Defence Jobs After 12th and Graduation: NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Agniveer
The armed forces take officers and Agniveers through several entries. Which ones are open to you depends on your qualification, subjects and age.
· Last reviewed
After Class 12
| Entry | Who runs it | Leads to | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA (National Defence Academy) | UPSC, twice a year | Officer in the Army, Navy or Air Force | Class 12; physics and mathematics for the Navy and Air Force |
| Agniveer (Agnipath scheme) | Army, Navy and Air Force | Four years of service in the ranks | Class 10 or 12, by trade |
| Army Technical Entry Scheme | Indian Army | Officer in technical arms | Class 12 with physics, chemistry and mathematics, and JEE Main |
| Navy 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry | Indian Navy | Officer in the executive or technical branch | Physics, chemistry and mathematics in Class 12, plus a JEE Main score |
After Graduation
| Entry | Who runs it | Leads to |
|---|---|---|
| CDS (Combined Defence Services) | UPSC, twice a year | IMA, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy or Officers Training Academy |
| AFCAT | Indian Air Force | Flying and ground duty branches |
| Technical Graduate Course and SSC (Tech) | Indian Army | Officer in technical arms, for engineering graduates |
| NCC Special Entry | Indian Army | Officer, for graduates with the NCC C certificate |
| JAG Entry | Indian Army | Judge Advocate General branch, for law graduates |
How Officer Selection Works
- A written exam (NDA, CDS, AFCAT) or shortlisting on marks (technical, NCC and JAG entries).
- The Services Selection Board interview, a five-day assessment of personality, group tasks and reasoning.
- A medical examination to service standards.
- A merit list against the vacancies, then training at the academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women join through NDA?
Yes. Women have been eligible for NDA since 2021, and many other officer entries are open to women too. Each notice states the vacancies for women.
Is Agniveer a permanent job?
Agniveers serve for four years. A share of each batch can be selected for regular service, as the scheme's rules set out.
What is the SSB interview?
The Services Selection Board assessment over about five days, with psychological tests, group tasks and a personal interview, used for officer entries.
Posts, pay levels and eligibility here are those most notices have carried. The current notification is the final word on vacancies, dates, fees and exam details.