List of Defence Exams in India

Are you a prospective aspirant for the defence exams in India? Making a firm decision and being informed of all the Indian defence exams after 12th grade is the first step towards wearing the olive-green uniform and service ribbons for individuals who are motivated by the bravery and orderliness of the Indian Army. It lays a strong focus on cultivating leaders by providing an atmosphere that sharpens self-control, tenacity, and capable leadership abilities. The first prerequisite is finishing your 12th-grade education from an accredited board. To be eligible, students should generally be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old, depending on the particular conditions for admission.

The most popular defence exams in India are AFCAT, BSF, CAPF, CDS, INCET Navy, NDA, Territorial Army, and more. Each year, around 5,00,000 candidates take these exams to get into the most prestigious and well-respected defence departments in India. Cadets for Indian defence academies, such as the Officer's Trainer Academy (OTA) in Chennai and Gaya, the Indian Military Academy (IMA Dehradun), the Indian Naval Academy (INA Ezhimala), and the Air Force Academy (AFA Dundigal), are assigned/allocated based on their performance on these defence tests. This article discusses a list of the Indian defence exams along with other related details.

List of Popular Defence Exams in India

The Indian Army offers a wide range of job options, from combat roles to medical, technical, and administrative professions, that accommodate all kinds of skill sets and objectives. After completing the 12th grade, enrolling in the army is a commendable endeavour that calls for thorough preparation and commitment. Here is a list of the top defence exams in India:

Disclaimer: The dates marked with an asterisk (*) are tentative and will be updated in the above table once released officially by the respective administrating authorities.

Now, let us discuss these popular defence exams in India separately in detail to understand which is the right one for you and your academic objectives.

CDS Exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the Combined Defence Services or the UPSC CDS exam two times a year, intending to select applicants for the aforementioned defence academies. After passing the CDS test, applicants are appointed as commission officers. It has established various military branches, including the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The test evaluates applicants' capacity for leadership, cognitive ability, and physical fitness, resulting in an essential step for any individual hoping to join the Indian armed forces.

Also Read:

NDA Exam

When it comes to choosing applicants for admittance to the INA and NDA academies, the NDA is considered one of the most desirable defence examinations in India. The UPSC NDA & NA exam is administered two times a year to choose both male and female applicants who meet the requirements. An SSB interview and a written exam constitute the NDA exam selection process.

Also Read:

AFCAT Examination

The Air Force Common Admission Test, or AFCAT exam, is conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for applicants vying for various open positions in the Indian Air Force department. These posts include technical posts, officers on ground duty, non-technical posts, flying officers, and more.

The AFCAT exam is considered one of the key exams for hiring Indian Air Force cadets. This exam is conducted two times a year, in February and in August. Students may submit applications for all three branches—the technical, flying branch, and ground duty branch—by taking the AFCAT exam. However, the requirements to be eligible for each branch are different, which applicants can check by visiting the IAF's official website.

Also Read:

ICG Examination

One of the most important exams for applicants hoping to join and provide services at the Indian Coast Guard is ICG Navik, which leads to positions like Assistant Commission, Yantrik, and Navik. It offers individuals a variety of national-level job roles each year.

Since the ICG examination is only conducted based on merit, applicants cannot enter the process through any loopholes or other illicit means. The most recent exam notices are available on the ICG's official website.

INET Examination

One of the most well-known naval forces in the world, the Indian Navy is in charge of defending the nation both above and below sea level. This national admission test offers a range of entry-level and high-level positions, including executive, educational, technical, lieutenant commander, etc.

To be considered for any job role, applicants must pass the writing test and meet all eligibility requirements. All chosen applicants will get training at the INA and be awarded a Short Service Commission (SSC) or Permanent Commission (PC).

CAPF Examination

The CAPF full form is the Central Armed Police Force Examination, which UPSC administers to those who want to serve in the military. It pertains to the seven Indian armed units that are sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The following categories—Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Forces (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Sashastra Seema Bal—are assigned to the applicants who passed the CAPF AC examination. An applicant's eligibility for these job positions is contingent upon passing a written test, followed by a medical and physical examination. After you pass every exam, a job role will be assigned to you.

IB ACIO Exam

The Ministry of Home Affairs holds the Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (IB ACIO) examination to fill positions for Grade 2 Officers in the IB. It is an esteemed position offering greater compensation and benefits, all supplied by the Indian government. Exams that fall into two categories are Grade II and Group C (non-gazetted, non-ministerial) exams. For those applying, the assessment is only given once a year.

Territorial Army

Following the country's primary army, the Territorial Army Examination serves as India's auxiliary defence unit. The territorial army's primary responsibility is to free up the army's regular personnel from other monotonous tasks and delegate responsibility for handling natural disasters and other issues to the civil government.

With only one to two months of service per year, it is referred to as a part-time army force. It is an alternative to a full-time profession. At present, the territorial army comprises nearly 40 thousand personnel.

List of Defence Exams After 12th in India

For students pursuing their secondary education, a job in the Indian Defence Army offers some of the best salaries among other major professions. After finishing their 10+2 or graduation, they may take an alternative admission exam to enrol in the Defence Academy based on their interests. The following is a list of Indian defence exams after 12th grade that prospective candidates may consider opting for.

• Entrance Exam for Indian Navy Sailor AA & SSR
• Indian Air Force Airman in Group ‘Y’
• Indian Army Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
• Indian Navy BTech Entry Scheme
• Indian Navy Sailors
• Naval Academy & National Defence Academy (NDA Exam)

List of Defence Exams After Graduation in India

After receiving their degree or immediately following their graduation, candidates can also apply to join the Indian Forces. Listed below are a few Indian defence exams after graduation that aspirants may consider opting for.

• Indian Army TGC
• Indian Army Teacher
• Indian Army SSC Technical
• Indian Army NCC
• Indian Army Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO)
• Indian Army Jag
• Indian Air Force Airmen
• Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS)

List of Defence Exams in India for Females

In this sector, there are many prospects for female applicants. The following is a list of Indian defence exams that female aspirants may consider opting for.

• Short Service Commission Examination (Technical)
• NCC (SPL) Entry Level Examination
• National Defence Academy Examination (NDA)
• Joint Advocate General (JAG) SCWW
• Combined Defence Service Examination (CDS)

Also Read:AFCAT for Girls

Defence exams in India present youthful graduates with stimulating prospects to pursue a demanding and satisfying career in the armed forces. Before starting to prepare, candidates are advised to fully review the requirements for each examination, as well as its syllabus, important dates, exam pattern, etc. Applicants can pass these tests and start a prestigious and honourable career serving the country if they put in the necessary effort, persistence, and hard work.