Know 13 Types of Entries to Join the Indian Armed Forces

Many of us only know selected types of entries to join the Indian Armed Forces. This is also a reason behind why many students miss the chance to join Indian Armed Forces even they are capable. SSC, UPSC, SSB and Additional Directorate General are the major agencies who recruit students to Indian Armed Forces. We are discussing here all types of entries so that you can plan your preparation accordingly and apply before the intimated timeline.

13 Types of Entries to Join the Indian Armed Forces

Here are different ways you can join the Indian Armed Forces:

1. 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (10+2 TES)

Indian Army invites application for 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme. Candidates must have passed JEE Main in order to become eligible to apply online.

• Entry age: The age of a candidate should be in between 16 ½ to 19 ½ years.
• Entry qualification: Candidates should have passed 10+2 or its equivalent exam by scoring 60% marks in aggregate in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
• Training Academy: OTA Gaya

Check: How to Join PARA SF

2. National Defence Academy (NDA)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts NDA exam twice a year for candidates’ selection in training academies of Indian Navy, Indian Military, and Air Force. Candidates are selected based on their performance in written exam followed by a SSB interview.

• Entry age: The age of a candidate should be in between 16.5 to 19.5 years.
• Entry Qualification: Class 12
• Training Academy: IMA Dehradun and NDA Khadakwasla

3. Indian Military Academy (IMA) Direct Entry

For IMA direct entry, candidates are required to clear CDS exam. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts CDS exam twice a year. Candidates can apply for CDSE in online mode after the release of its respective notification.

• Entry Age: The age of a candidate should be in between 19 to 24 years.
• Entry qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• Training Academy: IMA Dehradun

4. NCC (SPL) Entry Men

Candidates are selected for Indian Air Force and Indian Army through NCC (SPL) Entry Men. Additional Directorate General Recruiting / AG Branch releases official notification for NCC entry.

• Entry Age: The age of a candidate should be in between 19 to 25 years.
• Entry qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai

5. Officers Training Academy ( Non-Technical Men )

For Officer Training Academy (Non Technical Men), candidates are required to clear CDS examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is conducted twice a year.

• Entry Age: The age of a candidate should be in between 19 to 25 years.
• Entry qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai

6. JAG MEN

If you are a law graduate then this is a dedicated entry scheme exclusively for you in Indian Army. Candidates are first shortlisted based on their performance in the LLB program. All shortlisted candidates are further required to attend the SSB Interview followed by a medical examination.

• Entry age: The age of a candidate should be in between 21 to 27 years.
• Entry Qualification: Candidates should hold a LLB/LLM degree with 55% marks. They must be registered with Bar Council of India/State.
• Training Academy: OTA Chennai

7. TGC (Engineers)

Unmarried male engineering graduates are welcome to participate in Technical Graduate Course (TGC) scheme. Students are directly selected to Indian Armed Forces through this scheme.

• Entry Age: The age of a candidate should be in between 20 to 27 years.
• Entry Qualification: BE/BTech
• Training Academy: IMA Dehradun

8. University Entry Scheme (UES)

This scheme opens direct door to Indian Armed Forces for students who are studying in pre final year of Engineering. The Additional Directorate General Recruiting / AG Branch release notification regarding University Entry Scheme.

• Entry Age: The age of a candidate should be in between 19 to 25 years.
• Entry qualification: Students who are studying in pre final year of engineering degree course.
• Training Academy: IMA Dehradun

9. Short Service Commission Technical

Unmarried Male and unmarried Female Engineering Graduates both can be a part of this Indian Army direct entry scheme. Applications are invited through online mode.

• Entry Age: The age of a candidate should be in between 20 to 27 years.
• Entry Qualification: Engineering Graduates
• Training Academy: Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, Tamil Nadu

10. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by Indian Air Force twice a year mostly in February and August. The purpose of this exam is to shortlist candidates as class I gazetted officer in Flying and Ground Duties under both technical and non-technical domain.

• Entry Age: The age of a candidate should be in between 19 to 23 years.
• Entry Qualification: Graduate with 60% marks and passed in Physics and Maths at 10+2. Or BE/BTech degree with 60% marks.
• Training Academy: Air Force Academy

11. TGC Education (AEC)

Married/unmarried MALE Post Graduates are welcome to apply for TGC Education (ARMY EDUCATION CORPS) recruitment scheme. You’ll be selected directly to Indian Army.

• Entry Age: The age of a candidate should be in between 23 to 27 years.
• Entry Qualification: Married/unmarried MALE Post Graduates
• Training Academy: IMA Dehradun

12. SSC Submarine Engineering

If you have obtained your BE/BTech degree in Mechanical engineering then this could be the best way to join Indian Navy. The recruitment notification is released through leading newspaper.

• Entry Age: The age of a candidate should be in between 19 to 25 years.
• Entry Qualification: BE/BTech in Mechanical Engineering with 60% marks.

13. Graduate Special Entry Scheme (GSES)

Indian Navy releases official notification for Graduate Special Entry Scheme (GSES) through leading newspaper. Through this scheme, candidates are directly selected to the Indian Navy.

• Entry Age: The age of a candidate should be in between 19 to 22 years.
• Entry Qualification: BE or BSC with Maths and Physics

These were the different entry schemes to Indian Armed Forces. More concerns are welcome through the comment box below- we are here to assist.