Hello,

In 1992, the Army, Navy and Air Force, the three pillars of defence sector, has opened the gates of defence for women.



NOTE: Girls can only join Indian Army after their graduation.



Under the scheme of Short Service Commission, women who aspire to join the Indian Army can do so for a total period of 14 years. They can enter into different branches like Engineering, Law, Logistics, Education and Medicine.



There are 3 different routes through which you can join the Indian Army: -



Graduate UPSC (Non-technical)



Graduate UPSC (Technical)



Graduate Non-UPSC.



You can apply online to these routes through the official website of the Indian Army. The shortlisted candidates are then called for an interview by the SSB either in Dec/Jan or Jun/July.



Route 1: Graduate UPSC (Non Technical)



Those who have a non-engineering background fall under the category of Short Service Commission (non-technical) and its selection is done through a written exam conducted by UPSC twice every year in the month of February and September. The candidates who clear the written exam are then called for the interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB).



Eligibility Criteria: The female candidates applying through this route must be unmarried and fall in the age group of 19 to 25 years. They must also have done graduation (any stream) from a recognized university.



Route 2: Graduate UPSC (Technical)



This route is for female candidates who possess a graduate degree in Engineering. The selection for short service commission (technical) is done solely on the basis of merit and no written exam has been conducted till date. The candidates are shortlisted on the basis of cut-off percentage applied on their marks obtained till 6th semester.



Eligibility Criteria: The female candidates applying through this route must be unmarried and fall in the age group of 20 to 27 years. They must also have done Engineering in the stream mentioned in the notification published by UPSC on its official website.



Route 3: Graduate Non-UPSC



There are two different sub-routes under this: National Cadet Corps and Judge Advocate General (JAG).



1. Short Service Commission (National Cadet Corps)



The NCC or National Cadet Corps is a youth development organization, which provides young individuals with basic military training in small arms and parades. Those female candidates who had been an active volunteer in the NCC can join the Indian Army through this route.



Eligibility Criteria: The female candidates applying through this route must be unmarried and fall in the age group of 19 to 25 years. They must be graduates (in any stream) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. They should also have done two years of service in NCC Senior Division Army obtaining a minimum B Grade in C certificate exam.



2. Short Service Commission (Judge Advocate General)



The Judge Advocate General is a branch in the Indian Army that provides legal help to the military, particularly related to court-martials and military law. To apply through this route, you need to have a recognized law degree (either 3-year or 5-year).



Eligibility Criteria-Female candidates applying through this route must be unmarried and fall in the age group of 21 to 27 years. They must have graduated LLB with 55% marks and be a member of the Bar Council of India or have passed through a law course recognized by the Bar Council.



Those candidates who clear the SSB interview go on for the medical test done by the military hospital. Once they are declared fit, they have to undergo training at Officers Training Academy, Chennai for a period of 49 weeks (11 months). The training commences either in the month of April or October.



I am sure that you will make it. All the very best.