Indian Military Academy, Dehradun:

Indian Military Academy is yet another cradle of leadership. The IMA trains you to lead from the front. You are trained in all aspects of combat and tactics using technology and other modern tools and technologies. The IMA has excellent facilities for all-round development. You can go for adventure sports like river rafting, para jumping, rock climbing, trekking and mountaineering. From the IMA, you’re commissioned as a “Lieutenant” in the Indian Army, to go out into the world and live up to the IMA motto – “Valour & Wisdom”.

How to join Indian Military Academy:

There are multiple ways to join IMA:

1. After clearing UPSC exam i.e, Combine Defense Service Examination (CDSE)
2. Non UPSC  Entries i.e No written exam required:
   1. University Entry Scheme (Pre Final Year Students Only)
   2. Technical Graduate Course
   3. AEC (Men)

Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE)

You can take the CDS Entrance Exam conducted by UPSC while you are in final year of Graduation / possess any Graduate Degree. Clear the SSB interview, be medically fit and join IMA as a Direct Entry subject to meeting all eligibility conditions and availability of vacancies. For details of exam dates / Notification visit UPSC website upsc.nic.inExternal website that opens in a new window

Candidates finally selected will undergo Military Training for a period of 18 Months at IMA. Candidates will be enrolled under the Army Act as Gentlemen Cadets. On successful completion of training gentlemen cadets are granted permanent commission in the rank of Lt subject to being medically fit in SHAPE – I. The final allocation of Arms/Services will be made prior to passing out of Gentlemen Cadets from IMA.

The other entries are Non UPSC entries and there is no written exam for them. You are directly called for SSB interview

University Entry Scheme (Pre Final Year Students Only)
This entry is for those of you who wish to apply for Army in Pre-Final Year of Engineering. Look out for the advertisement published in leading newspapers/employment news in May every year.

Selected candidates for UES Course will be detailed for training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun according to their position in the final order of merit, discipline wise upto the number of vacancies available at that time. Duration of training is one year. Selected candidates will be granted Short Service Commission or probation in the rank of Lieutenant (Lt.). from the date of their final selection in the case of final year students and from the date of their joining the final year class in the case of pre-final year students. The commission will be effective upto the date of completion of their pre-commission training at the Indian Military Academy.

Candidates during the period of probation will be given stipend at the rate of minimum basic pay of Lieutenant. However the entire stipend will be paid in lump sum only on reporting for training at IMA. From the date of joining IMA they will be entitled to full pay and allowances and other benefits as admissible to regular officers. Engineering graduates who possess the prescribed qualification will be granted one year ante-date for purpose of seniority, promotion and increments of pay.

Technical Graduate Course
Those who are studying in final year/ have completed BE/B Tech in notified streams can also join IMA through Technical Graduate Course. Look out for the advertisement published in leading newspapers/employment news in May/Jun & Nov/Dec every year. Selected candidates will be granted Short Service Commission on probation in the rank of Lieutenant from the date of commencement of the course or the date of reporting at IMA, whichever is later and will be entitled to full pay and allowances admissible to Lt during training period. Pay & allowances will be paid after successful completion of training.

Duration of training is one year. Selected candidates will be detailed for training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun according to their position in the final order of merit up to the number of vacancies available in each subject. On successful completion of training cadets will be granted Permanent Commission in the Army in the rank of Lieutenant. Officers may be granted commission in any Arms/Services and will be liable for service in any part of the world on selected appointments as decided by Army Headquarters from time to time. One year ante date seniority from the date of commission will be granted to Engineering Graduates of TGC Entry.

AEC (Men)
Candidates who have passed Post Graduate Degree MA/M.Sc in subjects as per Notification /M.Com/MCA/MBA with 1st or 2nd Division are only eligible. Final Year appearing/Result awaiting students are not eligible. For details of Notification visit Recruiting Directorate Website http://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

Selected candidates will be granted Short Service Commission on probation in the rank of Lieutenant from the date of commencement of the course or the date of reporting at IMA, whichever is later and will be entitled to full pay and allowances admissible to Lieutenant during training period. Pay & allowances will be paid after successful completion of training.

On successful completion of training cadets will be granted Permanent Commission in the Army in the rank of Lieutenant. Officers may be granted commission in any arms/services and will be liable for service in any part of the world on selected appointments as decided by Army Headquarters from time to time.

Duration of training is one year. Selected candidates will be detailed for training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun according to their position in the final order of merit up to the number of vacancies available in each subject.