How Can A Girl Join Indian Army After 12th

Women have been an integral part of Indian Armed Forces for decades. However, till recently there was no option for girls to join Indian Army directly after 12th and they must hold a bachelor’s degree to apply for any entry scheme. However, since 2022, there has been a lot of encouragement given to Girls to realise a career in Indian Armed Forces. In March 2021, after a Supreme Court, girls now have an option to join NDA after 12th through NDA UPSC exam.  Various entry points are mentioned below:-

• NDA (Officer Cadre)

1. 1.  In 2022, 19 girl cadets joined National Defence Academy with 10 in Army, 6 in Airforce and 3 in Navy respectively.
   2. Girls can now apply for NDA exam and after clearing the written exam, SSB and medicals, they can join NDA for an initial training of 3 years followed by 1 year training in respective service academies.
   3. Eligibility criteria remains the same as for boys for getting selected for NDA.
   4. This entry scheme is ideal for early entry into services as a permanent commission officer.
   5. Eligibility Criteria
      

      Age	16 ½ to 19½ yrs as on first day of the month in which course is due to commence
      Qualification	12th Class of 10+2 System of Education of Equivalent for Army and with Physics and Maths for AF/Navy
      Marital Status	Un Married
      How to Apply	Apply Online on UPSC Website as per dates given in the Notification in the months of Jun and Dec.
      Likely SSB Date	Sep to Oct for Jan Course and Jan to Apr for Jul Course
      Date Commencement of Training	Jan and Jul
      Training Academy	NDA , Khadakwasla, Pune
      Duration of Training	3 Yrs at NDA and 1 Yr at IMA

SSBClear Insight – Starting a career at an early age prepare you well for a lifelong career in armed forces. You get a head start as compared to your peers who join directly after graduation.

SSBClear Insight – In NDA, Girl cadets have a separate squadron ; Quebec Squadron. However, apart from the accommodation, other training activities such as academics, sports and PT are conducted in a hybrid format.

• CMP (OR Cadre)

1. 1. Girls can also join Indian Army as Other Ranks in Corps of Military Police in the Indian Army.
   2. This scheme was introduced by Ministry of Defence in 2019.
   3. Under the scheme, 1700 women are targeted to be inducted in a phased manner (approximately 100 per year).
   4. The induction of women has commenced from 2020. The first batch of 100 women in Other Ranks passed out in first week of May 2021, after completion of 61 weeks of training.
   5. Another 100 women soldiers have been inducted through the Agnipath Scheme. 100 vacancies each have been catered for in Agnipath Scheme for the Recruiting Years 2022-23 and 2023-24.