Career in Defence Services

Defence Service is a career of noble mission, which puts service before self.  

A career in Defence trains bodies as well as minds of the individuals to face any challenge, combat any threat and overcome any pressure. The training converts a common person into a brave, agile and fearless soldier.

There are various aspects to the Defence Services. The first and most commonly known options are uniformed services. These are categorized into four types, namely Indian Army, Indian Airforce, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.

Career in Indian Army

Indian army is a gallantry service. It is land-based and the largest armed services of India.

Below are the different divisions of Indian Army:

Divisions of Army
Steps to Join Indian Army

To join the Indian Army, there are 2 ways:

  1. NDA entry :-

UPSC conducts two All India Level entrance examinations for entry as a Commission Officer in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.

  1. Combined Defence Service Examination (CDS)
  2. Short Service Commission (SSC) Technical Entry

If you want to join the Indian Army for a permanent service then, you need to get selected in Permanent Commission (PC). If you are looking for serving the Army for a few years, you could consider joining the Short Service Commission (SSC). There is also a special Short Service Commission (SSC) for Women who wish to serve the Indian Army for a few years. The maximum age limit to join is 27 years.

After clearing the written exam you will have SSB (Service Selection Board) interview.

2. TES entry :-

In TES entry no written examination is conducted. You need to apply in Join Indian Army. when there is a notification in the website. The cutoff is declared by the Army according to the number of candidates applied and seat availability. Similar to NDA entry there will be an SSB interview.

  • Once you get recommended form board in SSB interview, there will be a medical test. After the medical test, merit list will be declared.
  • Commerce/Humanities students need to prepare Mathematics subject too separately in order to appear for the entrance exam.

Another Option is to pursue Graduation in Defence Studies from state-level universities. Check out the details HERE!

Career in Indian Air Force

The Indian Airforce Services (IAF) provide aerial services to the nation.

Divisions of Air Force

There are two categories under the service commission of the IAF. They are:

Short Service Commission (SSC) – This is for limited time period service. One can join the IAF as a Short Service Commission Officer by opting for an SSC Course through AFCAT / MET Entry / NCC Special Entry. It is applicable to both men and women. 

Permanent Commission – A Permanent Commission is a career in the Air Force till one retires.

Entrance Exams to Join Indian Air Force

There are 4 main entry points/ entrance examinations to get selected for the IAF: 

  1. National Defence Academy Exam (NDA) 
  2. Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) 
  3. Air force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 
  4. National Cadet Corps (NCC) entry

Different branches of Air Force are: Flying Branch (Fighters, Transporters and Helicopters), Ground Duty and Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch.

Benefits/Perks

There are several benefits of being a part of Air Force like availability of loans, Insurance, Medical Benefits, Accommodation and Stay, Leaves, School facilities, Rail concessions, Secured camp life, CSD facilities and Recreational and sports facilities.

Career in Indian Navy

The Indian Navy looks into the maritime security and related activities. The Indian Navy is a well-balanced and cohesive three-dimensional force, capable of operating above, on and under the surface of the oceans, efficiently safeguarding our national interests. There are three commands of the India Navy which work under Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief. They are:

Commands of Indian Navy

The Service Commissions in the Indian Navy are Permanent Commission (PC) and the Short Service Commission (SSC). PC is for long-term duty until one retires while SSC is for a limited span.  Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET) is conducted for the officers’ entry under the control of IHQ MoD (Navy)/ DMPR and caters for both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC). 

Entrance Exams to Join Indian Air Force

Below are the main entry points/entrance exams to join IAF:

  • Union Public Service Commission UPSC Entries- They are done in 4 modes: Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE), National Defence Academy (Navy), National Defence Academy (Naval Academy), NCC
  • The National Defence Academy and NDA Naval Academy
  • Combined Defence Services Exam (CDSE)
  • NCC Entry
  • Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET)
Benefits/Perks

There are several benefits for being a part of Air Force like Accommodation, Healthcare, Clothing, Ration, Naval Housing Schemes, Training, Leave and Travel Concessions.

Apart from that, there are other career options in defence services such as Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF), National Security Guard (NSG), Inter service institutions such as NDA, NCC, DSSC, Border Roads Organization, Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, and many more!