Indian Armed forces, the organization that shoulders the nation for all sorts of external threats as well as peacekeeping operations. “Thal Sena”, the name that is usually given to the Indian army is the biggest defence force in all the defence forces in the country. With the awareness of youth towards the Indian Army, the number of aspirants has increased to a much higher extent as compared to earlier tenure. But most of the aspirants are unaware about the age criteria within which they can join Indian Army and serve their country. So here is the information regarding the age group within which you can apply for different forms to join Indian Army (IMA and OTA).
There are two ways to join IMA Dehradun and OTA Chennai first is by clearing CDS examination and another is by completing engineering and just Appling for Indian army tech entries i.e. TGC and SSC-Tech
CDS (Combined Defence Services)
Combined Defence Services, the exam is generally scheduled twice a year (February and October) gives a chance to aspirants to go to IMA and OTA. The age limit for the two academies is different
- IMA – 19-24 years
- OTA- 19-25 years
The selection of academy is up to the choice of candidate and the choice is locked during the filling of application form. IMA is open for men while OTA is for both men and women having age between the given ranges. Here aspirant just need a graduate degree to apply for IMA and OTA. And there is just a difference of subjects in examination for IMA and OTA. For IMA you have to clear English general studies and mathematics examinations and for OTA you have to clear English and GS examinations. After clearing the examination, you will be called for the interview in SSBs. Another point to check here is that OTA provides short service to the officers it trains which can further be extended as per provisions while IMA awards permanent commission to its officers.
Read More: CDS Exam 2016 Complete Details
UES (University Entry Scheme) – 18-24 years
University entry scheme is the scheme for the engineering students of pre-final year i.e. 3rd year. The age limit for this entry is 18-24 years. The candidates who clears merit list will be sent to IMA for training. Due to extremely limited chances aspirants are advised to be alert for the notification.
Read More: Tips to Perform well in UES College Rounds
TGC/SSC (TECH) – 20-27 years
For all students either appearing in the final year of Engineering or have passed their engineering, have a golden opportunity to service the nation as an Army Officer. The entry is a technical entry and is open for those having age between 20-27 years and having engineering degrees mentioned in the notification. This age limit is for both men and women as this entry provides same vacancies for women too. The candidates are called for interview on the basis of a cut-off framed over candidate’s percentage in engineering. The age limit for the two academies are same
- IMA/OTA – 20-27 years
Read More: What is TGC Entry in Indian Army
The candidates recommended in SSBs will be further examined medically and then the final selection is done over merit list. The training is will start after few weeks of declaration of merit list and training. And the final stage is “Antim Pag”
After crossing the “Antim Pag”, the officers are all set to serve their motherland with the IMA motto of “Valour & Wisdom”.
So, without running shortage of time, get up and find your entry as per your age group and get ready to be the part of Indian Army.
Hie Bhanu
Age limit is 25 but its not for when you gonna apply.Its according to the age when you are gonna be joining academy after clearing cds.
yes, you are.
But only for OTA
I am Bhanu Pratap, a resident of uttarakhand.
My date of birth is 13/12/1996 and according to my date of birth I’m 23year 11month old.
The maximum age limit for OTA is 25 but while filling my CDS 2021 form it is showing me that I’m not eligible for OTA.
Is there anyone who can clear my doubt?
What should i do?
My date of birth is 12-10-1997. So am I elgible for CDS examination which will be conducted in 2021 as I am a BA (hons) final year student.