India offers multiple defence and paramilitary examinations for female candidates to serve the nation. Exams such as the Combined Defence Services (CDS) by UPSC enable women to join the Officers Training Academy (OTA). The National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination is now open to women, providing entry into the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) recruits candidates 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 allows 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:
Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year, the CDS Examination allows female candidates to 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.
The NDA Examination, conducted by UPSC twice a year, has recently been opened 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.
Conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year, the AFCAT allows female candidates to 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.
| Examination | Conducted By | Eligible Branches | Age Limit | Educational Qualification | Selection Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDS (Combined Defence Services) | UPSC | OTA | 19-25 years | Graduate | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
| NDA (National Defence Academy) | UPSC | Army, Navy, Air Force | 16.5-19.5 years | 10+2 (Physics & Maths for Air Force & Navy) | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
| AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) | Indian Air Force | Flying, Technical, Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 20-24 years (Flying) 20-26 years (Ground Duty) | Graduate with 60% marks | Written Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Exam |
| SSC (Short Service Commission) | Indian Navy | Various (ATC, Observer, etc.) | 19-25 years | Graduate in relevant field | Written Test, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
| MNS (Military Nursing Service) | Indian Army | Military Nursing | 17-25 years | 10+2 with PCB, Unmarried | Written Exam, Interview, Medical Exam |
| TA (Territorial Army) | Indian Army | Territorial Army | 18-42 years | Graduate | Written Test, Interview, SSB, Medical Exam |
| CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) | UPSC | BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB (Assistant Commandants) | 20-25 years | Graduate | Written Exam, Physical/Medical Tests, Interview/Personality Test |
Yes, following a Supreme Court ruling in 2021, women can now join the National Defence Academy (NDA). Female candidates can pursue careers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force through the NDA. The age limit for the NDA exam is 16.5 to 19.5 years, and the selection process includes a written examination, SSB interview, and a medical examination.
Female candidates can apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) through the CDS Examination conducted by UPSC. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
Women can join the Indian Air Force through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). The branches available are:
Eligibility requires graduates with a minimum of 60% marks. The selection process includes a written exam, AFSB interview, and medical examination.
The Indian Navy offers Short Service Commission (SSC) roles to women in various branches such as:
The eligibility criteria generally require 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.
Women can join the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) as Assistant Commandants through the CAPF Examination conducted by UPSC. The eligibility criteria include:
Successful candidates can serve in forces such as the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
List Of Defence Exam For Female In India
