Indian Army Exam 2026: NDA, CDS, Agniveer & Other Recruitment Tests
What is the Indian Army Exam?
“Indian Army Exam” is a common term used for the recruitment pathways through which candidates can join the Indian Army as a soldier or an officer. Some entries include a written exam, while others are based on shortlisting and SSB interview. To stay accurate, candidates should always refer to official notifications for the latest dates and criteria.
Types of Indian Army Recruitment Exams
1) NDA (National Defence Academy)
- For candidates after Class 12
- Selection: Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical
- Common subjects: Mathematics and General Ability (as per exam pattern)
2) CDS (Combined Defence Services)
- For graduates
- Selection: Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical
- Common subjects: English, GK, and Maths (for some academies)
3) TES (Technical Entry Scheme)
- For Class 12 Science stream candidates
- Often selection includes shortlisting + SSB Interview + Medical
- Technical-focused entry for officer roles
4) Agniveer (Agnipath Scheme)
- For eligible 10th/12th pass candidates (as per official criteria)
- Selection: Written Test + Physical Fitness Test + Medical
- Service tenure is as per scheme rules; further continuation depends on policy
5) TGC (Technical Graduate Course)
- For engineering graduates
- Selection generally includes SSB Interview + Medical
- Focused on technical officer roles
6) NCC Special Entry
- For NCC “C” certificate holders (as per notification)
- Selection: SSB Interview + Medical
- No written exam in many cases
7) JAG Entry (Judge Advocate General)
- For law graduates
- Selection includes SSB Interview + Medical (as per rules)
- Officer entry for legal branch
Indian Army Recruitment Overview
| Exam / Entry | Typical Eligibility | Selection Stages (Common) |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | 12th Pass | Written + SSB + Medical |
| CDS | Graduation | Written + SSB + Medical |
| TES | 12th Science | Shortlisting + SSB + Medical |
| Agniveer | 10th / 12th (as per entry) | Written + Physical + Medical |
| TGC | Engineering Graduate | SSB + Medical |
| NCC Special Entry | NCC “C” Certificate | SSB + Medical |
| JAG | Law Graduate | SSB + Medical |
Indian Army Eligibility Criteria (General)
- Age: Varies by entry (commonly between 16.5 to 27 years depending on exam/entry)
- Education: 10th/12th/Graduation/Professional Degree as per entry
- Nationality: As per the official rules for each entry
- Fitness: Must meet physical and medical standards
Indian Army Syllabus (Common Topics)
The syllabus depends on the entry route. Written exams like NDA/CDS/Agniveer generally include subjects such as: Maths, English, General Knowledge/Current Affairs, Reasoning and sometimes basic Science topics.
| Entry | Main Subjects (Common) |
|---|---|
| NDA | Maths, General Ability |
| CDS | English, GK, Maths (for some) |
| Agniveer | GK, Maths, Reasoning (as per pattern) |
| Technical Entries | Technical background + SSB focused preparation |
Indian Army Exam Dates
Exam schedules are announced through official notifications. NDA and CDS are typically conducted via UPSC calendar, while other entries follow Indian Army recruiting timelines. Always verify your entry’s dates from official sources.
Admit Card & Result
- Admit Card: Download from the official portal before the exam/SSB as applicable.
- Result: Released online after each stage. Keep your login/roll details safe.
Indian Army Selection Process
Selection depends on entry, but commonly includes one or more of these stages:
- Written Exam (for NDA/CDS/Agniveer and some entries)
- Physical Fitness Test (especially for soldier entries like Agniveer)
- SSB Interview (Officer entries)
- Medical Examination
- Document Verification
Physical Standards (Basic Idea)
Physical standards depend on entry and category. Requirements typically include minimum height, weight standards, and endurance-based tests. Check the official notification for the exact criteria.
Why Join the Indian Army?
- Opportunity to serve the nation with pride
- Strong career growth, training, and leadership development
- Respect, discipline, and a purpose-driven life
- Pay, benefits, and facilities as per government rules
Indian Army Exam FAQs
Which exams come under Indian Army recruitment?
NDA, CDS, TES, Agniveer, TGC, NCC Special Entry, and JAG are popular Indian Army entry routes.
Do all entries have a written exam?
No. Some entries focus on shortlisting + SSB interview, while others have a written exam plus physical/medical stages.
Where should I check official updates?
Always use official portals and official notifications for the latest dates, eligibility, and selection rules.