Being a part of the Indian Army and serving the nation is one of the most prestigious and respectable careers that you can choose for yourself. The exposure that they provide you at the Indian Army is unmatched but to get into the Army is not everyone’s cup of tea as they only want the creme de la crème when it comes to physical and mental fitness and they do not settle for anything below that. If you see yourself as one of them and are interested in knowing how to join the Indian Army, then here is all the information that you need.
What you need to have, in case you want to join the Army
As I mentioned before, the Indian Army is known to select the very best and they make no bones about it. They are not looking for anyone who is mediocre. They want the very best and promise to train them in a holistic manner that will not just be beneficial from the career point of view, but also, on the personal development front.
The Indian Army aspirants must be focused on their goal and know that the path that they have chosen is not easy and the obstacles that they encounter are far more arduous than that in any other career, but the ultimate fruit is also sweeter.
There are two ways to get into the India Army I have made a mention of both of them for you.
Joining the Indian Army soon after Higher Secondary
This is the first way for you to get into the Indian Army. You can be a part of it soon after you have completed your Higher Secondary but there are certain pre-requisites that need to be fulfilled so that you get admission into the National Defense Academy. There is an examination that you will have to clear to get into this Academy and this examination is conducted by the UPSC twice a year.
There is a permanent and a short service commission that is present and in case you are looking for the permanent commission, then you need to join the NDA. There are certain criteria that you need to fulfill to get selected for this Academy, they have been mentioned below.
You also have a chance to enter into the Indian Military Academy right after Higher Secondary in case you belong to the 10+2 Tech Entry group.
Criteria for entering the National Defense Academy
Soon after you have given your Higher Secondary exams you are eligible to appear for the NDA exam. In case you clear the written exam you will have to attend a 5 day Service Selection Interview in which, if you are selected, you will qualify for the next round that entails a series of medical tests. Once you have cleared the tests, you are all set to enter the National Defense Academy for a graduation course like none other as this ensures that your don’t just put your mind to work, but also your body and thus, at the end of the course you come out as a thorough man.
Short Service Commission
In case of the short service commission you get to be a part of the Indian Army for a stipulated period of 10 years that can be extended up to 14 years, after which you will have to retire or go in for the permanent commission. Again there is an exam that you will need to appear for, after which you will get admission in the Officers Training Academy. This exam consists of an SSB interview followed by a series of medical tests.
Joining the Indian Army after Engineering
In case you have missed out on joining the Indian Army after your Higher Secondary you still have a chance to do so after you have completed your engineering. You have to apply in the Academy in your pre-final or final year of Engineering and you need to first see that the branch of study that you are in presently, is a part of the list that has been issued by the IMA. The admission that you get will be under the University Entry Scheme of the IMA and the icing on the cake is that there are no written examinations that you will have to appear for, in case you are seeking an admission in the IMA. The course duration is one year.
So, now that you know how to join the Indian Army and if you see yourself as someone who can serve the nation and feel proud while doing so, then the Indian Army is ready to welcome you with open arms.
