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How to Join the Indian Army: Eligibility, Age Limit, Exams, Qualifications & Entry Options After 10th, 12th & Graduation
31-05-2025
Many individuals dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. Those who aspire to serve as soldiers deserve recognition for their courage and dedication. Choosing a career in the Indian Army is honourable and fulfilling. This profession has challenges but offers a unique opportunity to serve the nation and ensure its security and well-being.
Life in the Army is built on commitment, discipline, and a strong sense of duty—qualities that make it a fulfilling and admired path for those who wish to serve their country. The Indian Army offers long-term stability along with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
For those inspired by the courage and discipline symbolised by the olive-green uniform, the journey begins with a determined decision and a clear understanding of the options available after completing 10th, 12th or graduation. The blog intends to provide more details on the topic:
How to Join Indian Army After 10th?
Joining the Indian Army after completing Class 10 opens up several career opportunities. Students can apply for different soldier-level roles, each with its eligibility conditions. We have summarised how to join Indian Army after 10th:
| Entry Role | Duties | Educational Eligibility | Age Limit (years) | Additional Requirements |
| Soldier (General Duty) | Patrolling, guarding, combat operations | Passed Class 10 (Matric) with min 45% overall & 33% per subject | 17.5 – 21 | None |
| Soldier (Tradesman) | Trade-specific technical tasks (electrician, fitter, carpenter) | Passed Class 10 + ITI certificate in relevant trade | 17.5 – 23 | Industrial Training Institute (ITI) certificate required |
| Soldier (Clerical/Storekeeper) | Administrative & logistical support | Passed Class 10; typing speed and computer proficiency | 17.5 – 23 | Typing & computer skills needed |
| Agniveer (Tradesman – 10th Pass) | Chef, Washerman, Dresser, Tailor, etc. | Passed Class 10 | 17.5 – 21 years | None |
| Agniveer (Tradesman – 8th Pass) | For trades like Mess Keeper, Housekeeper, etc. | Passed Class 8 | 17.5 – 21 years | None |
Selection Process
The recruitment process generally involves five stages:
- Online Registration & Application: Apply on the official Indian Army website as per recruitment notifications.
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Includes running, pull-ups, long jump, and other endurance tasks.
- Medical Examination: A detailed medical check-up ensures the candidate meets physical and health standards.
- Written Exam (CEE – Common Entrance Exam): Tests general knowledge, logical reasoning, and numerical ability.
- Document Verification: Verification of all original documents submitted during registration.
How to Join Indian Army After 12th?
For many young Indians, the Indian Army represents a challenging yet highly respected career path. It is a profession that demands courage and commitment and brings immense satisfaction. Here’s how to join Indian Army after 12th:
Criteria |
National Defence Academy (NDA) | Technical Entry Scheme (TES) | Soldier / General Duty (SGD) |
| Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Indian Army | Indian Army (Army Recruiting Office) |
| Army Officer Qualifications & Eligibility | - 10+2 pass (any stream for Army; PCM for Navy & Air Force) | - 10+2 with 60% in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) | - 10+2 or equivalent (varies by trade: Tech, Clerk, Nursing Assistant, Store Keeper, etc.) |
| - Must be unmarried | - Must be unmarried | - Must meet physical & medical standards | |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years | 16.5 to 19.5 years | Varies by post |
| Gender | Male & Female | Male only | Primarily Male |
| Nationality | - Citizen of India | Same as NDA | Citizen of India only |
| - Subject of Nepal/Bhutan | |||
| - Tibetan refugee (before Jan 1, 1962) | |||
| - Persons of Indian origin from specified countries with intent to settle in India | |||
| Selection Process | 1. Written Exam (Mathematics + General Ability Test) | 1. Shortlisting (based on 12th Marks + JEE Score) | A. Document Check |
| 2. SSB Interview | 2. SSB Interview | B. Physical Test | |
| 3. Medical Test | 3. Medical Test | C. Medical Test | |
| 4. Final Merit List | 4. Final Merit List | D. Written Test (for some trades) | |
| E. Merit List | |||
| F. Enrolment & Dispatch | |||
| Recruitment Areas | Officer-level entry to Army, Navy, & Air Force | Direct technical officer entry for the Science stream students | Non-officer recruitment into various trades (technical and combat roles) |
How to Join Indian Army After Graduation?
After graduation, aspirants can join either the Regular Army or the Territorial Army. The Regular Army involves full-time service, while the Territorial Army is a part-time opportunity to serve without leaving civilian employment. We have summarised how to join Indian Army after graduation:
Exam Name |
Age Requirements | Educational Qualifications | Nationality | Marital Status | Selection Procedure |
| Combined Defence Services Exam (CDSE) | - Male (IMA/AFA/ INA/OTA): 19-24 years | Graduation from UGC-recognised university; final year students eligible | Indian citizens, subjects of Bhutan, Nepal, Tibetan refugees, Indian-origin migrants from specified countries. | Unmarried if under 25; widows/ divorcees allowed if not remarried | Written exam - SSB interview - Medical exam - Training offer |
| - Male/Female (OTA only): 19-25 years | |||||
| NCC Special Entry | 19-25 years (both genders) | Degree with 50% aggregate; NCC ‘C’ certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade;
Note: Final year students can apply, but must have NCC ‘C’ certificate at time of SSB |
Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal; Indian-origin migrants from specified countries | Unmarried | Shortlisted - SSB interview (centres: Allahabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, Kapurthala) - Medical exam - Joining letter |
| Short Service Commission (SSC Tech) | Males: 20-27 years, Females: 19-25 years; Widows up to 35 years | BE/B.Tech or final year engineering candidates | Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal, Indian-origin migrants from specified countries | Unmarried males and females; widows eligible | Shortlisting - SSB (two stages) - Medical exam - Training offer |
| Technical Graduate Course (TGC) | Males: 20-27 years | BE/B.Tech in engineering; final year candidates eligible | Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal, Indian-origin migrants from specified countries | Unmarried males only | Shortlisting - SSB interview - Medical exam - Training offer |
| University Entry Scheme (UES) | Final Year: 19-25 years, Pre-Final Year: 18-24 years | Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree or final/pre-final year engineering student with 60% aggregate | Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal, Indian-origin migrants from specified countries | Unmarried males only | Campus selection - SSB interview - Medical exam - Training offer |
Steps on How to Apply for Army
Wondering how to become Army officer after 12th? Begin by understanding the entry routes like NDA and TES, focus on building physical fitness, and stay updated on eligibility criteria and exam dates.
- Choose a Career Stream: The Indian Army offers various career paths, including Technical, Non-Technical, Medical, and Dental streams. Aspirants should select a path that aligns with their educational background and personal interests.
- Apply for NDA: The NDA offers a prestigious three-year training programme for candidates who have completed their 10+2 education. To join, candidates must appear for the NDA entrance exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Apply for Indian Military Academy (IMA): The IMA trains selected candidates to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army. Entry is through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, one of the Army exams after 12th, conducted by UPSC.
- Apply for Technical Entry Scheme (TES): The TES is designed for candidates who have completed their 10+2 with a focus on science subjects. It is a direct entry in Army after 12th and does not require an entrance exam.
- Apply for Short Service Commission (SSC): SSC provides a 10-year service commission with the possibility of extension. The Indian Army conducts its own selection process for this entry route.
- Apply for Army Medical Corps (AMC): Candidates interested in the medical field can join the AMC. Entry is through the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), one of the prestigious Army exams after 12th.
How to Join Indian Army for Female After 12th?
Earlier, the NDA was open only to male candidates. However, the Indian government has also extended this opportunity to female aspirants. Young women who meet the eligibility to join Indian Army can now apply for the NDA exam and pursue a career in the Indian Army.
| Criteria | Details |
| Eligibility | - Age limit to join the Indian Army: 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| - Qualification for joining Indian Army: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board | |
| - Physical Fitness: Must meet Indian Army standards | |
| Application | - Apply online via the UPSC official website |
| - Submit the form with documents and application fee | |
| Indian Army Selection Process for Females | |
| Written Exam | - Conducted by UPSC |
| - Tests include Mathematics and General Ability | |
| Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview | - Includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview |
| Medical Test | - Comprehensive medical check-up to ensure candidate meets fitness standards |
| Training at NDA | - Three-year training programme at the National Defence Academy |
| - On successful completion, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Army | |
Note:
- The Agnipath scheme is currently the only route for joining the Indian Army as a soldier.
- Agniveers serve for 4 years with an option to apply for permanent enrollment (up to 25% selected).
- Physical fitness tests and a medical exam are mandatory for all entries.
Summing Up
Joining the Indian Army is not just a career choice but a profound commitment to serve the nation with honour, courage, and integrity. Whether one aspires to enlist after Class 10, 12, or graduation, there are well-defined paths available for both men and women, each offering distinct roles, responsibilities, and opportunities for growth. From soldier-level positions to officer ranks through exams like NDA, TES, and CDS, the Army opens doors to a disciplined life filled with purpose and patriotism.
FAQs
Q1: Can a girl join Army after 12th?
A1: Yes. Girls can now join the Indian Army after Class 12 through the NDA exam. Other options include the Military Nursing Service and later entries like SSC (Short Service Commission) after graduation.
Q2: What is the age limit for the Army?
A2: The age limit for joining the Indian Army varies depending on the specific entry scheme and the position being applied for. Generally, the age limits for entry into the Indian Army are:
For Soldier-level entries (Agniveer):
- General Duty: 17.5 – 21 years
- Technical Trades: 17.5 – 23 years
For Officers:
- NDA: 16.5 – 19.5 years
- CDS (IMA/OTA): 19 – 25 years, depending on the academy
- SSC Tech/NCC: 19 – 25 years
Q3: Can I join Indian Army directly after 12th?
A3: Yes, it is possible to join the Indian Army directly after completing the 12th Grade (10+2) through the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) or the National Defence Academy (NDA).
Q4: Can we join the Army without NDA?
A4: Yes. We can join the Indian Army as officers without taking the NDA exam. Alternative entry routes include the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam, Technical Graduate Course (TGC), NCC Special Entry (for NCC 'C' certificate holders), Judge Advocate General (JAG) for law graduates, and Short Service Commission (SSC) Non-Technical Entry for women.