Joining the Indian Army is a dream for countless young Indians who aspire to serve the nation with pride and honour. Whether you wish to lead troops as an officer, contribute as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), serve as a soldier, or even join the Territorial Army (TA) as a citizen-soldier, there are multiple pathways to join Indian Army. In this article, you’ll find complete details on how to join Indian Army through various entry schemes, eligibility criteria, and selection processes.
Why Join Indian Army?
✅ Serve the Nation with Honour
✅ Excellent Pay and Perks
✅ Job Security
✅ Adventure and Travel
✅ Personal Growth and Leadership
✅ Respect in Society
Ways to Join Indian Army
1️⃣ Join Indian Army as an Officer
If you wish to command soldiers and lead from the front, you can join as a commissioned officer. Below are the main officer entry schemes:
| Entry Scheme | Age Limit | Qualification | Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA (National Defence Academy) | 16.5 to 19.5 years | 12th Pass | UPSC Exam + SSB Interview |
| CDS (Combined Defence Services) | 19 to 25 years | Graduate | UPSC Exam + SSB Interview |
| TES (Technical Entry Scheme) | 16.5 to 19.5 years | 12th Pass (PCM) | Direct Entry + SSB Interview |
| SSC (Short Service Commission) | 19 to 25 years | Graduate / B.E / B.Tech | Online Application + SSB Interview |
| TGC (Technical Graduate Course) | 20 to 27 years | B.E / B.Tech | Direct Entry + SSB Interview |
| NCC Special Entry | 19 to 25 years | Graduate + NCC ‘C’ Certificate | Direct Entry + SSB Interview |
- Selection Stages for Officers:
- ✅ Written Exam (NDA/CDS)
- ✅ SSB Interview (5-day process)
- Ultimate Guide to Crack SSB Interview After NDA, CDS & SSC Tech
- ✅ Medical Examination
- ✅ Final Merit List
2️⃣ Join Indian Army as a JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer)
Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) are appointed between officers and soldiers and perform administrative, training, and specialist roles. The JCO rank is highly respected in the Army hierarchy.
Main JCO Categories:
- Religious Teacher (RT) JCO
- Naib Subedar (Education) JCO
- Catering JCO
- Army Medical Corps JCO
| Entry | Age Limit | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Teacher JCO | 25 to 34 years | Graduate with required religious qualification |
| Education JCO | 20 to 25 years | Graduate / Postgraduate |
| Catering JCO | 21 to 27 years | Diploma in Hotel Management / Catering |
Selection Process for JCO:
✅ Screening at Army Recruiting Office
✅ Written Exam
✅ Physical Fitness Test
✅ Medical Test
✅ Final Merit List
3️⃣ Join Indian Army as a Soldier
If you want to join Indian Army and serve as a soldier (Sepoy) by applying in Indian Army Agniveer Bharti Rally , here are the various trades:
| Soldier Category | Age Limit | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Soldier General Duty (GD) | 17.5 to 21 years | 10th pass |
| Soldier Technical | 17.5 to 23 years | 12th pass PCM |
| Soldier Clerk / Store Keeper | 17.5 to 23 years | 12th pass (any stream) |
| Soldier Tradesman | 17.5 to 23 years | 8th / 10th pass |
Selection Process for Soldiers:
✅ Physical Fitness Test
✅ Medical Test
✅ Written Exam (Common Entrance Exam)
✅ Final Merit List
4️⃣ Join Indian Army as TA (Territorial Army)
The Territorial Army (TA) allows civilian professionals and self-employed individuals to serve the nation in a part-time voluntary capacity, without sacrificing their primary profession.
| Entry Scheme | Age Limit | Qualification | Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Territorial Army Officer (Non-Departmental) | 18 to 42 years | Graduate | Written Exam + PIB Interview + SSB + Medical |
| Ex-Servicemen TA Entry | Up to 42 years | Ex-servicemen | Screening by PIB Board + Medical |
Selection Process for TA:
✅ Written Test (Paper I – Reasoning & Elementary Maths; Paper II – General Knowledge & English)
✅ Preliminary Interview Board (PIB)
✅ SSB Interview (for recommended candidates)
✅ Medical Examination
How to Apply to Join Indian Army?
1️⃣ Visit official website: https://joinindianarmy.nic.in
2️⃣ Register and create your profile
3️⃣ Check for latest recruitment notifications
4️⃣ Apply for the relevant post (Officer / JCO / Soldier / TA)
5️⃣ Prepare for Physical Test / Written Test / SSB Interview
Physical and Medical Standards
| Criteria | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | 157.5 cm (varies regionally) |
| Chest | 77 cm (with 5 cm expansion) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height |
| Vision | 6/6 or as prescribed |
Final Words
Join Indian Army is not just about getting a job — it is about embracing a life of discipline, courage, adventure, and selfless service to the nation. Whether you aim to serve as an officer, a JCO, a soldier, or in the Territorial Army, the Indian Army offers unmatched opportunities for growth, leadership, and respect.
If you have the passion to wear the Olive Green uniform and serve Mother India, start your preparation today — and take your first step toward becoming a proud member of the Indian Army!
