Career in Defence Forces
The Indian Armed Forces is one of the most prestigious services one can work for. It includes three major services — The Indian Navy, The Indian Army, and the Indian Air Force. The Indian Army is the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces and aims at securing the land-based territory of India. The Indian Army is responsible for maintaining internal safety and security at the borders and conflict rode regions of the country.
In this article, we will be looking at how one can go about joining the Indian Army. This article is based on guidance provided by Captain Sanjay Gahlot in a live session on “Career in Defence Forces” conducted by Shashi Dream Foundation under their initiative to provide career advice to children in need.
About the speaker:
Captain Sanjay Gahlot has been a Captain in the Armoured Corps of the Indian Army. He remained in active service as a commissioned officer from Aug 1984 to Sept 1989. He opted out later to write the Civil Services Exam. On clearing the exam, he now works as the commissioner of customs. He credits the army for moulding his personality & character.
The complete Career Counselling session on ‘Career in Defence Forces’ is available on SDF’s Facebook Page. Check out the full session on our Facebook page now👇
You can also find the complete session on our YouTube channel.
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Eligibility Criteria:
One can enter the Indian Army at different levels of educational qualification and the eligibility criteria differ respectively.
- After 10+ 2
Through National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Age limit: 16 ½ to 19 ½ years old at the commencement of the course
- Nationality: Indian
- Only men can apply, unmarried
- 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
Through Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
- Age limit: 16 ½ to 19 ½
- Nationality: Indian
- Unmarried
- 10+2 with PCM (minimum total marks should be 70 per cent from a recognized board)
2. After graduation
Through CDS Examination
- Age limit: 19 to 24 years old
- Men, unmarried
- Women can only apply for OTA (Officers Training Academy)
- Nationality: Indian
- Graduate from any stream from a recognized university/ college
- Physical eligibility criteria too
Through Technical Graduate Course (TGC)
- Age limit: 21 to 27 years old
- Men only
- Graduate in BE / B.Tech in selected streams of Engineering or B.Arch or MSc computer
Through Short Service Commission (SSC)
- Unmarried men and women both can apply
- Age limit: 20 to 27 years old
- Nationality: Indian
- Graduate in BE/ B.Tech in engineering
Through NCC Special Entry
- Nationality: Indian
- Age limit: 19 to 25 years old
- NCC ‘C’ certificate holder
- Graduate from a recognized university with a minimum of 50 per cent total marks
- Service in NCC for minimum 3 academic years
- Unmarried men and women
Through the University Entry Scheme (UES)
- Unmarried men
- Age limit: 18 to 24 years old
- Nationality: Indian
- Graduate of engineering stream from a recognized college/university
Through Judge Advocate Entry (JAG)
- Unmarried men and women
- Nationality: Indian
- Age limit: 21 to 27 years old
- Graduate in LLB or LLM with a minimum 55 per cent from a college recognized by the Bar Council of India
- Candidate should be registered as an advocate with the Bar Council of India/State
Skills Required:
Here are some of the skills required to enter the Indian Army:
Top Training Academies/ Institutions:
Once an individual clears the necessary exams, they get sent for training to specific centres. These are:
Exams
Structure of the Indian Army:
The Indian Army has six operational commands and two training commands. Each command is headed by a General Officer Commanding-in-Chief who holds the rank of the Lieutenant General.
Commands across the country
Job Opportunities and Salaries:
After the 7th pay commission, there has been a change in the salaries of Army officials. The table given below shows the salaries alongside the posts written in the descending order of hierarchy. The figures given are just basic pay. The salary of an Indian Army Officer includes Basic Pay, Military Service Pay, and other various allowances.
Conclusion
A career in the defence is a respectable and integrity-driven career which aims at serving the nation. This career is a well rewarding career for those who are willing to put in the hard work, dedication and discipline.
Click on the following links to find more information regarding our career counselling session video.👇
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