Page 15 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

Academy. At the NDA, candidates are put through graduation (B.Sc.)
whereas at the Naval Academy candidates go through a four-year

B.Tech. Programme. The complete expenses towards

lodging/boarding/education are borne by the government. In addition,
the candidates are paid a stipend of `21,000 per month. The aspiring

candidates are required to go through an entrance test conducted by the

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which is held twice a year
and thereafter pass in the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Graduate Entry Scheme: Candidates who are graduates in any stream

can join the Indian Army, whereas in the Indian Navy and the Indian Air
Force, science graduates are considered for the main branches.

However, in-ground duty/admin branches of the Air Force and the

Logistics Branch of the Indian Navy, graduates of BBA, B.Com. or BA
(Eco), etc. are considered. The aspiring candidates are required to go

through an entrance test conducted by the UPSC which is held twice a

year and thereafter pass in the SSB. For joining the Logistics Branch of
the Indian Navy, no entrance examination is conducted. Call letters for

SSB are issued based on the percentage scored in the graduation/post-

graduation examination of the university. However, the Air Force
conducts a Common Aptitude Test (AFCAT).

Technical Entry Scheme: There is a very high demand for technical

officers in the armed forces. Candidates of almost any stream of
engineering are eligible to join the armed forces. Engineering graduates

do not have to appear for any entrance test but are required to pass in the

SSB. However, the Air Force conducts an Engineering Knowledge Test
(EKT).

NCC Special Entry Scheme: NCC ‘C’ certificate holders are eligible to

join and do not have to go through the UPSC entrance examination.

They just have to pass in the SSB.

Women Entry Scheme: Women candidates are also being inducted into