A career path for the brave and courageous

There are primarily two types of entries, viz, UPSC and non-UPSC. For UPSC entries a candidate has to first qualify a written exam conducted by UPSC before going through an interview at the Service Selection Board (SSB). For non-UPSC entry the candidate’s application is routed through the Additional Director General, Recruiting, Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army). Selection is based on the performance at the Services Selection Board.

Through the UPSC one can start at the:

(a) National Defence Academy (NDA): Required education is 10+2. It is a three year course at Khadakvasla after which cadets under go training for one year at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun to get Permanent Commission in the Army.
(b) Direct entry: Entry education is graduate. It is a 1½ years course at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun after which Gentlemen Cadets are commissioned into the Army as Lieutenants.
(c) Short Service Commission (SSC non-technical). Entry education is graduate. Basic military training of 49 weeks is carried out at Officer Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.

Non-UPSC entries

(a) Technical Graduate   Course (TGC). Entry education is graduate in designated disciplines of engineering. Medically fit engineer graduates with recommendation from Service Selection Board (SSB) under go one year course at Indian Military Academy (IMA). Candidates are granted two years ante date seniority on commissioning.
(b) University Entry Scheme (UES). Students studying in final/ pre-final year of engineering degree can apply through respective Command Headquarters in response to the advertisement. After screening at Service Selection Board (SSB) the training will be imparted at Indian Military Academy (IMA). Candidates are granted two years ante-date seniority on commissioning.
(c) 10+2 Tech Entry Scheme. Students having more than 70% in PCM in 12th/PUC can apply. The basic military training is for one year at IMA followed by four year technical training, with pay.
(d) Short Service Commission (Tech). Engineering graduates in notified disciplines can apply. The basic military training is for 49 weeks at OTA Chennai. Candidates are granted two years ante-date seniority on commissioning.
(e) National Cadet Corps (NCC) (Special Entry). Graduates with 50% aggregate marks  can apply. Basic military training is of 49 weeks at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.

The sixth Pay Commission has given a fillip to the pay scales of officers in the Army.  Beside numerous perks and privileges an officer gets in the Army the present pay scales are as shown in the figure.

Below Officers Rank.

The personnel below officers rank are recruited through the eleven Headquarter Recruiting Zones located across the country. Headquarter Recruiting Zone, Bangalore, is entrusted with the task of recruiting candidates from the states of Karnataka, Kerala and UT of Lakshadeep and Mahe. Three of these offices are at:
(a) Recruiting Office (HQ), Bangalore. This covers Bangalore urban, Bangalore rural, Mysore, Kolar, Tumkur, Chikaballapura, Ramanagara,    Mandya and Chamrajnagar.   Tel: [phone].
(b) Army Recruitment Office, Mangalore. This office covers Kodagu, Uttara Kannada, Dakshin Kannada, Hasan, Chikamagalur, Shimoga, Karwar, Davangare, Chitradurga and Udupi. Tel: [phone].
(c) Army Recruitment Office, Belgaum. This office covers Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Koppal, Gadag, Havery, Dharwad, Bellary and Belgaum. Tel: [phone].

Eligibility

Every male citizen, irrespective of caste, class, religion and domicile, is eligible for recruitment in the Army, provided he meets the laid down age, educational, physical and medical standards. Recruitment in the Army through open rally system is carried out for Soldier General Duty. A candidate must get the following documents to the rally site:

(a) SSLC and PUC/ 10+2/ Intermediate/ ITI certificate in original. ITI certificate issued by National Council for vocational training is only eligible.
(b) Twelve copies of latest passport size colour photographs.
(c) Nativity/ permanent residence certificate and caste certificate from Tehsildar/ Deputy Commissioner in original.
(d) Character certificate from village sarpanch/officer or local police officer in original.
(e) Relationship certificate from respective records in case of sons of ex-servicemen, serving personnel and war widows.
(f) NCC certificate in original in case of NCC candidates.
(g) For candidates between 17 ½ and 18 years an affidavit in English from parents.
(h) Sports certificates.
(j) Two photocopies of the above documents, duly attested.

The present pay scales of the PBORs has been increased handsomely by the VIth Pay Commission. It is stressed that the entire process of recruitment is carried out in a fair and transparent manner. At each stage different board of officers are employed to ensure fairness and also to make sure that proper laid down procedures are followed at each stage. The recruitment procedure is structured to select the candidates who are physically tough, mentally strong with adequate intelligence. Profession in the Army is challenging and undoubtedly the best considering the security of the job as also the quality of life it offers.

Notification     


Notification for all categories of officers’ courses appear in leading news papers and employment news. The details can also be ascertained by visiting the Army Recruiting Offices or by enquiry on the telephone.

Pay scales of Army officers