Update on 2024-04-15

Career in Defence After 12th: Indian Army, Navy, Air Force

The Defence sector is one of the most prestigious and rewarding career options for students who have just completed their 12th grade. There are numerous opportunities available in the Defence sector, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other paramilitary forces.

The Defence sector offers a unique combination of adventure, patriotism, and a sense of responsibility towards the nation. This article aims to provide an overview of the various career options available in the Defence sector after 12th grade.

Career in Defence After 12th: Job Profiles

Indian Army: The Indian Army offers various job opportunities for candidates who have completed their 12th standard. Some of the entry-level posts that are available in the Indian Army include Soldier General Duty, Soldier Technical, Soldier Nursing Assistant, Soldier Clerk, and Soldier Tradesman. The eligibility criteria and selection process for each of these posts may vary.
Indian Navy: The Indian Navy offers various job opportunities for candidates who have completed their 12th standard. Some of the entry-level posts that are available in the Indian Navy include Sailor (Artificer Apprentice), Sailor (Senior Secondary Recruit), and Sailor (Matric Recruit). The eligibility criteria and selection process for each of these posts may vary.
Indian Air Force: The Indian Air Force also offers various job opportunities for candidates who have completed their 12th standard. Some of the entry-level posts that are available in the Indian Air Force include Airmen (Group X and Group Y trades), Airman (Non-Technical), and Indian Air Force Airmen (Medical Assistant). The eligibility criteria and selection process for each of these posts may vary.
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF): The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) comprises five different paramilitary forces, including Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The CAPF is responsible for maintaining internal security and counter-terrorism operations in the country.
National Defence Academy (NDA): The National Defence Academy is a premier institution that trains students to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA offers a three-year course that combines military training, academics, and physical fitness.
Coast Guard: The Indian Coast Guard also offers various job opportunities for candidates who have completed their 12th standard. Some of the entry-level posts that are available in the Coast Guard include Navik (General Duty), Navik (Domestic Branch), and Yantrik. The eligibility criteria and selection process for each of these posts may vary.
Territorial Army: The Territorial Army is a part-time voluntary organization that is composed of civilians who have a zeal to serve the nation. Candidates who have completed their 12th standard can join the Territorial Army as Officers.

Career in Defence After 12th: Eligibility Criteria

A career in defence after 12th is a great option for those who are looking to serve their country and want a challenging and adventurous career. However, before pursuing a career in defence, it is important to meet certain eligibility criteria.

Here are the eligibility criteria for some of the popular defence courses after 12th:

National Defence Academy (NDA): The National Defence Academy is a joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces that trains candidates for three different services - the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force. The eligibility criteria for NDA are as follows:

Age Limit: The candidate should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age.
Educational Qualification: The candidate should have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board or university.

Indian Military Academy (IMA): The Indian Military Academy is an officer training academy of the Indian Army. The eligibility criteria for IMA are as follows:

Age Limit: The candidate should be between 19 and 24 years of age.
Educational Qualification: The candidate should have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board or university.

Air Force Academy (AFA): The Air Force Academy is an officer training academy of the Indian Air Force. The eligibility criteria for AFA are as follows:

Age Limit: The candidate should be between 19 and 23 years of age.
Educational Qualification: The candidate should have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics or equivalent from a recognized board or university.

Naval Academy: The Indian Naval Academy is an officer training academy of the Indian Navy. The eligibility criteria for Naval Academy are as follows:

Age Limit: The candidate should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age.
Educational Qualification: The candidate should have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics or equivalent from a recognized board or university.

Apart from the above courses, there are several other courses available in the defence sector such as Coast Guard, Indian Territorial Army, and more. The eligibility criteria for these courses may vary depending on the course and the branch of defence.

Career in Defence After 12th: Selection Process

A career in defence after 12th is a great opportunity for students who wish to serve their country and make a difference. However, the selection process for defence jobs can be rigorous and challenging.

Here is an overview of the selection process for various defence jobs after 12th:

National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam: The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year, in April and September. It is a two-stage selection process that consists of a written examination followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The written exam consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test.
Indian Army Technical Entry Scheme (TES): The Indian Army conducts the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) exam for candidates who have completed their 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The selection process consists of a written exam, followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
Indian Air Force Airmen Recruitment: The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts the Airmen recruitment exam for candidates who have completed their 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The selection process consists of a written exam, physical fitness test, and medical examination.
Indian Navy Sailors Recruitment: The Indian Navy conducts the Sailors recruitment exam for candidates who have completed their 12th with Mathematics and Physics. The selection process consists of a written exam, physical fitness test, and medical examination.
Coast Guard Navik Recruitment: The Indian Coast Guard conducts the Navik recruitment exam for candidates who have completed their 12th with Mathematics and Physics. The selection process consists of a written exam, physical fitness test, and medical examination.
Territorial Army Officer Recruitment: The Territorial Army (TA) conducts officer recruitment for candidates who have completed their graduation. The selection process consists of a written exam, followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

In conclusion, a career in defence after 12th requires hard work, dedication, and commitment. The selection process for various defence jobs can be rigorous and challenging, but with proper preparation and guidance, candidates can achieve their dream of serving their country.

Career in Defence After 12th: Salary Expectations

A career in the defence sector offers various perks and benefits apart from job security and pride in serving the country. The salary packages in the defence sector are quite attractive and are usually revised every few years.

The salary and benefits vary depending on the rank and position of the individual in the defence forces. Here are some salary expectations for different positions in the defence sector after completing 12th:

Indian Army: The starting salary of a soldier in the Indian Army is around Rs. 30,000 per month. However, this increases with promotions and can go up to Rs. 80,000 per month for a Major General.
Indian Navy: The salary of a sailor in the Indian Navy starts from Rs. 21,700 per month and can go up to Rs. 87,000 per month for a Vice Admiral.
Indian Air Force: The starting salary of an Airmen in the Indian Air Force is around Rs. 26,900 per month. The salary increases with promotions and can go up to Rs. 82,050 per month for an Air Marshal.
Indian Coast Guard: The starting salary of a Navik in the Indian Coast Guard is around Rs. 21,700 per month. The salary increases with promotions and can go up to Rs. 87,000 per month for a Director General.

Apart from the basic salary, individuals in the defence sector are also entitled to various allowances such as Dearness Allowance, Kit Maintenance Allowance, Transport Allowance, and more. They are also provided with free ration, accommodation, and medical facilities for themselves and their families.

The defence sector also offers a pension plan to the individuals after their retirement, which is a significant benefit in the long run. Overall, a career in the defence sector after 12th can provide financial stability and security, along with serving the country with pride.