•  Content Creator : Prabhjot
• 05-08-2024

Starting a career in defence after 12th grade is a brave and honorable choice. It provides a distinctive blend of honor, adventure, and the opportunity to serve your nation. The Indian Armed Forces are known for their courage, discipline, and dedication to protecting the nation. Joining the defence forces means entering a world of tough training, strong friendships, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Wearing the uniform and living by the values of duty, honor, and country makes this career path more than just a job—it’s a way of life that turns individuals into leaders and heroes. This guide will help you explore the different ways you can join the Indian Armed Forces right after finishing 12th grade. It will cover the eligibility criteria, selection processes, training, and career progression for each option. Whether you dream of joining the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard, this blog is here to guide you in understanding the various paths and processes involved:

1. National Defence Academy (NDA)

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the premier joint training institution and center of excellence for grooming junior leaders for the Indian Armed Forces. It trains cadets for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Must have passed 12th or equivalent from a recognized board. For the Air Force and Navy wings, Physics and Mathematics are mandatory.
• Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
• Nationality: Indian citizens or nationals of Bhutan, Nepal, or Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1, 1962.

Selection Process

1. Written Examination: Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. It comprises Mathematics and General Ability Test.
2. SSB Interview: Successful candidates from the written exam are called for a five-day Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview.
3. Medical Examination: After successfully passing the SSB interview, candidates undergo a comprehensive medical examination.

Training and Career Progression

• Training: The selected candidates undergo rigorous training at the NDA for three years, followed by a year of training at their respective service academies (IMA for Army, INA for Navy, AFA for Air Force).
• Career Path: After successful training, cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Army, Sub Lieutenants in the Navy, or Flying Officers in the Air Force.

2. Technical Entry Scheme (TES)

The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army as commissioned officers through technical training.

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Must have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with at least 70% marks.
• Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years.

Selection Process

1. Shortlisting of Applications: Based on the marks in 12th in the PCM group.
2. SSB Interview: The SSB interview is conducted for candidates who have been shortlisted.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates who pass the SSB interview proceed to undergo a medical examination.

Training and Career Progression

• Training: Selected candidates undergo a five-year training program, including one year at the Officer Training Academy (OTA) and four years at a technical institution.
• Career Path: After training, candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Army's technical branches.

3. Indian Navy 10+2 B.Tech Entry Scheme

This scheme allows candidates to pursue a B.Tech degree while training to become an officer in the Indian Navy.

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have scored at least 70% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and a minimum of 50% in English in their 12th grade exams.
• Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years.

Selection Process

1. Shortlisting of Applications: Based on JEE (Main) scores.
2. SSB Interview: Candidates who are shortlisted proceed to participate in the SSB interview.
3. Medical Examination: After clearing the SSB interview, candidates are required to undergo a medical examination.

Training and Career Progression

• Training: Selected candidates undergo a four-year training program at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), including academic and physical training.
• Career Path: After completing their training, candidates are appointed as Sub-Lieutenants in the Indian Navy.

4. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) for NDA Graduates

After completing the NDA, candidates can join the Air Force by appearing for the AFCAT.

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics and a degree from a recognized university.
• Age Limit: 20 to 24 years (at the beginning of the course).

Selection Process

1. AFCAT Exam: A written test conducted by the Indian Air Force.
2. SSB Interview: Qualified candidates are called for the SSB interview.
3. Medical Examination: Successful candidates in the SSB interview are then scheduled for a medical examination.

Training and Career Progression

• Training: Training at the Air Force Academy (AFA) is provided to selected candidates.
• Career Path: After training, candidates are commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force.

5. Indian Coast Guard

The Indian Coast Guard presents opportunities for candidates to enter as officers through multiple entry schemes.

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: 12th with 60% aggregate in Physics and Mathematics.
• Age Limit: 18 to 22 years.

Selection Process

1. Written Exam: Organized by the Indian Coast Guard.
2. Physical Fitness Test: Qualified candidates participate in a physical fitness assessment.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the physical fitness test undergo a medical examination.

Training and Career Progression

• Training: Selected candidates undergo training at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) or other designated training establishments.
• Career Path: After training, candidates are commissioned as Assistant Commandants in the Indian Coast Guard.

Additional Career Options in Defence After 12th

• 10+2 (B. Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme 

• Military Nursing Service (MNS) 

• MBBS Course at AFMC Pune 

• Agniveer Scheme

• Soldier (General Duty) in the Indian Army

• Sailor in the Indian Navy

• Airman in the Indian Air Force

Benefits of a Career in Defence

A career in defence offers unparalleled job security, prestige, and numerous growth opportunities. It commands respect and admiration, providing competitive salaries with various allowances like travel, housing, and medical benefits. Additionally, attractive pension schemes and retirement benefits ensure financial security post-retirement. The armed forces also offer exciting opportunities for adventure and travel, including activities like mountaineering, sailing, and parachuting, making it a fulfilling and rewarding career choice.

Embrace the Challenge: Start Your Defence Career After 12th

A career in defence after 12th is a noble and fulfilling path that demands dedication, hard work, and a strong sense of duty. Whether you aspire to join the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard, there are multiple entry schemes tailored to match your qualifications and aspirations. Prepare diligently, stay focused, and embrace the challenge to serve the nation with honor and pride. The journey is rigorous, but the rewards of serving the country and the personal growth you will experience make it a worthy pursuit