Page 11 - Failure to Triumph - Journey of A Student

Starting salary of 55,000/- +

Fantastic perks like Canteen, Free Medical, Clubs, Sports, Free Travel including by air (for
Commanders and above) etc.

Fast time scale promotion up to the rank of Lt Col/Commander/Wing Commander

Reach the rank of Lt Col/Commander/Wing Commander in just 13 years

Easy exit after pensionable service of 20 years

Very handsome pension and full financial security post retirement

Flexible terms of tenure in the form of short service commission

Entry Eligibility

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The entry level qualification ranges from 12 class to post-graduation. Some of the more common
entries are described below:

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NDA/Naval Academy Entry. Boys studying in 12 Science (PCM) stream can enter the
National Defence Academy/Naval Academy. At the National Defence Academy candidates
are put through graduation (B.Sc.) whereas at the Naval Academy candidates go through

four years B.Tech. program. 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 Logistics branch of the Indian Navy, graduates of BBA, BCom or BA (Eco) etc.
are considered. 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 SSB. For joining the Logistics Branch of the Indian Navy no entrance
examination is conducted. Call letters for SSB are issued based on percentage scored in the

graduation/postgraduation examination of the university. However, Air Force conducts
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 in any entrance test but are required to
pass in the SSB. However, the Air Force conducts Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).