Are you considering a career in the Indian Army? If so, you are making a wise choice.
The Indian Army is one of the most respected institutions in the country, and offers a range of benefits to those who join its ranks. With job security, good salary packages, and opportunities for growth, a Career in the Indian Army can be an excellent option for young professionals looking for a fulfilling and exciting career path.
In this article, we will guide you on how to join the Indian Army, and discuss all aspects - from the prerequisites to the benefits.
Eligibility Criteria to Join India Army
To pursue a career in the Indian Army, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria.
- Indian citizenship is mandatory for most positions in the army, but if you are a Nepalese or Bhutanese citizen, you can apply for some positions too.
- For most positions, you should have completed your graduation from a recognized university or institution.
- Your age should be between 19-25 years for officer-level posts and 17½ -23 years for other ranks.
- Male candidates should have a minimum height of 157.5 cm and chest size of 5 cm expansion. Female candidates should have a minimum height of 152 cm.
- Women are now eligible for almost all positions in the army except combat roles. However, they can apply for technical and non-technical positions.
Job Roles in Indian Army
The Indian Army offers various job roles that require different skills and qualifications. The job roles are divided into two categories: officers and other ranks.
A. Officer Ranks
The officer ranks start from Lieutenant and go up to General. These include Captain, Major, Colonel, Brigadier General, Major General among others.
Each rank carries specific responsibilities. For example, a Captain leads a company of soldiers, while a Major commands a battalion consisting of four to five companies. To reach higher ranks in the army requires not only experience but also leadership skills and excellent communication skills.
B. Other Ranks
Other ranks refer to non-officer positions available in the army such as Sepoy, Naik or Havildar who supervise small teams of soldiers or tradesmen. They have responsibilities ranging from combat to logistics support.
Here is a table summarising the different job roles and their responsibilities in the Indian Army:
Lieutenant Colonel | Responsible for overseeing field operations as well as commanding battalions that consist of approximately 800 to 1,200 soldiers
Colonel | As a colonel, you will be responsible for either directing regiments or forging close ties between civil society and the military.
Brigadier | You will be responsible for managing brigades comprising around 3,000 troops
Major General | You will be responsible for leading Divisions consisting of around 15,000 troops.
Lieutenant General & Above | Senior leadership positions that work closely with higher civilian authorities.
Education and Certification Options
A. Required Education
Most positions in the Indian Army require candidates to hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution. However, some technical positions may require an engineering degree or diploma.
B. Certification Courses
The Indian Army offers certification courses that help in improving one’s skills and employability while serving the nation. Short Service Commission (SSC) course for men and women is a popular course that provides candidates with an opportunity to serve in the army for ten years while also gaining valuable experience and training.
Another popular certification course is Technical Entry Scheme (TES), which enables young men who have completed their 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics to join directly as commissioned officers.
C. Specialisations in Different Domains
The Indian Army offers specialisations to its personnel based on their interests and skill sets. It includes specialised fields such as medical services, engineering, law, education, logistics management etc., where individuals can contribute according to their expertise.
Here is a list of popular certification courses offered by the Indian Army:
- Short Service Commission (SSC) Course
- Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
- National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam
- Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
D. NCC Advantage
Several short-term courses can also help strengthen your chances of joining the Indian Army. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) provides training for students in schools and colleges across India. NCC cadets have an edge over others when it comes to joining the Army as they have already undergone basic military training.
Salary Packages and Benefits in Indian Army
A. Salary Packages
Joining the Indian Army comes with various benefits such as job security, a good salary package, and a host of other perks. Officers at different levels receive different salaries with Allowances along with base pay.
For instance, a Lieutenant's starting pay is around ₹56k per month plus allowances while a Colonel's pay can be around ₹1 lakh per month plus allowances.
Other ranks also receive competitive salaries starting from around ₹20k per month plus allowances for Sepoys and Naiks and going up to around ₹40k per month plus allowances for Subedar Majors.
B. Perks and Benefits
In addition to the salary package, Indian Army personnel also receive various benefits such as medical facilities, canteen facilities at a subsidized rate, insurance cover including life insurance and health insurance policies. They can also avail of educational concessions for themselves and their families. Further benefits include leave encashment and pension after retirement.
Moreover, the Indian Army provides support for personnel transitioning into civilian life after service through its placement cells.
Career Growth and Prospects
The prospects for growth in the Indian Armed Forces have been increasing significantly over recent years due to modernisation efforts by policymakers. The armed forces are investing heavily in developing new technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or Artificial Intelligence(AI), which has led to an increase in demand for skilled professionals across different domains.
Joining the Indian Army ensures job security along with continual professional development through various training programmes that keep you updated with technological advancements in defence systems or other specializations.
Pursuing a career in the Indian Army means being part of an organisation that prioritises national security while offering its employees personal growth and opportunities that can lead to career advancement.
Here is a list highlighting the growth prospects of the Indian Army:
- Job security
- Continual professional development
- Opportunities for growth and advancement
Opportunities Await You
Joining the Indian Army can be an excellent career choice for those looking for job security, good salary packages, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Here are some key takeaways to consider:
- The Indian Army has different positions available for candidates with varying educational backgrounds.
- Officers and other ranks have different responsibilities with respective salaries and benefits.
- Pursuing a career in the Indian Army can lead to job security, career growth, and personal development.
At WIZR, we offer expert guidance to students interested in joining the army or those already serving in the armed forces. We also provide financing options to young professionals to pursue career-focused courses.
FAQs
1. What is the age limit for women Indian Army aspirants?
The minimum age limit for women aspirants is 19 years old. Women can join as Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs) until they reach 35 years of age.
2. Can one move from the Indian Navy to Indian Army?
Yes, it's possible to transfer between branches of service within the Armed Forces after completing a certain period of service.
3. Does the Indian Army provide a life pension to those who have taken VRS?
Yes, soldiers who have completed at least 15 years of service in any rank are eligible for a pension upon retirement or voluntary retirement.
4. What jobs can I pursue after leaving the Indian Army?
There are many civilian jobs that are suitable for ex-army personnel, including security, logistics, management, government service, and entrepreneurship.
5. How often are Indian Army officers transferred during service?
Generally, officers in the Indian Army are posted to a new location or unit every 2-3 years to gain experience and develop a broader perspective of the organization.
