Today, a large section of the youth aspires to join the Indian Army as an officer. Acknowledging this zeal, the Indian Army offers eligible candidates a chance to serve as young officers and live a life less ordinary through SSB direct entries. If you are a defence aspirant, you must not miss out on these opportunities.
What are SSB Direct Entries?
To become a commissioned officer in Indian Army, you must sit for the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination or the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE). After clearing the cut-off for the specific exam, candidates appear for the SSB interview. However, many candidates are unable to sit for these exams due to different reasons.
Owing to the changing nature of warfare and the army’s diverse roles, the Indian Army offers other opportunities. Candidates can directly appear for the SSB interview without giving any exam. Hence, they’re called SSB direct entries.
List of SSB Direct Entries
Every year, a range of SSB direct entries are announced on the official website of the Indian Army (joinindianarmy.nic.in). Here is a list of all direct entries to the army SSBs:
I. 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
This is the first of the SSB direct entries and is open to 10+2 candidates only. The eligibility criteria for this entry is:
- Unmarried Indian citizen (only male) between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age
- Minimum of 60% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in 12th standard
- Must have appeared for JEE Mains examination
After clearing the entire process, candidates undergo training for four years: 3 years at CME, Pune/ MCTE, Mhow/ MCEME, Secunderabad and 1 year at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (IMA).
II. SSC Tech Entry
This entry is for engineering graduates from a recognized Indian university and offers short service commission to them. Following is the eligibility criteria:
- Unmarried Indian citizen, subject of Nepal/Bhutan or Tibetan refugees (both male and female) between 20 to 27 years of age
- An engineering graduate (BE or B.Tech graduate) with no backlog.
These candidates receive training at Officers Training Academy (OTA) Gaya for one year, after which they become commissioned army officers.
III. Technical Graduate Course (TGC) Entry
TGC is the third of the five SSB direct entries. It offers permanent commission to male engineering graduates. Its eligibility criteria is as follows:
- Unmarried male citizens of India, a subject of Nepal/Bhutan or Tibetan refugees aged between 20 to 27 years
- An engineering graduate (BE/B.Tech) with no backlog
Female engineering graduates are not eligible for permanent commission through TGC. Qualified candidates train for a year at IMA, Dehradun.
IV. NCC Special Entry
Candidates who have been NCC cadets are also eligible for SSB direct entries, provided they fulfill the following criteria:
- Unmarried male and female graduates between 19 to 25 years of age
- Holding a valid NCC ‘C’ certificate with a minimum B grade
- Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan
Wards of battle casualty are exempted from the ‘C’ certificate requirement. All qualified candidates undergo a one-year-long training at Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai.
V. Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry
Through this entry, advocates can become officers in the Indian Army. The eligibility criteria is as follows:
- Unmarried Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal aged 21 to 27 years
- Minimum 55% aggregate marks in an LLB degree (3-year or 5-year course)
- Valid CLAT PG score for the specific recruitment cycle
- Must be eligible to register as an advocate with the Bar Council of India or State Bar Council
These candidates also undergo training at OTA Chennai and join the different branches of the Indian Army.
SSB Direct Entries: Final Thoughts
Please bear in mind that while these SSB direct entries do not have a written examination, candidates must qualify the specific cutoff mentioned in the official notification to get shortlisted. These entries offer a golden opportunity to eligible candidates to become officers in the Indian Army. Hence, they must not be missed.
