Introduction
Times have changed, and today, women are walking shoulder to shoulder with men in every field – from flying fighter jets to guarding the nation’s borders. The Indian Defence Forces, once considered a male-only domain, are now welcoming brave and talented women into their ranks.
Today, girls have many opportunities to serve the nation proudly by joining the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and even the Territorial Army. The decision of the Supreme Court to grant permanent commission to women officers has made the path even more encouraging. Let’s explore how girls can build a shining career in the defence forces.
Supreme Court Judgment on Permanent Commission for Women
On 17 February 2020, the Supreme Court of India made a historic decision. It said that women officers in the Indian Army are eligible for Permanent Commission (PC), not just Short Service Commission (SSC).
Earlier, women could serve for only 10-14 years under SSC. But now, they can serve till retirement like male officers, can get promotions to higher ranks, and can even hold commanding posts. This was a big step towards gender equality in the forces.
Types of Commissions Available for Women
- Short Service Commission (SSC)
➔ Serve for 10 years, extendable to 14 years.
➔ Available in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. - Permanent Commission (PC)
➔ Serve till retirement.
➔ Granted based on merit and availability of vacancies.
Entry Schemes and Eligibility Criteria for Girls
1. National Defence Academy (NDA) Entry
- Age : 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Education : 10+2 (any stream for Army; Science stream with Physics and Math for Indian Navy and Air Force)
- Process :
➔ Written exam (conducted by UPSC)
➔ SSB Interview
➔ Medical examination - ➔Merit List
Note : Girls gets training with boys at NDA, Khadakwasla, and then proceed to their respective academies institutions.
2. Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam for OTA
- Age : 19 to 25 years
- Education : Graduation in any stream
- Process :
➔ Written exam conducted by UPSC
➔ SSB Interview
➔ Medical examination - ➔Merit List
Post: Commissioned as Lieutenant after training at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
3. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
- Flying Branch:
➔ Age : 20–24 years
➔ Education : Graduation in any stream with 60% marks and 10+2 or equivalent with Physics & Math) - Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) :
➔ Age : 20–26 years
➔ Education: Relevant Engineering/Other Graduate Degrees - Process:
➔ Written Exam
➔ SSB Interview
➔ Medical Examination - ➔Merit List
4. Military Nursing Services (MNS) Entry
- Age : 17- 25 years
- Education : 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Biology
- Process:
➔ Written Exam
➔ Interview
➔ Medical Examination - ➔Merit List
Note: After training, girls become Commissioned Nursing Officers in the Indian Army.
5. Agniveer Recruitment (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Age : 17.5 – 21 years
- Education: 10th/12th Pass
- Service Tenure: 4 years (with 25% selected for regular cadre later)
- Process:
➔ Physical Fitness Test
➔ Written Exam
➔ Medical Exam
Girls can apply as Agniveer General Duty (GD) and in other technical roles
6. Territorial Army (TA) for Women
Women are now eligible to join the Territorial Army (TA) as well.
- What is TA?
➔ TA is a part-time opportunity for citizens to serve in the Army without leaving their civilian professions. - Eligibility:
➔ Age: 18 – 42 years
➔ Education: Graduation in any discipline
➔ Employment: Must be gainfully employed (private job, government service, own business, etc.) - Process:
➔ Written Exam
➔ Preliminary Interview Board (PIB)
➔ Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
➔ Medical Examination - Commission:
➔ Selected women become Commissioned Officers in the Territorial Army.
TA is ideal for women who want to serve the country while balancing their professional careers or family responsibilities.
How We Can Raise Awareness Among Girls
- Conduct Workshops and Seminars
➔ Spread awareness about defence career options in schools and colleges. - Social Media Campaigns
➔ Share inspiring stories of women officers to reach more young girls. - Role Models and Mentors
➔ Arrange talks by serving women officers and veterans to inspire and guide. - Career Counselling
➔ Include defence services information during career guidance sessions.
How Defence Career Will Improve Their Lives
- Respect and Honour : Defence officers are respected everywhere in society.
- Leadership Skills : Defence training builds leadership, confidence, and resilience.
- Financial Benefits : Good salary, allowances, pension (for PC), and many other benefits.
- Adventure : Military life is full of challenges, travel, and adventure activities sein like horse riding, mountaineering, skydiving and serving abroad.
- Service to Nation: The ultimate pride of wearing the uniform and serving India.
Real-Life Motivational Stories : Stories of Courage
- Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi:
➔ First Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo (MiG-21 Bison). - Lieutenant General Punita Arora:
➔ First woman in India to reach the rank of Lieutenant General in the Indian Army. - Captain Shiva Chauhan:
➔ India’s first woman officer who served at Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield.
Their journeys show that no dream is too big if you have the courage and dedication to achieve it.
In the last,
Today, the Indian Defence Forces are offering wonderful opportunities for girls to serve the country with full of pride, discipline and courage. With the right knowledge and correct guidance girls can achieve their dreams of wearing the uniform and fulfil their dream to serve the country.
Let’s encourage more girls to step forward and become the brave daughters of India who protect our land with strength and honour.
