General Information

Exam Schedule

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Career in the Armed forces offers a rare blend of adventure, good career prospects and a prestigious job. Several special concessions are offered by the Armed Forces to its Officers which are not available in any other service.

The candidate is required to give his preference for the service he wishes to join, however the final decision also depends on the rank he secures in the merit list. The candidate should first decide their preference for the two academies i.e. National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (Executive Branch) . If a candidate opts for NDA as his first choice, he has to then give his preferences for the three wings of the NDA i.e. Army, Navy, Air force, followed by his preference for Naval Academy. Alternatively, if he gives his first preference for Naval Academy, he has to follow it with his preference for the three wings of the NDA.

These special benefits are in addition to normal admissible benefits like the casual leave, Army Group Insurance Scheme, Provident Fund, etc.

While the career in AMC, MNS and ADC are short service as well as regular commissions, the new scheme known as Women Special Entry Scheme (Officers) (WSES)(O) is slightly different. The initial contractual period is five years but in case any candidate is found unfit or unsuitable within first six months, her commission can be terminated any time before the expiry of five year period. The scheme further provides that all the lady Officers granted commission under this scheme would serve the Indian Army for a period of five years from the date of grant of Commission subject to fulfilment of other conditions. In addition, the lady officers carry reserve liability to serve the Indian Army for a period of five years plus two years on voluntary basis, or upto 37 years of age, whichever is earlier. It means that after their release, the lady Officers remain on reserve for five years and can be recalled for duty during this period in case of emergencies. This period could be extended by two more years if the Officer so desires or upto 37 years of age, whichever is earlier. WSES(O), however, does not have any provision for permanent commission, although this matter is said to be under consideration of the Government of India. Lady Officers in the two entries other than WSES(O), like AMC, ADC, etc, however, have the provision for permanent commission.

Eligibility & Selection

The candidate must either be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or of Tibetan Origin but of Indian Domicile whose parents entered India as refugee prior to 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India. Any person of Indian origin who migrated from the countries like Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India is also eligible. However, all the candidates who are not the citizens of India but are otherwise eligible under any of the above mentioned categories, must obtain and attach certificate of eligibility alongwith her application which is issued by the Government of India.

While the age limit for ASC, AEC and JAG is 21 to 27 years, this age limit is 19 to 25 years for all other branches including AOC, Engrs, Int Corps, EME and Sigs. Minimum qualification, however, varies from service to service as per the table given on next page.

The advertisement for recruitment of lady Officers under the WSES(O) appears from time to time as per requirement, normally twice every year in most of the national and important regional newspapers. The candidates are required to apply to the Additional Directorate General of Recruiting (Women Entry Section), West Block-III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066. The format of application is usually given in the advertisement. Short-listing of eligible candidates is done at the Additional Directorate level and the short-listed candidates are then required to appear before the Service Selection Board (SSB). Such candidates are allowed second class to an fro railway fare for the first time only. The selected candidates are then required to undergo a medical examination which is usually done by a special Medical Board at the nearest Military Hospital. The aspiring candidates must therefore ensure that they are in good physical and mental health and free from any disability which is likely to interfere with the efficient performance of their official duties. The broad indications of medical standards are that the height and weight should not be less than 36 kgs and 142 cms respectively for women candidates. Corrected distance vision should be at least 6/6 for better eye and 6/18 for the worse eye and Myopia of not more than minus 5.5 D including astigmatism.