Discover the Ultimate Guide to Joining the Indian Army After 12th: Uncover Exam Requirements, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, and More!

Discover exciting opportunities to join the esteemed Indian Army as a 12th pass candidate through various pathways and selection processes. Indian Army jobs lend prestige and dare to those who work amongst the world's second-largest army while serving the country's national security needs and protecting it from internal and external threats. Additionally, the Indian Army contributes to rescue operations during disasters and natural calamities. With Safalta App, you can access unlimited free e-books and mock tests!

One popular pathway is through the National Defence Academy (NDA). This involves written exams, SSB Interviews, and medical tests. Other pathways include the Technical Entry Scheme (TES), Indian Army Rally, and more, all with specific eligibility criteria and exam patterns.

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To be considered for entry into the National Defense Academy (NDA) 2022, the applicant must fall within the age range of 16 ½ to 19 ½.

NDA 2022 Examination Paper Pattern:

Here is the 2022 NDA paper pattern for the written test to give you an idea of what to expect:

 

Paper

Subject

Maximum Marks

Duration

Marking System

Negative Marking

Paper 1 Mathematics 300 150 minutes 2.5 0.833 Paper 2 General Ability test 600 150 minutes 04 1.333  

NDA 2022 SSB Exam Pattern:

The complete NDA 2022 SSB interview pattern is as shown below:

 

Stage

Tests

Total Marks

Stage 1 Screening Test 900 Marks Stage 2 Psychological Test Group testing Officer Tasks Personal Interview Conference

Additional information:

2. Technical Entry Scheme (TES):

An alternate way to join the Indian army after completing the 12th class is through the Technical Scheme Examination. To pursue this avenue, candidates must enroll in a prescribed engineering course of their choosing upon passing the exam. Upon completing the four-year engineering course, they will be designated a permanent commission in the army in the rank of Lieutenant. Like the NDA, this exam is also conducted twice a year in the months of January and July, with official notifications being delivered in May/June and October/November. Furthermore, the duration of the training course lasts for five years. The exam consists of three stages, namely Stage I, Stage II, and the SSB Interview, which is a five-day affair culminating in a medical examination for recommended candidates after Stage II. Subsequently, a joining letter for training will be issued to the medically fit candidates that appear on the merit list, ultimately allowing them to begin their training. This is the second-best way for individuals to pursue a career in the Indian army, following their completion of the 12th class.  

Eligibility Criteria:

Here are the specifications for eligibility:

Educational Qualification: The candidate must have completed 12th class or its equivalent with at least 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized board.

Age Limit: The candidate must be between 16 ½ years and 19 ½ years of age.

Gender: Only unmarried male candidates are allowed to apply for the exam.

 

Exam Pattern:

Here are the exam patterns for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES):

 

Subject

Number of Questions

Scoring System:

General Knowledge: 20 Marks for 05 questions

General Science: 20 Marks for 05 questions

Mathematics: 40 Marks for 10 questions

Computer Science: 20 Marks for 05 questions

English: 100 Marks for 25 questions

Total: 200 Marks for 50 questions

3. Rallying for India:

The Indian Army hosts an Annual Recruitment Rally to scout and bring on board soldiers to fill multiple positions. There are opportunities available for the positions of Soldier General Duty, Soldier Clerk, Soldier Nursing Assistant, Soldier Tradesman, and Soldier Technical across different departments. To qualify, candidates must participate in a 3-stage selection process, which involves written exams, fitness tests, and medical tests. This essay will provide you with knowledge about the procedure for joining the Indian Army after the completion of 12th grade.

Prerequisites:

To participate in the Indian Army Rally, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification:
• Post: Qualification Required:
• Soldier GD: Matriculation Certificate with a minimum of 33% marks
• Soldier Technical (Ammunition Examiner): 10+2 Certificate with Science (PCME) with 50% or a three-year certificate/diploma in Engineering (Automobile/Mechanical/Electrical/Computer and Electronic & Instrumentation).
• Soldier Technical: 10+2 Certificate with Science (PCME) with 50% marks or equivalent.

Soldier Nursing Assistant/NA Veterinary: 10+2 Certificate with Science (PCME) with 50% marks or B.Sc. (Botany/Zoology/Bio-Science) and English.

Soldier Clerks/SKT: 10+2 Certificate with a minimum of 60% marks and must have studied English.

Soldier Tradesmen (All Arms): 10th /ITI Certificate in the relevant trade.

Soldier Tradesmen: 8th pass Certificate.

Age Limit:

For Soldier General Duty: Between October 1999 to April 01, 2003.

For Other Positions: Between October 1997 to April 01, 2003.

Exam Overview:

The Soldier GD Written Exam consists of 50 questions for a total of 100 marks, with a time duration of 01 hour. The questions are divided into the following:

• General Knowledge: 05 questions, 20 marks
• General Science: 05 questions, 20 marks
• Mathematics: 10 questions, 40 marks
• Logical Reasoning: 05 questions, 10 marks
• The passing score for this exam is 35 marks.

The Indian Army offers one of the most prestigious and esteemed career opportunities, making it a golden chance for aspiring individuals who wish to serve their country. No higher education is required to join the Indian Army, and individuals who have passed the 12th grade can apply by cracking the recruitment process. There are three ways to join the Indian Army after the 12th: the National Defense Academy (NDA), Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and Indian Army Rally.

For many aspirants, joining the Indian Army is their dream, but it is important to note that one must be physically and mentally fit to pass the exams conducted by the Indian Army to select the best candidate. In this article, we will be exploring the different pathways of how to join the Indian Army after the 12th, including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and other details.

If you wish to get unlimited access to free e-books and mock tests, you can download the Safalta App.

Table of Contents:

• - Different Pathways to Join the Indian Army

1. National Defense Academy (NDA) Exam

- Eligibility Criteria

- Exam Pattern

2. Technical Entry Scheme (TES)

- Eligibility Criteria

- Exam Pattern

3. Indian Army Rally

- Eligibility Criteria

- Exam Pattern

Different Pathways to Join the Indian Army:

There are several pathways to joining the Indian Army after the 12th, and recruitment exams are conducted every year to fill vacant positions. Below are the details of the different pathways available.

1. National Defense Academy (NDA) Exam:

The National Defense Academy is the Joint Defense Service Training Institute for the Indian Army, and it is the easiest way to join the Indian Army after the 12th. Aspirants receive their preliminary training and then proceed to their respective training academies for further training. The UPSC conducts the NDA exam twice a year, and selection is made based on written exams, SSB interviews, and medical tests. The candidates who qualify for all three stages of the exam are sent for further training for three years.

Eligibility Criteria:

• - Educational Qualification: The candidate must have passed the 12th grade of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or an equivalent exam conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.

2. Technical Entry Scheme (TES):

This pathway is available for male candidates who want to join the Indian Army after the 12th with an engineering background. The TES recruitment process is conducted every year in a bid to encourage individuals with a technical background to serve in the Indian Army.

Eligibility Criteria:

• - Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the 12th grade of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or an equivalent exam conducted by a State Education Board or a University, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects.

- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.

3. Indian Army Rally:

This pathway is available for individuals who aspire to join the Indian Army after the 12th and are not eligible for the NDA or TES recruitment processes. The Indian Army conducts rallies in different states throughout the year.

Eligibility Criteria:

• - Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the 12th grade of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or an equivalent exam conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 17.5 and 23 years old.

In conclusion, joining the Indian Army after the 12th grade is an achievable and respectable career pathway, and candidates who wish to serve their country can do so by cracking the recruitment process.

To be eligible, the aspiring candidate must fall within the age bracket of 16 ½ to 19 ½ years.

Check out the Exam Pattern for NDA 2022 Written Test:

Take a look at the written test exam plan for the National Defense Academy (NDA) 2022:

Papers

Subject

Maximum Marks

Time

Marks per Question

Negative Marking per Question

Paper 1 Mathematics 300 150 minutes 2.5 0.833

Paper 2 General Ability test 600 150 minutes 04 1.333

Exam Pattern for NDA 2022 SSB:

The comprehensive exam design for the NDA 2022 SSB Interview is given below:

Stage

Tests

Total Marks

Stage 1 Screening Test 900 Marks

Stage 2 Psychological Test Group testing Officer Tasks Personal Interview Conference

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2. Technical Entry Scheme (TES):

Another route to enter the Indian Army after completing 12th grade is through the Technical Scheme Examination. The qualifying candidates must participate in the Engineering Course of their choice. Successful completion of the 4-year Engineering course would lead to a permanent Commission in the Army as Lieutenant. Like NDA, this examination happens twice a year in January and July months. Official notification releases during May/June and October/November months. Furthermore, the training course is for 5 years. The test is conducted in 3 stages, Stage I and Stage II. The SSB Interview lasts for 5 days, followed by a medical exam for candidates recommended after Stage II. Joining letters for training would be handed to the medically fit candidates recommended by SSB based on the merit list in line with the number of vacancies. After 12th, this is the second best way to join the Indian Army.

Educational Qualification:

Educational Qualification: In order to be eligible, the candidate must have passed the 12th grade or its equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized board.

Age Limit: The candidate must belong to the age bracket of 16 ½ to 19 ½ years.

Gender: Only unmarried male candidates can apply for this exam.

The Exam Pattern:

The exam pattern list for Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is as follows:

Subject

Number of Questions

Grades

General Knowledge - 05/20

General Science - 05/20

Mathematics - 10/40

Computer Science - 05/20

English - 25/100

Total: 50/200

3. Indian Army Rally:

The Indian Army Rally is a recruitment process conducted by the Indian Army for various Soldier posts, including Soldier General Duty, Soldier Clerk, Soldier Nursing Assistant, Soldier Tradesman, and Soldier Technical, across different departments. The selection process includes three stages, namely, Written Tests, medical tests, and fitness tests, contributing to the extensive process of joining the Indian Army after the 12th.

Eligibility Criteria :

Educational Qualification: Participating in Indian Army Rally requires fulfilling the below-given educational qualifications for each listed post:

Soldier GD - Minimum 33% marks in Matric or equivalent

Soldier Technical (Ammunition Examiner) - Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 pass with Science (PCME) or three-year diploma in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Automobile/Computer Science and Electronic & Instrumentation)

Soldier Technical - Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 pass with Science (PCME) or equivalent

Soldier Nursing Assistant/NA Veterinary - Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 pass with Science (PCME) or B.Sc. (Botany/Zoology/Bio-Science) and English

Soldier Clerks/SKT - Minimum 60% marks in 10+2 pass with studied English

Soldier Tradesmen (All Arms) - 10th /ITI in relevant trade

Soldier Tradesmen - 8th pass

Age Limit:

For Soldier General Duty - Born between October 1999 to April 01, 2003

For Others - Born between October 1997 to April 01, 2003

Exam Pattern:

Below is the exam pattern for the Written Exam for Soldier GD:

• General Knowledge - 15 Questions (30 Marks)
• General Science - 15 Questions (30 Marks)
• Mathematics - 15 Questions (30 Marks)
• Logical Reasoning - 05 Questions (10 Marks)
• Maximum Marks - 100
• Passing Marks - 35
• Time Duration - 01 hour

The recruitment process of the Indian Army welcomes candidates from 10th, 12th, Diploma, and ITI backgrounds, providing ample opportunities to join the force. There are several trades that 10+2 graduates can apply for.

See Also: Easiest Way to Join Indian Army Without Examination?

There are two available paths to join the Indian Army after 12th, i.e., National Defense Academy, Technical Entry Scheme (TES), and Indian Army Rally.