Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the meaning of Indian Armed Forces?
The Indian Armed Forces are comprised of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, with the
President of India serving as the Commander-in-Chief.
What is the difference between an Officer and a PBOR in Indian Armed Forces?
An “Officer” in the Indian Army is a leader who commands and manages troops, responsible for planning, assigning tasks, and ensuring the successful execution of missions. They are also referred as Commissioned Officers. "PBOR" stands for Personnel Below Officer Rank and refers to the cadre of personnel in the Indian Armed Forces who are below the rank of officer, including soldiers, technical personnel, and those in combat roles.
What are the different ways to join the Indian Armed Forces as an officer?
There are several ways to join the Indian Armed Forces as an officer:
National Defence Academy (NDA): For unmarried male and female candidates after Class 12. Permanent Commission (PC).
Combined Defence Services (CDS): For graduates who are unmarried males or females. Short Service Commission (SSC) for women, PC for men). Some seats reserved for NCC “C” certificate holders.
Technical Entry Scheme (TES): For male candidates with a 10+2 (completed) with Physics and Mathematics. Permanent Commission (PC).
Technical Graduate Course (TGC): For male unmarried engineering graduates in specified field. Permanent Commission (PC).
Short Service Commission (SSC NT and Tech): A short service commission for male and female graduate unmarried candidates who want to serve for 10-14 years.
Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry: For law graduates who are unmarried male and females. Short Service Commission.
NCC Special Entry: For NCC cadets (unmarried male and female) having “C” certificate. Short Service Commission.
Direct Entry for Army Cadet College (ACC): For serving soldiers.
Note: Once commissioned as Lieutenant, the status and service conditions of officers selected in all permanent commission and short service commission entries remains at par respectively except TGC and SSC Tech who get one year ante date seniority.
How do I apply for NDA or CDS?
To apply for NDA or CDS:
For NDA: You need to register online on the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in) when the NDA exam notification is released. You will also need to appear for the written examination followed by an SSB (Services Selection Board) interview.
For CDS: Like NDA, the application is done online via UPSC, and after the written exam, you must go through an SSB interview.
The SSB interviews will be conducted under Army/Navy/Airforce Selection Boards depending upon the allotment of SSB.
What is the training period for becoming an officer from NDA?
NDA: The training lasts for 3 years at the NDA, followed by 1 year at the respective service academy (Army, Navy, or Air Force).
What are the benefits and perks of being an officer in the Indian Armed Forces?
Officers in the Indian Armed Forces get several benefits:
Accommodation: Free or subsidized accommodation in service quarters.
Medical Facilities: Free medical care for themselves and their families.
Pension: A pension is provided after retirement.
Ration & Uniforms: Free rations and uniforms are provided.
Leave & Travel Benefits: Officers are entitled to annual and casual leaves, along with travel allowances for themselves and their families.
Job Security and Dignity: The job provides significant social respect and job stability.
What is the NDA and how can I join?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a premier joint training institution where candidates are trained for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is located in Khadakwasla, Pune.
To join NDA, candidates need to appear for the NDA exam, conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission), which is held twice a year. Successful candidates must undergo the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview, followed by a medical examination.
What is the selection process for NDA and INA?
The selection process for NDA and INA consists of the following stages:
Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC, which tests candidates in Mathematics and General Ability (English, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, General Science, etc.).
SSB Interview: After clearing the written exam, candidates must appear for the SSB interview (5 days), which tests psychological, physical, and personality traits.
Medical Examination: Medical standards are assessed to ensure candidates are fit for service.
Final Merit List: Based on the performance in the written exam, SSB interview, and medical exam, a final merit list is prepared.
Can I reapply if I fail the NDA or INA SSB interview?
Yes, candidates who fail the SSB interview can reappear for future NDA exams, provided they meet the age
and other eligibility criteria.
What is IMA and how can I join it?
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) is one of India's premier military training institutions, located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It trains officers for the Indian Army and is known for its rigorous physical, academic, and leadership training.
Entry Modes into IMA:
(a) Through UPSC and CDS Exam: Conducted twice a year. Followed by the SSB interview and medical tests.
(b) Technical Graduate Course (TGC): For engineering graduates.
(c) Direct Entry for Army Cadet College (ACC): For serving soldiers.
What is TGC Entry?
The Technical Graduate Course (TGC) is a direct entry scheme for Engineering Graduates to join the Indian Army as Commissioned Officers. It is one of the best opportunities for engineers to serve as officers in the Army. It is a direct entry (No written exam) and candidates are permanent commissioned in “Lieutenant” rank after completing one year training at IMA Dehradun. They get one year ante date seniority in their service.
Eligibility Criteria: Indian male citizens between 20 to 27 years age who have BE/B Tech degree in the notified stream. Final-year students can also apply (must produce degree before joining).
Selection Process: Online application through www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Shortlisted candidates based on aggregate engineering percentage (cutoff varies) are called for SSB interview. Candidates recommended in SSB need to undergo medical tests. Final merit list is drawn based on SSB performance and medical fitness.
What is TES Entry?
The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is a direct entry program for 10+2 (PCM) candidates who wish to
join the Indian Army as Technical Officers. It allows young aspirants to become officers without appearing
for the UPSC CDS or NDA written exam. The candidates should have passed 10+2 with minimum 60%
aggregate marks in PCM and they should have JEE (Mains) score. Candidates must apply online at
www.joinindianarmy.nic.in and shortlisted candidates based on cutoff are called for direct SSB interview.
Presently, only male candidates are eligible.
Training: Three years training at CTW CME Pune/MCTE Mhow/MCEME Secunderabad based on the branch of
engineering allocated plus one year training at IMA Dehradun. The candidates will be awarded Engineering
degree after successful completion of 04 (four) years training and will be given permanent commission in the
Army in the rank of Lieutenant.
Is Tattoo allowed?
Any candidate with a permanent body tattoo(s) on any part of the body other than that specified in tattoo
policy or is of an objectionable nature (non-permissible category), as brought out in the tattoo policy, are not
eligible for enrolment into the Armed Forces. If you have a permanent body tattoo, refer to the policy given
on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
What is CBSST?
CBSST is Computer Based Stage 1 Screening Test. The present Stage 1 Screening Test is not computer based and the same is likely to be changed to Computer Based. However, the infrastructure for the same is not yet in place and till the infrastructure is placed, the present Stage 1 test as hither to before shall continue. When infrastructure is in place, present Stage 1 procedure will continue for some time till CBSST is validated. Therefore, CBSST is unlikely to be implemented before 2027.
How can I join the Indian Armed Forces?
The Indian Armed Forces comprise of two types of personnel viz “Officers” and “Personnel Below Officer Rank or PBOR”. The Officers are selected through UPSC and/or Services Selection Board (SSB)/Naval Selection Board (NSB)/Airforce Selection Board (AFSB) interview and PBOR are recruited through Agnipath Scheme. The Officers’ interview procedure at SSB, NSB and AFSB is generally the same.
What are the ranks/promotion avenues for an “Officer” and a “PBOR”?
The ranks/promotion avenues for an “Officer” and a “PBOR” are as under: -
What are the eligibility criteria to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces?
The eligibility criteria vary depending on the entry scheme, but the general requirements are as follows:
Age: Typically, for NDA, the age should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years. For CDS, candidates should be between 19 and 24 years old. For Technical Entry, the age range can be 16.5 to 19.5 years.
Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
Educational Qualifications: For NDA, candidates must have completed or appeared Class 12 or its equivalent with Physics and Mathematics for those wishing to join the Indian Navy or Indian Air Force. For Army candidates, any stream in Class 12 is eligible. For CDS, candidates should have a degree from a recognized university (For Airforce, 10+2 with PCM is required). For NDA and CDS, candidates appearing Class 12th or final year graduation respectively can also apply provided they clear 12th/Graduation before the start of the course.
Physical Standards: Must meet the medical fitness requirements specified by the Armed Forces.
What is the SSB interview?
The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is a selection process that evaluates candidates on various parameters such as leadership, decision-making skills, physical and mental fitness, and personality traits. It typically lasts for 5 days and consists of:
Screening Test (Day 1)
Psychological Tests (Day 2)
Group Tests (Day 3 and 4)
Personal Interview (Day 2,3 and 4)
Conference (Day 5)
After the conference, the list of recommended candidates is announced. These candidates need to undergo medical tests. Candidates must understand that in case of final selection, their appointment will be
provisional subject to satisfactory verification of antecedents by concerned civil/police/education
authorities, as applicable.
What is the salary of an Indian Armed Forces officer?
The salary of an officer in the Indian Armed Forces depends on their rank and experience. The basic pay as per 7th CPC for an officer in the Army starts from around ₹56,100 (Lieutenant rank) and increases with the promotion of ranks. Additional allowances like DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), and other benefits are also provided. The pay scale increases significantly with each rank and after years of service.
The Officer Cadets undergoing training in the service academies (IMA, OTA, INA, AFA) are entitled a stipend of ₹56,100 pm which is paid after completion of training.
Is there a women’s entry for becoming Officer of the Indian Armed Forces?
Yes, women are eligible to join the Indian Armed Forces in both permanent and short service commissions. They can join through NDA/CDS(SSC NT) (for NDA, OTA) or through the SSC-Tech (Short Service Commission-Technical) or NCC Enry. Women can serve in various branches like Army, Air Force, and Navy, with roles in administrative, medical, engineering, law, and education fields, among others. Presently women in armed forces are eligible only for SSC except NDA entry.
What is the Indian Naval Academy (INA) and how can I join it?
The Indian Naval Academy (INA) is the training academy for future officers of the Indian Navy, located in
Ezhimala,
Kerala.
Candidates who join the Indian Navy through NDA will receive training at INA after completing the NDA
course. Additionally, candidates can join INA directly through the Indian Naval Academy Cadet Entry
Scheme (for graduates).
To join through NDA, candidates will appear for the NDA exam and be selected for the Navy wing. They will
then receive specialized training at the INA.
What is the syllabus for the NDA exam?
The NDA written exam consists of two papers:
Mathematics (300 marks): Topics include Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry, Statistics, and Probability.
General Ability Test (600 marks): This consists of:
English (200 marks): Vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and sentence structure.
General Knowledge (400 marks): Topics include Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.
The exam is conducted in offline mode, and both papers are of 2.5 hours each.
What is AFA and how can I join it?
The Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) is the premier training institute for future officers of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Located in Dundigal, Telangana, it provides rigorous training for pilots, ground duty officers, and technical officers.
Entry Modes into AFA:
(a) Through UPSC and CDS Exam: Conducted twice a year. Followed by AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interview and medical tests.
(b) AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test): For Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty branches
(c) NDA (National Defence Academy): Candidates join NDA first and then move to AFA for Air Force training
(d) NCC Special Entry: For NCC 'C' certificate holders in the Air Wing
(e) Meteorology & Technical Entries: Direct recruitment for specialized fields
What is OTA and how can I join it?
The Officers Training Academy (OTA) is a premier training institute of the Indian Army that prepares
officers for Short Service Commission (SSC). It is known for its rigorous training that transforms cadets into
skilled and disciplined leaders. It is located at Chennai and Gaya.
Entry Modes into OTA
(a)
CDS Exam (Combined Defence Services) – UPSC: Conducted twice a year. Includes SSB
interview and medical tests. Open to both men and women.
(b)
NCC Special Entry: For NCC 'C' certificate holders (Men & Women). Direct SSB interview
(No written exam). Short Service Commission.
(c)
Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry: For law graduates. Direct SSB interview (No
written exam)
(d)
Technical Entry (SSC-Tech): For engineering graduates (Men & Women). Direct SSB
interview (No written exam).
What is SSC Tech Entry?
The Short Service Commission (SSC) Technical Entry is a direct entry scheme for engineering
graduates (men & women) to join the Indian Army as Technical Officers. Unlike other entries, SSC Tech
does not require a written exam—candidates are shortlisted based on their engineering marks and called
directly for the SSB interview. It is a direct entry (No written exam) and candidates are commissioned in
“Lieutenant” rank after completing one year training at OTA Chennai. They get one year ante date seniority in
their service.
They are given a Short Service Commission (5-10 years extendable up to 14 years) and one can apply for
permanent commission in the 10th year of service. Short Service Commission (SSC) officers are not eligible
for pension.
What are the physical and medical standards for all academies?
Following is only a general and cursory guideline. The physical standards vary for different entries as also for Army,Navy and Airforce. Candidates are required to refer to respective notifications and advertisements before filling up applications and choices for services.
General Health: Candidates should be physically and mentally fit, free from any disease or disability. Must not have skeletal deformities like knock knees, flat feet, or scoliosis. No past history of mental breakdowns, epilepsy, or fits. Must be free from diseases like asthma, diabetes, and color blindness. No Hernia, Hydrocele, or Piles.
Hearing: No hearing impairments. Normal hearing required.
Vision: As specified.
Other Medical Standards: As specified.
Physical Standards: Must meet the required height, weight, and chest measurements.
What if I want to withdraw from the training academy?
Withdrawal from the training academy on personal reasons is rare and allowed on case-to-case basis. The withdrawing candidate must refund the cost of training to the Government for the period of his stay in the academy which is approximately Rs 17,000 to 20,000 per week.
I have few more questions. Where can I get the answers?
Please visit Netaji Subhashchandra Defence Academy (NSDA), Swatantryaveer Savarkar Prashala, Vishrambag, Sangli-416415.