HOW TO JOIN INDIAN ARMED FORCES

  1. NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY (NDA)

Eligibility Criteria for NDA

Qualification: 

12th Class of 10+2  Physics and 

Maths .

Age: 16 ½ to 19 ½ yrs 

Training Academy: NDA , Khadakwasla, Pune

2. 10+2 TECHNICAL ENTRY SCHEME(10+2 TES):

Qualification:- 

12th Class of 10+2 Equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 70% in  Physics, Chemistry & Maths(PCM)

Eligibility Criteria for 10+2 TES

Age: 16 ½ to 19 ½  

Training Academy: OTA Gaya

3. INDIAN MILITARY ACADEMY (IMA) DIRECT ENTRY : 

To get selected in IMA, a candidate need to first clear combined defence services exam CDSE conducted by UPSC.

Eligibility Criteria for IMA DE

Age: 19 and 24 yrs 

Qualification: Graduation from Recognised University.

Training Academy: IMA Dehradun

4. OFFICERS TRAINING ACADEMY ( NON TECHNICAL MEN ) OTA SSC: 

To get selected in OTA SSC, a candidate need to first clear combined defence services exam CDSE conducted by UPSC.

Eligibility Criteria for OTA SSC

Age: 19 and 25 yrs as on 01 Jan of the yr in which course is due to commence for Apr course and 01 Jul of the yr in which course is due to commence for Oct course

Qualification: Graduation from Recognised University.

Training Academy: OTA Chennai

5.NCC (SPECIALL) ENTRY MEN: 

Through NCC entry a candidate will be selected in Indian Army and Indian Air Force

Eligibility Criteria for NCC SPL

Age: 19 and 25 yrs as of 01 Jul of the yr in which course is due to commence for Oct course and 01 Jan of the yr in which course is due to commence for Apr course

Qualification: Final year appearing/Graduate with 50% Aggregate marks, 2 Yrs service in NCC Senior Div Army with minimum ‘B’ Grade in ‘C’ Certificate Exam.

Training Academy: OTA Chennai

 6. TGC (ENGINEERS): 

Candidates will be selected directly for Indian Armed Forces through this entry.

Eligibility Criteria for TGC

Age: 20 and 27 yrs as of first day of month in which course is due to commence

Qualification: BE / B Tech final appearing & degree holders in notified streams of Engineers

Training Academy: IMA Dehradun

7. SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION TECHNICAL MEN:

 Candidates will be selected for Indian Army through this entry.

Eligibility Criteria for SS (Tech)

Age: 20 and 27 yrs as of first day of month in which course is due to commence

Qualification: Engineering Degree in notified discipline

Training Academy: OTA Chennai

8. TGC EDUCATION (AEC):

 Candidates will be selected for Indian Army through this entry.

Eligibility Criteria for TGC EDUCATION (AEC)

Age: 23 to 27 years, born between – 2nd Jan to 1st Jan for Jan Course; 2nd Jul to 1st Jul for Jul Course

Qualification: MA / MSC in 1st or 2nd division in notified subjects from recognized university

Training Academy: IMA Dehradun

9. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT): 

As an officer in the Indian Air Force a candidate depending on his/her qualifications, could join one of the various branches in the IAF:

• Flying Branch : Fighters, Transports and Helicopters
• Technical Branch: Mechanical and Electronics
• Ground Duty Branch: Administration, Accounts, Logistics, Education and Meteorology

Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT

AGE: 19 to 23 years

Qualification:  Graduates (Minimum three year degree course) in any discipline from a recognised University who have attained minimum 60% marks in aggregate in all papers put together and have passed Maths and Physics at 10+2 level OR BE / B Tech degree (Four year course) from a recognised University with minimum 60% marks in aggregate in all papers put together

Training Academy: Air Force Academy

10. Graduate Special Entry Scheme (GSES) Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Through UPSC) :

 Through this entry  candidates can get selected for Indian Navy.

Eligibility Criteria for Graduate Special Entry Scheme (GSES)

Age: 19 – 22 years

Qualification: B.Sc (Physics & Maths) or BE