Career Options for Women in the Indian Defence Forces

Pursuing a Commission After Graduation

One of the primary routes for women to join the Indian armed forces is to obtain a commission as an officer after completing a bachelor’s degree. Women graduates have the opportunity to apply for the Combined Defence Services exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. This annual exam tests candidates on their general knowledge and reasoning ability. Those who clear the written test proceed for the Services Selection Board interview and medical examination. Based on the overall performance, women candidates may be granted admission into the Officer Training Academy at Chennai for instruction in their chosen force - the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force.

Commissioned Officer Roles for Women

As commissioned officers, women can specialise in a variety of roles including signals, engineering, law, logistics and aviation. The Indian Army recruits women officers for the Corps of Signals, Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Service Corps and Judge Advocate General Branch. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force induct women officers as observers, pilots, engineers and administrators across various departments. Commissioned ranks range from Second Lieutenant to Major General. While postings are typically non-combat roles, women have the opportunity for career advancement, leadership duties and serving the nation.

Joining Through the National Defence Academy

Previously, entry to the National Defence Academy (NDA) - India’s premier tri-service academy - was only open to men after 12th standard. However, in 2019 the government extended eligibility to women as well. ### NDA Entry for Women Graduates The NDA now accepts applications from unmarried female candidates who have completed their higher secondary education (10+2) and are in the age group 16.5-19 years. Shortlisted candidates appear for the NDA entrance exam, following which those who qualify undergo rigorous training at the NDA for three years. On graduation, they are granted commissioned ranks in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force based on their choice and performance. ### Training and Career Prospects at NDA Successful women cadets enrolled through the NDA undergo training in various streams including science, computer science and architecture & naval construction. After the three-year integrated course and Bachelor of Science degree from the NDA, they join their allotted service branch and embark on fulfilling careers as officers.

Applying Through University Entry Schemes

Aside from the CDS and NDA routes, the defence forces also recruit women graduates through certain university entry schemes. ### Technical Entry Scheme (TES) Eligible for BE/BTech degree holders in specified streams, the Technical Entry Scheme is a pipeline to join the Indian Air Force as Short Service Commissioned Officers in the flying branch and ground duties branch. Candidates appear for written and physical tests, followed by an interview at the Selection Center. Successful applicants are sent for training at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. ### University Entry Scheme (UES) For women with a Bachelor’s degree in specified fields, the UES provides entry to the Indian Navy. Candidates apply and, if selected, enroll for one year Naval Orientation Course at the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala. On completion, they join as Short Service Commission Officers in various branches of the Navy across India.

Short Service Commission Opportunities

While permanent commissioning has traditionally been open only to certain branches of the defence forces, there are temporary appointments through short service commissions as well. ### Short Service Commission in the Indian Army Eligible graduates can apply for short term commissioned officer posts in the Indian Army’s various arms and services including army aviation, electronics and mechanical engineers, Army Education Corps and Remount Veterinary Corps. Selected candidates undergo pre-commissioning training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. ### Indian Navy Short Service Commission Candidates with suitable educational qualifications may apply for inductment as Short Service Commissioned Officers in the branches oflogistics, law, observers and air traffic control, among others. Successful applicants enroll at the Indian Naval Academy for the one-year Naval Orientation Course. ### Short Service Commission in Indian Air Force Similarly, the Indian Air Force inducts women under a five-year Short Service Commission in the branches of engineering, accounts, law and education. Eligible candidates attend the Initial Training Course at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. Short service provides a temporary commissioned career option for those unable or preferring not to serve full term.

Induction Through National Cadet Corps

The tri-services National Cadet Corps offers yet another entry point for women to experience military training and potentially join the armed forces. ### NCC Training in Colleges The NCC gives college students the opportunity to enroll in its senior division across various universities and get instruction in drill, discipline, social service and outdoor adventuring. A ‘C’ Certificate from the NCC certifies basic military training. ### NCC ‘C’ Certificate Holders Women cadets with the NCC ‘C’ certificate are eligible to apply forPermanent or Short Service Commission through the respectiveEntry Schemes of the Army, Navy and Air Force.Selected candidates train at the Officers Training Academy or the Indian Naval Academy to become commissioned officers. ### NCC Role in Defence Preparedness While mainly focused on youth development, the NCC programme prepares and selects suitable candidates for service in the defence forces. It thus provides an important referral path for women seeking careers in the military.

Final Remarks

Through various entry schemes mentioned, suitably qualified women have made their mark as combat pilots, engineers, doctors and administrators in the Indian armed forces. With continuing efforts to expand roles for women in non-traditional areas, defence forces offer multifaceted professional options. While physical standards and commitments remain stringent, interested candidates can strategise their education and prepare accordingly to serve the nation in uniform through available programs. With determination and dedication, the doors of many rewarding opportunities in the military stand open for aspiring women.