Joining Defence Forces as Officers

Ranjan K Baruah *

A parade on 64th Indian Republic Day celebration at Imphal on 26 January 2013 :: Pix - Amo Koijam

We have published couple or articles related to career in defence. Being an officer in defence forces is an endless scope for successful career. The best way to be part of the defence forces is joining the forces as officer.

In this regard the best option one may avail is by joining National Defence Academy (NDA) after senior secondary level from any recognized board in the country.

An examination shall be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission on 28 September, 2014 for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 134th Course, and the 96th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 02 July, 2015.

The approximate vacancies to be filled on the results of the examination will be as the following
NDA- 320 ( Army -208; Navy-42; Air Force- 70)
Naval Academy (10+ 2 Cadet Entry Scheme)- 55

Minimum qualification is senior secondary pass and however students studying in class XII may also apply. Only unmarried male candidates born not earlier 2nd January 1996 and not later than 1st January 1999 are eligible. This is one of the examinations which is not for female candidates.

However femael may also join the defence forces through various other schemes. There is women Special Entry Schemes in the defence forces . There are special provision for the candidates who have NCC ‘C’ certificates. It is advisable to have NCC during school/college for the aspirants who have dream to join the defence forces.

However, NCC is not mandatory or compulsory but an added advantage for the aspirants.

Aspirants must apply online and there is no other mode for submission of the forms. Candidates are required to apply online by using the website www.upsconline.nic .in . Last date of submission of the application is 21st July.

There must be valid email address while filing up of the form through online mode. There is a paper each on mathematics ad general ability consisting of 900 marks in total. Maths paper s of 300 marks and general ability is of 600 marks.

Apart from NDA examination there is Combined Defence Service Examination to join the defence forces for the graduates. There are entries for lawyers, doctors, engineers and other graduates or post graduates for various posts according to availability in the services.

Aspirants must remember that they must be physically fit to join defence forces. There is no doubt that defence forces are the most important for the nation and career has no limit for those who deserves to be in the forces as officers. We wish good luck for all those who are going to appear in the NDA and NA examination this year.

Please make sure that no mistake is made while filling up the form online.