You also have the option of joining the Army and serving as a Commissioned Officer for 10 years and is extendable up to 14 years. At the end of this period you have two options. Either elect for a Permanent Commission or opt out.

Those not selected for Permanent Commission have the option of a 4 years extension. They can resign at any time during this period.

A Short Service Commission empowers you with analytical thinking, planning skills, administrative and organizational abilities. Qualities which will make you an invaluable asset for any organization that you join after the Army and there are opportunities to side step to an alternate career for which Army will also help you.

Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai

Once selected for Short Service Commission, you go to the Officers Training Academy at Chennai. The selection process is a written exam followed by the SSB interview and medicals. For Technical (Engineering) graduates and law graduates it is direct SSB interview and medicals. If you have done NCC Senior Division (Army) and obtained ‘C’ certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade, you can apply through your NCC Branch HQ/Zonal HQ to Recruiting Directorate for direct SSB interview. SSB qualified candidates undergo a medical examination. The duration of training is 49 weeks. OTA training provides you with opportunities to broaden your perspective and widen your horizon. Whether it’s skeet-shooting, golf, riding or angling … at OTA you can do it all.

Short Service Commission For Women (Officers)

In 1992, an important landmark in the history of Indian Army was the induction of women into the officer cadre, and the onerous task of training them was undertaken by the Officers Training Academy.

Revised Terms and Conditions of Service of SSCOs(Women both Technical and Non-Technical)

Prominent features of the revised policy are :-

  • Extension of Tenure
    • Tenure of Short Service Commission. Short Service Commission (SSC), in the Regular Army will be granted for 14 years i.e. for an initial period of 10 years, extendable by 4 years.
    • Duration of Training. 49 weeks.
  • Substantive Promotion :- SSCOs will be eligible for substantive promotion.
    • To the rank of Capt – on completion of 2 years reckonable commissioned service.
    • To the rank of Maj – on completion of 6 years reckonable commissioned service.
    • To the rank of Lt Col – on completion of 13 years reckonable commissioned service.
Eligibility Criteria

Age

Between 19 and 25 yrs as on 01 Jan of the yr in which course is due to commence for Apr course and 01 Jul of the yr in which course is due to commence for Oct course

Qualification

Final Year appearing/Graduate in any discipline with 50% Aggregate marks, 2 Yrs service in NCC Senior Div Army with minimum ‘B’ Grade in ‘C’ Certificate Exam.
Marital Status: Un Married
Application to be Received by: Oct / Nov and Apr / May through NCC Gp HQ/NCC Dte
Likely SSB Date: Nov to Jan for Apr Course and May to July for Oct Course
Date Commencement of Trg: Apr and Oct
Training Academy: OTA, Chennai

SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION TECHNICAL( WOMEN)

Vacancies Per Course: As Notified (Twice a year)
Notify in Employment News and leading Daily news Paper
Notified by Additional Directorate General Recruiting / AG Branch in Dec/Jan and Jun / Jul

Eligibility Criteria

Age between: 20 and 27 yrs as on first day of the month in which course is due to commence
Qualification: Engineering Degree in notified discipline
Marital Status: Un Married
Application to be Received by: Feb / Mar and Jul / Aug
Likely SSB Date: Nov to Jan for Apr Course and May to July for Oct Course
Date Commencement of Trg: Oct and Apr
Training Academy: OTA Chennai
Duration of Trg: 49 Weeks

SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION NON TECHNICAL WOMEN

Eligibility Criteria:

Age between: 19 and 25 yrs as on 01 Jan of the yr in which course is due to commence for Apr course and 01 Jul of the yr in which course is due to commence for Oct course
Educational qualification: Graduation/Post Graduation from a recognized University.
Marital Status: Un Married
Application date: applications to be forwarded to UPSC as per notification published in Apr/ Sep every year
Likely SSB Date: May/Jun and Nov/Dec
Date Commencement of Trg: Apr and Oct
Training Academy: OTA Chennai
Duration of Trg: 49 Weeks

There are four main entries to get into IMA:-

    • Combined Defence Service Examination(CDSE) – In final year of Graduation, you need to pass the Combined Defence Services Exams being conducted by UPSC, clear the SSB interview, be medically fit and join IMA as a Direct Entry.

 

    The Non-UPSC entries( without written exam) appear for SSB interview:-

  • 10+2 Tech Entry – Apply after your 12th Exams. Minimum aggregate of 70% is mandatory in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Recruiting Directorate will call you for interview based on the cut off. Look out for the advertisement published in leading newspapers/employment news in May/Dec every year. Total training is five years. (one year at OTA Gaya and four years at Cadet Training Wings).
  • University Entry Scheme(Pre Final Year Students Only) -If you wish to apply for Army in Pre-Final Year of Engineering. Look out for the advertisement published in leading newspapers/employment news in May every year.
  • Technical Graduate Course – Those who are studying in final year/ have completed BE/B Tech in notified streams can also join IMA through Technical Graduate Course. The duration of training is one year. Look out for the advertisement published in leading newspapers/employment news in May/Jun & Nov/Dec every year.