How Can I Join Army After 12th: Complete Guide to Start Your Military Career

For many young students, joining the Indian Army after Class 12 is more than just a career choice. It marks the beginning of a life filled with discipline, commitment, and national pride. The route you take depends largely on your academic background. Those from the science stream can apply through the National Defence Academy or the Technical Entry Scheme. Other students can consider the Agniveer entry. Female candidates with a science background may also opt for the Military Nursing Service. Each of these entries has its own process and leads to a meaningful and respected life in the armed forces.

Top 3 Ways to Join Indian Army After 12th

The main entries into the Indian Army after Class 12 are:

1. NDA (National Defence Academy) – UPSC conducted, open to boys and girls.
2. TES (Technical Entry Scheme) – Only for science stream boys.
3. Agniveer (General Duty and other trades) – For both male and female candidates.

Let’s explore each in detail.

1. National Defence Academy (NDA) Entry

NDA is the most popular and prestigious route for joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force after 12th.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Indian
• Gender: Male & Female (now eligible)
• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Educational Qualification:
• For Army Wing: 10+2 passed in any stream
• For Air Force/Navy: Must have Physics & Maths in 10+2
• Marital Status: Unmarried

NDA Selection Process

• Step 1: Written Exam conducted by UPSC (held twice a year)
• Step 2: SSB Interview (5-day personality & aptitude test)
• Step 3: Medical Examination

NDA Training and Commissioning

Once selected, candidates undergo 3 years of training at NDA, Pune. After graduation:

• Army cadets go to IMA (Indian Military Academy), Dehradun for 1 year.
• Navy cadets move to INA (Indian Naval Academy), Ezhimala for 1 year.
• Air Force cadets go to AFA (Air Force Academy), Dundigal for 1.5 years.

After completing the respective service training, cadets are commissioned as:

• Lieutenant in Army
• Sub-Lieutenant in Navy
• Flying Officer in Air Force

2. Technical Entry Scheme (TES) for 10+2 Students

This is another golden opportunity, but it is only for male candidates with PCM in 12th.

Who Can Apply?

• Stream: Science (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Percentage: Minimum 60% in PCM
• JEE Mains: Must have appeared

TES Selection and Training

Shortlisted candidates go through an SSB Interview and medical tests. Selected candidates undergo 5 years of training:

• 1 year at Officers Training Academy, Gaya
• 4 years at CME Pune / MCTE Mhow / MCEME Secunderabad (based on branch)

Upon successful completion, they are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army’s technical corps.

3. Agniveer Scheme (General Duty & Other Trades)

What is the Agniveer Scheme?

Introduced under the Agnipath initiative, this entry allows youth to serve in the Army for 4 years, with a chance to be retained permanently after evaluation.

Eligibility & Recruitment Process

• Age: 17.5 to 21 years
• Gender: Both Male and Female (in select trades)
• Qualification:
• Agniveer GD: 10th pass with 45%
• Agniveer Technical: 12th with PCM/PCB
• Agniveer Clerk: 12th with 60% and English + Maths
• Process:
• Online Common Entrance Exam (CEE)
• Physical Fitness Test
• Medical Test

Female Entry – Can Girls Join Army After 12th?

Yes, girls can now apply for the NDA Exam (post-Supreme Court verdict) and also the MNS (Military Nursing Service).

• MNS Entry: For girls with PCB stream, 10+2 qualification. Selection is through NEET + Interview + Medical.
• Training: 4 years BSc Nursing at AFMC-affiliated colleges, followed by commissioning into MNS as Nursing Officers.

Girls can also apply under Agniveer scheme, in General Duty (Women Military Police).

What Happens After NDA? IMA, INA, AFA Training Paths

After 3 years of academic + military training at NDA:

• Army Cadets go to IMA Dehradun for 1 year
• Navy Cadets go to INA Ezhimala for 1 year
• Air Force Cadets go to AFA Dundigal for 1.5 years

Each academy provides service-specific combat training. On successful completion, cadets are commissioned as officers.

Missed NDA or TES? Other Ways to Join Army Later

Don’t worry. Even if you missed NDA or TES, there are several ways to join the Army later:

• CDS Exam (after graduation)
• NCC Special Entry
• TGC Entry (for engineering graduates)
• SSC Tech Entry
• Judge Advocate General (JAG) for law graduates

Salary and Perks After Joining the Army

An officer’s career in the Army is rewarding in every sense:

• Starting Salary: ₹56,100/month (Level 10)
• Free Accommodation, Canteen Facilities
• Medical Care, Insurance, Travel Concessions
• Pension & Gratuity (for permanent service)

Even Agniveers get a decent salary package with a Seva Nidhi corpus after 4 years.

Life in the Indian Army – What to Expect?

Joining the Indian Army transforms you completely. The discipline, responsibility, respect, and exposure are unmatched. You’ll serve in mountains, deserts, forests, and even UN missions abroad. You’ll build lifelong friendships, develop unbeatable confidence, and carry the pride of serving India.

Stream-wise Guidance: Science, Arts, Commerce

• Science with PCM: Eligible for NDA, TES, Agniveer Technical, MNS
• Science with PCB: Eligible for NDA (Army), MNS, Agniveer Tech (Medical)
• Commerce & Arts: Eligible for NDA (Army only), Agniveer GD/Clerk

How to Prepare for NDA & Army Exams After 10th

Start early! Join coaching if needed. Focus on:

• Mathematics, English, and General Ability
• Daily newspaper reading for current affairs
• Regular physical fitness routines
• Practice SSB interview mock tests

Documents and Medical Requirements

Be ready with:

• 10th & 12th mark sheets
• Aadhar Card, Domicile, Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Medical Fitness Certificate
• Passport-size photos

Ensure good eyesight, hearing, BMI, no flat foot, and no chronic diseases.

Conclusion

To sum it up, if you’ve just passed Class 12 and aspire to serve in the Indian Army, the path is wide open. Whether it’s through NDA, TES, Agniveer, or MNS — each route demands dedication, discipline, and determination. Stay updated with official notifications, prepare well, and chase your dream with everything you’ve got. Because the uniform isn’t just fabric — it’s a responsibility, a legacy, and a lifelong honor.

FAQs

Q1. Can I join the Indian Army after 12th without NDA?
Yes, options like TES (for PCM students), Agniveer, and MNS (for girls) are available.

Q2. Can girls join the Army after 12th?
Yes, through NDA, MNS, and Agniveer General Duty (Women Military Police).

Q3. What is the NDA age limit after 12th?
16.5 to 19.5 years at the time of joining.

Q4. Is NDA available for Commerce or Arts students?
Yes, but only for the Army wing, not Navy or Air Force.

Q5. What happens after NDA selection?
3 years training at NDA, followed by 1–1.5 years at IMA/INA/AFA, then commissioning as an officer.