The full form of AFCAT is Air Force Common Admission Test whereas the full form of NDA is National Defence Academy. Both exams are the sought-after defence entrance exams in the country. NDA exam is conducted by Union Public Service Commission to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Courses. AFCAT exam is conducted to select candidates as Class 1 gazetted Officers in the flying branch and ground duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. NDA exam is conducted after Class 12 whereas AFCAT is conducted after graduation. The selection process of AFCAT comprises online test and AFSB interview. NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. Candidates after clearing NDA exam are required to first undergo training at the National Defence Academy after which they are sent to the respective defence academies as per their preferences for further training. Through AFCAT exam candidates are directly inducted into the Indian Air Force. There is also a difference in the exam pattern and syllabus of NDA and AFCAT. NDA exam pattern is such that it is divided into two papers-Maths and GAT. NDA exam is conducted offline and carries 900 marks. AFCAT exam pattern is such that it comprises several sections such as General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. Additionally, candidates who opt for the technical branch in AFCAT are required to appear for Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). The total marks allotted to the AFCAT test are 300 whereas EKT 150 marks.