Defence Career Guide 2025: How to join the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force after 12th or graduation

How to join Indian Defence Services

The Indian Armed Forces offer one of the most respected and purposeful careers in the country. Every year, lakhs of young aspirants prepare for the rigorous recruitment process to serve in the Army, Navy, or Air Force—driven not just by job security, but by a deep sense of duty and honour.

Whether you are in school, college, or already a graduate, there are several structured entry routes into the defence services. Read below to know more about main pathways, eligibility, and training offered under each route.

Official Websites to Check Defence Services Recruitment Notification

Defence Career Options for Class 12th Pass

1. National Defence Academy (NDA)

The NDA remains the most prominent entry point for candidates who’ve completed 10+2. Conducted by UPSC twice a year, the NDA exam offers entry into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Both boys and girls aged 16.5 to 19.5 years can apply.

• Eligibility: Class 12 pass (PCM required for Navy & Air Force)
• Process: Written exam, followed by SSB Interview and a Medical examination
• Training: 3 years at NDA Khadakwasla, followed by 1 year at respective service academy

2. Technical Entry Scheme (TES) – Indian Army

For unmarried male students who have scored 60% or more in Physics, Chemistry, and Maths in 12th and have a valid JEE Mains score, TES offers direct SSB shortlisting.

• Age: The age limit is typically between 16.5 and 19.5 years on the course commencement date.
• Selection Process: JEE Main exam, followed by the SSB interview and medical examination.
• Training: 4-year B.Tech program at Army colleges followed by commission

3. Indian Navy B.Tech Entry

This scheme allows young men with strong academic records and JEE Mains scores to pursue a B.Tech at the Indian Naval Academy.

4. Agniveer Entry (All Three Services)

Introduced under the Agnipath scheme, this route is open to candidates aged 17.5 to 21 years. After a 4-year tenure, 25% of Agniveers may be absorbed into the regular cadre based on performance.

• Eligibility: Varies by trade (10th, 12th, ITI, Diploma)
• Selection: Physical test, followed by Written exam, and a Medical test

Joining Defence Forces After Graduation

1. Combined Defence Services (CDS)

CDS is one of the most popular entry routes for graduates and is conducted by UPSC twice a year.

• Services: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA)
• Eligibility: Graduation (B.Tech required for Navy; Physics & Math at 10+2 level for Air Force)

2. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)

AFCAT is conducted by the Indian Air Force for entry into flying and ground duty branches.

• Eligibility: Graduation with minimum 60% (technical branches require engineering degrees). There are specific age, educational, and other eligibility criteria for each branch. For more details refer to official notification.

3. NCC Special Entry (Army, Navy, Air Force)

Graduates holding an NCC 'C' certificate can apply directly for SSB interviews.

• Eligibility: Graduation with minimum 50% + NCC C certificate
• Entry Type: Short Service Commission
• Age Limit: The age limit is typically between 19 and 25 years.
• Selection Process: SSB Interview, followed by Medical Examination.

4. JAG (Judge Advocate General) Entry – Indian Army

Unmarried law graduates can apply for this specialist entry route to join the Army's legal branch as Short Service Commission officers.

• Eligibility: LLB with 55% + Bar Council registration
• Age: 21 to 27 years as of the specified date.
• CLAT PG: Requires a valid CLAT PG score.
• Selection Process: Application, Shortlisting, SSB Interview, and Medical Examination.
• Pre-Commission Training: Successful candidates undergo pre-commission training at OTA, Chennai, at government expense.