•  Content Creator : Gurleen
• 31-08-2024

To become an Army Officer in India in 2024, there are several entry schemes tailored to different educational backgrounds and age groups. Each pathway has its own set of requirements, processes, and training regimens. 

Below is a detailed guide on the 13 ways for how to become an army officer in 2024:

1. National Defence Academy (NDA)

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is one of the most prestigious and popular ways to join the Indian Army as an officer.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
• Age Limit: The candidate should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age at the time of application.
• Gender: Only male candidates can apply.

Selection Process:

• Written Examination: Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam tests candidates on Mathematics and General Ability.
• SSB Interview: Those who clear the written examination are called for a five-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview that assesses the candidate’s psychological fitness, physical ability and personality traits.
• Medical Examination: Candidates who pass the SSB interview undergo a thorough medical examination to meet the required physical standards.

Successful candidates are trained at the NDA in Pune for three years, followed by one year of specialised military training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.

2. Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is another major entry route to becoming an Army officer.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required.
• Age Limit: Applicants must be aged between 19 and 24 years.
• Gender: Both men and women are eligible to apply.

Selection Process:

• Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC, the exam consists of English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics papers.
• SSB Interview: Qualified candidates are invited to attend the SSB interview, which is similar to the NDA process.
• Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the SSB interview must pass a medical examination.

Selected candidates undergo training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) for one and a half years before being commissioned as officers.

3. Technical Entry Scheme (TES)

The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is designed for students with a strong foundation in science subjects.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, securing at least 70% aggregate marks.
• Age Limit: Candidates should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age.
• Gender: Only male candidates are eligible to apply.

Selection Process:

• Shortlisting: Based on their 10+2 marks, candidates are shortlisted and called for the SSB interview.
• SSB Interview: The selected candidates undergo the SSB interview, followed by a medical examination.

Candidates selected through TES undergo four years of training, which includes a degree course and military training at the IMA or another specialised technical training centre.

4. University Entry Scheme (UES)

The University Entry Scheme (UES) is for engineering students who aspire to join the Indian Army.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: Engineering students in their pre-final year are eligible to apply.
• Age Limit: Candidates should be between 18 and 24 years of age.
• Gender: Only male applicants are eligible to apply.

Selection Process:

• Campus Interview: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed at their respective engineering colleges.
• SSB Interview: Successful candidates from the campus interview are invited for the SSB interview.
• Medical Examination: Candidates must pass a medical examination.

After completing their engineering degree, candidates undergo one year of training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) before being commissioned as officers.

5. Short Service Commission (SSC)

The Short Service Commission (SSC) provides an opportunity for both men and women to serve in the Indian Army for a short duration.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university.
• Age Limit: The age limit for SSC is generally between 19 and 25 years.
• Gender: Applications are open to both male and female candidates.

Selection Process:

• Direct Entry: There is no written exam for SSC. Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic records and called for the SSB interview.
• SSB Interview: The SSB interview process is similar to that for other entries.
• Medical Examination: Candidates who are selected must undergo and pass a medical examination.

Candidates undergo 49 weeks of training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai before being commissioned as officers. SSC officers can serve for a period of 10 years, extendable up to 14 years, and can apply for permanent commission during or after their service. To know more about how to join Indian Army as an officer, follow Guide Me Career. 

6. National Cadet Corps (NCC) Special Entry

The NCC Special Entry Scheme is exclusively for cadets who hold an NCC ‘C’ Certificate.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university along with an NCC ‘C’ Certificate.
• Age Limit: Candidates should be between 19 and 25 years of age.
• Gender: Both men and women can apply.

Selection Process:

• Direct Entry: Candidates are shortlisted based on their NCC certificates and called directly for the SSB interview.
• SSB Interview: The process involves a series of psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
• Medical Examination: Candidates must meet the required medical standards.

Selected candidates undergo training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai for 49 weeks.

7. Technical Graduate Course (TGC)

The Technical Graduate Course (TGC) is another route for engineering graduates to join the Indian Army.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: A degree in engineering from an accredited university.
• Age Limit: The candidate should be between 20 and 27 years of age.
• Gender: Applications are open exclusively to male candidates.

Selection Process:

• Direct Entry: There is no written exam. Candidates are selected based on their engineering marks and called for the SSB interview.
• SSB Interview: The SSB interview process is conducted to assess the candidates' mental, physical, and leadership abilities.
• Medical Examination: Candidates must pass a medical examination.

Candidates undergo one year of training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) before being commissioned as officers.

8. Army Cadet College (ACC)

The Army Cadet College (ACC) entry is specifically for serving soldiers who wish to become commissioned officers.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must be serving soldiers with at least 10+2 education.
• Age Limit: The age limit is typically between 20 and 27 years.
• Gender: Only male applicants are eligible.

Selection Process:

• Written Examination: The ACC exam includes general studies, current affairs, and an essay.
• SSB Interview: Candidates who pass the written exam are called for the SSB interview.
• Medical Examination: Candidates must pass the required medical examination.

Selected candidates undergo three years of training at the ACC Wing in IMA, followed by one year of training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA).

9. Special Commissioned Officers (SCO) Scheme

The Special Commissioned Officers (SCO) scheme is for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) who wish to become commissioned officers.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: Must be a serving JCO or NCO with the required qualifications.
• Age Limit: The age limit for the SCO scheme is generally up to 35 years.
• Gender: Only male candidates are permitted to apply.

Selection Process:

• SSB Interview: Candidates are selected based on their service record and undergo an SSB interview.
• Medical Examination: A medical examination is conducted to ensure the candidate meets the required standards.

Selected candidates undergo training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and are commissioned as officers.

10. Army Education Corps (AEC)

The Army Education Corps (AEC) is for individuals with a strong academic background who wish to contribute to the education and training of Army personnel.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: A postgraduate degree in Education or a related field.
• Age Limit: Candidates should be between 23 and 27 years of age.
• Gender: Both men and women are eligible to apply.

Selection Process:

• Direct Entry: Candidates are shortlisted based on their educational qualifications and called for the SSB interview.
• SSB Interview: The interview process assesses the candidate’s suitability for a career in military education.
• Medical Examination: Candidates must pass a medical examination.

Selected candidates undergo training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) or Officers Training Academy (OTA), depending on their entry type.

11. Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry

The Judge Advocate General (JAG) entry is for law graduates who wish to serve as legal officers in the Indian Army.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: A law degree (LLB) from a recognized university with at least 55% marks.
• Age Limit: Candidates should be between 21 and 27 years of age.
• Gender: Both male and female are eligible to apply.

Selection Process:

• Direct Entry: There is no written exam. Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic performance and called for the SSB interview.
• SSB Interview: The SSB interview includes psychological tests, group discussions, and a personal interview.
• Medical Examination: Candidates must meet the required medical standards.

Selected candidates receive training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.

12. Army Medical Corps (AMC)

The Army Medical Corps (AMC) entry is for medical graduates who want to serve as doctors in the Indian Army.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: An MBBS degree from a recognized university, with registration from the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• Age Limit: The age limit for AMC is generally between 24 and 35 years.
• Gender: Both male and female candidates can apply.

Selection Process:

• Direct Entry: Candidates are shortlisted based on their medical qualifications and called for an interview.
• Medical Examination: Candidates must meet the medical standards required for entry into the AMC.

Selected candidates undergo basic military training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) or Army Medical Corps Centre.

13. Territorial Army (TA)

The Territorial Army (TA) is a part-time commitment for civilians who wish to serve the nation while pursuing their regular civilian careers.

Eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• Age Limit: Candidates should be between 18 and 42 years of age.
• Gender: Both male and female candidates can apply.

Selection Process:

• Written Examination: The Territorial Army exam assesses candidates in reasoning, elementary mathematics, general knowledge, and English.
• Interview: Candidates who pass the written exam are interviewed by a Preliminary Interview Board (PIB).
• SSB Interview: Successful candidates from the PIB are called for the SSB interview.
• Medical Examination: A medical examination is conducted to ensure the candidate meets the required standards.

Candidates undergo two months of basic military training every year, along with additional training during mobilisation. 

In essence, each of these pathways on how to become an army officer offers a unique opportunity to serve as an officer, with different eligibility criteria, selection processes, and training regimens. Aspirants should carefully consider their qualifications, interests, and long-term goals before choosing the most suitable entry scheme. Whether through the prestigious NDA, the rigorous CDS, or the specialised TES, UES, or SSC entries, there is a path for every aspiring officer to contribute to the defence of the nation.