How to Join the Indian Army as an Officer

Joining the Indian Army as an officer is a prestigious and rewarding career choice. There are several entry routes for becoming an officer in the Indian Army, depending on your qualifications, age, and interests. Below are the main pathways to joining the Indian Army as an officer:

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1. National Defence Academy (NDA)

• Eligibility:
  • Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
  • Educational Qualification: 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (for Army and Air Force) or Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (for Navy).
  • Gender: Male candidates only (as of now).
• Selection Process:
  • Clear the UPSC NDA Exam (conducted twice a year).
  • Pass the SSB Interview (Services Selection Board).
  • Medical Examination.
• Training:
  • 3 years at NDA, Khadakwasla, followed by 1 year at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.

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2. Combined Defence Services (CDS)

• Eligibility:
  • Age: 19 to 24 years (for IMA), 19 to 25 years (for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)).
  • Educational Qualification:
    • Graduation (for IMA and OTA).
    • Engineering degree (for Air Force and Naval Academy).
  • Gender: Male candidates for IMA; both male and female candidates for OTA.
• Selection Process:
  • Clear the UPSC CDS Exam (conducted twice a year).
  • Pass the SSB Interview.
  • Medical Examination.
• Training:
  • 1.5 years at IMA, Dehradun (for men).
  • 11 months at OTA, Chennai (for men and women).

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3. Technical Entry Scheme (TES)

• Eligibility:
  • Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
  • Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and at least 60% marks.
  • Gender: Male candidates only.
• Selection Process:
  • Direct SSB Interview based on merit in 10+2.
  • Medical Examination.
• Training:
  • 1 year at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya.
  • 4 years at Cadet Training Wing (CTW) and Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow.

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4. Short Service Commission (SSC)

• Eligibility:
  • Age: 19 to 25 years (for OTA).
  • Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline.
  • Gender: Both male and female candidates.
• Selection Process:
  • Apply through CDS Exam or SSC Notification.
  • Pass the SSB Interview.
  • Medical Examination.
• Training:
  • 11 months at OTA, Chennai.

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5. University Entry Scheme (UES)

• Eligibility:
  • Age: 20 to 24 years.
  • Educational Qualification: Pre-final year engineering students in specified streams.
  • Gender: Male candidates only.
• Selection Process:
  • Campus interviews conducted by the Indian Army.
  • Direct SSB Interview.
  • Medical Examination.
• Training:
  • 1 year at IMA, Dehradun.

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6. Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry

• Eligibility:
  • Age: 21 to 27 years.
  • Educational Qualification: LLB degree with 55% marks and enrolled in the Bar Council of India/State.
  • Gender: Both male and female candidates.
• Selection Process:
  • Direct SSB Interview.
  • Medical Examination.
• Training:
  • 49 weeks at OTA, Chennai.

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7. Army Medical Corps (AMC)

• Eligibility:
  • Age: Up to 32 years.
  • Educational Qualification: MBBS degree and registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI).
  • Gender: Both male and female candidates.
• Selection Process:
  • Interview by a Selection Board.
  • Medical Examination.
• Training:
  • Short Service Commission (SSC) or Permanent Commission (PC).

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8. National Cadet Corps (NCC) Special Entry

• Eligibility:
  • Age: 19 to 25 years.
  • Educational Qualification: Graduation with 50% marks and 2 years of NCC service with a minimum ‘B’ grade in ‘C’ Certificate Exam.
  • Gender: Male and female candidates (for OTA).
• Selection Process:
  • Direct SSB Interview.
  • Medical Examination.
• Training:
  • 11 months at OTA, Chennai.

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9. Territorial Army (TA)

• Eligibility:
  • Age: 18 to 42 years.
  • Educational Qualification: Graduation.
  • Employment: Gainfully employed in a civilian job.
  • Gender: Male candidates only.
• Selection Process:
  • Written Exam.
  • SSB Interview.
  • Medical Examination.
• Training:
  • Part-time training while continuing civilian employment.

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Key Steps to Join the Indian Army as an Officer

1. Choose the Entry Scheme: Select the entry route based on your age, qualifications, and interests.
2. Prepare for Exams/SSB: Focus on written exams (if applicable) and SSB preparation (psychology, group tasks, and interviews).
3. Apply Online: Submit applications through the official websites (UPSC, Join Indian Army, etc.).
4. Clear Medical Tests: Meet the physical and medical standards set by the Indian Army.
5. Complete Training: Successfully complete the training at the respective academy.

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Important Websites

• UPSC: www.upsc.gov.in
• Join Indian Army: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

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