How to Join Indian Army After 12th? Check Eligibility Criteria and Exam Pattern
Three way yo join Indian Army after passing 10+2 Class:National Defense Academy Exam, Technical Planning Exam, Indian Army Rally. UPSC, Check Eligibility Criteria and Exam Pattern

How to Join the Indian Army After the 12th?
Are you 12th-pass and interested in a government job, you have a golden opportunity to become an integral part of the Indian Army. By joining the Indian Army, you can serve the country, as well as take good care of your family. If you join the Indian Army, then only the army or the Indian government will take care of your family if you die due to some accident or some kind of accident happens to you. Today in this post, we will give enough information about the recruitment process to join the Indian Army. So that the candidates can prepare accordingly. We have come up with this article which can solve all your queries about finding suitable jobs in the Ministry of Defense.
The Indian Army is the country’s largest branch of the Indian Armed Forces which maintains its territorial boundaries and deters external aggression. Its prestige makes it a dream job for many. This profession is in demand not only because of its prestige and incentives. There are so many young aspirants who have the passion to serve the nation which makes the competition tough. It is necessary to be mentally and physically fit to join the Indian Army. Let us know how to join the Indian Army after the 12th.
Also, read this: Highest Paying Govt jobs After Higher Secondary/12th – Eligibility, Exam and Carrier Option
After passing 12th, many avenues open up for the youth. Indian Army conducts the following exams every year to fill vacancies in various departments.
Here is the list of the way through that 12th pass student join Indian Army
National Defense Academy Exam.
Technical Planning Exam.
Indian Army Rally.
1. National Defense Academy Exam:
NDA is the easiest way to join Indian Army after the 12th, most of them survive and their parents will also know about it. But there will be many parents who will not be aware of this. Let us tell you that NDA can be a good way for you to join the Indian Army. The National Defense Academy is a joint defense service training institution of the Indian Armed Forces. All defense candidates undergo training here and then go to their respective training academies for further training.
The National Defense Academy (NDA) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. Candidates have been selected on the basis of written tests, SSB interviews,s and medical tests. Based on the performance of the candidate in the above stages the selected candidates are sent for 3 years of training.
Eligibility
Qualification:
12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
Age Limit:
Between the age of 16 ½ and 19 ½
Exam Pattern:
Papers
|
Subject
|
Maximum Marks
|
Time
|
Marking per Questions
|
Negative Marking per Question
|
Paper 1
|
Mathematics
|
300
|
150 minutes
|
2.5
|
0.833
|
Paper 2
|
General Ability test
|
600
|
150 minutes
|
04
|
1.333
|
NDA – Monetary Benefit in case of an accident
Compensation for Disability:
Monthly ex-gratia amount of Rs.9,000 per month.
In the case of 100% disability, an ex-gratia amount of Rs 16,200 per month is paid.
Disability awards will not be payable in cases where the degree of disability is less than 20%.
Continuing Attendant Allowance – For 100% disability on the recommendation of the Invalid Medical Board (IBM) Rs. 6,750 CCA per month.
Also, read this: Top 10 Highest Salary Government Jobs In India For Graduates
Compensation In Case of Death:
An ex-gratia amount of Rs 12.50 lakh will be paid to the dependents.
Dependents will be paid an ex-gratia amount of Rs.9,000/- per month.
The ex-gratia amount to the cadets (direct)/NOK will be paid purely on ex-gratia basis and should not be treated as a pension for any purpose.
NDA Salary: Stipend During the Training
Fixed Stipend | Amount |
Stipend to Gentlemen Cadets during the entire duration of training in Service Academies i.e. during the training period at IMA. | Rs 56,100/- p.m.* (Starting pay in Level 10) |
NDA Salary
At IMA, at the time of stipend, Gentleman Cadets are provided with an insurance cover of Rs 75 lakh with a monthly contribution of Rs 5,000 (as per AGI scheme as applicable to regular officers from 1st October 2016).
A compulsory contributory group plan, Army Group Insurance Fund provides an insurance cover of Rs 15 lakh on payment of a one-time non-refundable premium of Rs 6,400 for 3 years. This will have to be paid from the date of joining NDA till the completion of training.
In case of relegation, an additional premium of Rs 1,160 per relegated term will be paid immediately after the event.
For those who are disqualified from NDA by IMB due to disability and are not entitled to any pension, Rs 7.5 lakh will be provided for 100 percent disability. This will be reduced to Rs 1.5 lakh for 20% disability.
Those who have moved out of IMA due to disability and are not entitled to any pension will be provided Rs 25 lakh for 100% disability. This will be reduced to Rs 5 lakh for 20% disability.
For less than 20% disability (in point 4 and 5) an ex-gratia amount of Rs 50,000 will be paid only for the initial year of training and Rs 1 lakh during the final year of training.
NDA Pay Matrix in Indian Army
Rank |
Pay Level (in Rs.) |
Lt to Major |
Lt – Level 10 (56,100 – 1,77,500) Capt – Level 10 B (61,300-1,93,900) Maj – Level 11 (69,400 –2,07,200) |
Lt Colonel to Major General |
Lt Col – Level 12A (1,21,200 –2,12,400) Col – Level 13 (1,30,600-2,15,900) Brig – Level 13A (1,39,600-2,17,600) Maj Gen – Level 14 (1,44,200-2,18,200) |
Lt Gen AG Scale |
Level 15 (1, 82, 200-2,24,100) |
HAG + Scale |
Level 16 (2,05,400 – 2,24,400) |
VCOAS/ Army Cdr/ Lt Gen (NFSG) |
Level 17 (2,25,000/-) (fixed) |
COAS |
Level 18 (2,50,000/-) (fixed) |
Allowances and Benefits in NDA
Army Aviators (Pilots) serving in the Army Aviation Corps are entitled to a monthly flying allowance of Rs 25,000.
Other Allowance
Allowances |
Amount |
Dearness Allowance |
Admissible at the same rates and under the same conditions as are applicable to civilian personnel from time to time. |
Para Allowance |
Rs 10,500/- pm |
Para Reserve Allowance |
Rs 2,625/- pm |
Para Jump Instructor Allowance |
Rs 10,500/- pm |
Project Allowance |
Rs 3,400/- pm |
Special Forces Allowance |
Rs 25,000/- pm |
Technical Allowance (Tier-I) |
Rs 3,000/- pm |
Technical Allowance (Tier-II) |
Rs 4,500/- pm |
High Altitude Allowance
Officer Level |
Amount |
Category-I |
Rs 3,400/- pm |
Category-II |
Rs 5,300/- pm |
Category-III |
Rs 25,000/- pm |
Counter Insurgency Allowance
Officer Level |
Amount |
In Peace Area |
Rs 10,500/- pm |
In Field Area |
Rs 16,900/- pm |
In Modified Field Area |
Rs 13,013/- pm |
Transport Allowance (TPTA)
Pay Level |
Higher TPTA Cities (Rs. Per month) |
Other Places (Rs. Per month) |
Officers |
Rs. 7200 + DA thereon |
Rs. 3600 + DA thereon |
Children Education Allowance
Rs. 2250/- per month per child for two eldest surviving only. CEA is admissible from Nursery to 12th Class.
Hostel Subsidy
Rs. 6,750/- per month per child for two eldest surviving only. CEA is admissible from Nursery to 12th Class.
NDA Some Other Allowances
Siachen Allowance |
Rs 42,500/- per month |
Uniform allowance |
Rs 20,000/- per year |
Ration in Kind |
In peace and Field areas |
2. Technical Planning Exam:
Candidates can also join Indian Army by qualifying Technical Planning Exam. After qualifying for the prescribed exam, candidates have to enroll themselves in the prescribed engineering course of their choice. On successful completion of 4 years of the course, cadets will be given Permanent Commission in the Army in the rank of Lieutenant.
This opportunity is provided twice a year by the Indian Army. Generally, the Indian Army recruits twice a year through the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) (10+2) in the month of January and July, and for courses usually in the month of May/June and October/November. Notification is published. The total training duration of this course is 5 years.
The selection is done through a 2 stage process for the selection of the candidates. You can qualify only by clearing these 2 stages. It takes 5 days for the SSB interview. After clearing the 2 stages the medical examination of the candidate takes place. Candidates recommended by SSB and declared medically fit will be issued joining letters for training in order of merit depending on the number of vacancies available.
Eligibility:
Candidates who have passed the 10+2 examination or its equivalent with minimum 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from recognized education boards are eligible to apply for this entry.
Age Limit:
Candidate age should not be less than 16½ years and not more than 19½ years
Exam Pattern:
Subject
|
Number of Questions
|
Marks
|
General Knowledge
|
05
|
20
|
General Science
|
05
|
20
|
Maths
|
10
|
40
|
Computer Science
|
05
|
20
|
English
|
25
|
100
|
Total
|
50
|
200
|
3. Indian Army Rally:
Army aspirants can also enroll themselves in the Indian Army Open Rallies. Indian Army conducts rallies across India to recruit candidates for Soldier posts including Soldier General Duty, Soldier Nursing Assistant, Soldier Clerk Soldier Tradesman, and Soldier Technical in various departments. Candidates are selected on the basis of Physical / Ground, Written Tests, and Medical Tests.
Eligibility:
Qualification:
Posts
|
Educational Qualification
|
Soldier GD
|
The candidates must be Matric pass with a minimum of 33% marks or equivalent
|
Soldier Technical (Ammunition Examiner)
|
The candidate must be a 10+2 pass with Science (PCME) with a minimum of 50% marks or a three-year diploma in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Automobile/Computer Science and Electronic & Instrumentation).
|
Soldier Technical
|
The candidate must be a 10+2 pass with Science (PCME) with a minimum of 50% or equivalent.
|
Soldier Nursing Assistant/NA Veterinary
|
The candidate must have done 10+2 with Science (PCME) minimum 50% or B.Sc. (Botany/Zoology/Bio-Science) and English.
|
Soldier Clerks/SKT
|
The candidate must have done 10+2 with a minimum of 60% marks and should have studied English and
|
Soldier Tradesmen (All Arms)
|
The candidate must be 10th /ITI in relevant trade
|
Soldier Tradesmen
|
The candidate must be 8th pass
|
Age Range:
Soldier General Duty: Age 21 Years
For Others: Duty: Age: 23 Years
Indian Army Clerk Salary Structure
Indian Army Clerks’ salary structure is as follows:
Initial Salary
|
Rs.20,000
|
Average Salary
|
Rs.32,000
|
Allowances
|
|
Indian Army In-hand Salary, Grade Pay, Pay Scale, and Service Pay
Indian Army Rank | Pay Scale | Total In-hand Cash (Indian Army Soldier Salary per month) |
---|---|---|
Sepoy Salary | Level 3 | 21,700 |
Lance Naik Salary | Level 3 | 21,700 |
Naik Salary | Level 4 | 25,500 |
Havildar Salary | Level 5 | 29,200 |
Naib Subedar Salary | Level 6 | 35,400 |
Subedar Salary | Level 7 | 44,900 |
Subedar Major Salary | Level 8 | 47,600 |
Lieutenant Salary | Level 10 | 56,100 |
Captain Salary | Level 10 B | 61,300 |
Major Salary | Level 11 | 69,400 |
Lieutenant Colonel Salary | Level 12 | 1,21,000 |
Colonel Salary | Level 13 | 1,30,600 |
Brigadier Salary | Level 13A | 1,39,600 |
Major General Salary | Level 14 | 1,44,200 |
Lieutenant General Salary | Level 15 | 1,82,200 |
General Salary | Level 18 | 2,50,000 |
Indian Army Officer Salary in India Before 7th Pay Commission
Here is the information in detail salary structure in the 7th pay scale.
Indian Rank | Pay Band | Indian Army Soldier Salary per Month (Corresponding Pay Band) as per the 6th Pay Commission |
---|---|---|
Sepoy Salary | PB 1 | 5,200-20,200 |
Lance Naik Salary | PB 1 | 5,200-20,200 |
Naik Salary | PB 1 | 5,200-20,200 |
Havaldar Salary | PB 1 | 5,200-20,200 |
Naib Subedar Salary | PB 2 | 9,300-34,800 |
Subedar Salary | PB 2 | 9,300-34,800 |
Subedar Major Salary | PB 2 | 9,300-34,800 |
Lieutenant Salary | PB 3 | 15,600-39,100 |
Captain Salary | PB 3 | 15,600-39,100 |
Major Salary | PB 3 | 15,600-39,100 |
Lieutenant Colonel Salary | PB 4 | 37,400-67,000 |
Colonel Salary | PB 4 | 37,400-67,000 |
Brigadier Salary | PB 4 | 37,400-67,000 |
Major General Salary | PB 4 | 37,400-67,000 |
Lieutenant General Salary | HAG + Scale | 67,000-79,000 |
So, these are the three ways through which you can join Indian Army after the 12th. Please let us know if you have any questions regarding the above information. Candidates are advised to keep track of the official website or jagranjosh.com for the latest updates regarding notification and registration.
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