How to Join the Indian Army After 12th
Defence Aspirants wondering How to Join the Indian Army After 12th must read this article and know about various entries to Join the Indian Army After completing class 12th. Read more.
Nigam Sharma19 Nov, 2024
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How to Join the Indian Army After 12th: Joining the Indian Army is an excellent career choice for those who wish to serve their country while pursuing a life of discipline, leadership, and adventure. After completing Class 12, students have several entry routes to join the Indian Army as officers or soldiers. This article provides a detailed roadmap to understand the pathways, eligibility criteria, selection processes, and other essential aspects of joining the Indian Army.
How to Join the Indian Army After 12th
The Army provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, enjoy a respectable livelihood, and serve the nation with pride. With multiple entry schemes like NDA and Technical Entry Scheme (TES), aspirants can select roles that suit their strengths and ambitions. Understanding the eligibility criteria and selection procedures is crucial for those aiming to secure a place in one of the world’s most prestigious defense forces. Here's detailed information to help you achieve this noble goal.1. National Defence Academy (NDA)
The NDA offers an excellent opportunity for candidates aspiring to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. It provides a mix of academic education and military training.NDA Eligibility:
To apply through NDA, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class 12 (any stream for Army; PCM for Navy/Air Force) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Gender | Both Male and Female |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Rank After NDA Exam | Lieutenant |
| NDA Notification | Twice a Year In May & December |
NDA Selection Process:
- Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC, this includes Mathematics and General Ability Test.
- SSB Interview: A multi-stage assessment process testing intelligence, personality, and leadership skills.
- Medical Examination: Ensures candidates are physically and mentally fit for military service.
NDA Training Overview:
Successful candidates undergo extensive training at the National Defence Academy and later at the Indian Military Academy (IMA).| Training Phase | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| NDA (Academic + Military) | 3 years | Khadakwasla, Pune |
| IMA | 1 year | Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
2. Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
The TES is a specialized entry route for candidates with strong proficiency in science, focusing on technical roles in the Army.Indian Army TES Eligibility:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Class 12 with PCM, minimum 60% marks |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Gender | Male |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
Indian Army TES Selection Process:
- Application Screening: Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic scores.
- SSB Interview: Tests candidates’ leadership and decision-making abilities.
- Medical Examination: Ensures physical and medical standards.
Indian Army TES Training Details:
| Training Phase | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| One-year pre-commissioning training | 1 Year | Gaya, Bihar |
| Military and Engineering | 4 years | CME Pune, MCTE Mhow, etc. |
| Commissioning as Lieutenant | Post-training | Assigned Army Units |
3. Soldier Recruitment (General Duty and Technical)
The Agniveer Soldier Recruitment program offers distinct pathways under the Agnipath Scheme , tailored for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army's ranks. This short-term, four-year service model aims to develop a disciplined and capable workforce while addressing the evolving needs of the armed forces. This route allows candidates to join as soldiers through recruitment rallies conducted nationwide.Eligibility:
| Criteria | General Duty (GD) | Technical |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Class 10 or 12 pass | Class 12 with PCM |
| Age Limit | 17.5 to 21 years | 17.5 to 23 years |
| Gender | Male | Male |
| Marital Status | Unmarried | Unmarried |
Selection Process:
- Online Registration: Applicants register through the official portal ( joinindianarmy.nic.in ).
- Physical Fitness Test: Includes a 1.6 km run, pull-ups, and other physical activities.
- Written Examination: Focuses on basic subjects like Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge.
- Medical Examination: Ensures fitness for the role.
Documents Required
Before applying for any entry route, ensure you have the following documents:| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Class 10/12 Marksheet | Verification of academic qualifications |
| Birth Certificate | Proof of age |
| Domicile Certificate | Required for recruitment rally participation |
| Identity Proof (Aadhar Card) | Verification of identity |
| Passport-Sized Photographs | For applications and records |
| NCC Certificate (if any) | Adds weight to the application |
Comparison of Entry Routes of the Indian Army After 12th
The Indian Army offers several pathways for aspirants based on their educational qualifications, aspirations, and physical capabilities. Here's a comprehensive comparison of the major entry routes:| Criteria | NDA (National Defence Academy) | TES (Technical Entry Scheme) | Soldier Recruitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Requirement | 10+2, any stream | 10+2, PCM with a minimum of 60% | 10th/12th |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview | Direct SSB based on merit | Recruitment Rally + Written Test |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years | 16.5 to 19.5 years | 17.5 to 23 years |
| Gender | Male candidates only | Male candidates only | Both male and female (specific roles) |
| Training Duration | 4 years (3 at NDA + 1 at IMA) | 4 years (Technical training) | 6-12 months |
| Nature of Commission | Officer | Officer | Soldier (Non-officer ranks) |
| Physical Standards | Height: 157.5 cm minimum; Weight: proportional; Vision: 6/6 or 6/9 | Similar to NDA | Varies by role; generally less stringent |
| Career Opportunities | Leadership roles in various branches of the Army | Officer roles in engineering and technical branches | Support and combat roles |
| Training Institutions | NDA, Pune + IMA, Dehradun | Respective technical colleges | Training Centers like RTCs |
| Key Benefits | Officer rank, pension, honor | Specialized technical training | Early employment |
How to Join the Indian Army After 12th FAQs
Q1: What are the entry routes into the Indian Army after Class 12?
A: Major routes include the NDA Exam, Technical Entry Scheme (TES), and Agniveer Soldier Recruitment under the Agnipath scheme.
Q2: What is the eligibility for the NDA exam?
A: You must be 16.5–19.5 years old, have passed Class 12 (any stream for Army; PCM required for Navy and Air Force), and meet the physical fitness criteria.
Q3: What is the TES entry route?
A: TES is for candidates with 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in Class 12. It includes an SSB interview and offers training as a commissioned officer.
Q4: Who can apply for Agniveer Soldier Recruitment?
A: Candidates aged 17.5–21 years can apply. For General Duty (GD) roles, you need Class 10; for Technical roles, Class 12 with PCM is required.
Q5: How is the NDA selection process structured?
A: It includes a written exam (Mathematics and General Ability Test) followed by a 5-day SSB interview and a medical test.
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