Guide to Joining the Indian Army with a Father’s Service Background

Are you looking to follow in your father's footsteps and join the prestigious Indian Army? Having a family member who has served in the military can offer a significant advantage. This guide will walk you through the process of joining the Indian Army with a relation certificate.

Eligibility Criteria and Educational Requirements

To join the Indian Army, it is essential to meet the eligibility criteria and have the required educational qualifications. Here's what you need to consider:

Age

Ensure that you meet the age requirements for the specific entry scheme you are applying for. These can vary depending on the role and entry scheme. For instance, the National Defence Academy (NDA) and its associated Entry Schemes often have specific age limits.

Educational Qualifications

The required educational qualifications can also vary based on the entry scheme:

For Soldiers: You typically need to pass the 10th or 12th standard examination, depending on the specific role. For Officers: Tip to join via NDA: Having completed or be on track to complete your 12th standard. Tip to join via CDS: Holding a graduation degree. Tip to join via Technical Entry Scheme: Having an engineering degree. Tip to join via Short Service Commission (SSC): Holding a graduation degree as well.

Choosing the Right Entry Scheme

Before applying, it's crucial to know the entry schemes available and which one suits you best:

For Soldiers

Army Recruitment Rally: A series of recruitment rallies that offer direct recruitment and family member preference. Indian Army’s Official Website: Apply online for specific roles and branches.

For Officers

National Defence Academy (NDA): Suitable for those planning to join as officers, offering both cadets and soldiers entry. Combined Defence Services (CDS): Ideal for graduates who wish to join the officers' corps. Technical Entry Scheme: Designed for engineering graduates intending to serve as officers. Short Service Commission (SSC): For graduates planning a short-term career in the armed forces.

Obtain the Relation Certificate

With a family member's service as a background, having a relation certificate issued by the Indian Army is essential. This document is specifically required for soldiers' entry schemes and can significantly streamline your application process.

Prepare for the Selection Process

The journey to becoming an Indian Army officer or soldier includes several stages of selection, including:

Written Examination

Depending on the entry scheme, you might need to clear a written examination, which tests your knowledge and comprehension skills.

Physical Fitness Test

Physical aptitude is key, especially as the selection process includes the following activities:

Running Push-ups Sit-ups Other physical challenges

Medical Examination

A thorough medical check-up is necessary to ensure you meet the health standards required for service.

Apply Online

For the application process, you need to visit the official Indian Army recruitment website and fill out the application form for the specific entry scheme you are interested in. This step is crucial for initiating your journey.

Attend the SSB Interview for Officers

If you are applying for an officer position, you will need to attend the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview which includes:

VSA (Verbal Selection Assessment) SOC (Speciality Officers Course) OIR (Organizational Information and Research) Writeability Test Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interview (PI)

Stay Updated

Keep yourself updated with recruitment notifications to stay informed about upcoming rallies or selection processes. The Indian Army frequently posts updates on its official website and in local newspapers.

Prepare for Training

Once selected, you will undergo training at specific academies such as:

IMA (Indian Military Academy) for officers AEC (Armed Forces Engineer College) for technical branches MMA (Mohindra Military Academy) for special roles

Conclusion

Having a family member who has served in the Indian Army can provide you with additional support and advantages during the application process. However, ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements and prepare thoroughly for the selection procedures. Good luck on your journey to becoming an Indian Army officer or soldier!