The Indian Army is the main land-based force of the Indian Armed Forces and is the largest among its components. It is a volunteer force with over 1.2 million active personnel and 960,000 reserve personnel, making it the world’s largest standing army. The President of India is the supreme commander of the Indian Army, and its professional head is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The Indian Army was established on 1 April 1895, alongside the long-established presidency armies of the East India Company, which were absorbed into it in 1903. It has a long and distinguished history, having fought in numerous wars and conflicts, including the two World Wars, the Indo-Pakistani Wars, and the Kargil War.
How to join Indian Army in India ?
Joining the Indian Army offers two main routes: either by clearing entrance exams or through direct entry in recruitment rallies. Starting at the beginner level as a Lieutenant, you can climb the ranks to reach the highest position of General.
Eligibility Criteria:
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Age | 17.5 to 21 years (for NDA), 19 to 24 years (for TES), varies for other entries |
| Educational Qualifications | 10+2 for NDA, Graduation for CDS, TES, and other entries as specified |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Physical Fitness | Height, Weight, and Eyesight standards as per guidelines |
| Medical Standards | Meeting specified health criteria |
Indian Army Selection Process:
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Application | Submit online or through specified channels based on chosen entry scheme. |
| Written Exam | Take objective tests relevant to chosen scheme and role. |
| Physical Tests | Participate in fitness tests like running, jumping, obstacle course. Standards vary. |
| Preliminary Interview (Officers only) | Brief interview for personality and communication assessment. |
| SSB Interview | 5-day assessment with group tasks, personal interview, leadership exercises. Crucial for all ranks. |
| Medical Examination | Thorough medical checkup to ensure fitness for military service. |
| Final Merit List & Recommendation | Combined performance determines merit list and training academy recommendations. |
| Training | Rigorous training at dedicated academies based on chosen branch and role. |
| Commissioning/Induction | Graduate to become commissioned officers, JCOs, or ORs in the Indian Army. |
Types of Entries into the Indian Army
| Serial No. | Entry Scheme | Category | Education Qualification | Target Academy/Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Defence Academy (NDA) | Officers | 10+2 School Pass | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers Training Academy (OTA) |
| 2 | Combined Defence Services (CDS) | Officers | Graduation | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| 3 | Technical Entry Scheme (TES) | Officers | 10+2 Science Subjects | Army, Navy, Air Force |
| 4 | Technical Graduate Course (TGC) | Officers | Engineering Degree | Army (Commissioned Officers) |
| 5 | Army Cadet College (ACC) | Officers | NCC Cadets with Specific Qualifications | Army (Commissioned Officers) |
| 6 | Judge Advocate General (JAG) | Officers | Law Graduation | JAG Department of the Army |
| 7 | Short Service Commission (SSC) | Officers | Graduation/Post-graduation | Army (Limited Term Service) |
| 8 | Meritorious Commission Entry Scheme (MCES) | JCOs | Outstanding Soldiers | JCOs in the Army |
| 9 | Special Commissioned Officers (SCOs) | JCOs | Technical Specialists/Graduates | JCOs in the Army |
| 10 | Rally Recruitment | Other Ranks (ORs) | 10th Pass | Army through Regional Tests |
| 11 | Regular Recruitment | Other Ranks (ORs) | 10th/12th Pass | Army through National Level Exams |
| 12 | Technical Entries | Other Ranks (ORs) | Specific Technical Skills | Army based on Qualifications and Tests |
Application Process:
- Online Application: Register and submit applications through the official website: https://joinindianarmy.nic.in/
- Written Exam: Take objective tests based on chosen scheme (NDA/CDS/TES/TGC) covering General Ability, Mathematics, English, etc.
- Physical Tests: Participate in fitness tests like running, jumping, obstacle course, etc., with standards varying based on scheme and gender.
- Preliminary Interview (Officers only): Attend a short interview for personality and communication assessment (not applicable for JCOs or ORs).
- SSB Interview: Undergo a 5-day Service Selection Board (SSB) assessment involving group discussions, personal interview, leadership exercises, and more.
- Medical Examination: Complete a thorough medical checkup to ensure fitness for military service.
- Final Merit List & Recommendation: Combined performance in all stages determines merit list and training academy recommendations.
- Training: Undergo rigorous training at dedicated academies based on chosen branch and role (duration and focus vary).
- Commissioning: Graduate to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army.
Career Opportunities in the Indian Army
| Category | Roles/Branches | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Arms | Infantry | Frontline soldiers responsible for close-quarters combat, operations, and defense. |
| Armoured Corps | Operate tanks, armored vehicles, and mechanized equipment in combat and strategic maneuvers. | |
| Artillery | Provide fire support to infantry and armored units with various artillery systems. | |
| Technical Arms | Engineers | Design, construct, and maintain military infrastructure, bridges, fortifications, and explosives disposal. |
| Signals | Operate and maintain communication systems, secure networks, and provide intelligence gathering. | |
| Electrical and Mechanical Engineers | Maintain and repair military vehicles, weapons, and technical equipment. | |
| Support Arms | Medical Corps | Provide medical care to soldiers in field hospitals, medical units, and during operations. |
| Dental Corps | Offer dental care and treatment to soldiers and families within the Army medical system. | |
| Army Ordnance Corps | Manage and distribute weapons, ammunition, equipment, and supplies to various units. | |
| Army Service Corps | Provide logistical support, catering services, transportation, and supply chain management. | |
| Specialized Services | Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Branch | Legal officers providing legal advice, representing the Army in courts, and managing military justice. |
| Army Aviation Corps | Operate helicopters, drones, and other aircraft for reconnaissance, transportation, and combat support. | |
| Education Corps | Teach academic subjects, technical skills, and life skills to soldiers and their families. | |
| Intelligence Corps | Gather and analyze intelligence, conduct covert operations, and provide information for strategic decision-making. |
How to join indian army after 10th
There are several ways to join the Indian Army after 10th class, depending on your desired role and qualifications. Here are the main options:
| Entry Scheme | Eligibility (Qualification & Gender) | Selection Process | Role/Branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soldier (General Duty) | 10th pass (45% agg., 33% each subject), Men & Women | Rally Recruitment: Physical tests, Written test, Medical exam | Infantry, Artillery, Signals, etc. |
| Soldier (Tradesman) | 10th pass (35% agg., 33% each subject), Men & Women | Regular Recruitment: Written test, Physical tests, Medical exam, Trade test | Tailor, Cook, Barber, etc. (Technical roles) |
| Technical Entry Scheme (TES) | 10+2 Science (PCM) with 60% agg., Men | NDA entrance exam, SSB interview, Medical exam | Army/Navy/Air Force Officers (Technical) |
| Army Cadet College (ACC) | NCC cadets with specific qualifications, Men | SSB interview, Medical exam | Army Officer (Direct entry to IMA) |
Additional Notes:
- Age limits vary based on chosen scheme.
- Physical fitness standards apply to all schemes.
- Refer to the official website for detailed information and application procedures: https://joinindianarmy.nic.in/
- Choose a scheme based on your interests, skills, and qualifications.
How to join army after 12th
There are several ways to join the Indian Army after 12th class, catering to different educational backgrounds and career aspirations. Here are some options:
| Position | Entry Scheme | Open to | Selection Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Officer | NDA | Men & Women (60% agg.) | NDA Exam, SSB, Medical |
| CDS | Graduates | CDS Exam, SSB, Medical | |
| TES | Men (Science, 70% agg., JEE Main) | JEE Main, NDA Exam, SSB, Medical | |
| TGC | Engineering Graduates | UPSC Exam, SSB, Medical | |
| ACC | NCC Cadets (Qualified) | SSB, Medical | |
| JCO | MCES | Outstanding Soldiers | Internal Assessments, Training |
| SCOs | Technical Specialists/Graduates | Written Exams, Physical Tests, Interviews, Medical | |
| Other Ranks | Rally Recruitment | Men & Women (10th/12th) | Physical Tests, Written Tests, Medical |
| Regular Recruitment | Men & Women (10th/12th) | National Level Exams, Physical Tests, Medical | |
| Technical Entries | Individuals with Specific Skills | Skills Tests, Qualifications, Medical |
Indian Army Training Academies in India
| Serial No. | Academy Name | Location | Purpose | Entry Scheme(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | Train Army officers for combat roles | NDA, CDS, TGC, ACC |
| 2 | Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Train officers for non-combat roles (admin, logistics) | CDS, OTA (specific schemes) |
| 3 | National Defence Academy (NDA) | Khadakwasla, Pune | Train cadets for entry into IMA, INA, AFA | NDA |
| 4 | Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Ezhimala, Kerala | Train cadets for entry into Indian Navy | NDA |
| 5 | Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) | Dundigal, Telangana | Train cadets for entry into Indian Air Force | NDA |
| 6 | Army War College | Mhow, Madhya Pradesh | Train senior officers for leadership and strategic roles | Promotion & selection process |
| 7 | College of Defence Management | Secunderabad, Telangana | Train officers for managerial roles in the Army | Promotion & selection process |
| 8 | College of Combat | Mhow, Madhya Pradesh | Train officers for advanced combat tactics and operations | Promotion & selection process |
| 9 | Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) | Pune, Maharashtra | Train personnel in physical fitness and combat sports | Internal selection procedures |
| 10 | Army Air Defence College (AADC) | Gopalpur, Odisha | Train officers and personnel in air defence systems | Promotion & selection process |
Conclusion
In conclusion, embarking on a journey to join the Indian Army is a noble pursuit that demands dedication, discipline, and a commitment to serving the nation. The various entry options, ranging from direct recruitment rallies to prestigious examinations like the NDA and CDS, provide opportunities for individuals at different stages of their education.
Aspirants must meticulously adhere to the eligibility criteria, prepare diligently for the rigorous selection process, and exhibit not only physical fitness but also leadership qualities during interviews and assessments. The Indian Army not only offers a diverse array of career paths, including specialized branches and leadership roles but also instills a sense of duty, camaraderie, and national pride.
Frequently Asked Questions on how to join Indian Army
1. How can I join the Indian Army?
There are various ways to join the Indian Army, depending on your qualifications and desired role. Here’s a quick overview:
- Officers: Entry paths like NDA, CDS, TGC, ACC offer training and commission as officers.
- Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs): MCES and SCO schemes promote outstanding soldiers or recruit technical specialists.
- Other Ranks (ORs): Rally Recruitment and Regular Recruitment for various roles are open to both men and women after 10th or 12th.
2. How can I join the Indian Army after 12th for female?
Several entry schemes welcome female candidates after 12th, including:
- NDA: Open to qualified women with 10+2 pass (60% aggregate).
- CDS: Graduates in any discipline can apply.
- OTA: Specific schemes within CDS cater to women for non-combat roles.
- Technical Entry Scheme (TES): Open to women with 10+2 Science stream (70% aggregate) and JEE Main qualifying score.
- Regular Recruitment: Various roles for ORs are open to women after 12th pass.
3. How can I join the Army after 12th without NDA?
NDA isn’t the only option! You can explore these alternatives:
- CDS: Open to all graduates for officer roles.
- Technical Entry Scheme (TES): Offers direct entry into technical officer roles based on Science background and JEE Main score.
- OTA: Specific schemes within CDS are for non-combat officer roles without NDA.
- Regular Recruitment: Join as Other Ranks through national level written exams and physical tests after 12th.
4. How can I join the Army through NDA?
NDA is a prestigious entry route for aspiring officers. Here’s how:
- Meet eligibility criteria (10+2 with specific subject requirements and age limits).
- Crack the NDA entrance exam covering Mathematics, General Ability, English, etc.
- Clear the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview assessing personality and leadership.
- Undergo rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) or other academies.
5. How can I join the Gorkha Regiment?
The Gorkha Rifles welcome Gorkha men through specific recruitment drives conducted in designated areas like Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Nepal. Check the Indian Army website and local Gorkha community authorities for updates on recruitment drives.
6. How can I join the Indian Army after 10th?
Several options exist for joining after 10th:
- Soldier (General Duty): Open to both men and women with 10th pass (45% aggregate and 33% in each subject). Selection through Rally Recruitment involving physical tests, written test, and medical examination.
- Soldier (Tradesman): Open to men and women with 10th pass (35% aggregate and 33% in each subject). Specific subject requirements depend on chosen trade (like tailoring, cooking). Selection through Regular Recruitment with written test, physical tests, medical exam, and trade test.
Clearly, thanks for an explanation.