Career in Indian Armed Forces
(From the wall of Shailja Narita S KathaChitram by Shailja)
Dear friends ,
This article was long due ,I am often asked by the mothers of kids who have a desire to join our prestigious Indian armed forces -Army, Airforce and Navy .
I wanted to pen down a detailed article about the same so that it could be of any help to the aspirants .
It’s such a proud feeling to see the young blood showing a keen desire for the forces .
Nothing feels better than donning the uniform and serving your nation .
I took help of my son and his dear friend for writing this article -hope it is beneficial to you all .
I have covered the criteria,
age,
subjects ,
when to apply,
where to apply
How to apply
Books to be read
The process
Written exam
Interview
Selection process
How to prepare
Medical examination (almost everything )
THE VARIOUS WAYS TO JOIN INDIAN ARMED FORCES (ARMY/NAVY/AIRFORCE).
AFTER 10+2- There are two 2 ways of joining Indian Army after 12th: 1. NDA & NA Examination :
The National Defence Academy& Naval Academy entry is open twice a year.
Form availability –Mar and Oct Notified by UPSC
The requirements for entry into NDA is as follows:
Age – 16 1⁄2 to 191⁄2 yrs(at the day the course is expected to begin) Qualification – 12th Class of 10+2 for Army and with Physics and Maths for
AF/Navy
Marital Status – Unmarried
Application to be Received by – 10-15 Nov for Jan Course and 10-15 Apr for Jul Course
Likely SSB Date – Sep to Oct and Jan to Apr (SSB can sometimes get very delayed, so this is just for reference)
Date Commencement of Training – Jan and Jul
Training Academy – NDA , Khadakwasla, Pune
Duration of Training – 3 Yrs at NDA and then 1 Yrs at IMA, Dehradun
NOTE: NDA includes Army/Navy/Airforce one more way to join navy is 10+2 B.tech Cadet Entry:
Age: 17 to 191⁄2 years.
Educational Qualification: Passed Senior Secondary Examination (10+2Pattern) or its equivalent from University/Board with at least 70 % aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) and at least 50% marks in English (either in Class X or Class XII).
How to apply: One can directly apply online fromnausena–bharti.nic.in ,selection for SSB Interview based on the cut off percentage decided by Indian Navy.
2. Technical Entry Scheme –TES (For High School Science Graduates):
Without written exam.
The TES entry is open twice a year.
Form availability – Apr and Sep Notified by Additional Directorate General of Recruiting at joinindianarmy.nic.in
The requirements for entry into TES is as follows: Age – 16 1⁄2 to 19 yrs
Qualification – 10+2 Physics, Chemistry & Maths (aggregate 70% and above to apply)
Marital Status – UnMarried
Application to be Received by – 30 Jun and 31 Oct Likely SSB Date – Aug to Oct and Feb to Apr
Date Commencement of Training – Jan and Jul Training Academy – IMA Dehradun
Duration of Training– 5 Yrs (1 Yrs IMA & 4 Yrs CTWS) Permanent Commission after 4 Yrs
NOTE: TES is only for Army.
Best books for NDA
Listed below are the section-wise books for NDA prepration.
Books for English
This section of NDA assesses a candidate's understanding of grammar and vocabulary. Here are the books that the students can refer to
• Objective General English by SP Bakshi
• Wren & Martin High School English Grammar and Composition
• Word Power Made Easy by Norman & Lewis
•
NDA Books for Physics
Questions in this section are generally asked from class 11 and 12. Usually, candidates will get questions related to electricity and mechanics. Candidates can refer to the NCERT books of class 11 and 12 and NCERT Exemplar.
Best NDA books for Chemistry
The chemistry section comprises questions that candidates have studied in class 11 and 12. Questions are basically from Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon-Di-Oxide, Acid, Bases, Oxidation and Reduction, Atoms, Valence, etc. For this section too, candidates can refer to NCERT class 11 and 12 books.
NDA books for General Science, History, Geography
The General Science, History, and Geography section consists of topics that are related to class 9 and 10 Biology. Candidates can refer to Objective GK by Sanjiv Kumar.
NDA Books for Current Affairs
In NDA, current affairs are usually asked for the past six months. For this section, candidates can refer to gyanam magazine, monthly current affairs capsule etc.
Best books for NDA Mathematics
The Maths paper cover topics like Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Algebra, Vector Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Analytical
Geometry, Statistics & Probability. The level of questions is very basic and simple. Candidates can refer to the NCERT books of Class 11 and 12. Besides, they can refer to the following books.
Book Name
Author/Publisher
Quantitative Aptitude for competitive examinations
RS Aggarwal
NDA Entrance Exam
ES Ramasamy
Mathematics for NDA/NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy
PATHFINDER FOR NDA
NDA Exam Pattern 2021
RS Aggarwal
Arihant
It is important to go through the exam pattern before beginning with the preparation. The exam pattern help candidates to understand the overall structure of the exam. According to NDA exam pattern, the written exam comprises two papers, Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The total marks of the written exam are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB Interview for Psychological Aptitude and Intelligence. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks.
NDA Syllabus 2021
The syllabus outlines the topics and sub-topics that candidates need to cover for the exam. The standard of the NDA syllabus is of class 11 and 12 levels. The important topics for NDA exam are given below.
Mathematics
Algebra
Matrices and Determinants
Trigonometry
Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions
Differential Calculus
Vector Algebra
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
Statistics and Probability
GAT
English
Spotting Errors, Comprehension, Selecting Words, Ordering of Words in a Sentence, Sentence Improvement, Antonyms, Synonyms
General Knowledge
Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History & Freedom Movement, Geography, Current Events, etc.
How To Join Indian Army After Graduation -CDSE Entry:
Procedure: Written test followed by SSB for qualified candidates of Written Test.
Eligibility Criteria: Unmarried male graduates can opt for either OTA or IMA (See details about CDSE). Females for OTA only
Training Academy
Age (at the time of course commencement)
Qualification
Cut-off
Sex
IMA (PC)
19-24 year
Graduation from recognized university
cut off decided by upsc
Male
OTA (SSC-Non Tech)
19-25 years
Graduation from recognized university
cut off decided by upsc
Male/Female
Notification: Notified by UPSC in aegis of CDSE in March/ April and September/October.
Exam: Written Exam is held twice a year, in February/March and September/October.
How To Join Indian Army After Graduation -Technical Entries
Being a Technical graduate you can join Indian Army either through Technical Graduate Course (TGC) entry which is for Permanent Commission (Males) or through SSC-Tech which is for Short Service Commission (Males/Females).
Procedure: Directly call for SSB to the candidates who are above cut-off. Eligibility:
Course
Age
Qualification
Cut-off
Training Academy
TGC
20-27 years
BE/B.Tech in
notified Stream
Decided by
Sex
the army.
Male
IMA
SSC-Tech
20-27 years
(men)
19-25 Years (women)
BE/B.Tech in
notified Stream
Decided by
the army.
Male/Female
OTA
Notification: Notified twice a year in Apr and Oct for TGC and SSC-Tech (Men) and Dec/Jan and June/July for SSC Tech Women.
How To Join Indian Army After Graduation -NCC Special Entries
Procedure: Direct SSB calls made to the candidates’ possessing desired qualifications after initial screening of the applications.
Eligibility
Entry
Age
Qualification
Sex
Training Academy
NCC SE Men
And
NCC SE Women
19-25 Years
Graduate with LLB / LLM with 50% Aggregate marks, 2 Yrs. service in NCC Senior Div. Army with minimum ‘B’ Grade in ‘C’ CertificateExam.
Male and Female
OTA Chennai
Notification: Made in April and October.
How To Join Indian Army After Graduation -Judge Advocate Entry
This is an entry for men and women. Law graduates can apply through this.
Procedure: SSB calls made to desired candidates after initial screening of the applications, then SSB call are made.
Course
Age
Qualification
Academy
Training
JAG Entry
21-27 years
Graduate with LLB / LLM with 55% marks. Registered with Bar Council of India / State
OTA
Notification: June/July
How To Join Indian Navy After Graduation-INET Entry.
INET will be an online exam and earlier Indian navy used to recruit for officer
candidate through NDA, CDS and few direct navy entries. INET will be a great
opportunity for the candidates who were not able to make in other entries. The
SSB interview call will be based on your INET score. Through INET, Indian navy
will recruit for Naval Orientation Course (NOC) Regular – Pilot / Observer / Air
Traffic Controller / Naval Armament Inspectorate Cadre / Logistics / Education /
Information Technology / Technical (Engineering & Electrical).
INET Syllabus INET exam will be of two hours duration. It will contain 100
Multiple Choice Questions comprising Questions on English, Reasoning &
Numerical Ability, General Science, Mathematical Aptitude & General
Knowledge. Each section will be of 100 marks with negative marking of one
mark for incorrect answer.
Indian Navy INET Numerical Ability and Mathematics Syllabus
1. Simplification 2. Number Series
3. Data Interpretation 4. Average
5. Interest
6. Mensuration
7. Percentage
8. Ratio & Proportion
9. Algebra
10. Profit & Loss
11. Time, Speed & Distance
12. Time & Work
13. Permutation & Combination / Probability 14. Mixture Problems
15. Number System
Indian Navy INET Reasoning Syllabus
1. Cubes and dice
2. Blood relations
3. Critical reasoning
4. Number and letter series 5. Seating arrangement
6. Venn Diagrams
7. Clocks and Calendars
8. Analytical reasoning 9. Syllogism
Indian Navy INET English General Knowledge
1. Current Affairs
2. Defence
3. General Science
4. Computer Knowledge
5. Polity & Governance
6. Culture, Books & Awards 7. Countries and Capitals
8. Geography
9. Dates and Committees 10. Economy
11. Science and Technology 12. History
13. Sports
How To Join Indian Air Force After Graduation-AFCAT Entry.
Various Entries Through AFCAT
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a part of recently introduced
Unified Selection System to provide adequate opportunities to the candidates
eligible for multiple branches of the IAF to apply through single application.
AFCAT is conducted for the following non UPSC entries for induction into
Officers’ cadre of the IAF.
• Flying branch: Short Service Commission (Men / Women)
• Technical branch: Permanent Commission (Men) / Short Service
Commission (Men / Women)
• Ground Duty branches: Permanent Commission (Men) / Short Service
Commission (Men / Women)
• Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is of two hours duration and
contains multiple choice questions on verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, general awareness and aptitude.
Syllabus of the AFCAT 2021
• English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion/Filling in of correct word, Synonyms, Antonyms and Testing of Vocabulary, Idioms and Phrases
• General Awareness: History, Geography, Civics, Politics, Current Affairs, Environment, Basic Science, Defence, Art, Culture, Sports, etc
• Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion and Simple Interest, Time & Distance (Trains/Boats & Streams)
• Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test: Verbal Skills and Spatial Ability
(a) General Awareness
• History
• Sports
• Geography
• Environment
• Civics
• Basic Science
• Defence
• Art
• Culture
• Current Affairs
• Politics
(b) Verbal Ability in English
• Comprehension
• Error Detection
• Sentence Completion
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Testing of Vocabulary
(c) Numerical Ability
• Decimal Fraction
• Simplification
• Average
• Profit & loss
• Percentage
• Ratio & Proportion
• Simple Interest
(d) Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test
• Verbal Skills
• Spatial Ability
Candidates short-listed on the basis of AFCAT are called for further testing at one of the Air Force Selection Boards. Candidates recommended after Phase – II of SSB interview are administered the following branch specific tests based on their eligibility / choice of branches:-
• Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) for Flying branch.
• Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)
Medical Examination is conducted at AFCME, New Delhi or IAM, Bengaluru based on the eligibility of the candidate and recommendations at Air Force Selection Board (AFSB).
Candidates recommended by the AFSBs and declared medically fit are detailed for training in order of All India Merit List depending on the number of vacancies available in various branches / sub branches.
SSB: SERVICES SELECTION BOARD. NOTE: FOR ALL ENTRIES SSB IS SAME.
Services Selection Board (SSB) is an organization that assesses the
candidates for becoming officers into the Indian Armed Forces. The board
evaluates the suitability of the candidate for becoming an officer using a
standardized protocol of evaluation system which constitutes personality,
intelligence tests, and interviews. The tests are of both types i.e. written and
practical task-based. An SSB comprises the panel of assessors, who are officers
in the Indian Armed Forces and having their specialization as Psychologist, GTO
(Group Task Officer), and Interviewing Officer. In total there are thirteen Service
Selection Boards across India, out of which four boards are for the Indian Army,
four boards are for Indian Air Force, and five boards for the Indian Navy. SSB is
a 5 days evaluation process.
Reporting Day (DAY1): The day of reporting at the SSB board, followed by
document check and form filling[PIQ forms]. You are suppose to report at
the place mentioned in the call letter, You will not find any difficult in doing so
because there are many other candidates who reports on the same day.
Note: For some entries reporting day and screening[PPDT] are same, when your reporting time is early like 0600 hours then your screening day will be on the very first day(reporting day)
Stage-1 Testing
1. Screening: Screening process is to pick up some potential candidates from all those who have reported for the particular entry. It consists of few activities like:
• Verbal and Non-verbal Test: Nothing hard, to be true, doesn’t need any preparation too. But it is always good to go well prepared, you can check some verbal and non-verbal sample questions from (SSB OIR book by DDE or Arihant) After this test you will get some rest, and later proceed for PPDT.
• PPDT: This consist of story writing and discussion. You will be shown a picture for 30 secs, later you have to write a story based on the
picture you have seen in 3 mins, after that, you will be divided into sub groups of 10-15 members, firstly each candidates
will narrate his/her story which is followed by the group discussion on the picture, among the group members. Keep in mind that PPDT is the most important part which helps you to clear screening and takes you to stage-2 testing.
• Results of Screening: After the completion of PPDT, you will get some rest for 2-3 hours and lunch too. Your screening results will be declared after it, selected candidates are allotted with new chest numbers. Rest of the candidates gets their TA and dropped backed to the railway station or bus stand.
Stage-2 Testing
Congrats to all who clears first stage of testing, now your real battle starts, but a good preparation can fulfill your dream to join Indian defence forces.
• DAY 2- Psychological Test: It is a battery of projective tests, all tests are used to check the psychological suitability of the candidate to be an officer. Candidates are required to write their responses based on the particular test. Here the time limit is very crucial, so you are required to write your first response in time.
• Thematic Apperception Test [TAT]
• Word Association Test [WAT]
• Situation Reaction Test [SRT]
• Self Description Test [ SD]
• TAT: You will be shown 11 pictures in which last picture is will be a blank slide, each picture will come just for 30 seconds and then disappear, after that you will get 4 minutes time to write the story based on that picture. After 4 mins another picture will come for 30 seconds and same process will be followed till last slide {blank slide }.
• WAT: You will be shown 60 words back to back, each word will remains on the screen for 15secs , in 15secs you are required to write a sentence which comes in your mind first after reading that word. Likewise you have to write 60 words continuously without any pause in between.
• SRT: You will get a booklet with 60 situations written on it, you are required to write your responses based on those 60 situations, time allotted will be 30 mins.
• SD: You are required to write opinion about you from your parents, friends, teachers, yourself and thing you would like to develop in future. Time allotted will be 15 mins.
Its all about your speed of thinking and writing, do not manipulate much because it may create problem for you in later stage. Write legible and correct.
DAY 3/4- GTO: This is also has a series of outdoor task, the main aim of this task is to judge your qualities during group performance, remember most of the task in this series are group task, you are required to support the group with best
of your qualities and not to compete with them in any manner.
• Series of Tests:
• GD: Back to back group discussion on two topics, mostly current affairs.
• GPE: Group Planning Exercise, each candidate has to write his planning for
the mentioned problem and map given, later group members are required to discuss on the problem and have to come with a common plan with common consensus. Later one of the group member has to explain the common planning with the help of pointer and map.
• PGT: Progressive Group Task, you are required to cross some obstacles with the help of supporting materials like rope, plank, wood log etc. Some rules are required to be followed during this task, it a full group activity.
• HGT: Half Group Task, mostly same as PGT but the number of group members will be half, you may get more chance to show your potential.
• IOT: Individual Obstacles Task, you are required to attempt 10 obstacles individually, each obstacle consist of some points from 1 to 10.
• Command Task: You will be a commander in this task, you are required to cross some obstacles with the help of 2-3 subordinates. You can choose 2- 3 candidates from your own group whom you think can help you to clear the obstacles.
• Snake race/Group Obstacle Race: All group members will be competing with other groups, members will be holding a snake like rope, they are required to cross certain obstacles with the snake. There are certain rules like all other tasks. It is kind of race among different groups, its a fun.
• Individual Lecturette: Each candidate will be giving lecture for 3 mins on a topic selected by him/her. You will get 4 topics out of which you have to select one topic.
• FGT: Final Group Task, same like PGT, just like another chance to show your potential.
Personal Interview:
NOTE: Will be conducted any day between day 2-4.
It is a main key which decides your recommendation in the SSB Interview, SSB Interview questions and answers plays vital role in the
assessment of the candidate. How to face the IO[Interviewing officer] in the SSB PI[SSB Personal Interview] is the major concern here.
Interview consists questions from
• Your self
• Your family/freinds
• Your city
• Your education
• Extracurricular activities
• Hobbies
• Defence knowledge
• Why armed forces?
• Backup option
DAY 5- Conference: Each candidates will be facing all SSB board members, he will face few general questions like how was your stay or what did you learn from this, conference is just to decide whether or not to recommend you as an officer in Indian defence forces. All assessors collectively decide your suitability, for some candidates those who are on border line, may face certain questions, which can be decisive one.
