In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the number of young women in India aspiring to join the armed forces, breaking gender stereotypes and aiming for a career path traditionally dominated by men. The Indian Army, one of the largest components of the Indian Armed Forces, has opened its doors to female candidates, offering them various opportunities to serve their nation with honor and pride. However, the eligibility criteria for females to join the Indian Army after completing their 12th standard can be complex and nuanced. In this article, we will delve into the eligibility requirements and the process for females aspiring to join the Indian Army after completing their 12th grade.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to join the Indian Army after 12th, female candidates must meet certain criteria pertaining to age, educational qualifications, physical standards, and medical fitness. Let’s explore each of these aspects in detail.

Age Limit

The minimum and maximum age limits for female candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army after 12th are as follows:

• Minimum Age: 17.5 years
• Maximum Age: 21 years

Educational Qualifications

Female candidates must have completed their 12th standard or its equivalent from a recognized board or institution. Additionally, depending on the entry scheme they are applying for, further educational qualifications may be required. For instance:

• For technical entries, such as Engineering, candidates must have completed their 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as subjects.
• For non-technical entries, candidates from any stream are eligible.

Physical Standards

Physical fitness is a crucial aspect of joining the Indian Army. Female candidates must meet certain physical standards set by the Indian Army. These standards include:

• Minimum Height: 152 cm
• Minimum Weight: 42 kg
• Good physical and mental health

Medical Fitness

In addition to meeting the physical standards, candidates must also meet the medical standards set by the Indian Army. They must undergo a medical examination conducted by authorized military medical practitioners to assess their medical fitness for service.

Different Entry Schemes for Females

The Indian Army offers various entry schemes for female candidates to join after completing their 12th standard. Let’s explore some of these entry schemes:

After 12th Class

Girls can apply for the NDA exam after 12th. Following a Supreme Court decision in August 2021, women candidates are now allowed to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) and pursue a career in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The eligibility criteria for girls to apply for the NDA exam are largely the same as those for boys, including passing Class 12 and meeting specific physical and medical requirements.

After Graduation and Engineering

Short Service Commission (Technical and Non-Technical)

The Short Service Commission (SSC) is a popular entry scheme for both technical and non-technical roles in the Indian Army. Under this scheme, candidates serve for a period of 10 years, which may be extended based on the requirement and performance. Female candidates can apply for SSC in various branches such as:

• Engineering: Candidates with a background in engineering can apply for technical roles.
• Non-Technical: Candidates without an engineering background can apply for non-technical roles such as education, law, logistics, etc.

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National Cadet Corps (NCC) Special Entry

Female candidates who have been active members of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) have the opportunity to join the Indian Army through the NCC Special Entry Scheme. This scheme allows candidates to join without appearing for a written examination.

Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry

Female candidates with a law degree can apply for the Judge Advocate General (JAG) entry scheme. They must meet the educational qualifications and undergo an SSB interview for selection.

Educational Requirements

The entry of women into the officer cadre of the Indian Army in 1992 marked a historic event. Women interested in joining the Indian Army after the 12th must review the entry criteria. Officer training academy trains female officers for commissioning in various arms and services. Most positions require candidates to be graduates.

The Short Service Commission (SSC) for the regular army is for 14 years, initially ten years with the possibility of extension by four years. Training duration is 49 weeks. Promotions are based on quantifiable commissioned service, with the eligibility to become a Major after six years.

CDS Educational Requirements for Females

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination twice yearly for recruitment into various defense academies. Female candidates who wish to join the Indian Army after the graduation can apply to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Air Force Academy, and Officer Training Academy. CDS examinations are open to both men and women.

Air Force Educational Requirements for Females

Since June 1990, the Indian Air Force has allowed women to join. Female candidates interested in joining the Indian Air Force after the 12th must have a bachelor’s degree, a high school diploma with physics and mathematics, and be between the ages of 19 and 23. Those with a commercial pilot’s license must be at least 25. The eligibility also includes being medically fit for the flying branch, meeting specific physical requirements.

Application Process

The application process for joining the Indian Army after 12th involves the following steps:

1. Registration: Candidates must register online on the official website of the Indian Army and fill out the application form with accurate details.
2. Admit Card: Once the application is processed, candidates will receive an admit card for the written examination.
3. Written Examination: Candidates must appear for the written examination conducted by the Indian Army.
4. SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the written examination undergo the SSB interview, which includes various tests to assess the candidate’s suitability for a career in the Indian Army.
5. Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the SSB interview must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the medical standards set by the Indian Army.
6. Merit List: Based on the performance in the written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination, a merit list is prepared, and successful candidates are offered joining letters.

Conclusion

Joining the Indian Army after 12th is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for female candidates. With determination, dedication, and the fulfillment of eligibility criteria, aspiring young women can pursue a fulfilling career in the Indian Army. It is a noble endeavor to serve one’s nation and contribute to the defense forces with honor and pride. As the Indian Army continues to evolve and adapt to modern challenges, the inclusion of women in its ranks signifies progress towards gender equality and diversity in the armed forces. So, if you are a young woman with a passion for service and a desire to make a difference, consider exploring the opportunities available to join the Indian Army after 12th and embark on a journey of courage, resilience, and patriotism.

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