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SSC stands for Short Service Commission. For individuals who are interested in serving in the military, there is also the Army, where they can become commissioned officers in the Short Service and serve for ten or fourteen years.
Officer tenure in the Indian Army is known as the Short Service Commission or SSC. The tenure for an officer in the SSC Short Service Commission is 10+4 years. After this period, male officers might choose to become permanent commission holders or leave the Indian Army.
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What is Short Service Commission?
The Short Service Commission (SSC) is a type of commission offered by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force that allows candidates to serve for a limited period, usually 10 years, extendable up to 14 years.
Officers are typically enrolled for ten years at first, after which they may continue for a further four years. Following the completion of the 10+4 years, female officials must choose to resign, while male officials may choose to continue and accept permanent commissions.
| Criteria | Indian Army SSC | Indian Air Force SSC | Indian Navy SSC |
| Age Limit | 21 to 27 years | 21 to 27 years | 21 to 27 years |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree | Bachelor’s degree | Bachelor’s degree |
| Nationality | Indian citizen | Indian citizen | Indian citizen |
| Physical Standards | Physically fit, meet prescribed standards | Physically fit, meet AFCAT standards | Physically fit, meets Navy standards |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Physical Fitness Test, Medical Exam Training Commission as Lt. | AFCAT Exam, Written Exam, SSB Physical Fitness Test, Medical Exam, Training Commission as Flying Officers | Written Exam, Written Exam, SSB Physical Fitness Test, Medical Exam Training, Commission as Sub-Lieutenants |
| Career Prospects | Commissioned as Lieutenants, option for permanent commission, Territorial Army, or Reserve Forces | Commissioned as Flying Officers, option for permanent commission, Territorial Army, or Reserve Forces | Commissioned as Sub-Lieutenants, option for permanent commission, Territorial Army, or Reserve Forces |
| Women Officers | Eligible, OTA Chennai provides training | Eligible, training provided | Eligible, training provided |
| Benefits and Allowances | Pay and allowances as per 7th Pay Commission, Medical benefits, Leave and Holidays, Accommodation | Pay and allowances as per AFCAT standards, Medical benefits, Leave and Holidays, Accommodation | Pay and allowances as per Navy standards, Medical benefits, Leave and Holidays, Accommodation |
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Types Of Commission
The Army offers short-term and permanent commissions. The Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai is often where the Short Service Commission (SSC) is issued, while the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun is typically where the Permanent Commission (PC) is conferred. When you select “PC,” you’re looking for a career in the Army that will last until your retirement.
The SSC is a great choice for individuals who hope to serve in it for a few years. It entitles you to enlist in the Army and serve for ten years as a commissioned officer. You are free to select a PC after your term is up. Alternatively, you can request a four-year extension and decide to leave your position at any point during that time.
| Commission Type | Training Academy | Duration | Eligibility |
| Permanent Commission (PC) | NDA (after 10+2 through UPSC) Direct Entry (Through UPSC) Engineering Graduate – TGC University Entry Scheme 10+2 TES | Till Retirement | 10+2 (Science), UPSC examination Graduation, UPSC examination Engineering degree 10+2 (Science), Engineering degree |
| Short Service Commission | Non-tech (Both men & women) Tech (Both men & women) NCC Special Entry (Both men & women) Law Graduates (Both men & women) | 10 years | Graduation Engineering degree NCC ‘C’ Certificate, Graduation Law degree |
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Permanent and Short Service Commission – Explained
Typically, officers must serve in the army until they are old enough to retire. When they can retire depends on their rank. Depending on how many years you have served, you will be promoted to Colonel Rank if you join the army with a permanent commission. After that, the selection board will choose whether or not you receive another promotion.
For individuals who are interested in serving in the military, there is also the Army, where they can become commissioned officers in the Short Service and serve for ten or fourteen years. After ten years, one has three options. Applicants have the option to accept a permanent commission, reject it, or extend it by an extra four years.
Ultimately, officers have the freedom to resign at any time during this four-year term. Therefore, provided that their service was flawless, an officer holding a temporary commission may apply for a permanent one.
If you are selected for the short service commission, you move on to the Officers Training Academy located in Chennai. The selection procedure begins with the written exam and continues with the medical exams and SSB interview. in-person SSB interviews
Joining as a Short Service Commission Officer
Candidates must have graduated with an LLB degree and a minimum cumulative GPA of 55%. The candidates ought to meet the requirements for State or Bar Council of India registration. Additionally, candidates must submit their CLAT (PG) results.
This gate is used to recruit officers between February and August. Not to mention, this entry does not have a written test. Through a brief service commission, students acquire planning, organisational, analytical thinking, and administrative abilities.
You can pursue other career paths for which the Army will provide support, and you have attributes that will make you a valuable addition to any organisation you choose to work for after leaving the Army. Below we have listed the additional details regarding the procedure to join the indian army.
| Entry Type | Eligibility Criteria | Selection Process | Training Duration | Prominent Features |
| SSC for Women (Officers) | Graduate Post-Graduate | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam | 49 weeks | Extension of Tenure, Substantive Promotions |
| SSC (Non-Technical) Men & Women | Graduate | Written Exam (UPSC), SSB Interview | 49 weeks | Advertised in Jul and Nov, Courses in April and October |
| SSC (Technical) Men & Women | Engineering Graduate | SSB Interview (No written exam) | 49 weeks | Advertised in Jan and Jul, Courses in April and October |
| SSC (NCC) Men & Women | NCC Senior Division (Army) with ‘C’ certificate) | Advertised in Jun and Dec | – | Apply through NCC |
| SSC (JAG) Men & Women | Law Graduate (55% aggregate) | Written Exam (UPSC), SSB Interview | 49 weeks | Advertised in June and December |
SSC Officers Benefits
SSC officers in the federal government enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary, medical coverage, transport and house rent allowances, dearness allowances, participation in the National Pension Scheme, gratuity benefits, provident fund, paid leaves, and even mobile bill payment, ensuring their financial well-being and work-life balance.
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Career Opportunities After SSC
Short Service Commission officers enjoy excellent career prospects after completing their tenure. Their training, discipline, and leadership skills make them highly valued in government services, corporate roles, security management, and entrepreneurship. Many SSC officers also clear competitive exams easily or transition into permanent commission, making it a strong career foundation for the future. After completing your SSC tenure, you have excellent career avenues in:
- Government Jobs: Many SSC officers clear UPSC, SSC CGL, banking exams, etc., with ease due to strong analytical skills.
- Corporate Sector: Companies prefer ex-officers for roles in:
- Operations
- HR management
- Security management
- Training and development
- Administration
- Entrepreneurship: Leadership and risk-management skills help in starting a successful business.
- Permanent Commission (Optional): In some branches, high-performing SSC officers can shift to PC.
Job Positions After SSC with Average Salary
After completing your Short Service Commission, you can explore a wide range of rewarding career options in government, corporate, defence-related industries, and leadership roles. SSC officers are highly valued for their discipline and management skills, and they often secure well-paid positions with strong growth opportunities. This section highlights the top job roles you can pursue, along with their average salary ranges.
| Job Positions | Average Salary Per Year |
| Security Manager | ₹6–12 lakh per year |
| Operations Manager | ₹7–15 lakh per year |
| Human Resource (HR) Manager / Training Manager | ₹6–14 lakh per year |
| Government Officer (through UPSC/State PSC) | ₹7–15 lakh per year |
| Corporate Admin Manager | ₹6–10 lakh per year |
| Police or Paramilitary Officer | ₹5–12 lakh per year |
| Project Manager (IT/Infrastructure/Defence Sector) | ₹10–20 lakh per year |
| Aviation Safety / Airport Operations Officer | ₹7–14 lakh per year |
| Defence Consultant / Security Analyst | ₹8–20 lakh per year |
| Entrepreneur (Own Business) | ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh+ per year |
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The definition and complete form of the SSC army, the many commission kinds, and the requirements for obtaining a short service commission in the Indian army are all explained in the blog post above.
FAQs
The SSC scheme is meant for eligible men and women to serve as officers for a minimum of 10 years, with options to either leave or opt for Permanent Commission or an extension of four years.
SSC officers are engaged for a period of 10 years, depending on their entry scheme, and have the option to extend their service up to a maximum of 14 years. After the completion of their tenure, SSC officers have the choice to either opt for a Permanent Commission or transition to civilian life.
As per the Ex-servicemen Quota in UPSC, defence personnel can’t take the Civil Services Exam while in service. But an SSC or Short Service Commissioned Officer in the Army can take the CSE exam if he has served for less than two years and meets other eligibility requirements of UPSC.
A Short Service Officer who leaves before completing 20 years of service does not get a pension. He is, however, authorised CSD facilities. However, the biggest benefit he gets is the grooming and training while in the Army, which makes him a much better person and a worthy leader.
SSC is an excellent option for all the ones of you who aspire to serve it for some years. It offers you the opportunity to join the Army and serve as a commissioned officer for ten years.
The disadvantage of SSC is that you are still not settled and do not have a permanent job till 29–30. The advantage is that you can switch to another government or civil job. 1. An SSC officer doesn’t get a Pension, whereas a PC officer will get one after Retirement.
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Leave a Reply
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1. When was first SSC introduced in Army?
2. Was there pension in Army prior to 1950?-
Hello Nirmal,
I have tried to answer both of your queries :
1. The Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Army was first introduced in 1962. This was a significant step in the Army’s manpower planning, offering officers a shorter tenure of service. It was a way to attract talented individuals who might not be interested in a lifelong military career.
2. Yes, there was pension in the Indian Army prior to 1950. It was a form of retirement benefit provided to soldiers who had served for a certain period. However, the exact details and eligibility criteria might have differed from the current system. The pension system has evolved over time, with various reforms and changes to ensure adequate financial support for retired soldiers and their families.
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0 comments
1. When was first SSC introduced in Army?
2. Was there pension in Army prior to 1950?
Hello Nirmal,
I have tried to answer both of your queries :
1. The Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Army was first introduced in 1962. This was a significant step in the Army’s manpower planning, offering officers a shorter tenure of service. It was a way to attract talented individuals who might not be interested in a lifelong military career.
2. Yes, there was pension in the Indian Army prior to 1950. It was a form of retirement benefit provided to soldiers who had served for a certain period. However, the exact details and eligibility criteria might have differed from the current system. The pension system has evolved over time, with various reforms and changes to ensure adequate financial support for retired soldiers and their families.