I want to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces after Graduation. Which programme should I choose?
Working for the nation's defence forces is considered one of the noblest professions. One of the most respectable avenues is the Indian Armed Forces. It is one of the most sought-after jobs in the world, as it is one of the most high paying, and self- satisfying career to go for.
Combined Defence Services Examination
To apply for Combined Defence Services Examination, a candidate is required to have an undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
The selection of candidates in all three wings of the Armed Forces is through three stages namely, written exam; SSB interview; and medical fitness. The UPSC conducts national- level written exam twice a year. Notifications of examinations are announced in the month of August and March and exams are conducted in February and August, respectively. For entry into Indian Military Academy and Officer’s Training Academy (IMA & OTA) degree of a recognized university is required.
For entry into Naval Academy, a candidate must possess B.Sc with Physics & Mathematics or Bachelor’s of Engineering. A candidate who wish to entry the Air Force Academy is required to have B.Sc with Physics and/ or Mathematics or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Candidates appearing for the degree or equivalent examinations are also eligible to compete.
NCC Certificate
A candidate having ‘C’ certificate from NCC can apply directly for SSB interview as they are exempted from the written exam stage. It will be a two- stage process of selection. The candidates need degree for a recognized University or equivalent with aggregate of minimum 50 % marks.
Other Exams
Competitive exams you can qualify to make a career in the Armed Forces are: Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Examination. University Entry Scheme and Technical Entry Scheme for Engineering graduates are the other options to enter the Armed Forces.
AFCAT is a graduate-level exam while the qualification required to appear for NDA is 10+2 with any stream for Army. Navy and Air Force requires 10+2 with Physics and Maths.
Candidates joining Indian Naval Academy need to undergo a four- year B.Tech course. They get an opportunity to join Executive and Technical Branches subject to vacancies.
