The Indian Armed Forces are consists of three professional uniformed services: the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Defence Forces share the burden of national security and therefore are the backbone of our country. With the strength of over 1.4 million active personnel, it is the world’s second-largest military force and has the world’s largest volunteer army. With an increase in range, diversity and strength of Indian armed forces, the need for soldiers and officers to operate then has been increased. So, the armed forces have provided various entries to select suitable officers and induct them on the basis of their qualifications.
Defence Forces are providing a great career, full or exposure, adventure, stability, and security. One can fulfill his dream of joining officer cadre of Indian armed forces after 12th, one can join the Indian Army, Indian Airforce and Indian Navy after completing 10+2 through various entries, but there are certain eligibility criteria which are to be fulfilled. Below is a detailed view of how one can join Indian armed forces after 12th.
Indian Army:
There are two types of entries to Join Indian Army after 12th class as an officer.
1. National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination:
The Union Public Service Commission conducts two Competitive Examinations across the country twice a year mainly in the month of November and April.
Eligibility Criteria for NDA/NA
Vacancies Per Course – Approx 200 (for Army)
Age: 16 ½ to 19 ½ years as on the first day of the month in which course is due to commence
Qualification: 12th Class of 10+2 System of Education/Equivalent
Training Academy:Â NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune
Notification:Â UPSC releases the notification of NDA/NA twice in a year mainly in the month of May/Jun and December
Duration of Training – 3 Years at NDA and then 1 Year at IMA, Dehradun
2. 10+2 TECHNICAL ENTRY SCHEME (10+2 TES):
Through this entry, a candidate can join the Indian Army as a permanent commissioned officer.
Eligibility Criteria for 10+2 TES
Vacancies Per Course – 75 (approx.)
Age: 16 ½ to 19 ½ years as on the first day of the month in which course is due to commence
Qualification: 12th Class of 10+2 System of Education/Equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 70% in  Physics, Chemistry & Maths (PCM)
Training Academy: 1 year (Officer Training Academy Gaya), 3 Years (CME Pune or MCTE Mhow or MCEME Secunderabad), 1 year at CME Pune or MCTE Mhow or MCEME Secunderabad.
Notification: It is conducted twice a year and notified by DG Rtg AG’s branch IHQ of MOD(Army) in May/Jun & Oct/Nov
Duration of Training:Â 5 Years (OTA-Gaya-1 Year, CME Pune or MCTE Mhow or MCEME Secunderabad-4 Years)Â
Indian Air Force:
There is only one type of entry to Join Indian Air Force after 12th class as an officer.
1. National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination:
The Union Public Service Commission conducts two Competitive Examinations across the country twice a year mainly in the month of November and April.
Eligibility Criteria for NDA/NA
Vacancies Per Course – Approx 100 (for Air Force)
Age: 16 ½ to 19 ½ years as on the first day of the month in which course is due to commence
Qualification: 12th Class of 10+2 System of Education/Equivalent with Physics and Maths
Training Academy:Â NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune
Notification:Â UPSC releases the notification of NDA/NA twice in a year mainly in the month of May/Jun and December
Duration of Training – 3 Years at NDA and then 1 Year at Indian Air Force Academy, Hyderabad or Air Force Technical College, Bengaluru
Indian Navy:
There are two types of entries to Join Indian Navy after 12th class as an officer.
1. National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination:
The Union Public Service Commission conducts two Competitive Examinations across the country twice a year mainly in the month of November and April.
Eligibility Criteria for NDA/NA
Vacancies Per Course – Approx 50 (for Navy)
Age: 16 ½ to 19 ½ years as on the first day of the month in which course is due to commence
Qualification: 12th Class of 10+2 System of Education/Equivalent with Physics and Maths
Training Academy:Â NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune
Notification:Â UPSC releases the notification of NDA/NA twice in a year mainly in the month of May/Jun and December
Duration of Training – 3 Years at NDA and then 1 Year at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
2. 10+2 B.Tech. Cadet Entry:
Through this entry, a candidate can join the Indian Navy as a permanent commissioned officer.
Age: 17 to 19½ years as on the first day of the month in which course is due to commence
Qualification: 12th Class of 10+2 System of Education/Equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 70% in  Physics, Chemistry & Maths (PCM) and at least 50% marks in English (either in Class X or Class XII). Call up for Service Selection Board (SSB) will be issued on basis of JEE (Main) All India Rank.
Training Academy: Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala, Kerala
Duration of Training: 4 Years Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala, Kerala
Also, See:
- Know About All Entries to Join Indian Armed Forces
- Know All About Indian Army TGC Entry
- Territorial Army-Full-time Honor & Part-time Commitment