Top Defense Exams in India: Complete List and Guide (2025)

1. NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam

• Conducted by: UPSC
• Entry into: Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force (Officer Training)
• Eligibility:
  • Qualification: 12th pass (with PCM for Navy & Air Force)
  • Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
  • Gender: Male & Female
• Selection Process:

1. Written Exam
2. SSB Interview
3. Medical Test

• Frequency: Twice a year (April & September)

✅ Best option for students after 12th aiming to become officers.

⚔️ 2. CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam

• Conducted by: UPSC
• Entry into:
  • IMA (Army)
  • OTA (Short Service Commission)
  • INA (Navy)
  • AFA (Air Force)
• Eligibility:
  • Qualification: Graduation (varies by service)
  • Age: 19 to 25 years
• Selection Process:

1. Written Exam
2. SSB Interview
3. Medical Examination

• Frequency: Twice a year

✅ Most popular exam after graduation for permanent or short service commission.

✈️ 3. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

• Conducted by: Indian Air Force
• Entry into:
  • Flying Branch
  • Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
• Eligibility:
  • Graduation or Engineering degree
  • Age: 20 to 26 years
• Selection Process:

1. Written Exam
2. AFSB Interview
3. Medicals

• Frequency: Twice a year

✅ Direct entry to the Indian Air Force, including flying roles.

🛡️ 4. CAPF AC (Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant)

• Conducted by: UPSC
• For recruitment in:
  • BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB
• Eligibility:
  • Graduation in any discipline
  • Age: 20 to 25 years
• Selection Process:

1. Written Exam
2. Physical Test
3. Interview/Personality Test

• Frequency: Once a year

✅ Officer-level entry into India’s paramilitary forces.

🚢 5. INET (Indian Navy Entrance Test) (may merge with CDS in future)

• Conducted by: Indian Navy
• Entry into: Officer ranks in Executive, Technical, and Education branches
• Eligibility: Graduation/B.Tech
• Selection: Written exam + SSB Interview
• Status: Currently merged with CDS/AFCAT in some branches

✅ Specialized officer entry for the Indian Navy.

🧪 6. DRDO CEPTAM

• Conducted by: DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
• Posts: Admin, Technical Assistants, Scientists, MTS
• Eligibility: 10th pass to Graduate/Engineering (varies by post)
• Selection: Written test + Document Verification

✅ Ideal for those seeking defense research or technical jobs.

🧑‍🎓 7. Agniveer (Agnipath Scheme)

• Conducted by: Army/Navy/Air Force separately
• Eligibility:
  • Army: 10th/12th pass
  • Navy/Air Force: 12th with PCM
• Age Limit: 17.5 to 21 years
• Duration: 4 years (short-term service) with post-service benefits
• Selection: Written + Physical + Medical tests

✅ New short-service entry launched in 2022 for all 3 forces.

🧑‍💻 8. SSC Tech / UES / TGC Entries

• For: Engineering graduates
• Mode: Direct SSB interview (no written test)
• Eligibility: Final-year or graduate engineers
• Entry into: Army (SSC Tech), Navy (UES), and more

✅ Best path for engineers to join as technical officers.

🧭 9. Coast Guard Assistant Commandant

• Conducted by: Indian Coast Guard
• Entry into: Officer ranks in General Duty, Technical, Law, Commercial Pilot, etc.
• Eligibility: Graduation/B.Tech depending on the post
• Selection: Written + SSB-style test + Medical

✅ A maritime force under Ministry of Defence with stable career.

🧍 10. Indian Army Soldier/GD/Clerk/Tradesman

• Conducted by: Indian Army (Zonal Recruitment)
• Eligibility: 10th/12th pass
• Selection:
  • Physical Fitness Test
  • Written Test
  • Medical Exam

Best for those looking for non-officer defense careers after school.

📌 Summary Table: