Q.1 Are there any special requirements to become a defense officer??
Ans. Start early: Focus on academics + physical fitness.
- Build leadership and develop communication and decision-making skills.
- Stay updated with current affairs and defense-related news.
- Practice regularly for written exams (Math, English, General Knowledge).
- Work on developing confidence and personality for SSB (Services Selection Board).
Q.2 What is the minimum eligibility, age, gender, and qualification required for becoming a defense officer?
1. Through UPSC Exams
(a) NDA (National Defense Academy)
- Eligibility:
- Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Education: 12th pass (PCM required for Air Force & Navy, any stream for Army)
- Gender: Male & Female (from 2021 onwards)
- Work on communication skills & general knowledge.
- Process: Written exam (UPSC NDA) → SSB Interview → Medical → Training at NDA (Pune).
(b) CDS (Combined Defense Services)
- Eligibility:
- Age: 19–24 years
- Education: Graduation (Engineering for Navy/Air Force, any degree for Army)
- Gender: Male & Female
- Process: Written exam (UPSC CDS) → SSB Interview → Medical → Training at IMA/OTA/AFA/INA.
(c) AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
- For Indian Air Force (Flying, Technical & Ground Duties).
- Eligibility: Graduation (with Physics & Math at 10+2 for Flying Branch).
- Age: 19–24 years.
- Process: Written exam → AFSB Interview → Medical → Training at AFA (Hyderabad).
Q.3 What specializations are needed to join the Army, Navy or Airforce?
Through Technical Entries
- TES (Technical Entry Scheme): After 12th with PCM (Army).
- TGC (Technical Graduate Course) & UES (University Entry Scheme): For engineering graduates.
- NCC Special Entry: For NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders (Army, Navy, Air Force).
Q.4 Any other ways to join the forces?
Other Entries
- JAG (Judge Advocate General): For law graduates to join the Army’s legal branch.
- SSC (Short Service Commission): For both men & women (10–14 years of service).
- MNS (Military Nursing Service): For women with B.Sc. Nursing.
- NCC Special Entry: If you hold NCC “C” Certificate
Q.5 What is the Selection Process?
Selection Process (Common Across Entries)
- Written Exam (UPSC NDA/CDS/AFCAT or direct entry screening).
- SSB Interview – 5-day process assessing personality, leadership, and officer-like qualities.
- Medical Examination – Strict fitness standards.
- Merit List & Training – Final selection depends on vacancies + merit.
Q.6 Where are the Training Academies?
Training Academies
- Army: NDA (Pune), IMA (Dehradun), OTA (Chennai).
- Navy: INA (Ezhimala, Kerala).
- Air Force: AFA (Dundigal, Hyderabad).
Quick Tip:
If you’re in Class 10th–12th now → focus on NDA & TES.
If you’re already in college → prepare for CDS, AFCAT, or NCC Special Entry.
Q.7 Any idea about the vacancies in the forces at present?
Statistics for recent vacancies in the armed forces
Recent Vacancy Numbers
| Exam / Category | Total Vacancies / Posts |
|---|---|
| CDS-1 (2024) | 457 vacancies |
| CDS-2 (2025) | 453 vacancies |
| NDA & NA (II) 2025 | 406 vacancies |
| AFCAT-1 (2025) | 336 officers’ vacancies (across Flying, Ground-Duty Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Vacancies in Indian Armed Forces (Officers / JCOs / ORs / Sailors / Airmen) | Officers: ~ 10,628 posts vacant Soldiers / JCOs / ORs / Airmen / Sailors: |
Q.8 How can Learnopedia be helpful to candidates who want to join the Defense Forces?
Learnopedia Institute and Consultancy can help the Prospective Defense Candidates in the following:
- Choosing the right Career Path & Strategizing it for success
- Academic & Training Planning
- SSB Preparation
- Financial Guidance
- Skill Development
- Detailed Information of Defense-Oriented Educational Institutions
- Connecting the Prospective Defense Candidate with relevant Resources
