Know How to Join the Indian Army in 2024 – Everything You Need to Know
The Indian Army is comprised of more than three million individuals, making it the fourth-largest military force globally. It is regarded with immense pride by many Indians. If you aspire to join the Indian Army, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the annual recruitment process undertaken by the military.
The Indian Army Job Application Process
There are two ways to join the Indian armed forces: passing entrance exams and attending recruitment rallies. When enlisting in the military, you have the option of accepting either a permanent or a temporary commission. Candidates who plan to remain in the armed forces until retirement should aim for a permanent commission. Your ability to commit to a five-year contract is made possible by the temporary bonus.
Take a look at the following options for joining the Indian Armed Forces:
National Defence Academy (NDA)
The NDA entrance exams are administered twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates who earned between 40% and 50% of the maximum marks in their senior secondary (10+2) exams are eligible to take this test.
The Service Selection Committee (SSB) interview and NDA written examinations must be passed in order to be considered. The NDA exam gauges a candidate’s proficiency in English, maths, and general knowledge. Successful candidates participate in a 5-day SSB interview after clearing the written test.
Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
You have the choice of taking the technical scheme exam to join the Indian army. Candidates may apply if they have passed the 10+2 exam from a certified board with an overall score of 70% in maths, physics, and chemistry.
The chosen candidates engage in a B.E. program in their preferred stream and undergo a four-year training program to become lieutenants in the army. After finishing the program, the cadet may be granted a permanent commission in the army and assigned the rank of lieutenant.
Army Cadet College (ACC)
The Regular Commission is open to qualifying Other Ranks (OR) positions with a 10+2 certificate between the ages of 20 and 27. After the candidates pass the written exam given by the military training directorate, the SSB and the medical board screen them. Successful candidates undergo three years of training at the Army Cadet College wing in Dehradun before receiving their diplomas. At the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, these candidates also receive a year of pre-commission training.
Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE)
Every two years, the UPSC conducts the CDSE. Candidates for this test must have completed their undergraduate studies or be in their last year. The Indian Military Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, or the Officers Training Academy (OTA) are all options for candidates who pass the exam and want to pursue permanent commissions or short-term appointments. Candidates must pass the written test, the SSB interview, and the medical exam in order to be considered. The SSOC service commitment is 10 years with a 14-year extension option.
Short Service Commission (Technical) Entry
Graduates and postgraduates in technical subjects who meet the requirements can join the technical branches of the Indian army through the Short Service Commission (Technical). The chosen candidates must complete 49 weeks of pre-commissioning training at the Chennai-based Officers Training Academy (OTA) after passing the SSB and medical board exams. A commission for brief service is given to chosen candidates.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to How to Join the Indian Army in 2024, covering the different entry pathways, eligibility criteria, and more:
1. What are the different ways to join the Indian Army in 2024?
There are several ways to join the Indian Army based on your educational qualifications:
Through NDA (National Defence Academy): For candidates who have passed or are appearing in 10+2. The exam is conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).
Through TES (Technical Entry Scheme): For 10+2 science students with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) who want to join as officers.
Through CDS (Combined Defence Services): For graduates (both men and women) who want to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), or other military academies.
SSC (Short Service Commission): For men and women, allowing them to serve for a short duration, with the option of permanent commission later.
Through UES (University Entry Scheme): For engineering students in their final year.
Recruitment Rallies: For candidates aspiring to join as soldiers, the Indian Army holds recruitment rallies for various trades like General Duty (GD), Tradesman, Clerk, and Technical categories.
2. What are the eligibility criteria to join the Indian Army in 2024?
The eligibility criteria differ based on the type of entry:
NDA Entry: Candidates must have passed 10+2 and be aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years.
TES Entry: Must have passed 10+2 with at least 60% marks in PCM and be aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years.
CDS Entry: Must hold a graduation degree and be aged between 19 and 24 years for IMA and between 19 and 25 years for OTA.
SSC Entry: Candidates need to be graduates and aged between 19 and 25 years.
Soldier Recruitment (GD, Clerk, Tradesman): Minimum education qualification varies (10th or 12th pass), and the age limit is between 17.5 and 21 years (may vary depending on category).
3. How can I apply for the NDA exam in 2024?
To apply for the NDA Exam 2024:
Visit the official UPSC website (https://upsc.gov.in).
Register under the “National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination” section.
Fill in the required personal and educational details.
Upload scanned documents like your photo and signature.
Pay the application fee (if applicable) and submit the form.
The NDA exam is conducted twice a year, and candidates who pass the written test move on to the SSB interview (Service Selection Board), followed by a medical examination.
4. What is the selection process for joining the Indian Army?
The selection process for the Indian Army varies by entry type but generally involves the following steps:
Written Examination: For entries like NDA, CDS, and SSC, candidates must clear a written exam conducted by UPSC or other recruitment boards.
SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for a 5-day SSB interview, which tests the candidate’s mental and physical fitness, leadership, and decision-making skills.
Medical Examination: After clearing the SSB interview, candidates must pass a comprehensive medical exam conducted by the Indian Army’s medical board.
Final Merit List: The final selection is based on merit, which combines the scores of the written exam, SSB interview, and medical tests.
5. What is the age limit to join the Indian Army in 2024?
The age limit varies depending on the entry scheme:
NDA Entry: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
TES Entry: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
CDS Entry: 19 to 24 years (for IMA), 19 to 25 years (for OTA).
Soldier Recruitment: 17.5 to 21 years (age relaxations apply for specific categories).
SSC Entry: 19 to 25 years.
6. What educational qualifications are needed to join the Indian Army?
NDA: 10+2 pass or appearing with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for Navy and Air Force.
TES: 10+2 with PCM and at least 60% marks.
CDS: Graduation from a recognized university.
SSC: Graduation for non-technical entries, engineering degree for technical SSC entries.
Soldier Recruitment (GD): 10th pass.
Soldier Recruitment (Technical): 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and English.
7. What is the SSB Interview process?
The SSB Interview is a 5-day selection process designed to test the mental, emotional, and physical capabilities of candidates. It consists of:
Day 1: Screening (Officer Intelligence Rating and Picture Perception and Discussion Test).
Day 2: Psychological Tests.
Day 3 & 4: Group Testing (Group Discussions, Tasks, and Obstacles).
Day 5: Personal Interview and Conference.
Candidates who clear the interview are sent for a medical examination.
8. How can women join the Indian Army in 2024?
Women can join the Indian Army through various entry schemes, including:
Short Service Commission (SSC): Women can apply for SSC in both technical and non-technical branches. They serve for 10 years, extendable by 4 years, with the option of permanent commission.
NCC Special Entry: For women who have served in the NCC for two years and hold a ‘B’ or ‘C’ certificate.
Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry: Women with a law degree can join as legal officers in the Army through this entry.
9. Can I join the Indian Army after 10th grade?
Yes, you can join the Indian Army after passing the 10th grade through Soldier (General Duty) Entry. This entry is primarily for candidates interested in serving as soldiers in various trades like infantry, technical, or tradesmen roles.
10. How can engineering students join the Indian Army?
Engineering students can join the Indian Army through the following pathways:
Technical Entry Scheme (TES) after 10+2 with PCM.
University Entry Scheme (UES) for final-year engineering students.
Technical Graduate Course (TGC) for engineering graduates.
SSC (Tech) for both men and women engineering graduates.
11. What is the salary and benefits in the Indian Army?
The salary structure in the Indian Army depends on the rank, but an officer’s starting pay ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 (as per 7th Pay Commission). Other benefits include:
Free accommodation and medical facilities.
Canteen facilities.
Pension after retirement.
Insurance cover for the soldier and their family.
12. How can I prepare for the Indian Army exams?
To prepare for Indian Army exams like NDA, CDS, or TES, follow these tips:
Study the syllabus thoroughly, especially focusing on general knowledge, mathematics, and reasoning.
Regular physical training to meet fitness standards.
Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests.
For SSB interviews, improve your communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.
13. What are the physical standards to join the Indian Army?
The physical standards vary depending on the role you are applying for, but general criteria include:
Height: Minimum 157 cm for males and 152 cm for females.
Chest: 77 cm (expanded).
Eyesight: 6/6 for the better eye, 6/9 for the worse eye (without glasses).
Fitness: Candidates must clear running, push-ups, sit-ups, and other physical tasks during recruitment rallies or tests.
Conclusion
Joining the Indian Army in 2024 requires dedication, physical fitness, and preparation. With multiple entry schemes available, including NDA, CDS, TES, and recruitment rallies, aspiring candidates can choose the pathway that suits their qualifications and career goals. By meeting the eligibility criteria and undergoing the selection process, you can proudly serve in one of the most respected armies in the world.
