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HOW TO JOIN THE INDIAN ARMY: A YOUNG ASPIRANT’S COMPLETE GUIDE

Bhavna

Bhavna

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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

  1. Why Join the Indian Army?
  2. Army Recruitment
  3. Eligibility Criteria
  4. Selection Process
  5. Medical & Physical Standards
  6. Training Academies
  7. Career Growth & Ranks
  8. Salary Structure & Perks
  9. Women in the Indian Army
  10. Life in the Army
  11. Conclusion
  12. 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

  1. NDA ( National Defence Academy) - It is for students after 10+2 ( PCM), ages 16.5 - 19.5 years
  2. CDS (Combined Defence Services) - It is for graduates and is via UPSC
  3. TES (Technical Entry Scheme) - It is for school leavers with PCM and JEE Mains, and is a medium for technical cadets
  4. SSC (Short Service Commission) - It is open to both men and women, both technical and non-technical
  5. UES (University Entry Scheme) - It is for pre-final/ final year engineering students
  6. NCC (National Cadet Corps) Special Entry - it is for ‘C’ certificate holders, grade B or above, via SSB
  7. 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.


Conclusion

Conclusion

Serving in the Indian Army is a prestigious and satisfactory career, and it has multiple entry options depending on your circumstances and background, be it that you have just left school or you are about to go to the college/university. Your adventure begins with clarity; make a decision on the path, meet the requirements, practice the tests and SSB, keep yourself in shape, and reach the green olives with a proud shoulder-pinch feeling.

Jai Hind!


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