If you have a noble aspiration to serve your country and want to enjoy a fulfilling career, joining the Indian Army after 10+2 or graduation can be an excellent opportunity for you. The armed forces offer multiple avenues for entry, providing a range of options to individuals with different educational backgrounds.
In this article, we will explore the best ways to join the Indian Army in 2024, discussing the various entry routes and eligibility criteria.
NDA (National Defence Academy) Entry
The NDA entry is available for 12th standard candidates or pass-outs with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths subjects. This entry allows you to join the National Defence Academy or the Indian Naval Academy. The NDA conducts examinations twice a year for Permanent Commission entry to the Indian Navy.
NDA 1 2024 Age Eligibility & Date Of Birth
Both male and female candidates born between 02nd July 2005 and 1st July 2008 are eligible to apply for NDA 1 2024.
NDA 2 2024 Age Eligibility & Date Of Birth
Both male and female candidates born between 02nd Jan 2006 and 1st Jan 2009 are eligible to apply for NDA 2 2024.
Important Dates For NDA 2024
Here are the important dates for NDA 2024:
| NDA 2024 Events | NDA 1 2024 | NDA 2 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 December 2023 | May 2024 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 December 2023 | May 2024 |
| Online Application Last Date | 09 January 2024 | June 2024 |
| Admit Card Date | Two Weeks Before Exam | Two Weeks Before Exam |
| Exam Date | 21 April 2024 (SUNDAY) | 01 Sept 2024 (SUNDAY) |
| Result Date | May – June 2024 | Oct- Nov 2024 |
NDA Exam Online Coaching Classes
To prepare for the NDA exam, you can opt for online coaching classes. These classes can provide you with comprehensive guidance and study materials to enhance your chances of success.
CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination) Entry
Another way to join the Indian Army is through the CDSE entry. This entry is open to college graduates and is conducted by the UPSC. The CDSE exam is held twice a year.
CDS Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for the CDS exam, you must meet the following criteria:
- For Indian Military Academy (IMA) entry: You must be between 19 and 24 years old and hold a graduation degree from any recognized institution.
- For Officers Training Academy (OTA) entry: You must be between 19 and 25 years old and hold a graduation degree from any recognized institution.
CDS Exam Training and Commission
The training period for IMA is 18 months, while for OTA, it is 49 weeks. The nature of the commission is permanent for IMA and temporary for OTA.
CDS 1 2024 Age Limits
For CDS 1 2024, the age limits are as follows:
- IMA: You must be born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2001 and not later than 1st Jan 2006.
- OTA: You must be born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2000 and not later than 1st Jan 2006.
CDS 2 2024 Age Limits
For CDS 2 2024, the age limits are as follows:
- IMA: You must be born not earlier than 2nd July 2001 and not later than 1st July 2006.
- OTA: You must be born not earlier than 2nd July 2000 and not later than 1st July 2006.
Important Dates For CDS 2024
Here are the important dates for CDS 2024:
| CDS 2024 Events | CDS 1 2024 | CDS 2 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 December 2023 | May 2024 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 December 2023 | May 2024 |
| Online Application Last Date | 09 January 2024 | June 2024 |
| Admit Card Date | Two Weeks Before Exam | Two Weeks Before Exam |
| Exam Date | 21 April 2024 (SUNDAY) | 01 Sept 2024 (SUNDAY) |
| Result Date | May – June 2024 | Oct- Nov 2024 |
TGC (Technical Graduate Course) Entry
The TGC entry is specifically for engineering graduates. Candidates can apply for the TGC entry as per the notification on the joinindianarmy website. The selection process includes shortlisting based on cutoffs, SSB interview, medical examination, and merit list.
TGC Entry Eligibility
To be eligible for the TGC entry, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Criteria: You must be between 20 and 27 years old at the time of joining.
- Graduation: You must have either completed your engineering from a recognized institute or be in the final year. Alternatively, you can hold an M.Sc. in Computer Science.
TGC Entry Training and Commission
The training period for the TGC entry is 49 weeks at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. The nature of the commission is permanent.
SSC (Short Service Commission) Tech Entry
The SSC Tech entry is open to engineering graduates. Candidates can apply for the SSC entry as per the notification on the joinindianarmy website. The selection process includes shortlisting based on cutoffs, SSB interview, medical examination, and merit list.
SSC(Tech) Entry Eligibility
To be eligible for the SSC(Tech) entry, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Criteria: You must be between 20 and 27 years old at the time of joining.
- Graduation: You must have either completed your engineering from a recognized institute or be in the final year. Alternatively, you can hold an M.Sc. in Computer Science.
SSC(Tech) Entry Training and Commission
The training period for the SSC(Tech) entry is 49 weeks at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. The nature of the commission is temporary.
NCC (National Cadet Corps) Entry
The NCC entry is for candidates who have participated in the National Cadet Corps. Candidates can apply for the NCC entry as per the notification on the joinindianarmy website. The selection process includes SSB interview, medical examination, and merit list.
NCC Entry Eligibility
To be eligible for the NCC entry, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Criteria: You must be between 19 and 25 years old at the time of joining.
- Graduation: You must have a minimum of 50% marks aggregate in Graduation.
- NCC: You must have a minimum B grade in the NCC ‘C’ Certificate Examination.
NCC Entry Training and Commission
The training period for the NCC entry is 49 weeks at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. The nature of the commission is temporary.
ACC (Army Cadet College) Entry
The ACC entry is for candidates who have served in the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, or Indian Navy. The selection process includes a unit-level exam, interviews, medical tests, and a final merit list.
ACC Entry Eligibility
To be eligible for the ACC entry, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Criteria: You must be between 20 and 27 years old at the time of joining.
- Education: You must have a minimum qualification of 10+2 or equivalent.
- Additional Eligibility: You must have a minimum of 2 years of service in the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, or Indian Navy. Both married and unmarried candidates are eligible. Good Annual Confidential Report (ACR) and clean records are also required.
ACC Entry Training and Commission
The training period for the ACC entry is 3 years at the ACC Wing, IMA (Indian Military Academy), followed by 1 year at IMA. The nature of the commission is permanent.
Territorial Army
The Territorial Army entry is for individuals who are already employed in central government, semi-government, private firms, own businesses, or are self-employed. The selection process includes a written exam, preliminary interview board, SSB interview, and medical tests.
Territorial Army Eligibility
To be eligible for the Territorial Army, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Criteria: You must be between 18 and 42 years old.
- Education: You must hold a graduation degree from a recognized institution.
Territorial Army Training and Commission
The training for the Territorial Army includes infantry training carried out on urban and provincial systems.
PC(SL) Entry
The PC(SL) entry is for serving Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in the Indian Army. The selection process includes a written exam, SSB interview, and a merit list.
PC(SL) Entry Eligibility
To be eligible for the PC(SL) entry, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Criteria: You must be between 32 and 40 years old at the time of joining.
- Education: You must have a minimum qualification of 11th pass or equivalent.
PC(SL) Entry Training and Commission
The training period for the PC(SL) entry is 8 weeks at the Army Education Corps (AEC) Centre in Pachmarhi, followed by four weeks at the Indian Military Academy (IMA). The nature of the commission is permanent.
SCO (Special Commissioned Officer) Entry
The SCO entry is for individuals who have completed a minimum of 5 years of service in the Indian Army. The selection process includes a written exam, SSB interview, and a merit list.
SCO Entry Eligibility
To be eligible for the SCO entry, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Criteria: You must be between 30 and 35 years old at the time of joining.
- Education: You must have a minimum qualification of class 12th or equivalent.
SCO Entry Training and Commission
The training period for the SCO entry is 8 weeks at the Army Education Corps (AEC) Centre in Pachmarhi, followed by one year at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Gaya. The nature of the commission is permanent.
Joining the Indian Army in 2024 can be achieved through various entry routes. Whether you are a 12th standard candidate, a college graduate, an engineering graduate, or a serving officer, there are opportunities available for you. By understanding the eligibility criteria, important dates, and training and commission details for each entry route, you can choose the best way to fulfill your aspiration of serving your country in the Indian Army. Start your preparation today and embark on a noble and fulfilling career in the armed forces.
Sir I am 25 year and 9 month year old .I completed my graduation in mechanical engineering in 2022 at d y patil school of engg lohegoan Pune college .then I am eligible for ssc tech or nontech entry in army please reply my comment cause notification is out right now 19 Feb is last date
Please reply
Yes
When the notification releases just make sure you go through the eligibility criteria.
All the best for preparation.
Acc
Hay good morning sir