How to become an Army Officer in India
सेना अधिकारी
Lead soldiers as a commissioned officer of the Indian Army — in combat arms, engineering, signals and more.
- Streams
- Any stream
- Time it takes
- About 4 years of training after Class 12 via NDA; about 1.5 years after graduation via CDS
- Key exams
- NDA & NA Examination, Combined Defence Services
What you actually do
- Command a platoon and later larger units in training and operations
- Plan exercises, logistics and the welfare of your soldiers
- Serve in border areas, counter-insurgency, peacekeeping or disaster relief
A day in the life
Early physical training with your troops, weapons or tactics training, administrative work for the unit, and sports in the evening — very different in a field posting.
The path, step by step
- Class 9–10: fitness, sports, NCC if available, good general knowledgeabout 2 yr
- Class 11–12: any stream for Army (NDA eligibility per notice); apply for NDA (age about 16.5–19.5) — women are eligibleabout 2 yr
- NDA route: UPSC written exam, SSB interview, medical; or graduate first and take CDSabout 1 yr
- NDA Khadakwasla (3 years, with a degree), then IMA Dehradun (1 year); CDS entrants train at IMA or OTAabout 4 yr
- Commissioned as Lieutenant (Pay Level 10) and posted to a unitabout 1 yr
Entrance and recruitment exams
| Exam | Conducted by | How often |
|---|---|---|
| NDA & NA Examination | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Twice a year |
| Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Twice a year |
Exam dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle. Always read the latest notice on the official website before you apply.
Cost and pay
Government / public route
Training at NDA/IMA is government-funded; cadets receive a stipend during the final training phase as per rules
Private route
Optional private coaching for the written exam and SSB adds cost
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Salary
A Lieutenant is at Pay Level 10 of the 7th CPC pay matrix, plus Military Service Pay and allowances. See the official pay matrix and joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Skills that matter
Is this for me?
Good fit if…
- You want to lead people and serve the country
- You love the outdoors and physical challenge
- You are disciplined
Maybe not, if…
- You want to stay in one city
- You dislike strict routines and risk
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Common questions
How do I become an Army Officer in India?
1. Class 9–10: fitness, sports, NCC if available, good general knowledge 2. Class 11–12: any stream for Army (NDA eligibility per notice); apply for NDA (age about 16.5–19.5) — women are eligible 3. NDA route: UPSC written exam, SSB interview, medical; or graduate first and take CDS 4. NDA Khadakwasla (3 years, with a degree), then IMA Dehradun (1 year); CDS entrants train at IMA or OTA 5. Commissioned as Lieutenant (Pay Level 10) and posted to a unit
Which entrance exams lead to a career as an Army Officer?
NDA & NA Examination (Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)); Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)). Check each official website for current dates and eligibility.
Which stream should I choose after Class 10 to become an Army Officer?
Any stream.
How long does it take to become an Army Officer?
About 4 years of training after Class 12 via NDA; about 1.5 years after graduation via CDS
How much does it cost to become an Army Officer?
Government route: Training at NDA/IMA is government-funded; cadets receive a stipend during the final training phase as per rules. Private route: Optional private coaching for the written exam and SSB adds cost. Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
What is the salary of an Army Officer in India?
A Lieutenant is at Pay Level 10 of the 7th CPC pay matrix, plus Military Service Pay and allowances. See the official pay matrix and joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Sources and last check
We list every rate, limit and date this page relies on, where it comes from and when we last checked it. Rules change: please confirm on the official website before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Army Officer: path, eligibility and costsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Join Indian Army · UPSC (NDA & CDS) · Department of Expenditure — 7th CPC pay matrix
- Entrance and recruitment examsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Frequency shown is typical; dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle.
NDA & NA Examination — Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination — Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
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