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Indian Army Exam: NDA, CDS, Agniveer & Other Recruitment Tests

Indian Army Exam includes multiple entry routes like NDA, CDS, TES, Agniveer, TGC, NCC Special Entry, and JAG. Here explains Indian Army eligibility, syllabus, exam dates, selection process, physical standards, admit card, and result details to help students prepare confidently.
authorImagePriyanka Agarwal2 Feb, 2026
Indian Army Exam

Indian Army Exam is a gateway for students who wish to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army. It includes many entry-level exams like NDA, CDS, TES, Agniveer, TGC, NCC Special Entry, and JAG. Each exam has its own eligibility rules, syllabus, exam date, and selection stages, which are shared through official Indian Army notifications.

To succeed, students must meet Indian Army eligibility criteria, prepare as per the syllabus, and clear written, physical, medical, and interview rounds. With discipline, fitness, and proper planning, the Indian Army exam offers a respected career, strong training, and the honor of serving the country.

What is the Indian Army Exam?

The Indian Army exam is a way to select young, brave, and smart students for different posts in the army. The Indian Army notification tells students when and how the exam will happen. Every year, many students apply for these exams to serve the nation.

Types of Indian Army Exams

There are many types of Indian Army exams based on age, qualification, and type of job. Below are the important ones:

1. NDA (National Defence Academy)

The NDA exam is for students after class 12. It is one of the most popular exams for joining the Indian Army as an officer. Students study subjects like Maths and General Ability.

  • Conducted by UPSC

  • For entry into Army, Navy, and Air Force

  • Written exam + SSB interview

  • Indian Army eligibility: 10+2 passed

2. CDS (Combined Defence Services)

The CDS exam is for students who have finished graduation. It is also conducted by UPSC.

  • Helps to join the Indian Army as an officer

  • Written exam + SSB interview + medical test

  • Indian Army syllabus includes English, GK, and Maths (for some academies)

3. TES (Technical Entry Scheme)

The TES exam is for students who want to join the army as technical officers.

  • For students who pass 12th with science

  • No formal written exam in some cases

  • Based on board marks + SSB interview

  • Strong focus on engineering fields

4. Agniveer (Agnipath Scheme)

The Agniveer exam is for young students who want to join the Indian Army as soldiers.

  • For 10th or 12th pass students

  • Written exam + physical test

  • Selected candidates serve for 4 years

  • After service, some get permanent jobs

5. Technical Graduate Course (TGC)

The TGC exam is for engineering graduates.

  • For technical officers in the Indian Army

  • SSB interview + medical test

  • No written exam most times

6. NCC Special Entry

The NCC Special Entry is for NCC ‘C’ certificate holders.

  • Based on NCC performance

  • SSB interview

  • No written exam

7. JAG Entry (Judge Advocate General)

The JAG exam is for law graduates.

  • For legal officers in the Indian Army

  • SSB + interview + medical

  • Must have law degree

Indian Army Recruitment Overview

All these exams come under Indian Army recruitment. The recruitment aims to find strong and loyal students who can serve the county.

Indian Army Recruitment Overview

Exam Type

Eligibility

Selection Stages

NDA

12th Pass

Written + SSB

CDS

Graduation

Written + SSB

TES

12th Science

Board % + SSB

Agniveer

10th/12th Pass

Written + PFT

TGC

Engineering Grad

SSB

NCC Special

NCC ‘C’ Cert

SSB

JAG

Law Graduate

SSB + Interview

Each exam has its own Indian Army syllabus, exam date, and selection stages. Students should check the official Indian Army notification for exact details.

Indian Army Eligibility Criteria

Each exam has rules on Indian Army eligibility like age, education, and fitness.

  • Age: Usually 16½ to 25 years (varies by exam)

  • Education: 10th, 12th, or Graduation depending on post

  • Fitness: Must fit the Indian Army physical standards

  • Nationality: Must be Indian

Here’s a quick view of eligibility:

Indian Army Eligibility Criteria

Exam

Age Limit

Education

NDA

16½–19½ yrs

12th Pass

CDS

19–25 yrs

Grad

TES

16½–19 yrs

12th Sci

Agniveer

17½–23 yrs

10th/12th

TGC

20–27 yrs

Engg Grad

JAG

Up to 27 yrs

Law Grad

Students must meet all eligibility rules to sit for the Indian Army exam.

Indian Army Syllabus

The Indian Army syllabus changes by exam. Below are the common subjects asked:

  • Maths

  • General Knowledge

  • English

  • Reasoning

  • Science (for some exams)

Indian Army Syllabus

Exam

Main Subjects

NDA

Maths, GAT

CDS

English, GK, Maths

Agniveer

GK, Maths, Reasoning

TES

Maths, Physics

JAG

Law + General

It is important to study all subjects well for the best performance.

Indian Army Exam Date

Students must know the Indian Army exam date for their chosen exam type. These dates are listed in the Indian Army notification.

Indian Army Exam Date

Exam

Typical Schedule

NDA

April/September

CDS

February/November

Agniveer

December/January

TES

January/February

TGC

As per notification

Students should check the official website to confirm precise dates each year.

Indian Army Admit Card

The Indian Army admit card is a very important document. Students must download it before the exam. It shows:

  • Name

  • Roll number

  • Exam center

  • Exam timing

Without the Indian Army admit card, students cannot enter the exam hall.

Indian Army Result

After the exam, the Indian Army result is published online. Students can check it using their roll number and date of birth. The result tells if the student is selected for the next step.

Indian Army Selection Process

The Indian Army selection process is different for each exam. But all include:

  1. Written Exam

  2. Physical Fitness Test

  3. Medical Test

  4. SSB Interview (for officers)

Students must pass all steps to join the army.

Indian Army Physical Standards

Fitness is a major part of selection. The Indian Army physical standards include:

  • Minimum height

  • Chest measurement

  • Weight

  • Running and physical tests

Here is a simple breakdown:

Post

Height

Chest

Soldier

170 cm

80 cm

Technical

165 cm

79 cm

Officers

160 cm

78 cm

Good physical health helps students succeed in the Indian Army.

Why Join the Indian Army?

Joining the Indian Army is a great dream for many students. It gives:

  • Honor and respect

  • Good salary and benefits

  • Chance to serve the country

  • Training and leadership skills

Students who want discipline and courage can choose the Indian Army exam route.

The Indian Army Exam is a path to join the great force of our country. With proper preparation and study of the Indian Army syllabus, students can reach their dreams. Always check the official Indian Army notification for the latest news about exam dates, eligibility, and results.

 

Indian Army Exam FAQs

What is the Indian Army exam?

It is a test or series of tests to select candidates for different jobs in the Indian Army.

Which exams come under Indian Army recruitment?

Exams like NDA, CDS, TES, Agniveer, TGC, and JAG are part of Indian Army recruitment.

How can I check Indian Army eligibility?

You can check Indian Army eligibility from the official notification on the recruitment website.

When is the Indian Army exam date for NDA?

The NDA exam date is usually twice a year, in April and September.
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