Permanent Commission in Indian Army
Updated: Mar 24
In the Indian Army, a cadet upon completion of training is commissioned into service in either Permanent Commission (PC) or Short Service Commission (SSC).
In addition to the initial contract of service, there are several other differences between these two commissions. We will discuss these differences in a subsequent article; here I present a brief about the Permanent commissions and various entries that are part of this and the academy at which cadets are trained before commissioning.
Table of Contents: Permanent Commission in Indian Army
A Permanent Commission means a career in the Army till you retire. For Permanent Commission, you have to join the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, or the Officers Training Academy, Gaya.
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
Indian Military Academy is a cradle of leadership. The IMA trains you to lead from the front. You are trained in all aspects of combat and tactics using technology and other modern tools and technologies. The IMA has excellent facilities for all-round development.
At the I.M.A Army Cadets are known as Gentlemen Cadets and are given strenuous military training for one year. On successful completion of training Gentlemen Cadets are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Lieutenant subject to being medically fit in "SHAPE-I” one.
Gentlemen Cadets during the entire duration of training in Service Academies i.e. during the training period at IMA shall be entitled to a stipend of Rs 21,000/- p.m. From the IMA, you're commissioned as a "Lieutenant" in the Indian Army, to go out into the world and live up to the IMA motto - "Valour & Wisdom".
The main entries to get into IMA are as under:
1. National Defence Academy, Pune
The cadets for the three services, viz, Army, Navy, and Air Force are given preliminary training in both academic and physical for 3 Years at the National Defence Academy(Pune), which is an Inter-Service Institution. The training during the first two and half years is common to the cadets of three wings.
The cadets on passing out will be awarded B.Sc./B.Sc.(Computer)/BA. Degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. On passing out from the National Defence Academy, Army Cadets go to the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun for training and commissioning.
2. Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE)
You can take the CDS Entrance Exam conducted by UPSC while you are in the final year of Graduation / possess any Graduate Degree.
Clear the SSB interview, be medically fit, and join IMA as a Direct Entry subject to meeting all eligibility conditions and availability of vacancies. (For details of exam dates / Notification visit the UPSC website)
Candidates finally selected will undergo Military Training for 18 Months at IMA. Candidates will be enrolled under the Army Act as Gentlemen Cadets. On successful completion of training gentlemen cadets are granted permanent commission in the rank of Lt subject to being medically fit in SHAPE – I. The final allocation of Arms/Services will be made before passing out of Gentlemen Cadets from IMA.
The other entries are Non UPSC entries and there is no written exam for them. You are directly called for an SSB interview and the details are as under:
3. University Entry Scheme (Pre-Final Year Students Only)
This entry is for those of you who wish to apply for the Army in the Pre-Final Year of Engineering. Look out for the advertisement published in leading newspapers/employment news in May every year. Selected candidates for the UES Course will be detailed for training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun according to their position in the final order of merit, discipline up to the number of vacancies available at that time. The duration of training is one year.
Candidates during the period of training will be given a stipend at the rate of the minimum basic pay of a Lieutenant. However, the entire stipend will be paid in lump sum only on reporting for training at IMA. From the date of joining IMA, they will be entitled to full pay and allowances, and other benefits as admissible to regular officers. Engineering graduates who possess the prescribed qualification will be granted a one-year ante-date for seniority, promotion, and increments of pay.
4. Technical Graduate Course
Those who are studying in their final year/ have completed BE/B Tech in notified streams can also join IMA through the Technical Graduate Course. Look out for the advertisement published in leading newspapers/employment news in May/Jun & Nov/Dec every year.
The duration of training is one year. Selected candidates will be detailed for training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun according to their position in the final order of merit up to the number of vacancies available in each subject.
On successful completion of training, cadets will be granted Permanent Commission in the Army in the rank of Lieutenant. Officers may be granted commission in any Arms/Services and will be liable for service in any part of the world on selected appointments as decided by Army Headquarters from time to time. One year ante date seniority from the date of commission will be granted to Engineering Graduates of TGC Entry.
5. AEC (Men)
Candidates who have passed Post Graduate Degree MA/M.Sc in subjects as per Notification /M.Com/MCA/MBA with 1st or 2nd Division are only eligible. Final Year appearing/Result awaiting students are not eligible.
The duration of training is one year. Selected candidates will be detailed for training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun according to their position in the final order of merit up to the number of vacancies available in each subject. On successful completion of training, cadets will be granted Permanent Commission in the Army in the rank of Lieutenant.
Officers Training Academy, Gaya(10+2 (TES) Entry)
You can apply after passing your 12th Exams. A minimum aggregate of 70% is mandatory in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. You will be detailed for the SSB interview based on the cut-off as decided by the Recruiting Directorate. Look out for the advertisement published in leading newspapers/employment news in May/Oct every year.
The duration of training for TES Entry is 5 years, with which the first year is Basic Military Training from Officer Training Academy, Gaya, and the remaining four years of Training at CME Pune or MCTE Mhow or MCEME Secunderabad. The candidates will be awarded an Engineering degree after successful completion of training.
The candidates will be given a stipend of Rs. 21,000/- p.m. (Rs 15,600/- as pay in Pay Band plus Grade Pay of Rs. 5,400/-) as is admissible to NDA cadets on completion of 3 years of training. On completion of 4 Years of training, they will be commissioned in the rank of Lieutenant and entitled to pay as admissible to the rank.
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