How to Join Indian Army?

How to join Indian Army? Have you been wondering? Did you ever have a taste of an army officer’s life? Do you know and idolize any Army Officer? Or are you simply fascinated by the work of the Army and are actively thinking about joining the ranks?

If you want to join Indian Army or are speculating about Indian Army jobs and what the various age limits are for an incumbent wishing to join the army, you may want to make a start to your hunt with this post.

The Indian Army is professional, well-trained and prides itself on its war records. If you aspire for a career of excitement, adventure, & challenges, there isn’t a better place than the Indian Army.

This post will walk you through the various routes to join the Army and help you to get a good understanding about how to join Indian Army.

Permanent Commission & Short Service Commission

The Army is one way to serve the nation and certainly the most celebrated one!

But before we proceed and discuss how to join Indian Army, let’s talk about the most critical aspect.

Are you a fitness freak? Are you into physical exercises and fitness training on a regular basis? Let me tell you, whatever your written test scores are, if you qualify, then the fitness tests for the Army are meant to be mean!

Indian Army jobs include both Permanent & Short Service Commissions. Permanent commission (PC) is granted through the training courses at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun and Short Service Commission (SSC) is granted through the Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai.

1. When you opt for a Permanent Commission (PC) in the Army, you are basically looking at a permanent career in the Army, a career till you retire.
2. Short Service Commission (SSC) is a wonderful option for all those of you who aspire to serve for a few years in Indian Army jobs. It gives you the option of joining the Army to serve as a commissioned officer for 10 years.

Once your 10-year tenure is over, you have 3 options:

a. to opt for Permanent Commission

b. to opt for an extension of 4 years of the Short Service Commission

c. to opt-out of the service.

You may as well choose to opt-out at any time within the 10-year window.

An Overview of Education Requirements for Indian Army Jobs

For joining Indian Army, you can have any level of education starting from Class 8 to Post Graduation. You can study any subjects in your class 10 and 12 as well as in graduation or post-graduation.

Whatever your educational background, the Army has a place for you. You can study Physical Science, Mathematics, Biology, Arts, Humanities, and Commerce subjects to join Indian Army.

• You can join Indian Army after training from an ITI from a few select trades (as soldiers)
• To join Indian Army, you can have a Diploma / B.E. / B.Tech. / M.E. / M.Tech. in many Engineering branches of Indian Army jobs.
• To join Indian Army, you can have a Diploma / Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy to join Army.
• To join Indian Army, you can opt for Indian Army jobs after your B.Ed.
• You can join Indian Army after a Professional Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Medicine, Dental Sciences and Nursing.
• You can join Indian Army after your Diploma / Degree / Certificate in Hotel Management and Catering Technology / Food Preparation, etc.

How to Join Indian Army? Various Entry Routes

You can also get in via the Indian Army Technical Entry Scheme.

List of Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree which can make you eligible for Indian Army Jobs

• Accountancy
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Applied Electronics
• Architecture
• Automation Engineering
• Avionics
• Biology
• Biosciences
• Botany
• Building Construction Technology
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Commerce
• Computer Applications
• Computer Science
• Computer Science & Engineering
• Economics
• Education
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics
• Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
• Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
• English
• Fibre Optics
• Finance
• Geography
• Hindi
• History
• Hotel Management
• Hotel Management & Catering Technology
• Information Science & Engineering
• Information Technology
• Information Technology
• Instrumentation & Control Engineering
• Instrumentation Engineering
• Instrumentation Technology
• Law
• Logistics
• Materials Engineering
• Materials Management
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Metallurgy & Materials Technology
• Micro Electronics & Microwave
• Operations Research
• Opto Electronics
• Pharmacy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Power Engineering
• Power Systems Engineering
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Satellite Communication
• Sociology
• Structural Engineering
• Supply Chain Management
• Telecommunication Engineering
• Urdu
• Zoology

Opportunities for Women to join Indian Army

The induction of women in the officer cadre, in the year 1992, is an important landmark in the history of this country. So far, more than 1200 women officers have already been commissioned into the various Arms & Services of the Indian Army.

You should at least be a graduate to apply.

Women are trained for SSC (short service commission) in OTA (Chennai) for 49 weeks. As discussed earlier, SSC is for an initial period of 10 years, extendable for a further period of 4 years.

Substantive Promotion for female SSCOs (Short Service Commission Officers):

• To the rank of Captain – on completion of 2 years reckonable commissioned service.

• To the rank of Major- on completion of 6 years reckonable commissioned service.

• To the rank of Lieutenant Colonel – on completion of 13 years reckonable commissioned service.

I] For Women Graduates (Through Union Public Service Commission – for Short Service Commission Non-Technical)

• Indian Army Age Limit: 19 to 25 years
• Qualification: Graduation from any recognized university
• How to apply: online on the website of the Union Public Service Commission as per the notified dates in the months of July and November.
• Entrance Examination: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of June / July and November / December, if you qualify in the CDS examination.
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai
• Training Duration: 49 weeks

II] For Women Graduates (Non UPSC route)

You can join Indian Army Short Service Commission for Women – Entry through National Cadet Corps (SSCW-NCC Special Entry)

• Indian Army Age Limit: 19 to 25 years
• Qualification: Graduate with 50% aggregate marks, 3 years of service in NCC Senior Division Army with minimum ‘B’ Grade in the ‘C’ Certificate Examination.
• How to Apply: online as notified through NCC Directorate portal
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of December / January and June / July
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai
• Training Duration: 49 weeks

You can join Indian Army Short Service Commission Women – Judge Advocate General Corps (SSCW-JAG)

• Indian Army Age Limit: 21 to 27 years
• Qualification: Graduate with B.A. LL.B./ B.Com. LL.B/ B.Sc. LL.B. / B.B.A. LL.B./ LL.B. with 55% marks. You must be eligible for registration with Bar Council of India / State
• How to Apply: online on the Indian Army’s national portal as notified.
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of December / January and June / July
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai
• Training Duration: 49 weeks

III] For Women Graduates: Graduate Technical Entry

You can join Indian Army Graduate Technical Entry – Short Service Commission Women “SSCW Tech

• Indian Army Age Limit: 20 to 27 years
• Qualification: Passed or in the final year of B.E./B.Tech. in Bachelor’s in Engineering in Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Electrical & Electronics / Computer Science & Engineering / Information Technology / Electronics & Telecommunication / Electronics & Communication / Electronics / Production / Architecture/ Building Construction Tech/ Micro Electronics/ Aeronautical/ Avionics/ Etc.
• How to apply: online on the Indian Army’s national portal as notified
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of December / January and June / July
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai
• Training Duration: 49 weeks

Join Indian Army: various options for Men

I] Entry after 10+2

You can join Indian Army NDA Entry

• Indian Army Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Qualification: 12th class of 10+2 system of education or equivalent (Science stream for AF/ Navy)
• How to apply: Online on UPSC portal in the months of June and December
• Entrance Examination: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of September to October and January to April, if you qualify in the NDA & NA Examination
• Training Academy: NDA, Pune
• Training Duration: 3 years at NDA and 1 year at IMA (Dehradun)

You can join Indian Army TES (10+2) – Technical Entry Scheme

• Indian Army Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Qualification: 10+2 Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (aggregate >=70%) and JEE Mains made compulsory from 2021 onwards
• How to apply: online on the Indian Army’s national portal as notified
• Entrance Examination: TES Written Examination
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of August to October and February to April, if you qualify in the TES Written Examination
• Training Academy: OTA Gaya
• Training Duration: 5 years (1 year at OTA Gaya & 4 years at Cadet Training Wings) Permanent Commission after 4 years.

1. Phase-I – 1 Year Pre-commissioning Training at OTA Gaya & 3 Years at College of Military Engineering(Pune) /Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (Mhow) / Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (Secunderabad)
2. Phase-II – 1 Year Post commission training at CME Pune/MCTE Mhow/MCEME Secunderabad

II] Entry for Graduates Through UPSC Examination

You can join Indian Army IMA – Indian Military Academy Direct Entry for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing)

• Indian Army Age Limit: 19 to 24 years
• Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university and holders of NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing)
• How to apply: online on the website of the Union Public Service Commission as per the notified dates in the months of July and November.
• Entrance Examination: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of August / September and February / March if you qualify in the CDS Examination
• Training Academy: IMA (Dehradun)
• Training Duration: 1.5 years

You can join Indian Army Officers Training Academy ( Non-Technical Men)

• Indian Army Age Limit: 19 to 25 years
• Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university
• How to apply: Online on UPSC portal in the months of July and November
• Entrance Examination: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of November / December and May / June if you qualify in the CDS Examination
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai
• Training Duration: 49 Weeks

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III] Entry for Graduates without UPSC Examination

You can join Indian Army SSC (JAG – Judge Advocate General Corps)

• Indian Army Age Limit: 21 to 27 years
• Qualification: Graduate with B.A. LL.B. / B.Sc. LL.B / B.Com. LL.B. / B.B.A. LL.B./ LL.B. with a minimum of 55% marks. You must be eligible for registration with the Bar Council of India / Bar Council of a State.
• How to apply: online on the Indian Army’s national portal as notified
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of December / January and July / August
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai
• Training Duration: 49 Weeks

You can join Indian Army SSC (NCC Special Entry Men)

• Indian Army Age Limit: 19 to 25 years
• Qualification: Graduate with 50% aggregate marks, 3 years of service in NCC Senior Division Army with minimum ‘B’ Grade in ‘C’ Certificate Exam
• How to Apply: online as notified through NCC Directorate (Delhi) portal
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of December / January and June / July
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai
• Training Duration: 49 weeks

IV] Graduate Technical Entry

You can join Indian Army University Entry Scheme

• Indian Army Age Limit: 18 to 24 years
• Qualification: Pre-final year students of Bachelor’s in Engineering in Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Electrical & Electronics / Computer Science & Engineering / Information Technology / Electronics & Telecommunication / Electronics & Communication / Electronics / Metallurgical / Instrumentation / Micro Electronics/ etc.
• How to apply: online on the Indian Army’s national portal as notified
• Entrance Examination: Screening Test (Written)
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of November to February if you qualify in the Screening Test (Written)
• Training Academy: IMA, Dehradun
• Training Duration: 1 year

You can join Indian Army Technical Graduate Entry Scheme (Engineers)

• Age Limit: 20 to 27 years
• Qualification: Passed or in the final year of Bachelor’s in Engineering in Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Electrical & Electronics / Computer Science & Engineering / Information Technology / Electronics & Telecommunication / Electronics & Communication / Electronics / Metallurgical / Instrumentation / Micro Electronics/ etc.
• How to apply: online on the Indian Army’s national portal as notified
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of March/April and September/ October
• Training Academy: IMA, Dehradun
• Training Duration: 1 year

You can join Indian Army SSC Technical Entry Scheme

• Age Limit: 20 to 27 years
• Qualification: Bachelor’s in Engineering in Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Electrical & Electronics / Computer Science & Engineering / Information Technology / Electronics & Telecommunication / Electronics & Communication / Electronics / Production / Architecture/ Building Construction Tech/ Micro Electronics/ Aeronautical/ Avionics/ etc.
• How to apply: online on the Indian Army’s national portal as notified
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of December / January and June/ July
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai
• Training Duration: 49 weeks

You can join Indian Army Army Education Corps

• Age Limit: 23 to 27 years
• Qualification: MA / MSc in 1st or 2nd division from a recognized university
• How to apply: online on the Indian Army’s national portal as notified
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of March / April and September/ October
• Training Academy: IMA, Dehradun
• Training Duration: 1year

V] Service Entry

This route is especially for already employed Indian army soldiers from the regular army, navy and air force fleet for commission as Officers in the Indian Army.

Army Cadet College (ACC)

• Age Limit: 20 to 27 years. You have to be in service for at least 2 years to be eligible for this route
• Qualification: Class 12th pass or Equivalent. You have to qualify ACC written test
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of September to November and March to May
• Training Academy: ACC Wing at IMA (Dehradun)
• Training Duration: 4 years (3 Years in ACC Wing &1 Year at IMA)

Permanent Commission Special List (PC-SL)

• Age: Maximum 42 years (45 for engineers). You must be in service for 10 years to be eligible for this route
• Qualification: Matriculation and above
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of September and October
• Training Academy: AEC Centre & College (Pachmarhi) & IMA (Dehradun)
• Training Duration: 8 weeks at AEC & 4weeks at IMA

Special Commissioned Officers (SCO)

This route can be availed by army-men who have reached the ranks of Havildars & Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs)

• Age: 30 to 35 years. You must be in service for at least 5 years.
• Qualification: Matriculation (with 1-year Diploma) or above
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of July/August and November/December
• Training Academy: OTA (Gaya)
• Training Duration: 8 weeks at AEC & 1 year at OTA (Gaya)

VI] Miscellaneous Entry

Territorial Army (TA)

• Age Limit: 18 to 42 years
• Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of August / September and May / June
• Training:

1. Recruitment Training: 30 days under TA Battalion.
2. Annual Training Camp: 2 calendar months in each training year.
3. Post Commission Training:3 month in IMA within 2 years of commissioning.

Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC)

• Age Limit: 21- 32 years
• Qualification: BVSc & AH (Animal Husbandry)
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of September / October
• Training Academy: RVC Centre (Meerut)
• Training Duration: 3 months

Army Medical Corps (Non-technical) – AMC NT

• Age Limit: Maximum 42 years
• Qualification: Matriculation and above
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of November/ December
• Training Academy: AMC Centre & College (Lucknow)
• Training Duration: 3 months

Army Postal Service (APS)

• Age Limit: Maximum to 45 years
• Qualification: Matriculation and above
• SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: Likely in the months of September / October

How to Join Indian Army: Entry Schemes for “Personnel Below Officer Ranks (PBOR)”

PBOR mainly consists of combat, technical, service, and administrative troops.

Conclusions

Well, surfing through so much data all this while must have been tiring. However, it is extremely important to know all the routes of joining Indian army well before opting for one.

Now that you’ve arrived here, you must be aware of almost all of the schemes and get an overview of the answer to your query about how to join the Indian Army. You should at least be conversant with the various kinds of Indian army jobs that you are likely to be suitable for and the various age limits for them.

After joining the Indian Army, gradually growing into a combat worthy Army Officer requires extreme perseverance, persistent lightheadedness, superior skill, tremendous resolve, and truthful dedication. You will have to bear all the odds throughout your training, most of which will be mean!

Therefore, it is very important to understand whether you are fit for a career in the Army. Do you really have what it takes? Or you just have a gut feel? To get a clear-cut answer to this question, it could be a good idea to pursue unbiased career counseling and take help from experts.

You may avail our career planning services in different cities:

Career Counselling in Delhi

Career Counselling in Mumbai

Career Counselling in Bangalore

Online Career Counselling

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