Joining the Indian Army: Short Service Commission (SSC)

One of the two options of joining the Indian Army is Short Service Commission (SSC). Short Service Commission (SSC): The Indian Army offers the option to join service as a Commissioned Officer for a period of 10 years which can be extended up to 14 years. At the completion of this period an officer is given two options -- either elect for a Permanent Commission or opt out. Officers who have not been selected for Permanent Commission are given the option of extending the service up to 4 years. The Short Service Commission enables an officer to think analytically, develops planning skills, organizational and administrative abilities. These qualities open the door of opportunities for other career options after completing the SSC employment period.

Officers Training Academy (Chennai) Once an officer is selected for SSC, they need to go to the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. The selection process for SSC consists of a written exam followed by the SSB interview and medicals. For Technical (Engineering) graduates and law graduates the selection process is direct SSB interview and medicals. If a candidate have done NCC Senior Division (Army) and obtained ‘C’ certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade, he can apply through their NCC Branch HQ/Zonal HQ to Recruiting Directorate for direct SSB interview. Candidates who qualifies in the exam undergoes a medical examination. The training period is 49 weeks. Officers Training Academy’s training helps broaden perspective of the candidates and widen their horizon. Short Service Commission (SSC) for Women In 1992, history was created when the Indian Army started inclusion of women into the officer cadre. And the door of joining the prestigious Indian Army was opened to women. Terms & Conditions of Service of SSCOs (Women both Technical and Non-Technical) Features of the policy are: Extension of Tenure

1. Tenure of Short Service Commission:

-      SSC granted 14 years in the Regular Army where selected candidates need to serve for 10 years in the initial period then extended 4 years. -      Duration of Training is 49 weeks

1. Substantive Promotion: SSCOs will be eligible for substantive promotion

-      To the rank of Capt. -- On completion of 2 years reckonable commissioned service -      To the rank of Maj -- On completion of 6 years reckonable commissioned service -      To the rank of Lt Col - On completion of 13 years reckonable commissioned service Eligibility Nationality A candidate must be: -      A citizen of India -      A subject of Bhutan -      A subject of Nepal -      A Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before the 1^st of January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India -      A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethopia and Vietnam with intention of permanently settling in India Candidates’ eligibility would be considered only when he/she shows a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Age Limit        -      SSC(T)-45 Men and SSC(T) -- 16 Women -- 20 -27 years at the time of commencement of course. -      A candidate should not born earlier than 02 Oct. 88 and not later than 01 Oct 95 (both dates inclusive) -      Widows for Defence Personnel with 4 years age relaxation. SSCW (Non-Tech) -- 19 -- 29 years, born not earlier than 02 Jul. 86 and not later than 01 Jul. 96 (both dates inclusive) -      SSCW (Tech) -- 20 -- 31 years, born not earlier than 02 Oct 84 and not later than 01 Jul. 95 (both dates inclusive) -      Accepted age certificate are Matriculation or an equivalent examination certificate Education Qualifications -      Candidates who have an Engineering degree or studying in the final year examination of Engineering course, are eligible to apply -      Candidates who are in their final year should be able to produce their certificate within 12 weeks from the day of commencement of training at OTA. Such candidates will be inducted on Additional Bond Basis for recovery of the cost of training at OTA The SSC has multiple opening even for candidates who have completed their 12th Equivalent exam. If you have learning requirement, post your learning requests here and get connected with expert tutor or reputed institute instantly.