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What to do after 10th or 12th? Many students feel adrift, and parents frequently worry that they’ll make the wrong choice. For those who aspire to don a uniform and serve the country, defence services can provide a career imbued with honour and dignity.

This is a career guidance blog for those who wish to get defence services jobs. It tells us what defence exams are available, what courses to pursue, who is eligible and how one should prepare at different stages. This guide will point you in the right direction and give you clarity so that you can move forward with certainty.

Why choose Inclined Towards Defence Services?

A defence career is more than just a job. It provides discipline, security, respect and purpose. Defence life imparts leadership, courage, teamwork and responsibility from that tender age.

Students can join defence forces as officers, technical experts, soldiers in uniform, medical professionals or even support staff. There are well-delineated career paths, exams to pass and eligibility requirements for each role.

The Right Way To Plan for Defence Exams After 10th Class:

Students cannot appear for officer-level defence exams after class 10. But this stage is critical because the decisions taken now determine eligibility in future. So here are some defence career options after 10th.

The most crucial step after 10th is selecting the right subjects in classes 11 and 12.

• Students who want to apply for officer-level entries need Science with Mathematics

• Candidates aspiring for medical positions must take Science with Biology.

• Even arts and commerce stream students can opt for defence entry but there are fewer options for officer-entry types.

Physical fitness should be taken into account at this stage along with some basic general knowledge, discipline and confidence building. Going for NCC or sports after 10th gives a boost in defence preparation.

Defence Career Options After 12th:

After passing class 12, one can try various defence exams. Every exam has its own use and is good for different kinds of test-takers. 

National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination

NDA (National Defence Academy) is a national-level entrance exam that is conducted to recruit male candidates of Indian nationality.

Who should choose NDA

• Students who aspire to be officers in the Army, Navy or Air Force

• Leadership and Discipline students

• Science with maths for the Navy and air force

• Arts students are eligible for the Army

Eligibility

• Class 12 pass or appearing

• Age generally 16.5 to 19.5 years old

• Physical and medical standards must be met

Selection Process

• Written examination

• Physical fitness test

• Medical examination

• Interview and personality assessment

This is the exam that needs preparation beforehand and serious learning which is why many student looks for the best defence academy in Chandigarh-‘IFA Defence Academy’.

TES: Technical Entry Scheme for The Army:

The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is for students who seek to become technical officers in the Army.

Who is it for

• Students with Science and Mathematics

• Applicants targeting engineering and technical positions

• Students who want officer-level responsibility

Selection Includes

• Shortlisting based on academic performance

• Interview

• Medical examination

Unlike the other exams, TES has no written test, but a strong academic background and readiness is must.

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT):

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is for becoming an officer in the Indian Air Force.

Best suited for

• Men wishing to join the armed forces in flying, ground duty or technical service duties

• Prescribed science background for technical branches

Selection Process

• Written exam

• Physical fitness tests

• Medical examination

• Interview

Preparation is academic, mental, and physical.

Indian Navy Entrance Examinations:

The Indian Navy organises a number of entrance tests for different positions.

Suitable for

• Students with a science background

• Anyone interested in working with technical equipment, naval engineering or sea-going service

Selection Process

• Written exam

• Physical fitness tests including swimming

• Medical examination

• Interview

The Navy is about discipline, flexibility and physical strength.

Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination:

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is meant for graduates, but students after 12th should know about it in advance.

Who should plan for CDS

• Students want to join the defence after graduation

• Those who wish to become officers later in life

This exam requires both academic preparation and physical fitness.

Soldier-Level Army Entries

If students want to join the defence at ground level can apply for soldier entries.

Common entries include

• Soldier General Duty

• Soldier Technical

• Soldier Clerk

• Soldier Tradesman

Eligibility

• Class 10 or 12 as per post

• Physical fitness is extremely important

• Written test and medical examination required

These positions are for students who are physically strong and ready to work in a field-level position.

Paramilitary Forces Examinations:

Other than the Army, Navy and Air Force students can also opt for paramilitary forces.

Forces include

• Border Security Force

• Central Reserve Police Force

• Indo-Tibetan Border Police

• Central Industrial Security Force

Selection includes

• Written exam

• Physical efficiency test

• Medical examination

These jobs offer secure livelihoods and a chance to serve the nation.

Defence Related Courses After Class 12:

There are students who want to study more before joining the defence services. 

Defence courses after 12th include

• Engineering programs

• Aviation-related studies

• Medical education

• Defence management and logistics courses

These courses enable students to apply for technical and specialist defence roles.

What To Do and How To Prepare for Defence Exams:

After Class 10

• Choose the correct academic stream

• Start physical training

• Build discipline and routine

• Improve general awareness

After Class 12

• Choose the defence exam which is perfect for you

• Begin focused written exam preparation

• Maintain daily physical fitness

• Seek expert guidance

During Preparation

• Follow a fixed schedule

• Practice mock tests

• Work on communication skills

• Stay consistent and patient

Importance of Structured Guidance:

Defence exams are tough and competitive. Many capable students fail due to poor planning and weak guidance.

The best defence academy in Chandigarh – IFA Defence Academy offers well-planned preparation, physical training, exam-oriented instructions and personality development. Students are guided on which exam suits them best and how to prepare effectively. From IFA Defence Academy We believe in confidence and discipline and creating success.

Frequently Asked Questions