Eligibility to Join the Indian Army

Want to join the Indian Armed Forces?

Discover the steps to serving with dignity and commitment. Learn what it takes, from meeting physical and academic requirements to joining the ranks of the Indian Army - one of the world's finest armed forces.

The Indian Army conducts several boot camps all around the country in the form of recruitment rallies, bypassing the need for potential recruits to first score well on a battery of written tests. Here are a few examples of direct entry selection processes to consider if you're leaning toward this route:

• Technical Graduate Course - 129 & 130
• University Entry Scheme
• National Cadet Corps (NCC) - 46 & 47   
• Short Service Commission (SSC) Tech (men) - 53 & 54
• Judge Advocate General (JAG) - 24
• Short Service Commission (SSC) Tech (women) - 22 & 23

There are different indirect routes after 10th, 12th, and graduation.

1. After 10th

You can inevitably enlist in the armed forces immediately after finishing high school, provided they have an overall grade point average of about 45%. The catch is that they may only be put in for two positions, Soldier Tradesman and General Duties.

The Indian Army also conducts a written exam, a physical fitness test, and a medical examination as part of the selection process. 

2. After 12th

• National Defense Academy: It is the Indian Armed Forces' Joint Defence Service Training Institute. It includes passing the NDA written test administered by UPSC, passing the Services Selection Board Interview Round, and passing the Medical Exam. Following these three stages, the selected candidates receive training for a period of three years before being assigned to their training schools for one year of training and a commission. Candidates get considerable instruction in outdoor activities in addition to academic preparation.
• Technical Entry Scheme (TES): Technical Scheme Examination is another avenue to join the Indian Army. This test is open to unmarried male students who have completed their 12th grade in physics, chemistry, and math. The selected applicants are required to enrol in a B.E Course of choice and prepare for the rank of lieutenant in the army for four years. After completing the training, the cadet will be given a permanent appointment in the Army and the rank of lieutenant.

3. After Graduation

After graduation, aspirants can join the Indian Army in primarily two methods:

• Combined Defence Services 1 & 2: The CDS test, administered by the UPSC, is the entry point for undergraduate students interested in joining the Indian army. CDS, like the NDA test, is held twice a year, and only male unmarried applicants are eligible. A graduate degree is required for entry into the Indian Army through CDS. 
• Indian Territorial Army Exam: The Indian Territorial Army is the Indian Army's second line of defence. The Territorial Army conducts a national-level test for employed male and female applicants between the ages of 18 and 42. To join the Indian army through this test, candidates must have an undergraduate degree in any field from a recognised college.

For those who wish to join the Indian Army, the following documents must be brought with them at the direct admission location.

• Class 10th and 12th mark sheets
• Class 10th certificate as verification of birth date
• Caste Certificate 
• NCC Certificate (if any)
• Relationship Certificate 

Therefore, there are several direct and indirect entry routes of entry into the prestigious Indian Army. Stay updated about the application dates, know the eligibility criteria and keep all documents ready.