Opportunities for women in Indian Army

As children, whether girls or boys, we've all grown up to dream of serving our country; and what better way to do that than joining the Indian Armed Forces. Whether it's films like Lakshya or Border; we Indians have always held high regard for the Indian Armed Forces and revered them as the best that the country has to offer. But if we talk about the Indian Army, the Navy or the Air Force, it's the uniformed men who control our minds, not the women.

While there is some awareness of job opportunities available to male candidates competing with the Indian Defense Forces for jobs, the same can not be said of female candidates. Contrary to popular belief, the Indian Armed Forces' three wings, i.e., the Army, Navy, and Air Force; all induce women candidates to key roles in the country's defense organization.

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Indian Army

The Indian Army is the crown jewel of the Indian Armed Forces; therefore, it does not come as a surprise that several female candidates willing to serve their country have been on the radar. The Indian Army has been admitting female candidates into the officer cadre since 1992. Candidates interested in joining the Indian Army can do so by:

SSCW – Non Tech (Short Service Commission for Women-Non Technical): The Indian Army recruits 12 female candidates as officers through the UPSC's open recruitment test, held twice a year. Unmarried female candidates who want to join the Indian Army through this scheme need to fall into the 19 to 25-yr age group. In addition to this, they will need to meet a recognised university's academic graduation criteria.

SSCW (NCC): Female NCC cadets are also allowed to join the Indian Army under this special SSCW – NCC entry scheme. The Indian Army recruits 8 unmarried NCC cadets who have completed 2 years of service in the senior division of the NCC and hold at least B grade in the C certificate examination. As regards age, the cadets must be in 19 to 25 years. Academically, candidates must hold a graduation degree with an aggregate of at least 50 per cent. The vacancy for this entry scheme is notified in Jun and Dec by the branch of Directorate General Recruiting / AG.

SSCW (JAG): Female officers are now inducted into the Indian Army under the branch of the Judge Advocate General to manage the legal formalities. Each year, the Indian Army recruits 8 female candidates under this scheme, popularly known as the JAG entry scheme. The eligibility requirement for SSCW-JAG is between 21 and 27 years of age and 55 percent marks of a valid LLB / Law Graduate degree. Besides that, the candidate should be registered with the Indian or state Bar Council. The recruitment takes place in the month of April or October through the additional recruitment of the general directorate.

SSCW – Technical Entry Scheme: The Women Short Service Commission also has a technical entry scheme under which students of engineering are inducted into the Indian Army. Female Engineering students who fall in the 20 to 27 year age group (as told in the advertisement) are eligible for entry under this scheme. Academic requirements include diploma in any engineering discipline. During the months of Jun / Jul and Dec / Jan, the Directorate General Recruiting / AG Branch hires 40 women engineers under this scheme each year.

Military Nursing Service: Another significant way for women candidates to join the Indian Army and sever the nation is the military nursing service. Under this, female candidates between 21 and 35 years of age can apply with the Indian Army for nursing jobs. The candidates must complete MSc (Nursing)/PB B Sc (Nursing)/B Sc (Nursing) academically. The candidates must also be a registered Nurse and Midwife from a State Nursing Council. The MNS women officers can also get a permanent commission after the completion of SSC, subject to interview and vacancy availability in the Cadre.