There are three types of Military services in India viz. Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. Considering the divergence in the type of services to be rendered in these services, the recruitment methodology for these services also varies. The recruitment for the premier posts in all the three wings are done through the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examinations and Combined Defence Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Ser- vice Commission. After clearing the examination the candidates are posted as Lieutenant and can reach the highest rank on the basis of performance and seniority.

1. Indian Army

A.  Permanent Commission

A Permanent Commission means a career in the Army till one re- tires. For a Permanent commission one has to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) or the Indian Military Academy (IMA). 

The National Defence Academy, Pune 

One can take the NDA entrance exam right after class XI. Clear the UPSC exam along with a 5-day Service Selection Board interview and medical tests. Apart from providing graduation degrees, NDA has the finest infrastructure for professional training.

Indian Military Academy, Dehradun 

Indian Military Academy is yet another cradle of leadership. There are four main entries to get into IMA. In the final year of graduation, one needs to pass the Combined Defence Services Exams, clear the SSB, be medically fit and join IMA as a Direct Entry. The other entries are 10 + 2 Tech Entry where one can apply after 12th Exams. University Entry Scheme is for those of who wish to apply for Army in Pre-Final/Final Year of Engineering. Those who have completed their BE/B Tech in notified streams can also join IMA in the Technical Graduate Course. The selection procedure is same as for IMA (Direct Entry) accepting that there are no written exams. The duration of training is 1½ years for IMA (DE), five years (one year at IMA and four year at Cadet Training Wings) for 10+2 TES (incl. one year after commissioning) and one year for all other entries.

B.  Short Service Commission 

One also has the option of joining the Army and serving as a Commissioned Officer for 10 years. At the end of this period one has two options. Either elect for a Permanent Commission or opt out. Those not selected for Permanent Commission have the option of a 4 years extension. They can resign at any time during this period.

Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai 

Once selected for Short Service Commission, candidates go to the Officers Training Academy at Chennai. The selection process is a written exam followed by the SSB interview and medicals. For Technical (Engineering) graduates it is direct SSB interview and medicals. If one has done NCC Senior Division (Army) and obtained ‘C’ certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade, they can apply through their NCC Branch HQ/Zonal HQ to Recruiting Directorate for direct SSB interview. SSB qualified candidates undergo a medical examination. The duration of training is 49 weeks. OTA training provides you with opportunities to broaden the perspective and widen the horizon. Women officers also receive training at OTA, Chennai. One should be a Graduate/Post-Graduate to apply. After the written exam, there is the SSB interview followed by a medical examination. 

Other Categories of Selection:

Category	Education	Age
Soldier General Duty	SSLC/Matric  with 45% marks in aggregate. No % required if higher qualification.	171/2 – 21 Years
Soldier  Technical	10+/Intermediate exam passed in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English. No weightage for higher qualification.	171/2 – 23 Years
Soldier Clerk/Store Keeper Technical	10+/Intermediate exam passed in any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) with 50% marks in aggregate and min 40% in each subject. Weightage for higher qualification.	171/2 – 23 Years
Soldier Nursing Assistant	10+/Intermediate exam passed in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with min 50% marks in aggregate and min 40% in each subject. No weightage for higher qualification.	171/2 – 23 Years
Soldier Trades Man
(i) General Duties (ii) Specified Duties	Non Matric Non Matric	171/2 – 20 Years 171/2 – 23 Years
Havildar Education	Graduate with B.ed/Post Graduate with B.ed	20 – 25  Years
Religious Teacher (JCO’s)	Graduate in any discipline. In addition, qualification in his own religious denomination.	27 – 34  Years
JCO (Catering)	10+2, Diploma/Certificate Course of a duration of one year or more in Cookery/Hotel Management and Catering Tech recognized by AICTE.	21 – 27  Years
Surveyor Automated Cartographer	BA/B.Sc with Maths having passed Matric & 12th (10+2) with Maths & Science.	20 – 25  Years

2. Indian Navy

A.  Executive level 

• General Service Officer 

As an Executive Officer, one will be both dealing with the ship as well as fighting on the ship. It means one will be a vital part of the complex system that manages the ship and also uses the ship as an instrument of tactical warfare. One will learn to have a good understanding of ship’s capabilities and limitations and be able to turn them to one’s advantage. It is for this reason that an Executive Officer alone can aspire for the command of a naval ship.

Executive Officers are trained in specializations like anti- submarine warfare, navigation, communications, gunnery, logistics, diving and hydrography. One could also opt for the air or submarine arm. Within the branch, promotional chances are not affected by the choice of specialization. 

• Hydrographic Officer 

Executive Officers can specialize in hydrography. Hydrographic Officers are responsible for collecting information required for making the nautical charts used by the Indian Navy and other Navies around the world. 

• Naval Armament Inspection Officer 

These specialist officers inspect the armaments supplied to the Navy by various agencies. While they ensure the quality, safety and reliability of naval armament and stores, they are also responsible for in-house research & development leading to indigenization. Both Permanent as well as Short Service Commissioned officers serve in this cadre. 

• Provost Officer 

A separate cadre of Provost Officers exists to deal with policing, regulatory, and security and vigilance needs of the Navy.

• Pilot Officer 

For those with an aspiration to fly in the skies, the navy needs Pilots who act as airborne tactical coordinators of marine warfare. While most Navy pilots fly ship-borne helicopters and shore based maritime reconnaissance air- craft, some elite pilots also fly fighter aircraft such as Sea Harrier or Mig 29K. Naval aircraft locate and attack enemy surface ships and submarines and take part in amphibious warfare, search and rescue, casualty evacuation etc. For this, specialized training is imparted at various places on shore and afloat units.

• Observer Officer 

For those with a yearning for the skies, navy needs ob- servers who act as airborne coordinators of maritime war- fare. Observer officer operates various state of the art equipment including sonics, sonars, radars and communication equipment. Observer officer gets an opportunity to participate in all facets of naval operations onboard the “eyes” of the fleet: the maritime Patrol aircraft.

• Submarine Officer 

For others who enjoy the challenge of new frontiers, meet the medical standards and have an exceptional record, this is the right specialization. These new hi-tech war machines have awesome firepower, state-of-the art weapon control systems, computer controlled machinery and a high standard of habitability. In peace time, one major responsibility of the submarines is to train for war as effectively as possible in the knowledge that will contribute to its prevention. After successful completion of the rigorous training, which is conducted at Visakhapatnam, the officer will be the proud possessor of the ‘Dolphin Badge’ and a member of a very elite arm of the Navy.

• Diving officer 

A Diving Officer’s job ranges from under water inspection and repair of ships to defence of Indian Navy maritime as- sets. This is yet another elite and challenging task specialization wherein being in the parent professional arm with sub specialization such as Gunnery, Navigation, Antisubmarine warfare or else Logistics, Hydro, Aviation etc. One can become ships diver. Alternatively one may opt to be- come a Diving Officer wherein one would be required to undertake a Clearance Diving Officers course and/or a marine Commando course.

• Law Officer 

A separate cadre of Law Officers also exists to deal with the legal needs of the Navy. Both Permanent as well as Short Service Commissioned officers serve in this cadre.

• Logistics Officer 

A modern warship is not only a complex fighting unit, but also a mini township and community of several hundred people. These personnel have to be fed, clothed and paid, whatever may be the ship’s role. A modern warship has also to be constantly supplied with fuel, water and spares for the vast array of sophisticated equipment and machinery. At sea or on shore the Logistics Officer has a vital part to play in the technical and human aspects of the ship’s organisation. It is a job that requires exceptional managerial skills and the ability to deliver under pressure.

• Information Technology 

Indian Navy provides excellent career opportunities in the field of IT. Personnel gain hands-on experience in operations, maintenance and administration of core IT infra- structure applications. They are exposed to R & D functions as part of standard growth profile. Naval IT setup is unique since it involves not only shore based establishments but also afloat units, which require to maintain connectivity and synchronized operations.

Type of Entry	Unmarried Men/Women	Age Limit	Educational Qualification
EXECUTITVE BRANCH
National Defense Academy (NDA) (Through UPSC)	Men	161/2 – 19	10+2 or equivalent with Physics & Maths
(10+2) Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Through UPSC)	Men	161/2 – 19	10+2 or equivalent with Physics & Maths
Graduate Special Enrty Scheme (GSES) Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Through UPSC)	Men	19 – 22	B.Sc. (Physics & Maths) or BE
NCC Special Entry Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.	Men	19 – 24	B.Sc. (Physics & Maths) or BE with Naval Wing Senior Div NCC ‘C’ Certificate
PC Naval Armament Inspection Centre	Men	191/2 – 25	B.E./B.Tech Degree in Electronics/Elec./Mech. Engineering  or Post Graduate Degree in Electronics or Physics
PC Law Cadre	Men		A degree in Law qualifying  for enrolment as  an Advocate under the  Advocates Act  1961 with minimum 55% marks
PC Logistics Cadre	Men		A First Class Degree in B.Com/M.Com/M.A.(Economics)B.A.(Economics)/MBA/BBA/BBM/MCA/BCA/B.Sc(IT)/B.Tech/B.E. (any discipline including Civil Engineering)/B.Architecture/ICWA/Chartered Accountancy/A Graduate degree with Post Graduate/Degree in Materials Management with minimum 60% aggregate marks from a recognized university.
SSC Executive General Service	Men	191/2 – 25	BE/B.Tech (Any Discipline)with 60% marks.
SSC Hydrography	Men	191/2 – 25	B.Sc/M.Sc with Physics & Maths with min 55% marks. BE/B.Tech in any discipline with min 55% marks. B.Sc. (Physics & Maths) holding NCC Naval Wing ‘C’ Certificate. Graduate/Post Graduate in Op Research/Quantitative Methods with min 75% marks. Graduate/Post Graduate in Maths with Stats or Probability with min 75% marks.
SSC – ATC	Men & Women	191/2 – 25	1st Class Science Graduate with Physics/Maths/Electronics or MSc with Physics/Maths/Electronics with min 55% marks
SSC Law Cadre	Men & Women	22 – 27	A Degree in Law qualifying for enrolment as an Advocate under the Advocates Act 1961 with min 55% marks.
SSC Logistics Cadre	Men & Women	191/2 – 25	1st Class Degree in B.A. (Economics), B.Com, B.Sc (IT), CA/ICWA, Catering Technology or BCA/MCA, or BE/B. Tech in Mechanical, Marine, Electrical, Electronics, Civil, Computers, IT, Architecture or Graduate with PG Diploma in Material Management.
SSC Pilot	Men	19 – 23	BE/B.Tech in any discipline with minimum 60% marks from a recognized University/Institution with Maths & Physics at 10+2 level.
SSC Observer	Men & Women	19 – 23	BE/B.Tech in any discipline with minimum 60% marks from a recognized University/Institution with Maths & Physics at 10+2 level.
SSC Naval Armament Inspection Cadre	Men	191/2 – 25	A Degree in Electronics/Elect/Mech Engg or Post Graduate Degree in Electronics or Physics.
SSC Information Technology	Men	191/2 – 25	BE/B.Tech in Computer Science/Computer Engineering/IT or B.Sc (IT), BCA, MCA, M.Sc (Computer Science) with minimum 50% marks.

B.  Engineering 

• Engineering General Service Officer

Modern ships, submarines and aircraft are fitted with advanced technology machinery and propulsion systems. As an Engineering Officer, the candidate will be responsible for keeping all these hi-tech systems serviceable. Opportunities exist to work in gigantic naval dockyards and indigenous production units. In no other career is an engineer exposed to such a wide spectrum of opportunities and to keep abreast of modern developments. An Engineering Officer’s career is interspersed with technical courses up to post graduation level in India/abroad.

• Submarine Engineer Officer 

The submarines are hi-tech war machines having awe- some firepower, state of the art weapon control system, computer controlled machinery and high standard of habitability. Modern submarines have hi tech engineering equipment as well as the propulsion system. As Submarine Engineer Officer, you will be responsible for keeping these systems serviceable. Submarine Engineer Officer could also get opportunities to work in Naval Dockyards and submarine building units. On successful completion of the rigorous training conducted at different training establishments, Submarine Engineering Officer will be proud possessor of “Dolphin Badge” and become a member of a very elite arm of the Navy.

• Naval Construction Officer 

One can also join in the Naval Architecture Cadre of the Engineering Branch. The Indian Navy today employs the largest pool of trained Naval Architects in India. A Naval Architect is involved in design, construction, quality control, repair and new construction work of naval vessels. With the Navy going for more and more sophisticate warship production within the country, the Corps of Naval Architects offer excellent opportunities to keep abreast of the advancement in ship building technology.

Type of Entry	Unmarried Men/Women	Age Limit	Educational Qualification
Cadet Entry (NDA)	Men	161/2 – 19	10+2 or equivalent with Physics & Maths
10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry	Men	161/2 – 19	10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry & Maths (Minimum 70% marks in aggregate of PCM, minimum 50% marks in English either in 10th or 12th class)
University Entry Scheme (SSC)	Men	191/2 – 25 (Pre- Final Year) 19 – 24(Final Year)	Final Year and Pre Final Year Students of Electrical, Electronics, Power Engg, Instrumentation and Control, Electronics & Instrumentation, Electronics & Communication, Instrumentation and Control, Control System, Power Electronics, Computer Science Engg, Instrumentation, with minimum 60% up to 6th Semester.
Short Service Commission (GS)	Men	191/2 – 25	B.E./B.Tech in any discipline with minimum 60%.
Short Service Commission (Submarine-Engineering)	Men	191/2 – 25	B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical with minimum 60% marks.
ENGINEERING BRANCH (NAVAL ARCHITECTS)
10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry	Men	161/2 – 19	10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry & Maths (Minimum 70% marks in aggregate of PCM, minimum 50% marks in English either in 10th or 12th class)
Short Service Commission Entry	Men & Women	21 – 25	BE/B.Tech in Naval Architecture/Mechanical/Civil/Aeronautics/Metallurgical/Aerospace Engg with 60% marks.
University Entry Scheme (SSC)	Men & Women	19 – 24	BE/B.Tech in Naval Architecture/Mechanical/Civil/Aeronautics/Metallurgical/Aerospace Engg/B.Arch  with 60% marks.
Special Naval Architect Entry Scheme (SNAES)	Men & Women	21 – 25	BE/B.Tech in  Naval Architecture with 60% marks (Campus Recruitment)

C.  Electrical 

• General Service 

A warship is a mini floating city with an integral power generation and distribution system. In addition, complex missile systems, underwater weapons, radar and radio communication equipment form major part of a warship’s equipment. A majority of these are either computer-based or computer aided and incorporate the latest trends in electronics engineering. For a ship to be able to fight effectively, all these equipment must be kept working at peak efficiency. Electrical Officers have this responsibility and other challenging tasks. To sharpen their skills, the Navy offers excellent opportunities for post-graduate courses in India/abroad to deserving candidates. Officers of the Engineering and Electrical Branches can also volunteer for the Aviation/Submarine Arm. 

• Submarine Electrical Officer 

The submarines are hi-tech war machines having awe- some fire power, state of the art weapon control system, computer controlled machinery and high standard of habitability. Submarine Electrical Officer will deal with computer based or computer aided weapon systems, mis- sile system, underwater weapons, radars and radio communication equipment and ensure that all these sensitive and complex equipment are kept operational at peak efficiency. On successful completion of the rigorous training conducted at different training establishments, Submarine Electrical Officer will be proud possessor of “Dolphin Badge” and become member of a very elite arm of the Navy.

Type of Entry	Unmarried Men/Women	Age Limit	Educational Qualification
Cadet Entry (NDA)	Men	161/2 – 19	10+2 or equivalent with Physics & Maths
10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry	Men	161/2 – 19	10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry & Maths (Minimum 70% marks in aggregate of PCM, minimum 50% marks in English either in 10th or 12th class)
University Entry Scheme (SSC)	Men	191/2 – 25 (Pre- Final Year) 19 – 24(Final Year)	Final Year and Pre Final Year Students of Electrical, Electronics, Power Engg, Instrumentation and Control, Electronics & Instrumentation, Electronics & Communication, Instrumentation and Control, Control System, Power Electronics, Computer Science Engg, Instrumentation, with minimum 60% up to 6th Semester.
Short Service Commission (GS)	Men	191/2 – 25	B.E./B.Tech in any discipline with minimum 60%.
Short Service Commission (Submarine)	Men	191/2 – 25	B.E./B.Tech in Electrical/Electronics/Control/Engg/Telecommunication Engineering with 60% marks.

3. Indian Air Force (careerairforce.nic.in)

A.  Type I 

In this category the candidates are selected in the following three ways: 

1. NDA and CDSE exam conducted by the UPSC.
2. AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year for all entries other than the exam conducted by UPSC. Candidates who have successfully cleared Step 1, will receive a Call letter to report to any one of the Air Force Selection Boards located at Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar and Mysore. At the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), tests are conducted to ascertain the suitability as an Officer in the Indian Air Force. After recommendation by the Selection Board, the candidates are sent for the medical examination either at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi or Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru. An All India Merit List is compiled on the basis of the performance in the written test and AFSB interview, subject to being medically fit. Based on the vacancies available in various branches/sub branches, joining instructions are issued to join one of the Training establishments. 

B.  Type II Selection through Central Airmen Selection Board (CASB)

There are Airmen Selection Centres (ASCs) located all over the country. On enrolment at the ASCs, the candidates are routed to Basic Training Institute (BTI), Belgaum (Karnataka) to undergo Joint Basic Phase Training (JBPT) for a period of 12 weeks. On successful completion of JBPT, candidates are allocated trades and sent for trade training of specified duration. After successful completion of trade training, the airmen are deployed on ground based jobs as per their allotted trades. 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The selection as an Airman in the IAF is conducted through All India Selection Tests and Recruitment Rallies. All India Selection Tests are conducted at the Airmen Selection Centres (ASCs) located all over India as per schedule, whereas the Recruitment Rallies are con- ducted from time to time in selected areas/regions of particular States/Union Territories of the country.

(a) All India Selection Tests(STs): Advertisements are published in Employment News/Rozgar Samachar inviting the applications for All India Selection Tests (STs). In response to the advertisement, eli- gible male Indian citizens (including the citizens of Nepal) are to forward application to the President, Central Airmen Selection Board, Post Box No. 11807, New Delhi 110 010. The Board sends admit cards to eligible and short-listed candidates to appear in the Selection Tests.

(b) Recruitment Rallies: Advertisements for Rallies are published with the details of eligibility conditions, selection programme and rally venue in popular local/regional newspapers circulated in the region/area of the rally. For rally recruitment, eligible candidates are to report to the rally venue with the requisite documents. These documents will be scrutinized and verified by the Testing Team.