Different Types of Commission in Indian Army

The Indian Army offers two main pathways for individuals who aspire to serve as officers: Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC). Each route provides a unique career trajectory, training regimen, and service duration. Below is an overview of both these commissions and the various avenues to join them.

Below is a concise comparison of Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Army, covering the key areas where they differ.

Difference Between Permanent and Short Service Commission

1. Service Duration

• Permanent Commission (PC)
  • Offers a career in the Army until the age of retirement.
  • Once granted PC, you serve on a long-term basis and can rise through the ranks over an extended period.
• Short Service Commission (SSC)
  • Initially granted for 10 years, with the option to extend for 4 more years (total 14 years).
  • At the end of 10 years, you can either opt for a Permanent Commission (if eligible), choose to leave, or serve an additional 4 years before exiting.

2. Entry Routes and Training

• Permanent Commission
  • Major entry pathways:
    • National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune: A 3-year training program followed by 1 year at IMA.
    • Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: Direct entry through CDS, University Entry Scheme (UES), Technical Graduate Course (TGC), etc.
    • Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya: For 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES).
  • Training is usually longer and more comprehensive, reflecting a long-term commitment.
• Short Service Commission
  • Courses conducted primarily at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
  • For Non-Technical (SSC NT), Technical (SSC Tech), NCC, and JAG entries.
  • Training duration at OTA is shorter (around 10–11 months), reflecting the limited tenure of service.

3. Career Progression and Promotions

• Permanent Commission
  • Greater scope for steady career advancement to higher ranks (Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, and beyond), subject to performance and availability of vacancies.
  • Officers often get diverse postings, command opportunities, and can hold higher leadership roles.
• Short Service Commission
  • Promoted up to certain mid-level ranks (often Captain/Major), depending on performance, branch, and service requirements.
  • If granted Permanent Commission later (based on organizational needs and individual merit), officers can progress like regular PC officers.

4. Post-Service Benefits

• Permanent Commission
  • Eligible for full pension and retirement benefits after completing the minimum required years of service (usually 20+ years).
  • Access to extended healthcare, canteen facilities, and other long-term benefits applicable to retired officers.
• Short Service Commission
  • Does not automatically qualify for a pension unless converted to PC and meets the minimum service requirement.
  • Officers receive gratuity and other benefits proportionate to their term of service.
  • Acquire valuable skills that can be leveraged in civilian careers after 10/14 years of service.

5. Flexibility and Future Options

• Permanent Commission
  • Commits you to a full military career until retirement age.
  • Offers a stable and long-term progression within the Armed Forces.
• Short Service Commission
  • More flexibility for those who wish to serve for a shorter duration.
  • After 10 years, you can:
    1. Opt for Permanent Commission (if available/selected).
    2. Resign from the Army.
    3. Extend your service for 4 more years.
  • Provides experience, leadership skills, and post-Army career opportunities in the corporate/public sector.

6. Overall Commitment

• Permanent Commission: Long-term, more structured growth in military leadership roles.
• Short Service Commission: Medium-term commitment, quick exposure to military life, and the freedom to transition to a civilian career without the necessity of a 20+ year service.

In Summary

• A Permanent Commission suits those desiring a lifelong career in the Army, eager to climb the ladder of military leadership, and benefit from full retirement perks.
• A Short Service Commission is ideal for those seeking to serve the nation for a shorter span, gain high-caliber skills and experience, and retain the option of a civilian career after fulfilling their limited term of service.

Different Types of Entries for PC and SSC

1. Permanent Commission (PC)

A Permanent Commission in the Indian Army means a career that extends until retirement. Once granted a Permanent Commission, an individual serves in the Army on a long-term basis. The primary avenues to secure a Permanent Commission are through the following academies:

1. National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune
2. Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
3. Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya (specifically for the 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme)

1.1 National Defence Academy, Pune

• Eligibility:
  • You can apply while in Class XII or after passing Class XII.
  • Must clear the UPSC written examination followed by a 5-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
  • Must meet all eligibility conditions (including medical fitness and vacancies).
• Training:
  • Duration: 3 Years of combined academics and physical training.
  • Inter-Service institution: Training is common for Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets for the first 2.5 years.
  • On completion: Cadets receive a bachelor’s degree (B.Sc./B.Sc. (Computer)/BA) from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi.
  • After NDA, Army cadets proceed to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) for one additional year of pre-commission training.

1.2 Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun

• Training:
  • Duration: 1 Year of rigorous military training.
  • Upon completion: Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Lieutenant (subject to being medically fit in “SHAPE-I” category).
  • Emphasis on leadership, combat skills, tactics, and physical endurance, along with opportunities for adventure sports like rafting, para jumping, rock climbing, and trekking.
• Motto: “Valour & Wisdom” – reflecting the Academy’s ethos of training officers to lead with courage and clarity.

2. Pathways to Join the Indian Military Academy (IMA)

There are multiple entry routes for joining IMA and attaining a Permanent Commission:

1. Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
   • Conducted by the UPSC for graduates or students in their final year of graduation.
   • Candidates who clear the written exam, SSB interview, and medical tests join IMA as Direct Entry GCs.
2. Technical Graduate Course (TGC) Entry
   • Final-year or completed BE/B.Tech male students in specified streams can apply.
   • Selected candidates receive Short Service Commission on probation during training; upon completion, they are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Lieutenant.
3. Army Education Corps (AEC) – Men
   • For postgraduates (MA/M.Sc./M.Com/MCA/MBA) with at least 1st or 2nd Division.
   • One-year training at IMA before being granted Permanent Commission.
4. 10+2 (Technical Entry Scheme – TES)
   • Applicable after Class XII with a minimum of 70% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
   • Selection based on cut-off percentage and subsequent SSB interview.
   • Training spans 5 years:
     • 1 year Basic Military Training (Officer Training Academy, Gaya)
     • 3 years Pre-Commission Technical Training (at CME Pune/MCTE Mhow/MCEME Secunderabad)
     • 1 year Post-Commission Training (at one of the three training wings mentioned above)
   • Commission granted in the rank of Lieutenant after successful completion of 4 years of training.

3. Short Service Commission (SSC)

A Short Service Commission allows you to serve as a Commissioned Officer for an initial period of 10 years, extendable by 4 years (making it a total of 14 years). After the completion of 10 years, you have three options:

1. Opt for Permanent Commission (based on organizational requirements and your performance).
2. Resign at the end of 10 years.
3. Extend service for 4 more years, with the option to resign anytime during these 4 years.

Benefits of Short Service Commission

• Professional Growth: Acquire vital skills such as strategic thinking, leadership, and organizational abilities.
• Career Flexibility: After SSC tenure, you can pursue alternative careers in the civilian sector. The Army often assists officers seeking new opportunities post-service.

4. Types of SSC Entry

4.1 SSC (Non-Technical) – Men & Women

• Advertisement & Application:
  • Published in Employment News and major national/regional newspapers in July and November.
  • Exam conducted by UPSC twice a year (September & February).
  • Selection involves a written exam, SSB interview, and medical fitness.
• Training:
  • Conducted at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, twice a year (April and October).

4.2 SSC (Technical) – Men & Women

• Advertisement & Application:
  • Published in Employment News and major newspapers in January and July.
  • Online applications through www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
• Selection:
  • No written exam.
  • Candidates are shortlisted for SSB based on their Engineering percentage (up to the 6th semester).
• Training:
  • Conducted at OTA, Chennai, twice a year (April and October).

4.3 SSC (NCC) – Men & Women

• Eligibility:
  • Must have an NCC ‘C’ certificate from the Army wing with at least a ‘B’ grade.
• Advertisement & Application:
  • Published in Employment News and major newspapers in June and December.
  • Application through the respective NCC Battalion.

4.4 SSC (JAG) – Men & Women

• Eligibility:
  • Minimum 55% aggregate in LLB (3-year course post-graduation or 5-year course after 10+2).
  • Eligible for registration with Bar Council of India/State.
• Advertisement & Application:
  • Published in Employment News and major newspapers in June and December.
  • Online application through www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.

The Indian Army offers a structured framework for aspiring officers to serve the nation, either for the long term (Permanent Commission) or a shorter duration (Short Service Commission). Whether you join through the National Defence Academy, the Indian Military Academy, or the Officers Training Academy, each pathway is designed to transform you into a capable leader.

From rigorous training to diverse career opportunities post-service, a commission in the Indian Army promises professional growth, personal development, and the honor of serving one of the world’s most respected military institutions.