How to join the Indian Army

"Indian Army leads by example, lives by chance, loves by choice and kills by profession."

Indian Army is a land-based branch and one of the most magnificent components of the Indian Armed Forces. The chief supreme commander of the Indian Army is the President of India. The professional head is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is a four-star general. The origin of the Indian Army began with the armies of the East India Company, which eventually became the British Indian Army. The British Indian Army, along with the armies of the princely states, was merged into forming the Indian National Army after Independence. Indian Army units and the regiments have multiple histories of participating in several battles and campaigns globally. The primary mission of the Indian army is to promote national security, unity and defend the country from external aggression. In addition, it aims to maintain peace and security within the borders of the country. The army is divided into 7 commands based on operation and geography. Each of these commands have regiments under them, who carry out their own recruiting and training process.  

How to join the Indian Army?

Aspirants have to meet the following Indian Army eligibility criteria to join the elite forces: 

• Candidates willing to join the Indian Army as soldiers must have passed Class 10th or Matric from a recognized board. They must have passed with 45% marks in aggregate and a minimum of 33% in each subject. 
• They have to be in the age group of 17½ to 21 years. 

How to apply for the Indian Army?

Both male and female applicants must follow the procedures given below to apply for the Indian Army:

• Visit the official website of the Indian Army. 
• Click on the "Officer Entry Apply/ Login" tab available on the home page.
• Click on the "Registration" tab and fill in the required details.
• After the registration, click on "Apply Online".
• Fill in the necessary particulars and click on the "Submit" button.
• After submitting the application, download the confirmation page for future reference. 

Candidates are shortlisted based on merit and the shortlisted candidates are intimated on their registered Email ID. They have to log in again and select their SSB dates that are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

How to join the Indian Army after Class 12th?

Aspirants dreaming to be a part of the Indian Army can live that dream after completing Class 12th. All they have to do is pass Class 12th or equivalent with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and clear the following criteria: 

• They must be an Indian Citizen.
• They must be in the age group of 16½ to 19 years. 
• Candidates must clear the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam conducted by UPSC to join the Indian Army after the 12th. The NDA entrance exam is conducted twice a year.
• After clearing the exam, candidates must clear the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, followed by the medical assessment round.  
• After clearing the SSB Interview, they have to undergo 3-years of training at NDA followed by a 1-year training at IMA to join as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army.

Women in the Indian Army:

Deepika Padukone. Anushka Sharma. Katrina Kaif. Alia Bhatt. These are some of the well-known women celebrities who are sought and known globally. But, do you know about Divya Ajith Kumar, Colonel Mithali Madhumithia, Priya Jhingan, Anjana Bhaduria, Swati Singh and Alka Khurana? No, right?  Don't worry. We'll help you out. These are some brave and notable women who have earned a name in the Indian Army because of their brave acts. Indian Army Eligibility for Females Candidates states that they must be a graduate from a recognized university or institution. Currently, women serve as Short Service Commissioned Officers and can serve up to a maximum of 14 years.

How can females get into the Indian Army?  

Following are the different through which females can join the Indian Army: 

Written Entries:

Female candidates must pass the written exam and SSB interviews. The Officers Training Academy (OTA) selects the candidates based on their marks obtained and their performance in the SSB interview.

UPSC Entries (CDS):

• The Combined Defence Service (CDS) exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC.
• Women applicants between the age group of 19-25 are eligible to apply. 
• After qualifying in CDS, the candidate must pass the SSB interview.
• Based on merit obtained, 12 women are selected every 6 months. After clearing the exam, selected candidates must undergo 49 weeks of rigorous training.

Direct entries for Women:

• Women candidates' entry to the Indian Army is based on the percentage of marks obtained in graduation. However, there is also a provision for admission based on vacancies.
• Women are also recruited independently as army education corps, nursing, and medical corps.
• Although they may not require entrance tests, candidates can be recruited after undergoing rigorous and extensive training.
• Recruited candidates are finally trained at the Officer's Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.

NCC Special Entry:

• The Short Service Commission (SSC) Tech entry provides a channel to women.
• The first condition for the recruitment is that they have to be an unmarried graduate between the age of 19 and 25. They must have a 'B' grade in NCC 'C' certificate. They must have attained a minimum pass percentage of 50%.
• Women candidates are shortlisted every year twice in June and December. 4 women are recruited based on merit obtained. 
• These candidates also must have to go through a 49-week training period.

Scope in Indian Army for Female candidates:

• Prestigious and Respected Profession
• Profession with Excitement and Challenges
• Pride of Serving the Country 
• Improves the Quality of Life

Salary of Indian Army:

The average annual salary of the Indian Army (Soldier in the Indian Army) ranges from Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 4,00,000 depending on their hierarchy and position. Now that you know how to join the Indian Army, join the elite forces and have a respectable and exciting profession wherein you serve your nation with pride.