The Army Cadet College (ACC) Dehradun is an institution established by the Indian Army to train and prepare its own soldiers as commissioned officers of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is a part of one of the best institutions of the Indian Army, i.e the Indian Military Academy (IMA) located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The army gives equal opportunities to all its soldiers. A soldier who is well educated, committed, and determined to excel in his career. He is free to avail himself of this opportunity through the ACC Entry scheme under the guidance of his superiors. A soldier is required to report to his superior. ACC has a special role to providing opportunities for soldiers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to become commissioned officers. Here’s a detailed overview of the ACC:
1. History and Purpose of this Scheme
- Established: The roots of the ACC go back to World War II when it was known as the Kitchener College in Nowgong in 1929. Later, it was shifted to Dehradun in 1977, integrating into the Indian Military Academy.
- Purpose: ACC provides a roadmap for soldiers (other ranks) from the tri-services to be trained as officers. The main aim is to utilize the experience and knowledge of the enrolled soldiers, grooming them into future military leaders.
- Selection Criteria: Selection to ACC is highly competitive, based on entrance exams, service records, and recommendations.
2. Written Exam and Selection Procedure
Eligibility Criteria: The ACC selects the soldiers from the ranks of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The ACC exam is generally conducted twice a year, in the months of January and July. The exam schedule dates are released through the official notification in all formation headquarters, and it is circulated to all company and unit levels. Interested candidates are always encouraged to remain updated through their units or relevant military communication channels to know the precise dates. Eligibility depends on service experience, performance in entrance exams, and personal interviews.
- Age: Age of the soldiers should be between 20 to 27 years, and a required minimum of two years of service can apply.
- Marital Status: Both married and unmarried soldiers are eligible to apply.
Education Qualification: 10+2 Pattern Class 12th pass or equivalent. Should have qualified for the ACC written test.
Entrance Exam: The written exam of ACC comprises four papers covering subjects such as General Mental Ability, Current General Awareness, Interactive Communicative English, and Academic Content Test.
Services Selection Board (SSB): After clearing the written exam, shortlisted candidates are called for the Service Selection Board interview, which assesses their suitability for officer roles in terms of leadership, psychological readiness, and physical fitness. - Tentative Date of SSB: Sep to Nov for Jan Course Mar to May for Jul Course
Training Program - Duration: Qualifying candidates undergo training at Army Cadet College for three years; after completion of training at ACC, cadets go for one year of pre-commissioning training at the Indian Military Academy. This brings the total training period to four years.
- Curriculum: The curriculum at ACC is rigorous and includes a complete personality as a leader of the Indian Armed Forces.
3. Life at ACC
- Cadets at ACC undergo intense physical and academic training. Their day begins early with physical conditioning exercises and continues with academic classes. Evening drills, tactical exercises, and military science education are integral parts of the routine.
- ACC fosters a culture of discipline, camaraderie, and excellence, focusing on preparing cadets for the challenges of leading soldiers in the field.
5. After Graduation
- Once cadets successfully complete their three-year tenure at ACC, they move to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) for one year of pre-commission training.
- Upon successful completion of training at IMA, they are commissioned as lieutenants in the Indian Army and posted to different units based on requirements.
6. Career Prospects
- ACC-trained officers have long and rewarding careers in the Indian Army. The grooming they receive as enlisted personnel, combined with formal officer training, gives them a unique edge in leadership roles. Many ACC graduates go on to serve in senior positions in the armed forces.
7. Notable Alumni
- Some of the ACC alumni have gone on to hold prestigious positions in the Indian Army, contributing to its growth and modernization.
8. How to Apply
- Soldiers who are interested in joining ACC should keep an eye on the official notifications issued by their respective service branches, which announce the opening of applications for ACC entry.
- Interested candidates should prepare for the entrance exams and SSB interviews by brushing up on general knowledge, English proficiency, and logical reasoning.
9. Conclusion:
It is best opportunities available for serving soldiers to become officer in Indian Armed forces. Desirous candidates are required to remain focus with strong determination to fulfill their dreams to become true leaders.
