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How to Join Indian Army (Officer and Soldier)

How to Join Indian Army

How to Join Indian Army (Officer and Soldier): 2025 Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How to Join Indian Army

Introduction

The Indian Army stands as one of the most prestigious and powerful armed forces in the world. Every year, lakhs of aspirants dream of donning the uniform to serve their nation with pride and valor. This comprehensive guide on how to join Indian Army (Officer and Soldier) walks you through all available entry routes, eligibility criteria, selection procedures, training, and more.

Why Join the Indian Army?

  • Serve the Nation: A noble and honorable profession

  • Career Stability: Government job with excellent benefits

  • Adventure and Camaraderie: Live an extraordinary life

  • Free Education and Training: World-class military education

  • Growth Opportunities: Rise through ranks based on merit

Two Main Entry Categories in the Indian Army

  1. Soldier (Jawan Level) – General Duty, Tradesman, Technical, Nursing

  2. Officer Level – NDA, CDS, Technical, and SSC entries

Both categories offer structured career paths, respect, and service to the nation.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Army

Requirement Soldiers Officers
Nationality Indian Indian
Age Limit 17.5–23 years 16.5–27 years (varies by entry)
Education 10th/12th Pass 10+2/Graduate/Engineering
Marital Status Mostly unmarried NDA – unmarried; CDS – varies

How to Join Indian Army as a Soldier (Jawan)

Eligibility for Soldier GD and Tradesman

  • Soldier GD: Class 10 with 45% aggregate

  • Soldier Tradesman: Class 8/10 pass depending on trade

  • Height: Minimum 170 cm (relaxed in some regions)

  • Chest: 77 cm + 5 cm expansion

  • Weight: Proportional to height and age

Step-by-Step Recruitment Process for Soldiers

  1. Online Registration: joinindianarmy.nic.in

  2. Download Admit Card

  3. Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Running, pull-ups, balance

  4. Medical Test

  5. Written Test (CEE – Common Entrance Exam)

  6. Final Merit List and Training Call

How to Join Indian Army as an Officer

NDA (National Defence Academy)

  • Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics & Math (for Army, Navy, Air Force)

  • Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years

  • Selection: Written Exam by UPSC → SSB → Medical

  • Training: NDA Khadakwasla, then IMA

CDS (Combined Defence Services)

  • Eligibility: Graduation in any field

  • Age: 19–25 years

  • Selection: UPSC Exam → SSB → Medical

  • Training: IMA (Men), OTA Chennai (Men/Women SSC)

Technical Entry Scheme (TES)

  • Eligibility: 10+2 PCM with 60%

  • Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years

  • Entry: No written exam; Direct SSB based on JEE Mains rank

University Entry Scheme (UES) and SSC (Tech)

  • Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech students

  • Entry: Final year/graduate engineers for SSB interview

Women Entry Schemes

  • CDS OTA (Short Service Commission)

  • NCC Special Entry (Women with NCC C certificate)

  • Judge Advocate General (JAG) for Law graduates

  • SSCW (Tech) for Engineering graduates

Indian Army Physical Fitness and Medical Standards

  • 1.6 km run in 5–6 minutes

  • 10+ pull-ups

  • Balance and beam tests

  • 6/6 vision

  • Clean medical history – no flat foot, knock knees, color blindness

Required Documents for Application

  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets

  • Aadhaar card

  • Domicile certificate

  • Character certificate

  • Passport-size photos

  • Sports/NCC certificates (if applicable)

Training Academies for Indian Army Recruits

Academy For
NDA, Khadakwasla Pre-commission training for NDA cadets
IMA, Dehradun Direct entry (CDS, TES)
OTA, Chennai SSC men & women
Regimental Centers Soldier training

Salary, Perks, and Lifestyle in the Indian Army

Rank Starting Salary Perks
Sepoy/Soldier ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 Food, housing, uniform, allowances
Lieutenant ₹56,000+ Vehicle, servant, free accommodation
Higher Ranks ₹1 lakh+ Travel, pension, schools, canteens

Career Growth and Promotions in the Army

  • Soldier → Lance Naik → Naik → Havildar → Subedar → Subedar Major → Honorary Lieutenant

  • Officer → Lieutenant → Captain → Major → Colonel → Brigadier → General

Promotions based on years of service, exams, and merit.

Tips to Crack Army Written and Physical Tests

  1. Run daily and build endurance

  2. Solve previous year papers (NDA/CDS)

  3. Read newspapers for GK and Current Affairs

  4. Prepare for SSB with mock interviews and group discussions

  5. Stay disciplined and mentally strong

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Selection

  • Submitting incomplete or false documents

  • Ignoring medical and dental fitness

  • Overlooking communication skills in SSB

  • Not practicing written test formats

FAQs about How to Join Indian Army (Officer and Soldier)

1. Can girls join the Indian Army?

Yes, through CDS, SSCW Tech, NCC Special Entry, and JAG branches.

2. Is the NDA exam for girls too?

Yes, since 2021, female candidates are eligible for NDA.

3. How many attempts are allowed for NDA/CDS?

No fixed limit; depends on age eligibility.

4. Is coaching necessary?

Not mandatory but helpful for SSB and written exams.

5. What is the salary of a soldier in the Indian Army?

Approx ₹25,000–₹35,000/month plus allowances.

6. Is there any fee to apply for Army jobs?

No fee for soldier entries. UPSC exams have a small fee for officer entries.

Conclusion

Joining the Indian Army as a Soldier or Officer is more than just a career—it’s a commitment to serving your nation with courage, honor, and selflessness. Whether you want to lead as an officer or protect on the ground as a soldier, start preparing now and take your first step towards a truly noble life.

Apply Now: https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in