Joining the Indian Army is one of the most respected and fulfilling career paths, offering young men and women the chance to serve their nation with honor and pride. However, this path is a rigorous one, especially when it comes to the selection process. After clearing the written examination for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, many candidates eagerly await the next steps to know how soon they can don the uniform.
The timeline from clearing the written exam to finally joining the Indian Army involves several stages and processes, which can sometimes be long and intricate. In this blog, we’ll explore the detailed timeline for joining the Indian Army after clearing the written exam for SSB, right from the declaration of results to the final induction into the armed forces.
The journey begins with candidates taking the written examination, which may be either the National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS), or Technical Entry Scheme (TES) exam, among others. These exams are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or other respective authorities. The results of the written exam are typically declared a few months after the examination. Here's the timeline for the major written exams:
Time Taken to this Stage: 2-3 months after the written exam.
After clearing the written examination, candidates receive a call-up for the SSB interview. The SSB interview is one of the most critical stages of the selection process, designed to assess the candidate’s psychological aptitude, leadership qualities, and physical fitness. Depending on the entry mode, the SSB interview can last for about 5 to 6 days and is conducted in various SSB centers across India.
The SSB centers are located in places like:
Once the results of the written exam are declared, the candidate is typically called for the SSB interview within 2-3 months. However, the exact timing depends on the availability of slots at the SSB centers.
Time Taken to this Stage: Within 4-6 months after the written exam.
The SSB Interview is a comprehensive selection process designed to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for a career in the armed forces. It includes psychological tests, group discussions, group tasks, personal interviews, and physical tests. The SSB interview lasts for 5 to 6 days, and the final recommendation is made by the board based on the candidate's performance in all stages.
After completing the SSB interview, candidates have to wait for the result of the interview. If recommended, the candidate will move to the next phase, which is the medical examination.
Time Taken for SSB Interview and Results: 1-2 weeks post-interview.
Once a candidate clears the SSB interview, they are required to undergo a comprehensive medical examination. This medical test ensures that the candidate is physically fit to meet the strict physical standards required for a career in the Army. The medical examination is conducted by a military hospital and usually takes about 4-7 days. Candidates are tested on various parameters, including vision, hearing, physical fitness, and more.
After the medical examination, candidates may receive either a 'fit' or 'unfit' status. In some cases, if a candidate is found temporarily unfit, they may be given time to correct the issue (such as gaining or losing weight, improving eyesight, etc.).
Time Taken for Medical Process: 1-2 weeks after SSB.
Once the medical examination is cleared, the next step is waiting for the final merit list. This list is prepared by taking into account the candidate’s performance in the written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination. The merit list determines whether or not the candidate will be inducted into the Indian Army.
It’s important to note that clearing the SSB interview and the medical test does not automatically guarantee selection. The competition is fierce, and the number of vacancies is often limited. The merit list is usually declared within 2-3 months after the medical examination.
Time Taken for Final Merit List: 3-4 months after medicals.
If a candidate’s name appears in the merit list, they will receive Joining Instructions (JIs) from the respective training academies, such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), or NDA. The joining instructions provide details on when and where the candidate must report for training.
Candidates typically receive their JIs within 2-3 months after the merit list is declared. The training commencement date will depend on the specific academy and the batch they are selected for.
Time Taken to Receive Joining Instructions: 2-3 months after merit list.
The final step in the journey is reporting to the respective training academies for formal training. The training period varies depending on the entry mode:
Training typically begins within 4-6 months of receiving the joining instructions.
Time Taken for Training: Depending on the entry mode, training can last from 1 year to 3 years.
After successfully completing the training at the academy, cadets are formally commissioned as officers in the Indian Army. The passing-out parade (POP) is a momentous occasion where cadets take their oath of allegiance to the nation and are officially inducted into their respective regiments or corps.
The entire process, from clearing the written exam to commissioning, can take anywhere from 1.5 to 4 years, depending on the entry route and other factors such as training duration.
The timeline mentioned above is based on average estimates, but several factors can influence the exact duration for each candidate. These include:
Joining the Indian Army is a journey that demands patience, dedication, and resilience. The timeline from clearing the written exam to finally getting commissioned is long and involves various stages, each crucial in determining the candidate’s future as an officer in the armed forces. While the process can take 1.5 to 4 years, the reward of serving the nation as an officer in the Indian Army is well worth the wait.