An Indian Army officer is one of the noblest careers available, serving with pride for the nation. It happens that most aspirants are eager to know how one can become part of the Indian Army and how it takes one through the different stages in life: strong determination, preparation, and dedication. 

Educational Eligibility

The journey towards becoming an officer begins with the educational qualification. The eligibility criterion varies according to the entry route. Candidates need to have completed 10+2 or should be a graduate in their requirement. There are several entry schemes:

• National Defense Academy (NDA): The main entry program for aspirants joining after the completion of the 12th class is the NDA. The candidate has to clear the UPSC NDA examination, subsequently attend the SSB interview, and undergo a medical checkup. 
• Combined Defense Services (CDS): Graduates can join through a CDS exam also run by UPSC. This route takes candidates to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, for training.
• Technical Entry Scheme (TES): Engineering graduates can join through the TES, who undergo training in technical institutions before entering the IMA.
• Staff Selection Commission (SSC): SSC is another route for both men and women to be part of the Army for a shorter tenure with options to extend or convert into a permanent commission. 

Selection Procedure

This is followed by a stringent selection procedure. It starts with a written examination, which may be NDA or CDS, followed by an SSB interview. The process of SSB includes psychological tests, group discussions, physical assessments, and personal interviews. This process is meant to evaluate the qualities of leadership, mental acuteness, and physical fitness of the candidate.

Training

The students, who after qualifying for the SSB interview and the medical examination, are sent to rigorous training. While NDA cadets train at the National Defense Academy in Khadakwasla, CDS students join the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. The coursework combines academic education and physical conditioning that will prepare officers to take on leadership functions.

Personal Qualities

Beyond just the academic and physical standards, an Indian Army officer must develop personal attributes such as discipline, leadership, integrity, and resilience. All these qualities have to be reflected during the SSB interviews to get selected.

Conclusion

Indeed, this is one challenging path that leads to being an Indian Army officer, but it yields huge fulfillment in return. Understanding how to be an Indian Army officer and carefully preparing step-by-step for each will be the surest steps toward the success of serving with pride to the country. This is a kind of career that would offer not just a future but also some way of helping out in making changes for the betterment of society.

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