List of Defence Examinations in India for Women

Post Name : List of Defence Examinations in India for Women

Post Date :  04 June , 2024

Post Description : India has been allowing women to serve in the Army, Navy, and Air Force in a variety of roles as it has gradually expanded its defense forces to them. Through a variety of exams, prospective female applicants can enlist in the Indian Armed Forces in multiple ways. This post will go over the list of defense exams available to women in India, along with information on eligibility and other necessary criteria.

Defence Examinations for Females In India

India offers various defense and paramilitary examinations for female candidates to serve the nation. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination by UPSC allows women to join the Officers Training Academy (OTA). The National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination, now open to women, provides entry into the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) recruits for the Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty branches of the Indian Air Force. The Indian Navy’s Short Service Commission (SSC) offers various roles, while the Military Nursing Service (MNS) Examination is for aspiring military nurses. The Territorial Army (TA) Examination enables part-time military service, and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination by UPSC recruits women as Assistant Commandants in forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Each exam has specific criteria and selection processes, offering multiple pathways for women to serve in defense and security. Here is a detailed overview of the major defense examinations available for women in India:

1. Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. Female candidates can apply for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Indian Air Force Academy (AFA). For female candidates, the OTA is the only academy open for entry. Graduates from any discipline can apply, and the age limit is 19 to 25 years. The selection process involves a written exam followed by an SSB (Services Selection Board) interview and a medical examination.

2. National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination

The National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recently opened its doors to female candidates following a Supreme Court ruling in 2021. Female candidates can now join the NDA to pursue a career in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. The age limit for the NDA exam is 16.5 to 19.5 years. The selection process includes a written examination followed by an SSB interview and a medical examination. Successful candidates undergo a three-year training program at the NDA followed by specialized training at their respective academies.

3. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year. Female candidates can apply for various branches, including Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). Graduates with a minimum of 60% marks are eligible, and the age limit varies according to the branch: 20 to 24 years for the Flying Branch, and 20 to 26 years for the Ground Duty Branches. The selection process includes a written examination, AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interview, and medical examination.

4. Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy offers the Short Service Commission (SSC) to female candidates in various branches such as ATC (Air Traffic Control), Observer, Law, Logistics, Education, and Naval Architect. The eligibility criteria vary according to the branch, with a general requirement of a graduate degree in a relevant field and a minimum age of 19 years. The selection process involves a written test, SSB interview, and medical examination.

5. Military Nursing Service (MNS) Examination

The Military Nursing Service (MNS) Examination is conducted by the Indian Army for female candidates who aspire to become military nurses. Candidates must have completed their 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and must be unmarried. The age limit is 17 to 25 years. The selection process includes a written examination, an interview, and a medical examination. Successful candidates undergo a four-year B.Sc. Nursing program and are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Military Nursing Service.

6. Territorial Army (TA) Examination

The Territorial Army (TA) allows female candidates to serve in a part-time military role while maintaining their civilian careers. Candidates must be graduates and fall within the age range of 18 to 42 years. The selection process involves a written test and an interview conducted by a Preliminary Interview Board (PIB) followed by an SSB interview and medical examination.

7. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination is conducted by UPSC for recruitment into various paramilitary forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Female candidates can apply for the Assistant Commandant (AC) posts in these forces. The eligibility criteria include a graduate degree and an age limit of 20 to 25 years. The selection process involves a written examination, physical standards/physical efficiency tests, medical standards tests, and an interview/personality test.

List of Defence Examinations for Females In India

Go through this table to learn about various defence examinations for females in India:-