Short Service Commission in Indian Army
Updated: Mar 24
In the Indian Army, Short Service Commission (SSC) recruitment grants qualified candidates the option of joining the Indian Army as a "Short Service Commissioned Officer" for 10/14 years. At the end of 10 years, you have 3 options.
Convert a Short Service Commission to a Permanent Commission (PC).
You can opt for 4 years extension. You can resign at any time during this period of 4 4-year extension.
Or simply opt out!
Table of Contents: Short Service Commission in Indian Army
Short Service Commission empowers you with analytical thinking, planning skills, and administrative and organizational abilities. These qualities will make you an invaluable asset for any organization that you join after the Army and there are opportunities to sidestep to an alternate career for which the Army will also help you.
Officers Training Academy, Chennai
What happens after SSC selection?
Once selected for the Short Service Commission, you go to the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. Selected candidates will be detailed for training at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai according to your position in the final order of merit, up to the number of vacancies available at the time.
SSC Training
Duration of training is 49 weeks (approximately 11 months) training at OTA, Chennai, on successful completion of which candidates will be granted commission in the rank of Lieutenant. Ante date seniority will be granted only to Technical Graduates joining through Technical Entry.
Training at OTA is at Govt. expense, all candidates who complete Pre-Commission training at Officers Training Academy, Chennai will be awarded "Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies” by the University of Madras.
OTA training provides you with opportunities to broaden your perspective and widen your horizon. Whether it's skeet-shooting, golf, riding, or angling, at OTA you can do it all.
Officers granted Short Service Commission are liable to serve anywhere in India and abroad.
The main entries for Men & Women both are as under:
1. Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) Men & Women
Officers' recruitment through this entry is advertised through the Employment News and all important National and Regional Newspapers/dailies in Jul and Nov. The Mode of Application is Online only through the official website of UPSC.
Selection for short service commission is through a written exam conducted by the UPSC twice every year in the months Sept. and Feb, followed by an interview by the Service Selection Board (SSB). Courses are conducted at OTA, Chennai twice every year in the Months of April and October.
2. Short Service Commission (Technical) Men & Women
Officers Recruitment through this entry is advertised through the Employment News and All important National and Regional Newspapers/dailies in January and July. The mode of Application is Online only through the official website of the Recruitment Directorate.
Selection for short service commission is through the Services Selection Board (SSB) and there is no written exam for this entry as of date. The candidates are shortlisted for SSB interview based on the cut-off percentage applied on marks obtained by the candidates up to the 6th Semester. Courses are conducted at OTA, Chennai twice every year in the Months of April and October.
3. Short Service Commission (NCC) Men & Women
Officers Recruitment through this entry is advertised through the Employment News and All important National and Regional Newspapers/dailies in Jun and Dec. If you have done NCC Senior Division (Army) and obtained a 'C' certificate with a minimum 'B' grade, you can apply through your NCC Battalion from where NCC 'C' certificate has been issued to you.
4. Short Service Commission (JAG) Men & Women
To apply for JAG Entry, you have to be a Law Graduate with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in LLB Degree (Three years professional after graduation or five years after the 10+2 examination).
The candidates should be eligible for registration with the Bar Council of India/State. The candidate should be from a College/University recognized by the Bar Council of India. Officers Recruitment through this entry is advertised through the Employment News and All important National and Regional Newspapers/dailies in June and December.
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