What is Permanent Commission in Indian Army

Permanent Commission in the Indian Army refers to a career in the army that lasts until the officer retires. It is a full-time service in the army, which means that the officer will be employed by the army until he or she retires, usually after 20 years of service.

Permanent Commission is different from Short Service Commission (SSC), which is a temporary employment for a fixed period of time, usually 10 years. Officers who are granted Permanent Commission have the opportunity to serve until they reach the age of retirement, which is currently 57 years.

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To be eligible for Permanent Commission in the Indian Army, candidates need to meet certain requirements such as education, physical fitness, and age. The selection process includes a written exam, physical fitness test, and medical examination, followed by an interview and a final selection by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Also Read: Permanent Commission vs Short Service Commission In Indian Army

Once selected for Permanent Commission, officers undergo training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) or other training institutes, depending on their specialization. They are then assigned to various units and are responsible for leading troops, managing logistics, and carrying out other duties as assigned by the Army.

How to Join the Permanent Commission in Indian Army

To join the Permanent Commission in the Indian Army, there are two ways:

1. National Defence Academy (NDA) entry: This entry is available to candidates who have completed their 10+2 education. They can apply for NDA exam which is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam consists of a written test followed by an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Candidates who clear both the written test and the interview are admitted to the National Defence Academy for a three-year training course. After the successful completion of the course, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Army and are eligible for Permanent Commission.
2. Combined Defence Services (CDS) entry: This entry is available to graduates who have completed their degree from a recognized university. The CDS exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year. The exam consists of a written test followed by an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Candidates who clear both the written test and the interview are admitted to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) for a one-year training course. After the successful completion of the course, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Army and are eligible for Permanent Commission.

In both the NDA and CDS entries, candidates have to meet certain eligibility criteria such as age, nationality, education qualification, and physical fitness standards. Candidates are advised to visit the official website of the Indian Army or UPSC for detailed information on eligibility criteria and application process.

Can Women Join Permanent Commission in Indian Army

Yes, women can join the Permanent Commission in the Indian Army. In 2020, the Indian government issued a notification allowing women officers to be granted Permanent Commission in 10 branches of the Indian Army. This decision came after a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India, which directed the government to grant Permanent Commission to women officers in the Indian Army on par with their male counterparts.

The branches in which women officers are eligible for Permanent Commission include Army Air Defence (AAD), Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), Army Service Corps (ASC), Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), Intelligence Corps, Judge Advocate General (JAG), and Army Educational Corps (AEC).

To be eligible for Permanent Commission, women officers have to meet certain criteria such as education, age, and physical fitness standards. They have to undergo the same selection process as male candidates, which includes a written exam, physical fitness test, and medical examination, followed by an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Women officers who are granted Permanent Commission will have the opportunity to serve until they reach the age of retirement, which is currently 57 years. They will be responsible for leading troops, managing logistics, and carrying out other duties as assigned by the Army, just like their male counterparts.

Benefits of Joining the Permanent Commission in Indian Army

Joining the Permanent Commission in the Indian Army offers several benefits, including:

1. Job Security: Officers in the Permanent Commission are employed by the Indian Army until they retire, usually after 20 years of service. This provides job security to the officers, as they are assured of a career in the Army until they reach the age of retirement.
2. Opportunities for Professional Growth: The Indian Army offers several opportunities for professional growth and advancement to its officers. Officers in the Permanent Commission can gain specialized training, pursue advanced courses, and develop their leadership skills, which can enhance their career prospects.
3. Competitive Pay and Perks: Officers in the Permanent Commission are paid a competitive salary and are eligible for various perks such as free healthcare, housing, and transportation. They are also eligible for pensions after retirement.
4. Adventure and Travel: Officers in the Indian Army have the opportunity to travel to different parts of the country and experience its rich cultural diversity. They are also eligible for adventure sports such as mountaineering, para jumping, and river rafting.
5. Prestige and Honor: Serving in the Indian Army is considered a matter of great prestige and honor. Officers in the Permanent Commission are respected members of society and are held in high esteem by their fellow citizens.

Overall, joining the Permanent Commission in the Indian Army offers a challenging and rewarding career that provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as a chance to serve the nation and make a difference in the lives of people.