Ways to Join Indian Armed Forces as Officers

Ways to Join the Armed Forces in India

The Indian Armed Forces – comprising the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force – offer various entry routes for individuals passionate about serving the nation. Depending on one’s educational qualifications, interests, and age, there are multiple opportunities to join. Here’s an overview of the main pathways:

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1. National Defence Academy (NDA)

• Eligibility: 12th pass (with Physics and Maths for Air Force and Navy).
  
  
• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
  
  
• Gender: Both male and female (since 2021).
  
  
• Selection Process: NDA exam conducted by UPSC, followed by SSB interview and medical examination.
  
  
• Training: At NDA, Khadakwasla, followed by pre-commission training in respective academies.
  
  

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2. Combined Defence Services (CDS)

• Eligibility: Graduate from a recognized university.
  
  
• Age:
  
  
  • IMA: 19–24 years
    
    
  • OTA: 19–25 years
    
    
  • AFA: 20–24 years
    
    
  • INA: 19–22 years
    
    
• Gender: Male (IMA, INA, AFA), Male and Female (OTA).
  
  
• Selection Process: CDS exam by UPSC, SSB interview, medical test.
  
  

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3. Technical Entry Scheme (TES) – Army

• Eligibility: 10+2 with 70% in Physics, Chemistry, Maths.
  
  
• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
  
  
• Gender: Male only.
  
  
• Selection: Shortlisting based on marks, followed by SSB interview.
  
  

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4. University Entry Scheme (UES) – Army/Navy

• Eligibility: Pre-final year engineering students.
  
  
• Age: 19 to 25 years.
  
  
• Selection: Campus interviews by SSB panels, followed by SSB and medical tests.
  
  

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5. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

• Eligibility: Graduates (with Physics and Maths in 10+2 for Flying Branch).
  
  
• Age: Varies by branch (Flying, Ground Duty).
  
  
• Gender: Both male and female.
  
  
• Selection: AFCAT written exam, AFSB interview, medicals.
  
  

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6. NCC Special Entry

• Eligibility: NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders with graduation.
  
  
• Age: 19–25 years.
  
  
• Gender: Both male and female.
  
  
• Entry: Direct SSB interview, no written exam.
  
  

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7. Short Service Commission (SSC)

• Eligibility: Varies by branch (technical/non-technical graduates, postgraduates).
  
  
• Age: Generally 19 to 27 years.
  
  
• Duration: 10 years extendable to 14.
  
  
• Gender: Both male and female.
  
  

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8. Military Nursing Service (MNS) – Women Only

• Eligibility: 12th pass with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and entrance exam.
  
  
• Age: 17 to 25 years.
  
  
• Selection: Written test, interview, and medical exam.