training at IMA. After completion, they are awarded a B.Tech degree, making TES an attractive option for engineering candidates compared to NDA due to its added technical education and training.
NDA vs TES Salary
The NDA vs TES salary structure is roughly the same, but TES has a different allowance structure than NDA. NDA Officers are entitled to receive Military, High Altitude, and Field Area Allowances as part of their regular pay based on special duty assignment, whereas TES Officers receive a Technical Allowance for their unique Engineering Qualifications and expertise.
Why Choose Trishul Defence Academy for NDA and TES Preparation?
The choice of the right institute for guidance can greatly affect an individual’s chance at entering the competitive defence services, such as the NDA vs TES. That’s why Trishul Defence Academy has a proven track record of being a reputable service provider for those who wish to serve in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force as Officers. No matter if you aim to gain entry into the NDA through the UPSC examination or you are going to apply for TES entry through the JEE exam, Trishul provides structured and result-driven preparation and training for either option.
The Trishul Defence Academy’s training is tailored to meet the NDA selection criteria and the TES eligibility standards. The academy caters to the NDA aspirants by offering specific coaching for the NDA Syllabus and NDA Maths, as well as offering numerous mock tests which closely resemble the NDA Exam pattern created by UPSC. If you are a TES aspirant, the academy offers additional academic orientation in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, and has also has an emphasis on the JEE exam performance of their students, which is important for shortlisting candidates for TES entry.
The key strength of Trishul Defence Academy is its broad-based approach to SSB Interview preparation, which requires candidates applying for NDA and TES to pass the SSB. To prepare for the SSB, Trishul focuses on Officer Like Qualities (OLQs), personality development, psychology tests, group discussions, and interview techniques. Physical training sessions enable candidates to attain the required fitness level and develop discipline and confidence.
Additionally, Trishul Defence Academy has a personal mentorship program for students to gain clarity on the differences between NDA and TES, eligibility criteria, age restrictions, training protocols, and opportunities available through each entry point. By establishing this clarity, aspirants can select the entry point that is the most compatible with their goals and strengths.
If you are serious about joining the Armed Forces and are unsure of whether to pursue TES or NDA, we invite you to join Trishul Defence Academy, where you will receive expert assistance, structured preparation, and the confidence to succeed in your goals. You will have all the necessary resources to achieve your dreams of serving in the Armed Forces with one goal, one uniform, and one academy to take you there.
NDA vs TES: Which Entry Should You Choose?
Choosing between TES vs NDA is purely dependent on the potential candidate’s interests and educational background. For example, an individual interested in having an expansive career within all aspects of the Defence Services could select the NDA entry; Conversely, those wishing to pursue Engineering degrees in conjunction with their service with the Indian Army should consider the TES entry.
The result from either option is to become a Commissioned Officer serving the Nation with Pride.
FAQ’S
1. What’s the difference between NDA and TES entry in the Indian Army?
The differences between TES and NDA are mainly due to their respective Selection procedures. The Selection process requires passing the NDA entrance exam administered by the UPSC; However, there is no Written Examination process for TES, as the selection process is strictly based on the JEE score and a subsequent SSB Interview.
2. Is NDA better than TES?
The choice between NDA and TES depends upon an individual’s educational background and experience; each provides different training paths. Applicants interested in being trained as a tri-service individual should consider applying for the NDA programme; applicants interested in an engineering degree, as well as the opportunity to serve as an officer in the Indian Army, should consider applying for TES.
3. Is TES only for Army?
The Indian Army uses TES to fill all technical positions within the service. Unlike NDA selection, which offers officers an opportunity to serve in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, TES selection limits the officer’s service to the Indian Army technician only.
4. How to apply for Indian Army TES?
To be eligible for an Indian Army TES position, applicants must complete the online application and also provide evidence of eligibility based on their academic performance in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and the completion of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). After the qualified applicants are listed, they are invited to participate in a Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
5. Is there any direct entry in NDA?
No, there are no direct entry opportunities in the NDA programme. All applicants must pass the UPSC NDA Entrance Exam and subsequently pass an SSB interview and medical examination in order to qualify for the NDA selection process; therefore, the NDA selection process is purely by examination.
