Joining the Indian Army as a Soldier requires one to fulfill certain eligibility criteria and clear the selection process which includes physical fitness tests, written exams, and medical examinations. The eligibility criteria vary based on the specific post and branch one is applying for. Generally, the minimum age requirement is 17.5 years and the maximum age requirement is 21 years. The candidate must have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board and should meet the physical and medical standards set by the Indian Army.
To prepare for the selection process, candidates can undergo physical training to improve their fitness level, and also work on their mental abilities. They can also refer to books and online resources to prepare for the written exam.
Once selected, the Soldier undergoes rigorous training at one of the training centers of the Indian Army. The training period varies from 9 months to 1 year, depending on the branch and post. The training includes both physical and mental training, and it is aimed at transforming the recruits into disciplined soldiers who are capable of serving the country in any condition.
In conclusion, joining the Indian Army as a Soldier is a challenging yet rewarding career choice that requires dedication, courage, and a passion for serving the country. The Indian Army is always on the lookout for young and motivated individuals who are willing to take up this responsibility and serve the nation with pride and honor.
Indian Army Soldier Eligibility
Educational Qualification and Age
Essential Qualifications and Age for becoming a soldier in the army varies from Non-metric to Metric with sometimes asking for math, science, and English as main subjects. It depends upon the type of job being assigned to the Soldier.
| Category | Education | Age |
| Soldier General Duty | SSLC/ Matric | 16-21 Years |
| Soldier Technical | SSLC/ Matric 45% aggregate | 16-23 Years |
| Soldier Clerk | SSLC/ Matric 50% aggregate with 45% in individuals. | 16-23 Years |
| Soldier Nursing Assistant | SSLC/ Matric (Maths, English & Biology) | 16-23 Years |
| Soldier Tradesman (General Duties) | Non-Matric | 16-20 Years |
| Soldier Tradesman (Specified Duties) | Non-Matric | 16-25 Years |
Nationality
Indian
Gender
Only male candidates can join the services through NDA
Physical Standards according to Region
| Height | Weight | Chest | |
| Ladakhi | 158 | 50 | 77 |
| Gorkhas both Nepalese and Indians | 157 | 48 | 77 |
| Andaman, Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Group including Minicoy:- Settlers | 165 | 50 | 77 |
| Locals | 155 | 50 | 77 |
| Tribals of recognized tribal areas | 162 | 48 | 77 |
| A brigade of the Guards | 173 | 50 | 77 |
| Med Arty | 170 | 50 | 77 |
| Corps of Military Police | 173 | 50 | 77 |
| Clerks GD/SKT | 162 | 50 | 77 |
General physical requirements common for all candidates
All candidates must meet certain physical requirements to be considered for selection. These requirements include good physical and mental health, with no evidence of weak constitution, bodily defects, or being overweight. Additionally, candidates must have a well-developed chest, with a minimum range of expansion of 5 cm after full inspiration, and no disease of the bones and joints. Past history of mental breakdown or fits will be a cause for rejection.
Normal hearing without any evidence of present or past disease of the ear, nose, and throat is essential. There should be no sign of functional or organic disease of the heart and blood vessels, and the blood pressure should be within normal range. The muscles of the abdomen should be well-developed, and there should be no enlargement of the liver or spleen. Any disease of the internal organs of the abdomen can be a cause for rejection.
An unoperated hernia can also make a candidate unfit for selection. If operated on, the surgery should have been completed at least six months prior to the present examination and healing should be complete without any potential for recurrence. Similarly, there should be no hydrocele, varicocele, or piles. If operated for hydromel and/or varicocele, this should have been done at least six months prior to the present examination and healing should be complete without any recurrence.
A urine examination will be conducted, and any abnormality detected can be a cause for rejection. Any skin disease that is likely to cause disability or disfigurement will also be grounds for rejection. Vision will also be tested, and candidates must have good binocular vision. In case a candidate has undergone or is detected to have undergone Radial Keratotomy, or any other procedure to improve visual acuity, they will be permanently rejected.
Finally, a candidate should have a sufficient number of natural and sound teeth. A minimum of 14 dental points will be acceptable, and when 32 teeth are present, the total dental points are 22. Severe pyorrhea will be grounds for rejection.
How to become a Soldier/Sepoy in the Army?
Step 1
As all the recruitments are done through rallies so the first step towards joining is to contact the nearest Branch recruiting Office/Zonal Recruiting Office and get the details of Rally schedule and report to rally site on the dates announced on Notice Board along with your Educational Certificate, Birth Certificate (in original) domicile certificate, character certificate and six passport size photographs.
Step 2
One has to go for the Physical Fitness Tests (PFT) carrying following events of 100 marks in all.
- 1 Mile Run
- Pull Ups
- Balance
- 9 Feet Ditch
Details of the marks awarded in each test individually.
One Mile Run
- 5.40 Mins and below – 60 Mks
- 5.41 Mins to 5.50 – 48 Mks
- 5.51 Mins to 6.00 – 36 Mks
- 6.01 Mins to 6.20 – 24 Mks
Pull Ups
- 10 and above – 40 Mks
- 9 – 32 Mks
- 8 – 28 Mks
- 7 – 21 Mks
- 6 – 16 Mks
Balance & 9 Feet Ditch
These are qualifying tests hence no marks are awarded.
Step 3
Those who qualify for the physical test are subject to put for a written test with the following description.
Written Examination
Common Entrance Examination (CEE) is conducted on last Sundays of each month for the recruitment of Soldiers which consists of two papers:-
Paper-I – Compulsory for all soldier categories.
It generally comprises of questions on IQ/Numerical ability general knowledge and current affairs.
- Duration – 60 minutes.
- Total marks – 100
- Pass Marks – 32.
Paper-II – For Sol. Technical, Sol. CLK (GD/SKT) and Sol. Nursing Candidates
- Sol Tech – It generally comprises Physics, Chemistry, and Maths.
- Sol CLK/SKT -It generally comprises Maths & English (Language Proficiency)
- Sol Nursing Assistant – It generally comprises Chemistry, Botany & Biology,
All the above paper consists of:
- Duration – 30minutes
- Total Marks – 50
- Pass marks – 16
Note: In addition to paper I, a Sol Tech, Sol Clk/SKT, and Sol Nursing Assistant has to qualify in his respective paper NCC “C” Certificate holders seeking enrollment for Sol (GD) are exempted from appearing in written examination but have to fulfill other laid down criteria.
Step 4
Conducting Medical Examinations. The final selection will be on Merit.
Army Soldier Salary/ Pay Scale
The pay scale for an Army soldier typically starts from Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000, depending on the category they belong to. Additionally, a soldier can also benefit from various perks such as free ration, clothing, accommodation, medical treatment for self and family, group-housing scheme benefits, building loan facilities, and canteen facilities.
Army Soldier Career Prospects
There are also career progression opportunities for soldiers in the Indian Army. With certain conditions met, a soldier can become a Commissioned Officer. Furthermore, the Army has created several Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) posts to enhance career prospects and provide better pensionary benefits.