12th Pass? Here's How You Can Join the Indian Defence Forces

"Gentlemen, I will not order you into battle. I will lead you into battle." - Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

India's defence forces stand as a symbol of strength, discipline, and unwavering dedication. From the mighty Indian Army guarding our borders to the Indian Navy securing our seas and the Indian Air Force reigning the skies, these forces form the backbone of our nation's security. Beyond their defence missions, they inspire millions with courage, unity, and sacrifice. For those driven by the call to serve and protect, India offers a range of opportunities to join these elite forces. Whether you dream of donning the uniform, flying fighter jets, or patrolling the ocean's depths, there's a path for everyone ready to answer the nation's call.

A career in the armed forces is one of the country's most visible and prestigious occupations. Young people looking to work in an exciting, adventurous, and challenging field will find that defence is the most incredible place to achieve their professional aspirations. The Indian Armed Forces are India's military forces, which include four professional uniformed services: the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard. To enter one of these industries, a person can take an exam after completing their 12th-grade.

List of Exams for Indian Defence after 12th

1. National Defence Academy (NDA)
2. Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
3. Indian Navy Tradesman and Sailor Entry (SSR/AA)
4. Indian Air Force Group X and Y Exam
5. Navy B.Tech Entry Scheme

National Defence Academy (NDA)

The NDA is one of the most popular defence tests in the country. It selects students for admission to the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy courses. The exam is held twice a year i.e. NDA-I and NDA-II.The entrance test of the NDA is held twice a year i.e. NDA-I and NDA-II. to determine qualified male and female applicants after 12th grade. The NDA exam selection process includes both a written exam and an SSB interview.

NDA Exam Eligibility Criteria:

NDA Written Exam Pattern

NDA Interview Pattern

**a person who clears the 1st screening will go to the next round.**

Entry Ranks after Clearing NDA:

• Indian Army: Lieutenant (After training at Indian Military Academy - Dehradun)
• Indian Navy: Sub Lieutenant (After training at Indian Naval Academy - Ezhimala)
• Indian Air Force: Flying Officer (After training at Air Force Academy - Hyderabad)

Technical Entry Scheme (TES)

The 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is a recruitment process designed by the Indian Army to select young applicants for Technical Officer positions and provide them with a Permanent Commission in the Army. This strategy is designed to recruit persons with technical expertise to serve as commissioned officers. The Indian Army conducts the TES examination twice a year, and it varies from other entry tests such as the NDA, CDS, and AFCAT in that it does not require a written test. Candidates who match the essential criteria are sent a direct call letter for the SSB interview. Continue reading to learn more about the TES's introduction to the Indian Army.

TES Exam Eligibility Criteria:

TES Recruitment Process:

• Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their JEE Mains score
• SSB Interview: Candidates undergo an SSB interview
• Medical Examination: Candidates undergo a medical examination
• Document Verification: Candidates' documents are verified

Entry Ranks after Clearing TES:

• Indian Army: Lieutenant (After training at Indian Military Academy - Dehradun)
• Indian Navy: Sub Lieutenant (After training at Indian Naval Academy - Ezhimala)
• Indian Air Force: Flying Officer (After training at Air Force Academy - Hyderabad)

Difference Between TES and NDA Exam:

The Indian Navy Senior Secondary Recruit (SSR)

The Indian Navy Senior Secondary Recruit (SSR) exam is held to choose unmarried male and female candidates as sailors for technical and non-technical positions in the Navy. Eligible candidates must have completed 10+2 with Mathematics, Physics, and one of Chemistry, Biology, or Computer Science and be between the ages of 17 and 21. The selection process consists of a written exam, a physical fitness test, and a medical examination, with final consideration based on overall performance. Selected candidates are trained at INS Chilka and other facilities to obtain technical skills for operating and maintaining advanced naval equipment, sensors, and weaponry and performing general responsibilities on ships or submarines.

SSR Exam Eligibility:

SSR Exam Pattern:

Navy B.Tech Entry Scheme

The Indian Navy B. Tech Entry Scheme is a unique program for unmarried male and female candidates to join the Navy as officers while earning a B.Tech in Electronics & Communication or Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala. Candidates must have 70% in Physics, Chemistry, and Math in 10+2, 50% in English, and a valid JEE Main score to be considered. The selection process consists of an SSB interview and a medical check. Selected candidates get academic and naval training, and after earning their degrees, they are commissioned as officers in various branches of the Navy.

Navy B.Tech Entry Exam Eligibility

Navy B.Tech Entry Recruitment Process:

• Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their JEE Mains score
• SSB Interview: Candidates undergo an SSB interview
• Medical Examination: Candidates undergo a medical examination
• Document Verification: Candidates' documents are verified

Entry Rank for Navy B.Tech Entry Scheme:

• Sub Lieutenant: After completing the 4-year B.Tech course at the Indian Naval Academy, candidates are commissioned as Sub Lieutenants in the Indian Navy.

Indian Air Force Group X and Y Exam

The Indian Air Force (IAF) Group X and Y Exam is a nationwide test that recruits airmen for technical and non-technical positions. Group X is for technical trades such as aircraft repair and machinery operation, whereas Group Y is for non-technical roles such as administration, logistics, accounting, and medical support. Candidates aged 17 to 21 with 10+2 qualifications (particular topics vary by group) or relevant diplomas are eligible. The selection process consists of an online test, a physical fitness test, an adaptability test, and a medical examination. Following selection, candidates receive training to prepare them for their roles, which include repairing equipment, supporting operations, and administering critical services for the IAF.

Indian Air Force Group X and Y Exam Eligibility:

Indian Air Force Group X and Y Exam Pattern

Entry Ranks for Indian Air Force Group X and Y Exam Candidates

• Group X (Technical): Aircraftsman or Leading Aircraftsman (LAC) after training, candidates are inducted into the Indian Air Force as Aircraftmen (AC), which is the initial rank.
  
  
• Group Y (Non-Technical): Airmen after successful completion of training, non-technical airmen are promoted to Leading Airmen (LA).

Conclusion

Joining the Indian Armed Forces is more than just a job; it is a pledge to serve the country with honour, courage, and dedication. Whether you want to protect the borders as a soldier, monitor the skies as an airman, or navigate the seas as a sailor or officer, there are many methods to make your ambition a reality—exams like NDA, TES, SSR, and Navy B. Tech Entry and Group X & Y allow young applicants to serve in distinguished roles while receiving top-tier training and education. Each path demands discipline, determination, and a sense of service. The Indian Defence Forces seek people willing to take on new challenges, live with a purpose, and make a difference.

Stay tuned for part 2!

You can also read: What after Graduation? Here's How You Can Join the Indian Defence Forces