Careers in Defence Services

So you have a patriotic zeal and passion to safeguard the country from enemy attacks? A career in defence services may be the right option for you.

The Indian armed forces is among the best and largest in the world. It offers a healthy work environment for the adventurous youth.

There are two ways of getting into the defence forces – through the National Defence Academy Exam (NDA Exam) or through the Combined Defence Services Exam (CDSE). Students who have completed or are about to complete their 10 +2 level education can appear for NDA. CDSE is for students who have completed their graduation or are going to complete their graduation.

National Defence Academy

National Defence Academy/Naval Academy examination is conducted by UPSC every year in the months of April and September for admission to the army, navy and air force wings of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy.

Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be asked to appear for an Intelligence and Personality Test by the Services Selection Board.

Eligibility

Nationality

The candidate must either be:

• i) a citizen of India
• ii) a subject of Nepal
• iii) a subject of Bhutan
• iv) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India
• v) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Candidates belonging to ii, iii, iv and v categories will have to obtain a certificate of eligibility issued by the government of India. The Certificate of eligibility, however, will not be necessary, in the case of candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal.

Age limit, sex and martial status

Only unmarried male candidates born not earlier or later than the specified date are eligible. The date of birth accepted by the commission is the date mentioned in the matriculation or secondary school leaving certificate or its equivalent. Other documents relating to the age like horoscopes, affidavits or birth certificates from Municipal corporation will not be accepted. The candidate must undertake not to marry until he completes his full training.

Educational qualification

For Army wing of the National Defence Academy

10 + 2 or its equivalent conducted by a state education board or a university.

For Air force and Naval wings of the National Defence Academy

10 +2 or its equivalent with physics and mathematics conducted by a state education board or a university. Candidates appearing for the 12th class exam of 10 + 2 or its equivalent can also apply.