Want to Join the Indian Army? Here’s the Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Dreaming of donning the Indian Army uniform and serving the nation with pride? Whether you’ve just cleared your 10th, 12th, or are a college graduate, this comprehensive guide walks you through how to join the Indian Army step-by-step in 2025 — covering entry routes, eligibility, recruitment process, and salary details.

Why Consider a Career in the Indian Army?

The Indian Army offers much more than just a stable government job. It’s a life of honor, discipline, and respect — where you’re trained to protect the nation while enjoying benefits like free housing, travel, pension, and career growth opportunities.

Whether you want to serve as a soldier or an officer, there’s an entry point for everyone. Let’s explore.

📘 How to Join Indian Army After 10th

Students who have passed class 10 can join the Indian Army in various non-officer roles through open recruitment rallies.

🔹 Soldier General Duty (GD)

• Qualification: Minimum 45% marks in 10th standard
• Age Limit: 17.5 to 21 years
• Selection: Physical test, medical test, and written exam (CEE)
• Role: Sepoy (Jawaan)

🔹 Soldier Tradesman

• Qualification: 8th or 10th pass (varies by trade)
• Job Roles: Support staff like cook, housekeeper, washerman, etc.

💡 Tip: Keep checking official notifications for Indian Army recruitment rallies in your region.

📗 How to Join Indian Army After 12th

If you’ve completed your 12th standard, you become eligible for both soldier and officer-level entries.

🔹 1. NDA (National Defence Academy)

• Eligibility: 12th pass (PCM required for Air Force/Navy)
• Gender: Mostly male; female entry under consideration
• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Exam: NDA exam conducted by UPSC
• Training: 3 years at NDA (Pune) + 1 year at IMA (Dehradun)

🔹 2. TES (Technical Entry Scheme)

• Eligibility: 60% in 12th (PCM) + JEE Mains rank
• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Selection: Direct SSB interview, no written exam

🔹 3. Clerk/Nursing Assistant/Store Keeper

• Qualification: 12th with required subjects
• Recruitment Mode: Army Bharti rally and CEE

📕 How to Join Indian Army After Graduation

Graduates are eligible for officer-level recruitment through multiple well-established pathways.

🔹 1. CDS (Combined Defence Services)

• Qualification: Any graduate degree
• Age: 19 to 25 years
• Exam: UPSC CDS followed by SSB interview

🔹 2. NCC Special Entry

• Requirement: NCC ‘C’ Certificate + Graduation
• Age: 19 to 25 years
• No Written Test: Shortlisted for direct SSB interview

🔹 3. TGC (Technical Graduate Course)

• Qualification: Engineering degree
• Age: 20 to 27 years
• Entry Mode: Direct SSB based on academic performance

🔹 4. JAG Entry (Law Graduates)

• Eligibility: LLB (with 55%) + registration with Bar Council
• Age: 21 to 27 years

🧾 Indian Army Salary Per Month by Rank in 2025

Wondering how much a soldier or officer earns? Here’s a breakdown of Indian Army salary per month by rank:

Rank	Pay Level	Basic Pay (₹)	In-Hand Salary (₹)
Sepoy	Level 3	₹21,700	₹25,000 – ₹30,000
Lance Naik	Level 3	₹21,700	₹26,000 – ₹32,000
Naik	Level 4	₹25,500	₹30,000 – ₹35,000
Havildar	Level 5	₹29,200	₹35,000 – ₹40,000
Naib Subedar	Level 6	₹35,400	₹45,000 – ₹50,000
Subedar	Level 7	₹44,900	₹55,000 – ₹60,000
Subedar Major	Level 8	₹47,600	₹60,000+
Lieutenant	Level 10	₹56,100	₹70,000 – ₹75,000
Captain	Level 10B	₹61,300	₹75,000 – ₹80,000
Major	Level 11	₹69,400	₹85,000 – ₹95,000
Colonel	Level 13	₹1,30,600	₹1.4 – ₹1.6 lakh
Brigadier and above	Level 13A+	₹1.4 – ₹2.5 lakh	₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakh

💡 Allowances like Military Service Pay (MSP), field duty, risk & hardship, and transport are added based on the posting.

⚙️ Indian Army Recruitment Process – Step-by-Step

1. Online Registration: Apply at joinindianarmy.nic.in
2. Screening: Based on eligibility, candidates are shortlisted
3. Physical Fitness Test: Includes running, push-ups, chin-ups, etc.
4. Medical Examination: Strict criteria for eyesight, hearing, and overall health
5. Written Exam: For soldier entry – CEE; for officers – NDA/CDS
6. SSB Interview: 5-day selection for officer entries
7. Merit List: Final selection based on overall performance

🧭 Pro Tips for Aspiring Candidates

• Start physical training early — especially running and strength workouts
• Improve your general knowledge and current affairs
• Practice previous year question papers and mock tests
• Stay updated with Indian Army recruitment notifications
• Prepare for SSB interview by improving communication and problem-solving

✅ Final Words

If you’re searching for how to join Indian Army after 12th, after 10th, or after graduation, there’s a clear path for you in 2025. The Army isn’t just a profession — it’s a calling.

With the right preparation, dedication, and mindset, you can proudly earn the stars and stripes of the Indian Army.

👉 Ready to take the first step? Bookmark this page and start preparing today!