Job Profile
Army officers are tactical operation leaders and start their career as commander of a platoon. A platoon is generally the smallest military unit which is led by an army officer who is usually a lieutenant. In special units such as special forces, the platoon leader is a captain due to the increased responsibility of the position.
Army officers are responsible for the training, discipline, control and tactical employment of their unit. Everything an army unit does or does not do falls under the responsibility of its leader.
An army officer employed as a tactical operations leader usually has a comparative wealth of experience in the field. Needless to say an army officer should enjoy outdoor activities since most of their activities may be on the field both during training as well as during operations.
How to join Indian Army
There are different ways to get commissioned in Indian Army. One can join Indian army right after the School or after graduation. There are different entry schemes for recruitment of officers in Indian army. All commissioned officers are selected through tests conducted by Union Public service Commission of India and some other entry schemes like Women Special Entry Scheme, NCC Special Entry Scheme, JAG entry and some technical entries.
Types of Commission
There are two types of Commissioned officers in Indian Army:
- Permanent Commissioned Officers
- Short Service Commission Officers
Permanent Commission (PC) is a permanent career in Army i.e. you serve till you retire. Permanent Commission to Indian Army is granted by Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun and Short Service Commission through Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai. In case of Short Service Commission, you are recruited to serve as a Commissioned officer for minimum of 10 years. You have an option to request PC or an extension of another 4 years on completion of 10 years of service.
Entry Schemes and Eligibility Criteria
Permanent Commission (PC)
| Entry Scheme | Age Limit | Educational Qualifications | Mode of Selection | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | ||||
| Direct Entry Scheme | 16½ – 19½ years | 12th standard of 10+2 system of education or equivalent | Written Examination by UPSC and SSB Interview | Apply in response to advertisement in March/April & Oct. / Nov. Indian Military Academy |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | ||||
| Direct Entry Scheme | 19½ – 24 years | Degree or equivalent at the time of joining the course. | Combined Defence Services Exam(CDSE) conducted by UPSC and SSB Interview | Apply in response to advertisement in March/April and Sept/ Oct. |
| Technical Graduate Course (TGC) | 23 – 27 years | Engineering Degree in notified disciplines | SSB Interview | Apply in response to advertisement in March /Apr & Sept/ Oct. |
| Army Edcuation Corps (AEC) | 19½ – 25 years | Post Graduate in notified Subject with 1st/2nd div. | SSB Interview | Apply in response to advertisement in Apr/ May |
| University Entry Scheme | 18 – 24 years | Final and Pre-final years students of Engineering degree course. | Campus Interview and SSB Interview | Apply in response to advertisement in May and Nov. |
| Technical Entry Scheme (TES) | 16½ – 19½ years | 10+2 pass with 70% aggregate in PCM. | SSB Interview | Apply directly to the Recruiting Directorate |
Short Service Commission (SSC)
| Entry Scheme | Age Limit | Educational Qualifications | Mode of Selection | How to Apply? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | ||||
| SSC-Non-Technical (men & women) | 19½-25 years | Degree or equivalent at the time of joining the course | CDSE conducted by UPSC and SSB Interview | Apply in response to advertisement in March/April & Sept/ Oct |
| SSC – Technical | 20-27 years | Engineering Degree in notified discipline. | SSB Interview | Apply in response to advertisement in March/April & Sept/ Oct |
| NCC Special Entry | 19½-25 years | Graduates with 50% aggregate marks, two years service in NCC Sr. Division, with minimum ‘B’ Grade in ‘C’ certificate Exam. | SSB Interview | Apply in response to advertisement in Dec/Jan & June/July |
