Learn how to join Indian Army in 2025–26. Check eligibility, age limit, NDA, CDS, TES, SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, RVC, TA & soldier entry details.
Post Date– 22 December 2025
If your dream is to serve India in the Indian Army, this definitive guide will walk you through every single method of joining, including eligibility, notifications, selection process, age criteria, and how to apply — from school level entries to special entries like Agniveer, NDA, CDS, Tech Entry, RVC and JAG.
1. Overview: Indian Army Recruitment Structure
The Indian Army recruits candidates for various roles:
✔ Commissioned Officers – Leadership, management, strategic roles.
✔ Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) – Mid-level leaders.
✔ Other Ranks (Soldiers / PBOR) – Soldiers, technical, trades, clerks.
✔ Special Corps – RVC, Territorial Army roles, etc.
Important: Officer entries usually require a degree or 10+2 + exam, whereas soldier entries may start right after 10th/12th or graduation.
2. Where to Find Official Notifications
All official Indian Army recruitment notifications are published at the Join Indian Army official portal:
🌐 https://joinindianarmy.nic.in (Join Indian Army)
Check here for PDF notifications, dates, application links and eligibility every year for different entries.
3. Entry Types to Join the Indian Army
Below are all the key entry schemes (officer & soldier) to join the Indian Army:
A. Officer Entry Schemes
These entries lead to commissioning as Lieutenant (or equivalent) after training:
3.1 National Defence Academy (NDA)
→ For: 10+2 students (Permanent Commission).
→ Conducted by: UPSC twice a year.
→ Eligibility: 10+2 pass.
→ Age Limit: 16½ – 19½ years (approx).
→ Selection: Written exam (Maths, GK, English) + SSB + Medical.
→ Training: NDA, then Indian Military Academy (IMA).
→ When to apply: Notification usually in Dec/Jan.
💡 Best for: School students planning Army career right after 12th.
(Based on standard UPSC CDS & NDA exam patterns.)
3.2 Combined Defence Services (CDS)
→ For: Graduates (Permanent/SSC).
→ Conducted by: UPSC twice a year.
→ Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (any stream).
→ Age: Usually 19–24 years (for Army IMA).
→ Selection: Written exam (English, GK, Maths) + SSB + Medical.
→ Training: IMA / OTA (Chennai).
📌 Female candidates are eligible (OTA non-technical route).
This pathway is highly popular for graduate aspirants who missed NDA.
3.3 Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
➡ Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Maths + appeared in JEE Mains + SSB + Medical.
➡ Age Limit: ~16½ to 19½ years (depends on notification).
➡ Training & Degree: Integrated technical training and military training leading to Permanent Commission with engineering degree pathways.
➡ Notification: Usually released twice annually (May/Jun & Oct/Nov).
📌 How TES works:
- Shortlisting based on JEE Mains performance + academics.
- SSB interview.
- Medical exam.
- Training at IMA / technical institutes and commissioning.
3.4 Short Service Commission – Technical (SSC Tech)
➡ For: Engineering graduates.
➡ Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech from a recognized institution.
➡ Age Limit: ~20 to 27 years (as on cut-off date).
➡ Selection: Application shortlisting → SSB → Medical.
➡ Training: Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai.
✔ Latest SSC Tech 2026 notification open with ~381 vacancies.
📌 Who can apply: Both males & females (including widows of defence personnel for some vacancies).
📌 Important dates: Application windows vary — always check the official portal.
3.5 Technical Graduate Course (TGC)
➡ For: Engineering graduates (unmarried male).
➡ Eligibility: Completed or final year of B.E./B.Tech.
➡ Age: ~20–27 years.
➡ Selection: SSB + Medical.
➡ Training: IMA, Dehradun for technical branches (like Engineers, Signals, etc.).
📌 TGC 143 (July 2026 course) notification was released and applications were open recently.
3.6 Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry
➡ For: Law graduates (LLB).
➡ Eligibility: LLB with minimum percentage + registered with Bar Council.
➡ Age: ~21–27 years.
➡ Selection: SSB + Medical.
➡ Career: Legal branch of Indian Army.
✔ Detailed eligibility and SSB process available through official notifications. (Join Indian Army)
3.7 NCC Special Entry
➡ For: Graduates holding NCC ‘C’ Certificate (min grade B).
➡ Age: ~19–25 years.
➡ Selection: Shortlisting → SSB → Medical.
➡ Benefits: Written exam exempted for SSB.
3.8 Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) Entry
➡ For: Veterinary graduates (B.V.Sc or B.V.Sc & AH).
➡ Age: ~21–32 years.
➡ Type: Short Service Commission.
➡ Selection: SSB + Medical.
➡ Role: Care, training & breeding of animals in Army.
➡ 2025 Notification: Indian Army RVC SSC applications closed May 26, 2025. (Join Indian Army)
📌 Both male and female candidates can apply.
3.9 Territorial Army (TA) Officer
➡ For: Graduates (working professionals also eligible).
➡ Age: ~18–42 years (varies per profile).
➡ Selection: Civil interview → SSB → Medical.
➡ Training: Occasional military training + annual camps.
Territorial Army allows civilians/government employees to serve part-time. (Territorial Army)
B. Soldier / PBOR Entry Schemes
Even without a degree you can join the Army as a soldier or tradesman:
✔ Agniveer (Under Agnipath Scheme) – 10+2 or 10th pass depending on category.
✔ Tradesman & Soldier Technical – 10th/12th level with specific subject requirements (levels vary).
👉 These entries are usually conducted via Rally (Physical + Written + Medical) tests advertised by Army Recruiting Offices (ARO).
4. Eligibility Summary Table
| Entry | Minimum Qualification | Age (Approx) | Exam / Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA | 10+2 | 16.5–19.5 | UPSC NDA Written + SSB |
| CDS | Graduate | 19–24 / 25 | UPSC CDS Written + SSB |
| TES | 10+2 PCM + JEE | 16.5–19.5 | Shortlist + SSB |
| SSC Tech | BE/BTech | 20–27 | Shortlist + SSB |
| TGC | BE/BTech | 20–27 | SSB |
| JAG | LLB | 21–27 | SSB |
| NCC Special | Graduate + NCC C | 19–25 | SSB |
| RVC | BVSc | 21–32 | SSB |
| TA | Graduate | 18–42 | SSB |
| Agniveer/Soldier | 10/12 | 17.5–21/23 | Rally tests |
(These age ranges change slightly each notification — always confirm official notification.)
5. Selection Process (Common for Most Entries)
- Online Application on Join Indian Army portal.
- Shortlisting: Based on marks / JEE / academics (for many entries).
- SSB Interview: 5-day multi-stage assessment (Psych, Group tasks, Interview).
- Medical Examination: Army medical standards.
- Merit List & Training Offer.
6. Documents Required for Application & SSB
✔ Educational certificates
✔ Age proof (10th / birth certificate)
✔ Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN)
✔ Category certificates (if applicable)
✔ NCC / LLB / BVSc certificates (applicable entries)
✔ SSB call letter and medical forms
Always carry originals + multiple photocopies to SSB.
7. Tips to Prepare for Indian Army Entry
💪 For written exams:
- NDA/CDS: Study English, Maths, GK.
- TES/TGC/SSC: Focus studies + personality.
🧠 For SSB:
- Practice communication skills, group tasks, interviews.
- Understand psychological tests.
🏃 For physical:
- Run, push-ups, sit-ups, high standards required.
🧑⚕️ For medical:
- Maintain good health; many are screened out here.
8. Closing Notes
Joining the Indian Army is competitive but rewarding. Every entry has its own eligibility, age limit, and selection process — so always check the official notification on joinindianarmy.nic.in before applying. (Join Indian Army)
📌 Key Takeaway:
If you’re still in school — start preparing for NDA / TES.
If you’re a graduate — CDS/TGC/SSC Tech/JAG/RVC are viable paths.
If you’re a professional or working — Territorial Army is another route.
✅ FAQ SCHEMA
Q1. Can I join Indian Army after 12th?
Yes, candidates can join Indian Army after 12th through NDA and TES entries.
Q2. What is the age limit to join Indian Army?
The age limit varies by entry, ranging from 16.5 years to 42 years depending on the scheme.
Q3. Is JEE required for Indian Army TES Entry?
Yes, appearing in JEE Main is mandatory for shortlisting in TES entry.
Q4. Can girls join Indian Army as officers?
Yes, female candidates can apply through CDS (OTA), SSC Tech, JAG, NCC Special Entry, RVC, and other notified entries.
Q5. What is the official website to join Indian Army?
The official website is joinindianarmy.nic.in.
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