Serve the Nation - Indian Army, Navy & Air Force Recruitment
The Indian Armed Forces are among the largest military forces in the world, comprising the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. With over 1.4 million active personnel, our defense forces are responsible for safeguarding national security, maintaining territorial integrity, and conducting humanitarian operations. A career in defense forces offers prestige, adventure, excellent benefits, and the honor of serving the nation.
Defense jobs are unique in offering not just employment but a way of life dedicated to duty, honor, and country. Officers and soldiers enjoy comprehensive facilities including free accommodation, medical care, education for children, pension benefits, and opportunities to serve in diverse terrains from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean.
The Indian Army is the land-based branch with a strength of over 1.2 million soldiers. It's organized into seven commands and operates in some of the world's most challenging terrains - from Siachen Glacier (world's highest battlefield) to Thar Desert, dense jungles to high-altitude mountains.
NDA is the premier tri-service academy for training cadets for Army, Navy, and Air Force. Located in Khadakwasla, Pune, it offers a 3-year training program followed by 1 year at respective service academies.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 12th Pass (Physics & Math for Air Force/Navy) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 - 19.5 years |
| Exam Conducted By | UPSC (twice a year) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical |
| Training Duration | 3 years at NDA + 1 year at IMA/INA/AFA |
CDS is for graduates to join Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) for Short Service Commission.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Graduation degree |
| Age Limit | 19-24 years (varies by academy) |
| Exam Pattern | English, GK, Mathematics |
| Training | IMA: 1 year, OTA: 49 weeks |
For 10+2 students with PCM to join Army as technical officers after completing engineering degree from approved institutions.
SSC GD conducts recruitment for soldiers in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NIA, SSF and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 10th Pass |
| Age Limit | 18-23 years |
| Height | Male: 170 cm, Female: 157 cm (relaxation for hilly regions) |
| Physical Standards | Chest: 77-82 cm (male), Weight as per height |
Recruitment for clerical, technical, and tradesmen positions through direct recruitment rallies conducted by regional commands.
The Indian Navy protects India's maritime interests across 7,500 km of coastline and 2 million sq km of Exclusive Economic Zone. With aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers, and advanced naval aviation, it's a blue-water navy capable of operating globally.
Same process as Army but cadets undergo specialized naval training at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala.
Direct entry for 12th pass students with PCM to join as officers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Math (70%) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 - 19.5 years |
| Selection | Written exam, SSB, Medical |
| Training | 4 years B.Tech degree + Naval training |
For pre-final and final year engineering students (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics).
| Entry | Qualification | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Artificer Apprentice (AA) | 12th PCM (60%) | 17-20 years |
| Senior Secondary Recruit (SSR) | 12th PCM (50%) | 17-20 years |
| Matric Recruit (MR) | 10th Pass | 17-20 years |
The Indian Air Force is the fourth largest air force globally with 1,70,000 personnel and 1,500+ aircraft. From fighter jets like Rafale and Sukhoi-30 to transport aircraft and helicopters, IAF operates cutting-edge technology in aerial warfare, transport, and reconnaissance.
After NDA, cadets train at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad for Flying, Technical, or Ground Duty branches.
AFCAT is conducted twice a year for graduates to join as Flying Branch, Technical Branch, or Ground Duty Branch officers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Graduation (60% for Flying, Technical; 55% for Ground Duty) |
| Age Limit | 20-24 years (Flying), 20-28 (Technical/Ground Duty) |
| Exam Pattern | General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning |
| EKT | Engineering Knowledge Test for Technical branch |
Recruitment for technical and non-technical trades conducted online twice a year.
| Group | Qualification | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Group X (Technical) | 12th with Physics, Math, English (50%) | 17-21 years |
| Group Y (Non-Technical) | 12th with any subjects (50%) | 17-21 years |
| Rank | Level | Basic Pay (₹) | In-hand (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | 10 | 56,100 - 1,77,500 | 70,000 - 90,000 |
| Captain | 10B | 61,300 - 1,93,900 | 80,000 - 1,00,000 |
| Major | 11 | 69,400 - 2,07,200 | 90,000 - 1,20,000 |
| Colonel | 13 | 1,30,600 - 2,15,900 | 1,50,000 - 2,00,000 |
| Brigadier | 13A | 1,39,600 - 2,17,600 | 1,70,000 - 2,20,000 |
Army: Lieutenant → Captain (3 years) → Major (6 years) → Lt Colonel (13 years) → Colonel (18 years) → Brigadier (25 years) → Major General → Lt General → General (Chief of Army Staff)
Permanent vs Short Service Commission:
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