Complete Guide to Becoming an Army Officer
Your comprehensive roadmap to joining the Indian Army and serving the nation with courage, honor, and dedication
What is an Army Officer?
An Army Officer is a commissioned leader in the Indian Army who commands troops, makes strategic decisions, and ensures the security and defense of the nation. They are responsible for maintaining discipline, training soldiers, and leading from the front in all situations.
Army Officers serve in various arms and services, from combat roles in Infantry and Armoured Corps to technical roles in Engineers and Signals, each contributing to the overall defense capability of the nation.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and commanding troops
- Strategic planning and execution
- Training and development of soldiers
- Border security and defense operations
- Disaster relief and humanitarian missions
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Indian Citizenship required
Education
Bachelor's degree from recognized university
Age Limit
19-25 years (varies by entry scheme)
Physical Fitness
Meet prescribed physical and medical standards
Marital Status
Entry Schemes & Training
National Defence Academy (NDA)
Combined Defence Services (CDS)
Technical Graduate Course (TGC)
University Entry Scheme (UES)
Physical & Medical Standards
Army Arms & Services
Training Academies
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Officers Training Academy (OTA)
National Defence Academy (NDA)
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Career Progression & Pay Structure
Lieutenant
Captain
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
Brigadier
Major General
Lieutenant General
Elite Special Forces Units
Para Special Forces
Counter-terrorism and special operations
Ghatak Force
Commando platoons in infantry battalions
Marcos (Navy)
Marine commandos
Garud (Air Force)
Special forces of Indian Air Force
National Security Guard
Counter-terrorism force
Special Frontier Force
Special operations in border areas
Selection Process Timeline
Written Examination
UPSC conducts NDA/CDS examinations twice a year
SSB Interview (5 Days)
Psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview
Medical Examination
Comprehensive medical and physical fitness tests
Merit List & Allocation
Final selection based on combined scores
Training Commencement
Join respective training academies
Essential Resources & Links
Official Websites
Preparation Tips
- Maintain excellent physical fitness daily
- Develop strong leadership and communication skills
- Practice group discussions and teamwork
- Stay updated with current affairs and defense news
- Focus on mathematics and general knowledge