Career in Indian Defence Forces after Class 12th: Becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces is one of the most prestigious career paths and a highly respected career option that offers honour, adventure, and leadership opportunities. Being an officer in the Armed Forces is more than just a career choice- it is a commitment to serve the motherland with courage, dedication and determination. It is a way of life filled with discipline, adventure and a deep sense of responsibility. A soldier’s uniform is not just a symbol of pride but also a reflection of the selfless service and sacrifice that comes with it. If you have passed Class 12 and are looking for a career that builds your character and gives you the honour of serving the motherland, then the Armed Forces are the right choice for you. There are multiple entry schemes for candidates after 12th, the most popular being the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Along with NDA, there are also technical entry schemes like 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) for the Army and Navy B.Tech Entry, as well as Air Force recruitments. This article provides a detailed overview of the various entry routes in the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy after 12th, along with their eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, age limits, selection process and preparation tips.
National Defence Academy (NDA) Entry
The National Defence Academy (NDA) Entry is one of the oldest and most prestigious entries for students who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force after Class 12 as a commissioned officer. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts an offline exam twice a year for admission to the NDA Khadakwasla. The candidates who clear the exam have to undergo an SSB interview followed by a medical examination to join the NDA. Here are the key details of the NDA exam:
| Name of Entry |
National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) |
| Conducting Body |
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Forces |
|
| Type of Commission |
Permanent Commission |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Notification Release Month |
December and May (Tentatively) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19 years |
| Educational Qualification |
10+2 passed/appearing |
| Gender |
Both male and female |
| Number of Vacancies |
|
| Selection Process |
|
| Course Start | January and July |
| Training Period | 4 years |
| Training At |
Three years in National Defence Academy
|
| Initial Rank |
|
10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) provides a golden opportunity for male candidates to join the Indian Army as officers in the technical branch. TES allows candidates to join the army directly based on their JEE Main scores without appearing in the NDA exam. Shortlisted candidates go through the SSB interview and medical tests before final selection. TES is a great option for those who want to serve the nation while also gaining engineering and technical skills. Here are the key details of the TES entry:
| Name of Entry |
10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Army |
| Type of Commission |
Permanent Commission |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Notification Release Month |
October and May (Tentatively) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19 years |
| Educational Qualification |
10+2 (PCM) + appeared in JEE (Mains) examination |
| Gender | Only male |
| Number of Vacancies | 90 |
| Selection Process |
|
| Course Start | January and July |
| Training Period | 4 years |
| Training At |
Indian Military Academy |
| Initial Rank | Lieutenant |
10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme
The 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme offers a similar opportunity in the Indian Navy as the 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) does in the Indian Army. Unlike TES, in this entry, both male and female candidates who have passed 10+2 with PCM with at least 70% marks and have appeared in the JEE Main exam can apply. The 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme is a great opportunity for those who aspire to join the prestigious Indian Navy in the Executive and Technical branches. Here are the key details of the 10+2 entry:
| Name of Entry |
10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme |
| Conducting Body | Indian Navy |
| Type of Commission |
Permanent Commission |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Notification Release Month |
November and June (Tentatively) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19 years |
| Educational Qualification |
10+2 (PCM) with 70% marks + appeared in JEE (Mains) examination |
| Gender |
Both male and female |
| Number of Vacancies | 30 |
| Selection Process |
|
| Course Start | January and July |
| Training Period | 4 years |
| Training At |
Indian Naval Academy |
| Initial Rank | Sub Lieutenant |
Joining the Indian Army, Air Force, or Navy as an officer is a career that requires dedication, discipline, and determination. In return, it brings honour, pride, and respect to you and your family. The above-mentioned entry schemes provide young and courageous aspirants with the opportunity to serve the nation while developing leadership and technical skills. To succeed in these entries, aspirants need strong academic performance, physical fitness, and strategic preparation. By choosing the right entry route and staying committed to their goal, candidates can embark on a rewarding and prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces, contributing to national security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How to become Indian Army officer after 12th?
Answer: All interested and eligible candidates can join the Indian Army as an officer after Class 12 through two entry options:
(i) National Defence Academy (NDA) Entry
(ii) 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
All the important details about both entries are provided above in the article.
Question 2: How to Become a Pilot in the Indian Air Force After 12th?
Answer: The National Defence Academy (NDA) entry is the only route for male and female candidates to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force after Class 12. All the important details about the NDA entry, like eligibility, qualification, and selection process, are provided above in the article.
Question 3: How to join the Indian Navy as an officer after 12th?
Answer: Candidates have two entry routes to join the Indian Navy as officers after Class 12. The first is the National Defence Academy (NDA) Entry, and the second is the 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme. Details about both entry schemes are shared above.
Question 4: Can females apply for NDA?
Answer: Yes, females are now eligible to apply for the National Defence Academy (NDA) entry after a historic judgment by the Honourable Supreme Court of India.