Defence Services Entry & Prospects

ARMY Permanent Commissions - After school

Branch / type of entry / Month of commencement of course each yr.	Sex and Age limit	Educational eligibility / Mode of selection	How to apply	Training & prospects
National Defence Academy	16½ - 19 yrs	- 12th class or equivalent - NDA Exam and SSB interview	Detailed advertisement during Apr./ May Jan. and July Nov./Dec. respectively prior to the commencement of the course.	Refer to section on NDA
10+2 entry for Tech. Branch (Permanent commission) Male candidates only Jan & July	16½-19½ (on the 1st day of the commencement of course) Unaided vision 6/12 , 6/18	• 10+2 PCM min. 70% agg. in PCM Selection through SSB at Bhopal, Bangalore, Allahabad in Mar/April. Stipend of Rs.8000/- p.m. is given after 3 years training and commission is grantin the rank of Lt.	Adv. in Dec./Jan. for July entry and in May for Jan entry Apply to ADG Recruiting, 10+2 (PCM) Entry, of Military, New Delhi-110066	Total training will be of 4½ years Basic military training IMA Dehradun at 6months Puramfor 2½ years followed by one year at any of the following colleges College of Elec. & Mech. Engg., Secunderabad College of Telecom. Engg., Mhow, College of Military Engg. Pune depending on the arms allotted. 6 months training at college of Military Engg, Pune. The training and cadets living costs are borne by the Army.

ARMY Permanent Commissions - After Graduation

Branch / type of entry / Month of commencement of course each yr.	Sex and Age limit	Educational eligibility / Mode of selection	How to apply	Training & prospects
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun [For Army only]
Direct Entry : Civilians (32 vacancies are reserved for NCC 'C' Certificate Holders for Army Wing) Jan. and July	19 - 24 Years	• Degree or equivalent • Combined Defence Services Exam. (CDSE) and SSB interview	Detailed advertisement during Apr./May-Oct./Nov, respectively prior to the commen- cement of the course	Refer to section on IMA
• Engineering Graduates as Permanent Commissioned Officer	20-27 Years	• Engineering Degree in Civil / Mechanical / Electrical / Architecture / Production / Aeronautical Electronics/ Metallurgy Tele-Communication • SSB Interview	Applications must be sent to Addl. Dte. Gen.	• Selected candidates are detailed for training at the Indian Military Academy Dehradun, according to their position in the final disciplinewise order of merit • The duration of training is one year. • After completion of training, Engineering Graduates are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Liuetenant with two years anti-date seniority with effect from the date of granting permanent commission
University Entry Scheme Engineering Graduates • Jan. and July	19-23 years	• Pre Final/Final year students of Engg Degree Courses • Campus interview followed by SSB Interview	Apply to concerned Command Hq. Branch in response to detailed advertisement.	After selection candidates will be admitted for Precommission training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun,for a period of 12 months. Short Service Commission is granted to selected engineering graduates and to prefinal year students who are given short service commission on probation
Army Education Corps and Army Ordnance Corps	23-27 years	• Post Graduate Degree in subjects notified for each course. M.A. / M.Sc degree in 1st or 2nd division in the following : Physics, Maths, Computer appli-cation, Political Science, Psychology • SSB Interview	Same as above	Same as above
Military Farms • Jan. and July	20-27 years	• Degree in Dairying / agriculture • SSB Interview & Departmental Screening Board	Same as above	Same as above

ARMY Short Service Commissions

Branch / type of entry / Month of commencement of course each yr.	Sex and Age limit	Educational eligibility / Mode of selection	How to apply	Training & prospects
Officers Training Academy, Madras [For Army only] • May and Oct	19-25 years	• Degree or equivalent at the time of joining the course • CDSE conducted by the UPSC and SSB Interview	Apply to UPSC in response to detail advertisement during Apr./May-Oct.Nov respectively prior to the commencement of the course.	• Training is approximately 44 weeks at OTA Madras • Candidates who are not cleared by the Medical Board are not admitted for pre - commission training. Apllicants should, therefore, be medi-cally fit in all respects.
Technical Engineering • May and Oct.	20 -27 Years	• Engineering Degree innotified discipline • SSB Interview	Apply to Addl. Dte. Gen of Recruiting (SSC (Tech.) Entry) Army HQs West Block-3, R.K.Puram, New Delhi-66 in response to detailed advertisements during Apr. & Sept.	Training at OTA Chennai for 44 weeks
Law Graduates for JAG's Departemnt	21-27years	• Law Degree (professional) with 50% marks • Written Exam. conducted by JAG's Deptt. in March SSB Interview in July detailed advertisement in November	Apply to JAG's Deptt Army Hqs. Sena Bhawan, New Delhi 110011 in response to
Remount Veterinary Corps	21-32 years	BVSC/BVSc years with AH Animal Husbandry from any Indian Univ. or equivalent foreign degree • SSB Interview	Apply to Addl. Dte. Gen. Remount Veterinary Corps Army HQ, its West Block -3, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066 in response to detailed advertisement in April.
Women Special Entry Scheme (Officers) in Education/Law Administrative/ Logesties branch • March/Sep.	19-27 years	•Post Graduates/ Graduates with diploma in specified subject / LLB (Professional)/ Engg Degree. • SSB Interview	Apply to Addl. Dte. Gen. of Recruiting (WSES (O) West Block 3, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110 066 in response to detailed advt.

 

NAVY Permanent Commissions - After School

Branch / type of entry / Month of commencement of course each yr.	Sex and Age limit	Educational eligibility / Mode of selection	How to apply
Executive Branch
• Cadet Entry (NDA)	Men 16 1/2 - 19 Years	10+2 or equivalent with Physics & Maths	Look, for advertise ment given in Employment News & regional newspapers
• Cadet Entry (10+2) (Executive) Naval Academy, Goa (Through NDA Exam)	Men 16 1/2 - 19 Years	10+2 or equivalent and with Physics & Maths	Look, for advertise ment given in Employment News & regional newspaper
Engineering Branch (Marine Engineers)
• Cadet Entry (NDA)	Men 16 1/2 - 19 Years	10+2 or equivalent and with Physics & Maths	Look, for advertise ment given in Employment News & regional
•10+2 (Tech)	Men 16 1/2 - 19 Years	10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry & newspaper Maths (Minimum 70% marks in aggregate of PCM, minimum 50% marks in English either in 10th or 12th class)	Look, for advertise ment given in Employment News & regional newspaper
•10+2 (Tech) Cadet Entry)	Men 16 1/2 - 19 Years	10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry & newspaper Maths (Minimum 70% marks in aggregate of PCM, minimum 50% marks in English either in 10th or 12th class)	Look, for advertise ment given in Employment News & regional newspaper
Electrical Branch
• Cadet Entry (NDA)	Men 16 1/2 - 19 Years	10+2 or equivalent and with Physics & Maths	Look, for advertise ment given in Employment News & regional newspaper
•10+2 (Tech) Cadet Entry)	Men 16 1/2 - 19 Years	10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry & newspaper Maths (Minimum 70% marks in aggregate of PCM, minimum 50% marks in English either in 10th or 12th class)	Look, for advertise ment given in Employment News & regional newspaper
NAVY Permanent Commissions - After Graduation
• Graduate special Entry, Naval Academy, Goa (Through CDSE)	Men, 19 -22 Years	B.Sc (Physics & Maths) or BE
•NCC Special Entry Academy, Goa	Men, 19 -24 Years	B.Sc (Physics & Maths) or BE with Naval Wing Senior Division NCC 'C' certificate.	West Block IV,R.K. Puram,New Delhi 110 022
• Direct Entry Naval Armament Inspection Cadre	Men, 19 -24 Years	Degree in Electronics/ Elect/Mech Engg or Post Graduate Degree in Electronics or Physics	Format given in Employment News Employment News and regional newspapers advertising the entry.
•Direct Entry Law Cadre	Men, 22 - 27 Years	A Degree in Law qualifying for enrolment as an Advocate under the Advocates Act 1961 with minimum 55% marks.
Education Branch
• Direct Entry	Men, 22 - 25 Years	A Second Division Master's Degree in • Physics (with Maths in B.Sc) or • Maths (with Physics in B.Sc) or •Chemistry (with Physics & Maths) in B.Sc •Computer Application/Computer Science (with either/Physics or Maths at Graduation level) or •Humanities (English/Economics/History/Political Science) or An Engineering Degree in Mechanical/ Electrical/Computer Science/ Technology	Look, for advertise ment given in Employment News & regional newspaper
Engineering Branch (Marine Engineers)
• Direct Entry	Men, 19 1/2 - 25 Years	*Degree in Marine/Mech./ 191/2 - 25 Aeronautical/Control/ Metallurgical/Production/ Telecom./Electronics/ Electrical/Avionics/ Computer/Software Engineering or equivalentqualification in Mech Engg recognised by the Institution of Engineers (India) as exemption from section 'A' & 'B' or their Associate Membership Exam
Engineering (Naval Architects)
• Direct Entry	Men	A second Division Degree in Naval Archite- cture/Mech/Aeronautical/ Civil/Metallurgical Engg.
Electrical Branch
• Direct Entry	Men, 19 1/2 - 25 Years	*Degree in Elect/ Electronics/telecommu-nication Engg or any other qualification in the above subjects reco-gnised by the Institution of Engineers (India) or Institution of Telecommunication Engineers (India) as equivalent to a degree course
• Direct Entry Law Cadre	Men & Women, 22 - 27 Years	A Degree in Law qualifying as an Advocate papers/Employment under the Act 1961 with minimum 55% marks.	Advertised in Newspaper & Employment News twice a year depending on vacancies.
•Direct Entry Logistic Cadre	Men & Women	BA (Economics) II Div or B.Com II Div or Graduation in any subject with Degree/ Diploma in Material/ Financial Management
• Direct Entry ATC (Air Traffic Control)	Men & Women, 19 1/2 - 25 Years	B.Sc II Div with minimum 50% marks with Physics & Maths
• Direct Entry (Education branch)	Men & Women, 21 - 25 Years	Requirement same as for permanent commissions.
• Direct Entry ( Marine Engineers)	Men, 19 1/2 - 25 Years	Degree in courses as mentioned for Permanent commission.	Look, for advertise ment given in Employment News & regional newspaper
• Direct Entry ( Electrical branch)	Men, 19 1/2 - 25 Years	same as above	same as above

AIR FORCE (Permanent & Short Service Commissions)

Branch / type of entry / Month of commencement of course each yr.	Sex and Age limit	Educational eligibility / Mode of selection	How to apply	Training & prospects
After School
NDA ( Flying Branch )	Unmarried Men only, 16 1/2 - 19 Years	• 12th Class of 10+2 System of edu. • NDA written Exam by UPSC followed by SSB Interview for those who pass in written Exam.	Apply to UPSC in response to their advertisement in April/Nov. each year in news papers and Employment News	Selected cadets are trained for 3 years in NDA and awarded BA/BSc degree followed by 52 weeks training in flying at Air Force Academy/BFTS
After Graduation
Direct Entry • Combined Defence Services Exam. (CDSE) Flying Branch • Jan & July	19 - 23 yr. (unmarried) Male only	• Graduation with Physics and Maths at 10+2 level •Written examination conducted by UPSC followed by SSB Interview for those who pass in written Exam.	Apply to UPSC in response to their advertisement in - April/Nov each year in newspaper	Selected candidates under go 22 weeks preflight training at Begumpet followed by 52 weeks training at AFA/BFTS
• Through NCC (Airwing) Flying Branch	19 - 23 yr (Unmarried) Male only	• Graduation with Physics and Maths at 10+2 and NCC "C" Air Wing certificate within 24 months of leaving NCC •No written Exam •Only AFSB interview	Refer incentives to NCC Cadets in this Chapter	Selected candidates go for direct training to AFA/BFTS
• Women Candidates (Short service Commission) Helicoptor & Transport pilots only	19-23 yr (Unmarried) Male or Female or widows of serivce personnel without any child	• Graduation with Maths & Physics at 10+2 level • Merit in SSB Interview for selected candidates	Apply to Air Hqs when aplication are called for through news papers and Employment News	Selected candidates are trained at Air ForceAcademy/ BFTS
• University Entry scheme Technical/ Engineering • July	18 - 24 yrs	• Prefinal/Final year in Engineering degree course in Electrical/ Mechanical Allied branch • Selection by AFSSB interview at colleges	Applications are called once a year through news papers and Employment News	Technical graduates are trained as per requirements of services at various training establishments
• Direct Entry scheme Technical / Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical/.Electronics branch) • June & Oct	18 - 28 yrs PC to Men short service commission to women	• Degree in Mechanical/ Electrical/ Allied subjects Aeronautical Engineering (Electr.) - PC & SSC • Engineering Degreein Electronics/ Service. Telecommunications/ Electrical. Communications/ Electronics & Communication/ Instrumentation/Computer Contd below : -	Look, for advertise ment given in Employment News & regional newspaper	44 weeks training Air Force Technical College Bangalore Provisional Short Service Comission for candidates who apply for Short Service. Females get only Short Service Commission. Study leave for ME/M.Tech. & P.hD in India and abroad.
		Science & Engineering or a combination of those subjects, or • B.Tech in Radio Physics & Electonics of Calcutta University, or • M.Sc. Physics with Electronic( Mumbai University) • M.Sc. Electronics (Delhi University) • A Degree in Science with Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry and must have passed one of the following : • Section 'A' and 'B' of AMIE (India) in Electrical / Electonics /Telecommunicatin • Graduate Membership examination of IETE with following subjects of Section 'A' Mathematics, Applied Electronics & Circuits, Principles of Communication Engineering and Transmission Line & Network, in addition to full subject of Section 'B' by actual studies • Section 'A' and 'B' exams of Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies in Avionics/Communications Must possess a minimum of two years of practical experience in Electronics discipline in a recognised servicing/manufacturing organisation Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) PC & SSC • Degree in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering, or • A Degree in Science with Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry and must have passed one of the following : • Section 'A' and 'B' of AMIE (I) with Mechanical/Aeronautical subjects, or • Associate Membership Examination Part II and III of the Aeronautical Society of India with Group I (Design & Production) or Group II (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) by actual studies. Must possses a minimum of two years practical experience in Mechanical discipline in a recognised servicing/manufacturing organisation. • Selection by Air Force Selection Board. Interviews held at SSB Dehradun, Varanasi, Mysore They also undergo Psychological test and Interview
Administrative Accounts Logistics Meteorology • Usually in January and July but varies with number of vacancies	20 - 23 yrs 20 - 25 yrs 20 - 26 yrs 20 - 23 yrs 20 - 25 yrs 20 - 27 yrs 20 - 23 yrs 20 - 25 yrs 20 - 25 yrs	1st Class Graduate 1st/IInd Class P/Graduate LLB 1st/IInd Class 1st Class B.Com. 1st/IInd Class M.Com CA/ICWAI 1st Class Graudte 1st/IInd Class P/Graduate 1st/IInd Class MSc in Physics/ 1st/IInd Class MSc in Physics/ Applied Physics/Meteorology/ Geophysics with Meteoro- logy/Applied Mathematics/ Oceanography with speciali- sation in Meteorology/ M.Tech Atmospheric Science from IIT Delhi • Merit in SSB interview. Female Candates get short service Commission after 10 years	• Candidates recommeded by AIR Headquarters after short listing are required to appear before the Air Force selection Board and undergo tests in leadership qualities and physical fitness. • No compensation is paid in respect of any injury sustained as a result of the tests. • The interview is held during August/Sept. • Selected candidates would be required to undergo medical fitness tests at IAM, Bangalore/ CME Delhi. Candidates are then detailed for training in order of merit based on the marks secured at the Selection Board and subject to medical fitness. • Successful candidates undergo 52 weeks training at Air Force Academy.
Short Service Commission for Administration (ATC/FC) Fighter Controller & Air Traffic Controller	20 - 23 yrs 20 - 25 yrs	1st Class Graduate IInd Class Post Graduate	Short Service Male officers have provisions to opt for Permanent Commission or another tenure of six years. Grant of permanent commission depends upon vacancy and suitability of the officer. Career prospects : Short Service Commission Officers are entitled for promotion under conditions applicable to Permanent Commissioned Officers of Non-Technical Ground Duties Branches.
The training of officers selected through the above entires normally commences in the month of January/August every year. Advertisements calling for applications from eligible candidates are published in Employment News and important Newspapers in Apr./May and Sept to Nov. The selection procedure includes UPSC Examination (for NDA, 10+2 (Ex) and GS Entry), interview at Services Selection Board and medical examination. Further information can also be obtained from: Directorate of Manpower Planning and Recruitment, of Army/Naval/Air Headquarters, New Delhi 110 011. Short Service Commissions are usually for a turn of 6-7 years extendeable to 10 years. On completion of tenure, short service officers are released with gratuity.

Short Service Commission for Women in the Army / Navy / Air Force

After Graduation

Branch	Age	Educational Qualification	Selection	For application
Army Service Corps (ASC) (Food scientists)	21-27 yrs	M.Sc in Organic Chemistry / Biochem / Micro Biology / Biochem of foods	Initial shortlisting of applications is done by Additional Directorate General (Recruiting) Army HQ. Short listed candidates will be tested at service Selection Board by Psychologist Group testing officer and inter- viewing officer	Additional Directorate General of Recruiting (Women Entry Section) West Block III,R.K. Puram,New Delhi 110 066
Army Ordinance Corps (AOC)	19 - 25 yrs	Graduates (min 60%) in any subject with Dip in Comp.Sc/ Material Management/ or with Commerce/ Economics Science graduates with any subject with Dip in Comp. Sc/Material Management/or with Physics/Chemistry	Same as above	Same as above
Army education Corps (AEC)	21-27 yrs	Post graduate degree	Same as above	Same as above
Army Engineers	19 - 25 yrs	BE Civil / Electrical / Mechanical / Architecture	Same as above	Same as above
Signals	19 - 25 yrs	BE Telecommunication / Telecommunication and Electronics / Computer Science/ Computer Engineering	Same as above	Same as above
EME	19 - 25 yrs	M.Sc.(Computer Science) / MCA / BE (Computer Sc & Engg) BE (Electronics) / BE (Electronics and Comp.Sc) / BE (Mech) / BE (Electrical) / BE (Automobile)	Same as above	Same as above
Intelligence Corps (Linguistic Officer)	19-25 yrs	Graduate with Interpretership level qualification in any of thefollowing languages Chinese, Sinhalese Burmese, Pushto Tibetan	Same as above	Same as above
JAG	21-27 yrs	LLB (3 yrs course) after graduation or 5 years composite course after 10+2	Same as above	Same as above
Physical standards required -The following are the minimum physical standards: • Height and weight - The minimum acceptable height and weight for women in 142 cm and 36 Kg respectively. • Vision - Visual acuity (min) Distant Vision (corrected) Better eye 6/6 worse eye 6/18, Myopia of not more than minus 5.5 D including astigmatism. To be passed as fit, a candidate must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disability likely to interfere with the efficient performance of duty. • Training - Approximately 6 months training at OTA, Madras is given after successful completion of which candidates are granted commission in the rank of 2/Lt. The final allocation of Arms/services is made before the candidates pass out of OTA

Air Force

Branch	Age	Educational Qualification	Selection
Flying Branch (Transport / Helicopter Pilots and Navigators (Commission for 10 years)	19-23 yrs, 25 yrs for CPL* holders (unmarried or widows of service personnel killed on duty but without any child) certificate are eligible to apply through respective Air squardon Interview. Selection is based on merit in SSB and interview	Graduates with Physics and Maths/BE 4 year course Candidates holding senior division 'C'	Applications are directly called for by Air HQ followed by Air Force Service Selection Board
Technical branches (commission for 6 years)	19-28 yrs (unmarried or widows of service personnel killed on duty but without any child)	Same as for male candidates
Ground Duty Branch (Administrative Logistics Accounts Education & Meterology)	20-23 yrs (unmarried) 20-25 yrs ; 27 yrs for higher qualification	1st Class graduates Post graduate 1st / 2nd class
Physical requirements - Same as army. For flying branch minimum height 162.5 cms, leg length 99-120 cm. Should not be colour / night blind or wearing glasses.

Rank, Promotions, Pay and Allowances of Defence Officers Ranks
The following chart gives the rank their equivalence in all three arms. The payscale, allowances have been revised as per the recommendations of 5th Pay commission, refer annexure.

Ranks in Army	Ranks in Navy	Ranks in Air Force
Lieutenent Captain Major Lt Colonel Colonel Brigadier Major General Lt General VCAS/GOC-IN-C General	Sub Lieutenent Lieutenent Lieutenent Commander Commander Captain Commodore Rear Admiral Vice Admiral VCNS/C-IN-C Admiral	Flying Officer Flight Lieutenent Squadron Leader Wing Commander Group Captian Air Commander Air Vice Marshal Air Marshal VCAS/AOC-IN-C Air Chief Marshal

Admissible allowances

The following are allowances which are admissible to all officers.

• Out fit - once in 7 yrs

• Kit maintenance

• Dearness allowance

• City compensatory

• Separation allowance

• Disturbance allowance

• Expatriation

• Qualification grants

• High altitude allowance are admissible as per Govt rules

The following are the allowances which are admissable to certain specialisation, courses and inclement postings:

• Flying pay to pilots in Airfare, navy and Army

• Submarine pay in Navy

• Specialist and technical pay. Technical pay to graduates in Engineering

• High altitude and field area allowance

• Diving allowance

• Survey pay in Navy

Other facilities

The following are the other facilities which are common to all 3 services but are not easy to come by in civilian life.

Leave travel - Leave benefit and travel concessions for officers and their
families.

Accomodation - Furnished accommodation at concessional rates according to rank and marital status.

Medical - Free medical treatment in Service hospitals for Officers and their families.

Food - Officers are entitled for free ration

Schooling and transport for children - Concession in tution fee and school transport facility are available to children

Group insurance scheme - Officers are covered under the scheme.

Housing scheme - The three services have special housing scheme for officers.

Loans - Granted for House building/car/scooter as per scales provided from Government from time to time.

Pension - Apart from regular pension other schemes such as Disability pension, Invalid pension Gratuity, Family pension, special family pension are also provided.

Resettlement prospects - Officers are provided with job oriented training for resettlement prospects on retirement.