How to Become an Officer in the Defence

Becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces is a journey of transformation, and understanding how to become an officer in the defence is the first step toward that goal. The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force provide different entry options that match various educational backgrounds for both high school students and graduates seeking a purposeful career path.

For those wondering how to become an officer in the Defence, the selection process is designed to find candidates with “Officer Like Qualities” (OLQs) such as leadership, courage, and integrity. This career path offers more than employment; it provides an opportunity to lead an adventurous life while fulfilling duties to protect and serve the country.

Entry Schemes After 10+2

The organisation provides permanent commission opportunities for new school graduates through two established paths. 

National Defence Academy (NDA) 

The National Defence Academy serves as the main entry point, which trains cadets from all three military branches for three years at Khadakwasla before they transfer to their specific military academies. 

• The eligibility requirement for candidates states that they must have completed their 12th grade studies without restriction to specific subjects, except for Army personnel who need to complete their studies in all streams and Navy/Air Force personnel who must study Physics and Math. 
• The selection process requires candidates to complete a UPSC written examination, which leads to a five-day SSB interview. 

Technical Entry Scheme (TES) – Army & Navy 

The programs provide direct access to technical branches for students who achieved exceptional academic results in Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics). 

• To qualify for Army TES, candidates must achieve 60% in their Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics courses and possess a valid JEE Main rank. 
• Navy 10+2 B.Tech Entry requires candidates to achieve 70% in their Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics courses and their JEE Main rank.

Get Info: National Defence Academy Course Admissions

How to Become an Officer in the Defence After Graduation

Graduates have the widest variety of entry points into the officer cadre, offering both Permanent (PC) and Short Service Commissions (SSC).

The Comprehensive Selection Process for How to Become an Officer in the Defence

The entry path does not affect the selection process because it follows established standards that require strict evaluation of applicants to pick the most qualified candidates.

Stage 1: The Written Gate

All candidates who want to enter NDA, CDS, or AFCAT must pass a nationwide written test. The assessments evaluate candidates’ skills in Mathematics and English, General Knowledge, and Reasoning.

Stage 2: Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview

The SSB serves as the primary component in the selection procedure. The evaluation process consists of three parts, which take five days to complete.

• Screening: The assessment involves intelligence tests and picture perception exercises.
• Psychological Tests: The assessment uses TAT, WAT, and SRT methods to evaluate psychological traits.
• GTO Tasks: The assessment involves group obstacles and discussions to evaluate candidates’ ability to work together.
• Interview: The procedure involves direct contact between the candidate and a senior government official.

Short Service vs. Permanent Commission

When learning how to become an officer in the defence, it is vital to understand the tenure of service:

• Permanent Commission (PC): Allows you to serve until retirement. This is typically granted through NDA and IMA (Direct Entry).
• Short Service Commission (SSC): You serve for an initial period of 10 years, extendable to 14 years. At the end of this tenure, you can opt for a Permanent Commission or return to civil life with the “Officer” tag for life.

Know More: About National Defence Academy 

Conclusion

Knowing how to become an officer in the defence is about identifying the right entry that matches your age and education. Whether it’s through the gruelling UPSC exams or direct technical entries, the destination, a commissioned rank, remains the ultimate achievement for any patriot.