How to Join Indian Army: Eligibility, Exam & Prerequisties

Do you dream of serving your nation with unwavering dedication and bravery? Joining the Indian Army offers a path filled with honor, discipline, and the opportunity to protect India’s sovereignty. This guide on how to join Indian Army provides comprehensive, up-to-date information to help aspiring candidates navigate the process effectively.

Whether you’re a student fresh out of school or a graduate seeking a purposeful career, understanding the entry routes, eligibility, and selection steps is crucial. Let’s explore the various ways to join the Indian Army and begin this rewarding journey.

Why Join the Indian Army?

The Indian Army offers a career of honor, leadership, and service. Beyond protecting the nation, soldiers contribute to humanitarian efforts and international peace. From starting as an Agniveer or Lieutenant to potentially rising to General, the Army provides structured career growth, specialized training, and a chance to earn respect nationwide.

• Key Roles: Defend borders, ensure internal security, and assist in disaster relief.
• Career Benefits: Leadership opportunities, professional training, and post-service benefits.
• National Pride: Serve as a symbol of courage and unity.

There are two main ways to join the Indian Army: through entrance examinations or through direct entry and recruitment rallies. Let’s understand each of these routes, based on the level of entry, for officer roles and non-officer roles.

How to Join the Indian Army After the 10th?

Joining the Indian Army after completing Class 10 is an accessible entry point for those eager to start their military career early. This route primarily focuses on soldier-level positions under the Agnipath scheme, emphasizing physical fitness and basic qualifications.

Candidates can apply for roles like Agniveer General Duty (GD) or Tradesman. The process involves online registration, a physical fitness test, a written exam, and medical checks. As per the latest 2025 guidelines from the official Indian Army website, eligibility includes passing Class 10 with at least 45% aggregate marks and 33% in each subject for GD posts.

• Eligibility Details: Age 17.5–21 years; minimum height 170 cm for most regions (relaxations for certain categories).
• Selection Stages: Common Entrance Exam (CEE), physical tests (running, pull-ups, etc.), and document verification.

This entry allows quick induction into training, with successful candidates serving as Agniveers for four years, after which 25% may be retained permanently.

How to Join the Indian Army After the 12th?

For students who have completed Class 12, the Indian Army offers officer-level entries that combine education with rigorous training. This stage targets those with higher secondary qualifications, providing pathways to prestigious academies.

Key schemes include the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Technical Entry Scheme (TES). Updated for 2025, these entries are now open to both men and women, reflecting inclusive policies.

Also Read: TES Entry in the Indian Army

How to Join the National Defence Academy (NDA)?

The National Defence Academy is a premier joint services academy where cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together before specializing. It equips candidates with a bachelor’s degree alongside military skills.

To join NDA, clear the UPSC NDA exam conducted twice a year, followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical test. Training lasts three years at NDA, Pune, followed by one year at the Indian Military Academy (IMA).

• Eligibility: Unmarried candidates aged 16.5–19.5 years; 10+2 pass from a recognized board.
• Exam Pattern:

Paper	Sections	Questions	Duration	Marks
1	Mathematics	120	2.5 hours	300
2	General Ability Test (English + GK)	150	2.5 hours	600

Technical Entry Scheme (TES)

Candidates can also join the Indian Army by giving the Technical Scheme Examination. Only unmarried male candidates who have passed their 12th standard in physics, chemistry, and mathematics can apply for this examination. Here, the candidates are assessed on the basis of their 10+2 scores, after which they will be required to appear for an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board. 

The selected candidates are then enrolled in a B.E. course in a stream of their choice, and they are trained for a period of 4 years for the rank of lieutenant in the army. On completion of the course, the cadet will be granted a permanent commission in the Army and will be given the rank of lieutenant. 

• Eligibility: Unmarried males/females aged 16.5–19.5 years; 10+2 in PCM with at least 60% aggregate.
• Process: Merit-based shortlisting, SSB interview, and medical exam.

How to Join the Indian Army After Graduation?

Graduates have multiple officer entry options, focusing on specialized skills and leadership potential. This level caters to those with higher education, offering Short Service Commission (SSC) or Permanent Commission paths.

Prominent entries include Combined Defence Services (CDS), SSC Technical, and Territorial Army.

Combined Defence Services (CDS)

CDS is a gateway for graduates to join as officers. The exam, held twice yearly by UPSC, tests knowledge in core subjects. Successful candidates train at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) for SSC or the IMA for Permanent Commission.

• Eligibility: Unmarried graduates aged 19–25 years.
• Exam Pattern:

Section	Marks	Duration
English	100	2 hours
General Knowledge	100	2 hours
Elementary Mathematics	100	2 hours

SSC Technical Entry

This scheme targets engineering graduates for technical branches. Women are also eligible under SSCW (Tech).

• Eligibility: Engineering degree holders aged 20–27 years.
• Process: Online application, merit list, SSB, and medical.

How can Women Join the Indian Army?

Women have increasingly prominent roles in the Indian Army, with opportunities for permanent commissions in select branches since 2021 updates. Here we have outlined tailored entries that empower female aspirants to serve with distinction.

Options include NDA (now open to women), SSC Non-Tech, Technical, NCC Special Entry, Judge Advocate General (JAG), and Women Military Police (WMP) under Agniveer.

UPSC Entries for Women

These involve competitive exams like CDS for Non-Tech SSC.

• Eligibility: Graduates aged 19–25; unmarried.
• Training: 49 weeks at OTA, Chennai.

Non-UPSC Entries for Women

Direct routes like NCC Special Entry require no written exam.

• NCC Entry: Graduates with NCC ‘C’ certificate (minimum ‘B’ grade); aged 19–25.
• JAG Entry: LLB graduates aged 21–27 with 55% marks; Bar Council membership.

Technical and Other Entries

SSCW (Tech) for engineers; BSc Nursing for medical roles. As of 2025, over 1,500 women officers serve, with WMP recruiting Agniveers for policing duties.

• Eligibility for WMP: 10th pass with 45% marks; aged 17.5–21.

UPSC Entry/ Short Service Commission ( Non-Technical)

Here, women who do not have a background in engineering come under the short service commission ( Non-Technical) category. They are selected through a written examination. The cadets who have successfully cleared the written exam will appear for an interview round with the Services Selection Board. 

The eligibility criteria are as follows :

• Unmarried Female candidates between the ages of 19 and 25 may apply.
• They must also graduate from a recognised university and board. 
• They must pass the Combined Defence Service Examination, which is conducted twice a year by UPSC
• On the basis of merit, 12 women will be selected every 6 months, and they will be inducted into training. After clearing the CDS, selected candidates will undergo 49 weeks of rigorous training at the OTA ( Officers Training Academy) in Chennai. 

Non-UPSC Entry 

Under the NON-UPSC Entry, women can enter the Indian Army either through the NCC Special Entry or the Judge Advocate General

NCC Special Entry

This is a method of direct entry for women wherein they don’t need to take any entrance exam. The eligibility criteria are as follows :

• Unmarried female candidates between the ages of 19-25 may apply
• They must have a minimum of 50% in graduation with a valid NCC ‘C’ certificate with a minimum ‘B’ grade. 
• Four women are recruited and sent for training at the OTA in Chennai
• They will undergo rigorous training for 49 weeks. 

Judge Advocate General

The Joint Advocate General is a branch of the Indian Army that is responsible for providing legal help to the military, especially concerning matters related to court-martials and military law.  The eligibility criteria are as follows :

• Unmarried Female LLB between the ages of 21 and 27 may apply
• The female must have graduated with an LLB with 55% marks and be a member of the Bar Council of India or have passed a law course that is recognised by the Bar Council of India.
• Every six months, 4 women are selected by the Advocate General Branch
• After a brief Induction, they are trained for a period of 49 weeks

UPSC Entry (Technical)

This is a direct entry for those women who come from an engineering background. There will be no written exam under this entry. The selection is done solely on the basis of merit. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Unmarried Females between the ages of 21 and 27 may apply
• The cut-off for merit varies from year to year. 
• Twenty women are selected every 6 months based on the merit list.
• The training is of 49 weeks held at OTA Chennai, and they will be joining as Short Service Commission Officers. 

Also Read: Insight Into The Army Officer Salary In Canada

Qualifying Exams to Join the Indian Army

The most common and preferred way of joining the Indian Army is to qualify for the written examination held at the national level. These exams are conducted by different authorities and are under various names. Through some of the main written exams, we will brief you on this route to join the Indian Army. Major exams include NDA, CDS, and Territorial Army.

• Territorial Army Exam: For employed civilians aged 18–42; a graduate qualification.
• Pattern:

Paper	Subjects	Questions	Duration	Marks
1	Reasoning + Math	100	2 hours	100
2	GK + English	100	2 hours	100

Direct Entry and Recruitment Rallies

The Indian Army organises several boot camps in the form of recruitment rallies in a multitude of areas to select candidates directly without having them qualify for the written examinations. The shortlisted candidates are appointed for technical posts such as Soldier Technical, Store Keeper Technical, Soldier Tradesman, Soldier Nursing Assistant, etc.

Candidates wondering how to join the Indian Army via this selection process must know that there are specified eligibility criteria for different posts, followed by a physical ability test. If you want to opt for this selection process, here are some of the direct entry selection procedures:

• Technical Entry Schemes 1 & 2
• University Entry Scheme 
• Technical Graduate Course-  129 & 130
• Short Service Commission (SSC) Tech (men)- 53 & 54
• Short Service Commission (SSC) Tech (women)- 22 & 23
• National Cadet Corps (NCC)- 46 & 47  
• Judge Advocate General (JAG)- 24

Note: The direct entry procedures of Army Entry Corps (AEC) 129 & 130 are discontinued for a period of time. 

Eligibility Criteria for Joining the Indian Army

To join the Indian Army, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements related to nationality, age, educational qualifications, and physical fitness. These criteria vary depending on the entry scheme, such as NDA, CDS, TES, or Agniveer recruitment. Here are the eligibility criteria for joining the Indian Army:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India (certain entries allow candidates from Nepal and Bhutan as well)
• Age Limit: Varies by entry scheme (generally between 16.5 and 27 years)
• Education Qualification: 10th/12th pass for soldier-level entries, graduate degree for officer-level entries, and engineering/professional qualification for technical entries 
• Physical Standards: Minimum height around 157 cm (varies by region and category). Good physical fitness and eyesight (6/6 vision with or without glasses in most cases).
• Medical Fitness: Candidates must clear a medical examination conducted by the Army.

Selection Process 

The selection process for joining the Indian Army includes a written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination. Each stage tests your knowledge, personality, physical fitness, and overall suitability to serve in the Army. Here is the main selection process for Indian Army jobs:

• Written Examination: NDA/CDA or Army-specific recruitment exams.
• SSB Interview: 5-day personality and aptitude assessment.
• Medical Examination: Through physical and medical fitness checks.
• Final Merit List: Based on written, interview, and medical results.

Essential Documents  

For the ones willing to opt for this method to join the Indian army, here are some essential documents (with photocopies) that candidates have to carry with them to the venue for direct entry.

Class 10th certificate as a birth date proof	Certificate for an excellent background in sports
Class 10th & 12th mark sheet	NCC Certificate
Caste Certificate	Relationship Certificate if the candidate is the son of a serving soldier, Ex-serviceman or war widow issued by SRO or CRO
Character Certificate	–

How to Apply for the Indian Army Recruitment 

Candidates can apply for the Indian Army recruitment through the official website by checking notifications, registering online, and filling out the application form. After applying, they must download the admit card and appear for the exam, rallies, or interview as scheduled. Here are some tips on how to apply for the Indian Army recruitment:

• Visit the official website: joinindianarmy.nic.in.
• Check current notifications under Office Entry or JCO/OR Enrolment.
• Register online and fill out the application form. 
• Download the admit card for the written test or rally.
• Attend recruitment rallies, exams, or SSB as per the schedule.  

Indian Army Recruitment 2025

There are many ambitious young men and women who wish to be a part of the Indian Army and dedicate their lives to the protection of their country.  Hence, the Indian Army has come up with its Indian Army Bharti and recruitment rally in different parts of the country for 2025. 

For getting into the Indian Army through the Indian Army Bharti recruitment rally of the year 2025, the candidate’s eligibility criteria are as follows:

• For the post of Soldier GD, the candidate should have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 33% marks or equivalent.
• For the post of Soldier Technical, the candidate should have passed 10+2 with a Science background (PCM), with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent.
• For the post of Soldier Technical (Ammunition Examiner), the candidate should have passed 10+2 with Science Stream (PCM) or (PCME) or should have completed a three-year diploma in Engineering (Mechanical/ Electrical/ Automobile/ Computer science and Electronics) with a minimum of 50% marks.
• For the post of Soldier Clerks/SKT, the candidate should have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 60% marks and should have studied the following subjects: English and Mathematics or Accounting or Bookkeeping.
• For the post of Soldier Nursing Assistant/NA Veterinary, the candidate should have passed 10+2 with a Science background, such as (PCM) or (PCME), and a minimum of 50% marks. Those who have pursued a B.Sc. in Botany/ Zoology/ Bioscience along with English are also eligible. 
• For the post of Soldier Tradesmen (All Arms), the candidate must have passed 10th or ITI in the relevant trade.
• For the post of Soldier Tradesmen, the candidate must be 8th passed.

Indian Army Training Academies in India

You can find below a list of the top Military and Defence Training Academies in India, wherein many young cadets are recruited and trained to serve a career in the Indian Army :

• National Defence Academy, Pune
• Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
• Army Cadet College, Dehradun
• Officers Training Academy, Chennai
• Rashtriya Military School, Karnataka
• Officers Training Academy, Bihar
• Army School of Physical Training (ASPT), Pune
• Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Mizoram
• Army War College, Madhya Pradesh
• Indian National Defence University (INDU), Haryana

Career Growth in the Indian Army

The Indian Army offers steady career growth with promotions based on performance, experience, and exams. Soldiers and officers can rise through the ranks, gaining leadership roles, higher responsibilities, and opportunities in specialised fields. Here you can explore the career growth opportunities in the Indian Army: 

• Start as a Lieutenant (officer entry) or Agniveer/Sepoy (soldier entry).
• Promotions to Captain, Major, Colonel, Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General, and even Chief of Army Staff.
• Opportunities for specialisation in technical, medical, and intelligence branches.

Also Read: Highest Paying Government Jobs in India

Joining the Indian Army is not just about a job; it’s about a lifetime of honor, responsibility, and service to the nation. With multiple entry routes like NDA, CDS, TES, NCC, and Agniveer, candidates from different educational backgrounds can fulfil their dream of wearing the Indian Army uniform. If you are passionate, disciplined, and determined, the Indian Army offers you the chance to lead a purposeful and respected life.

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Thus, we hope that this blog has familiarised you with the varied exams that are a crucial part of the process of joining the Indian Army. If you are still confused about which career path to take, sign up for a 30-minute free counselling session with our Leverage Edu experts, and we will help you sort out your interests and skills and find the right field as well as a suitable course and university that can guide you towards a rewarding career.