🇮🇳 How Can I Join the Indian Army or Navy or Air Force in 2025?
Joining the Indian Armed Forces — the Army, Navy, or Air Force — is a prestigious and noble career choice for many young Indians. In 2025, there are multiple entry routes based on your educational qualification, age, and gender. Whether you’re in school, college, or a graduate, there’s a path for you.
This guide outlines all the major ways you can join the Indian Defence Forces in 2025.
🪖 How to Join the Indian Army in 2025
1. National Defence Academy (NDA) – After 12th
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Eligibility: Male and female candidates, 16.5 to 19.5 years, 12th pass (PCM for Air Force & Navy).
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Exam Conducted By: UPSC (twice a year)
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Selection Process:
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Written Exam (NDA I & II)
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SSB Interview
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Medical Examination
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2. Technical Entry Scheme (TES) – After 12th PCM
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Eligibility: Male candidates, 16.5 to 19.5 years, 12th with PCM, minimum 60%.
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Selection: Based on JEE Mains score and SSB Interview.
3. CDS Exam – After Graduation
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Eligibility: Graduates aged 19 to 25 years (varies by service).
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Conducted By: UPSC
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For: IMA, OTA, AFA, and INA
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Selection Process:
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Written Exam
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SSB Interview
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Medicals
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4. Agniveer Army Recruitment (General Duty, Technical, Clerk, etc.)
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Eligibility: 10th/12th pass, age 17.5 to 21 years.
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Selection: Physical Fitness Test → Written Test (CEE) → Medical
⚓ How to Join the Indian Navy in 2025
1. NDA Entry – After 12th PCM
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Common NDA Exam (as above), opt for Navy during selection.
2. 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme
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Eligibility: 12th PCM with 70% and JEE Mains score.
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Selection: Shortlisting → SSB Interview
3. CDS (INA) – After Graduation
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Eligibility: Graduate with Engineering degree, 19 to 22 years.
4. Navy Agniveer SSR/MR
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Eligibility:
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SSR: 12th pass (Science stream)
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MR: 10th pass
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Age: 17.5 to 21 years
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Selection: Written Exam → PFT → Medical
✈️ How to Join the Indian Air Force in 2025
1. NDA Entry – After 12th PCM
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Apply via NDA with Air Force as your first preference.
2. Air Force X & Y Group (Agniveer Vayu)
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Eligibility:
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Group X: 12th PCM or Diploma in Engineering
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Group Y: 12th pass (any stream)
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Age: 17.5 to 21 years
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Selection: Online Exam → PFT → Medical
3. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) – After Graduation
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Eligibility: Graduates and Engineers (with Physics and Math at 10+2)
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Age: 20 to 26 years
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Entry Types:
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Flying Branch
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Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
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Selection: Written Test → AFSB Interview → Medical
🎓 Summary Table: Entry Routes : (Join the Indian Army or Navy or Air Force)
| Entry Route | Eligibility | Age Limit | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA | 12th (PCM for Navy/AF) | 16.5 – 19.5 yrs | Army, Navy, Air Force |
| TES | 12th PCM + JEE Main | 16.5 – 19.5 yrs | Indian Army |
| CDS | Graduation | 19 – 25 yrs | Army, Navy, Air Force |
| AFCAT | Graduation (PCM in 12th) | 20 – 26 yrs | Indian Air Force |
| Agniveer | 10th/12th pass | 17.5 – 21 yrs | Army, Navy, Air Force |
| Navy 10+2 B.Tech | 12th PCM + JEE Main | 16.5 – 19.5 yrs | Indian Navy |
📢 Tips for Aspiring Candidates (Join the Indian Army or Navy or Air Force)
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Start Early: Prepare for NDA/CDS/AFCAT exams well in advance.
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Stay Fit: Physical fitness is crucial for selection.
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Stay Updated: Follow official sites:
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Mock Tests: Practice previous year papers and mock exams regularly.
📌 Final Words (Join the Indian Army or Navy or Air Force)
Joining the Indian Armed Forces in 2025 is achievable with the right preparation, mindset, and dedication. Whether through NDA, TES, CDS, Agniveer, or AFCAT, each route offers a fulfilling career of honor, discipline, and national pride.