Check how women can join Indian Army in 2025–26. Know eligibility, age limit, NDA, CDS, SSC Tech, JAG, RVC & TA entries.
Post Date– 22 December 2025
In recent years, the Indian Army has opened multiple doors for women aspirants who dream of serving the nation in uniform. Today, women can join the Indian Army as officers through several prestigious entries, including NDA, CDS, SSC Tech, JAG, NCC Special Entry, RVC, and Territorial Army.
This article provides a complete, updated, and authentic guide on how women can join the Indian Army in 2025–26, covering eligibility, age limit, selection process, training, and career growth.
Can Women Join the Indian Army?
✅ Yes, absolutely.
Women can join the Indian Army only as Commissioned Officers (Permanent Commission or Short Service Commission).
As of now, women are not recruited as soldiers (PBOR) in the Indian Army, but they serve in combat support, legal, technical, medical, and administrative roles.
Types of Commission Available for Women
1. Permanent Commission (PC)
Women can now receive Permanent Commission in selected branches, meaning they can serve till retirement like male officers.
2. Short Service Commission (SSC)
Initially for 10 years (extendable to 14 years), with options for Permanent Commission in approved streams.
Official Website for Women Recruitment
All official notifications are published on:
👉 joinindianarmy.nic.in
Women candidates should apply only through the official website to avoid fraud.
Ways for Women to Join Indian Army (Officer Entries)
Below are all current and valid entry schemes for women, explained in detail:
1. NDA Entry (After 12th – Permanent Commission)
🔹 Eligibility:
- Female candidates who have passed Class 12
- For Army wing: Any stream
- For NDA overall: Maths required
🔹 Age Limit:
- 16.5 to 19.5 years (as per notification)
🔹 Selection Process:
- UPSC NDA written exam
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
🔹 Training:
- NDA, Khadakwasla (3 years)
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
📌 Important: Women were allowed in NDA from 2021 onwards, and this is now a permanent opportunity.
2. CDS Entry (OTA – Short Service Commission)
🔹 Eligibility:
- Graduation in any discipline
- Final-year students can apply
🔹 Age Limit:
- 19 to 25 years (approx)
🔹 Selection Process:
- UPSC CDS written exam
- SSB Interview
- Medical test
🔹 Training Academy:
- Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
📌 Note: CDS entry leads to SSC only for women.
3. SSC Technical Entry (Women Engineers)
🔹 Eligibility:
- B.E. / B.Tech in notified engineering streams
🔹 Age Limit:
- 20 to 27 years
🔹 Selection Process:
- Shortlisting based on marks
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
🔹 Training:
- OTA Chennai
📌 This is one of the most popular entries for women engineers.
4. Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry – Women Lawyers
🔹 Eligibility:
- LLB degree (minimum 55%)
- Registered with Bar Council of India
🔹 Age Limit:
- 21 to 27 years
🔹 Selection Process:
- SSB Interview
- Medical Examination
🔹 Role:
- Legal advisor in military law, court martial, service matters
📌 JAG is a high-respect, non-combat legal branch.
5. NCC Special Entry (Women)
🔹 Eligibility:
- Graduation
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade
🔹 Age Limit:
- 19 to 25 years
🔹 Selection Process:
- Direct SSB (No written exam)
- Medical
🔹 Commission Type:
- Short Service Commission
📌 Ideal for NCC cadets who want to skip written exams.
6. Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) – Women Veterinarians
🔹 Eligibility:
- B.V.Sc or B.V.Sc & A.H. degree
🔹 Age Limit:
- 21 to 32 years
🔹 Selection Process:
- SSB Interview
- Medical
🔹 Role:
- Care and management of animals used by Army
📌 RVC allows both male and female officers.
7. Territorial Army (TA) – Women Officers
🔹 Eligibility:
- Graduation
- Gainfully employed
🔹 Age Limit:
- 18 to 42 years
🔹 Selection Process:
- Preliminary interview
- SSB
- Medical
🔹 Nature of Service:
- Part-time military service
- Annual training camps
📌 Best option for working professionals.
Entries NOT Available for Women (As of Now)
❌ TES Entry
❌ TGC Entry
❌ Soldier / Agniveer Entry
❌ Combat Arms (Infantry, Armoured Corps)
(Policies may change in future notifications.)
Selection Process for Women in Indian Army
The selection process is almost the same as male candidates:
Stage 1: Written Exam / Shortlisting
- NDA / CDS written exam OR
- Academic shortlisting (SSC Tech, JAG, RVC)
Stage 2: SSB Interview (5 Days)
- Psychological tests
- Group tasks
- Personal interview
Stage 3: Medical Examination
- Height, weight, vision, overall fitness
Final Merit List
- Based on SSB performance + vacancies
Physical & Medical Standards for Women
✔ Height: Minimum ~152 cm (relaxations applicable)
✔ Vision: 6/6 to 6/9 (correctable)
✔ BMI: As per Army medical standards
✔ General Fitness: No major illness or deformity
Training & Rank
Women officers are commissioned as:
🎖 Lieutenant
Then promoted to:
Captain → Major → Lieutenant Colonel → Colonel
Permanent Commission officers can serve till retirement.
Salary & Benefits
💰 Starting Salary (Lieutenant):
₹56,100 + allowances
🎁 Other Benefits:
- Free medical facilities
- Accommodation
- Leave travel concessions
- Pension (for PC officers)
Career Growth & Future Opportunities
Women officers today serve in:
✔ Signals
✔ Engineers
✔ Army Air Defence
✔ Ordnance
✔ Intelligence
✔ Legal & Education branches
Women now command units and serve in leadership roles.
Preparation Tips for Women Aspirants
📘 Written Exam:
- Focus on English, GK, Maths
🧠 SSB:
- Confidence & communication
- Group participation
- Decision-making skills
🏃 Fitness:
- Daily running, basic strength exercises
Conclusion
Joining the Indian Army as a woman is not only possible but prestigious and rewarding. With expanding opportunities, equal respect, and leadership roles, women officers are now an integral part of the Indian Army.
👉 Always follow official notifications on joinindianarmy.nic.in
👉 Start preparation early and stay consistent.
✅ FAQ SCHEMA
Q1. Can girls join Indian Army after 12th?
Yes, girls can join Indian Army after 12th through NDA entry.
Q2. Which Indian Army entries are available for women?
Women can apply through NDA, CDS (OTA), SSC Tech, JAG, NCC Special Entry, RVC and Territorial Army.
Q3. Is Permanent Commission available for women in Indian Army?
Yes, Permanent Commission is available for women in selected branches.
Q4. Can women join Indian Army as soldiers?
No, currently women can join Indian Army only as officers, not as soldiers.
Q5. What is the official website for women Indian Army recruitment?
The official website is joinindianarmy.nic.in.
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