Rashtra Defence Academy

Know About Short Service Commission Entries in Indian Army

Through this article, you will come to know all about Short Service Commission Entries in the Indian Army. Defence aspirants have the option of joining the Army and serving as a Commissioned Officer for 10/14 years. At the end of 10 years, you have 3 options. Either elect for a Permanent Commission or opt-out or have the option of 4 years extension. They can resign at any time during this period of 4 yrs extension.

A Short Service Commission empowers you with analytical thinking, planning skills, administrative and organizational abilities. Qualities that will make you an invaluable asset for any organization that you join after the Army and there are opportunities to sidestep to an alternate career for which Army will also help you.

Short Service Commission for Women (Officers):


The Indian Army also has women officers. You can take up the challenge of Short Service Commission and prove to the world that when it comes to courage and leadership, you’re second to none.

In 1992, an important landmark in the history of the Indian Army was the induction of women into the officer cadre, and the onerous task of training them was undertaken by the Officers Training Academy.

Women candidates who are recommended receive training at OTA, Chennai. You should be a Graduate/Post-Graduate to apply. After the written exam, there is an SSB interview followed by a medical examination.

Revised Service Terms & Conditions of SSCOs (Women Technical and Non-Technical):


Extension of Tenure:

  • Tenure of Short Service Commission. Short Service Commission (SSC), in the Regular Army will be granted for 14 years i.e. for an initial period of 10 years, extendable by 4 years.
  • The duration of Training is 49 weeks.

Substantive Promotion: SSCOs will be eligible for substantive promotion.

  • To the rank of Captain – on completion of 2 years reckonable commissioned service.
  • To the rank of Major – on completion of 6 years reckonable commissioned service.
  • To the rank of Lieutenant Colonel – on completion of 13 years reckonable commissioned service.

Know About Short Service Commission Entries in Indian Army

Training Academy for SSC Officers:


Once selected for the Short Service Commission, you go to the Officers Training Academy at Chennai. Selected candidates will be detailed for training at Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai according to your position in the final order of merit, up to the number of vacancies available at the time. Duration of training is 49 weeks (approximately 11 months) training at OTA, Chennai, on successful completion of which candidates will be granted a commission in the rank of Lieutenant. Ante date seniority will be granted only to Technical Graduates joining through Technical Entry.

Training at OTA is at Govt. expense All candidates who successfully complete Pre-Commission training at Officers Training Academy, Chennai will be awarded “Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies” by the University of Madras. OTA training provides you with opportunities to broaden your perspective and widen your horizon. Whether it’s skeet-shooting, golf, riding, or angling, at OTA you can do it all.

Officers granted Short Service Commission are liable to serve anywhere in India and abroad.

Know About Short Service Commission Entries in Indian Army

Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) Men & Women:


Officers Recruitment through this entry is advertised through the Employment News and all important National and Regional Newspapers/dailies in the months of July and November. Mode of Application is Online only through the official website of UPSC. Selection for short service commission is through a written exam conducted by the UPSC twice every year in the month of September and February, followed by an interview by the Service Selection Board (SSB). Courses are conducted at OTA, Chennai twice every year in the Months of April and October.

Short Service Commission (Technical) Men & Women:


Officers Recruitment through this entry is advertised through the Employment News and All important National and Regional Newspapers/dailies in the months of January and July. Mode of Application is Online only through the official website of Recruitment Directorate, www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Selection for short service commission is through the Services Selection Board (SSB) and there is no written exam for this entry as on date. The candidates are shortlisted for SSB interviews based on the basis of cut off percentage applied on marks obtained by the candidates’ up to 6th Semester. Courses are conducted at OTA, Chennai twice every year in the Months of April and October.

Short Service Commission (NCC) Men & Women:


Officers Recruitment through this entry is advertised through the Employment News and All important National and Regional Newspapers/dailies in the months of June and December. If you have done NCC Senior Division (Army) and obtained a ‘C’ certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade, you can apply through your NCC Battalion from where NCC ‘C’ certificate has been issued to you.

Short Service Commission (JAG) Men & Women:


To apply for JAG Entry, you have to be a Law Graduate with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in LLB Degree (Three years professional after graduation or five years after 10+2 examination). The candidates should be eligible for registration with Bar Council of India/State. Candidate should be from a College/University recognized by Bar Council of India. Officers Recruitment through this entry is advertised through the Employment News and All important National and Regional Newspapers/dailies in the months of June and December. Mode of Application is Online only through the official website of Recruitment Directorate, www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.

Also, See:

Scroll to Top