Being an Indian Army is not a profession but a vocation. It is a representation of discipline, courage, sacrifice and service consciences. To thousands of young dreams, the olive green is the badge of honor and every year, thousands of youths have the dreams to wear the olive green not because of what it brings to them but because of the satisfaction to serve the country. In the Army, you can find a life of pride, capacity and unparallel individual and professional development. So whether you are coming out of school, out of university or you are an engineer or even belong to NCC, there is a direct and a very respectable way of joining such a proud institution.
So even if you’re a school student dreaming of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) or a graduate preparing for army recruitment , this guide offers a clear path on how to join the Indian Army. This article is your one-stop resource for all things related to army bharti, eligibility, age limit, etc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Join the Indian Army?
- Army Recruitment
- Eligibility Criteria
- Selection Process
- Medical & Physical Standards
- Training Academies
- Career Growth & Ranks
- Salary Structure & Perks
- Women in the Indian Army
- Life in the Army
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. Why Join The Indian Army
Becoming a member of the Indian Army will equate to living an empowered, dignified, and patriotic life. It does not not only provides a solid career, but it is a process of honor, leadership, and lifelong learning. The Army provides discipline, character, and challenges individuals to perform above their limits through hard training and a variety of experiences. It secures both personal and family welfare with the best remunerations, pensions, health, and accommodation. The greatest thing of all , however, is that you become a part of a legacy that defends and serves the nation day in and day out.
2. How to Join: Army Recruitment
- NDA ( National Defence Academy) - It is for students after 10+2 ( PCM), ages 16.5 - 19.5 years
- CDS (Combined Defence Services) - It is for graduates and is via UPSC
- TES (Technical Entry Scheme) - It is for school leavers with PCM and JEE Mains, and is a medium for technical cadets
- SSC (Short Service Commission) - It is open to both men and women, both technical and non-technical
- UES (University Entry Scheme) - It is for pre-final/ final year engineering students
- NCC (National Cadet Corps) Special Entry - it is for ‘C’ certificate holders, grade B or above, via SSB
- Agniveer Scheme - It is a 4-year soldier short-term contract post 10th/12th
3. Army Eligibility Criteria and Indian Army Qualification
Entry
Age
Qualification
NDA
16.5-19.5
10+2 (PCM)
CDS
19-25
Graduate
TES
16.5-19.5
10+2 PCM + JEE
SSC
19-25
Graduate/Engineers
UES
18-25
Engineers (pre/final year)
NCC
19-25
Graduate + ‘C’ Certificate
Agniveer
17.5-23
10th/12th pass
4. Selection Process
- The mandatory written test(NDA/CDS)
- Crack the 5-day SSB interview
- Pass medical along with physical examinations
- Final merit-based selection
5. Medical and Physical Standards
- Height: Minimum ~ 157.5 cm (varies)
- Weight: Proportional to height
- Vision: Often 6/6 (Correctable in some entries)
- Fitness: 1.6 Km run, push-ups, chin-ups, etc.
- Medical: Comprehensive physical and psychological checks
6. Army Training Centre and Academies
- NDA, Khadakwasla
- IMA, Dehradun
- OTA, Chennai & Gaya
- ACC (Army Cadet College) for PBOR entrants
- MCEME and other technical institutions
7. Career Growth and Ranks
Rank
Time to Promote
Lieutenant
Direct Commissioning
Captain
After ~2years
Major
After ~6years
Lt Colonel
After ~13 years
Colonel
Merit-based promotion
Brigadier and above
Highly Selective command roles
8. Salary Structure And Perks
Rank
Basic + Military Service Pay
Approx. Total
Lt
Rs (56,100 + 5,200)
Rs 63,300+
Capt
Rs (61,300 + 5,200)
Rs 68,500+
Maj
Rs (69,400 + 5,200)
Rs 76,600+
Lt Col
Rs (95,1000 + 5,200)
Rs 1,02,300+
Col
Rs (1,21,200 + 5,200)
Rs 1,28,400+
Brig
Rs (1,39,600 + 5,200)
Rs 1,46,800+
Maj Gen
Rs 1,44,200
Rs 1,44,200+
Allowances: Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport, Field/High Altitude, Uniform, Special Force (if applicable)
Benefits: Free medical, canteen, insurance, etc.
9. Women in the Indian Army
Women are being assigned an ever-increasing number of sectors and divisions:
- Applicable to NDA, CDS-OTA, SSC (Tech & Non Tech), and NCC entries
- Is eligible to be granted Permanent Commission in JAG, Signals, Engineers, Education Corps, and Intelligence.
- One can also serve as Signals, Engineers, Intelligence, Ordinance, Legal (JAG), etc.
Notable achievers:
- Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitkar (3rd female 3-star general)
- Capt Tania Shergill (first female Parade Adjutant at Republic Day)
- Lt. Bhavana Kasturi (the first ever lady to command an all-male platoon)
The opening up of combat roles in infantry/artillery is, although a work in progress but constant.
10. Life in the Army
Life here in the Indian Army is ordered, punctilious, and most gratifying. The day starts early in the morning with physical training, which is followed by duty, strategy planning, and professional development. The troops are housed and transported in well well-maintained cantonment where they have quality houses, mess facilities, and recreational centres. Friendships are key elements of Army Lifestyle- your army family is your family. There is something to look forward to, where sports activities go alongside disaster relief activities. The Army presents contact with different cultures as well as challenges since the Army has postings in different lands. Most of all, it is a life of pride and service, an undying commitment to the country.