What is Short Service Commission In the Indian Army

The Indian Army is the land-based branch of the Indian Armed Forces and is one of the largest standing armies in the world. It offers various career opportunities for young men and women who wish to serve their nation. One such opportunity is the Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Army.

What is a short service commission?

Short Service Commission is a type of service in the Indian Armed Forces where the officer is commissioned for a limited period of time, usually between 10-14 years. SSC offers an opportunity to serve the nation for a short period of time and then return to civilian life. SSC officers are selected through a rigorous selection process, and they are trained to lead and manage the Army’s various operational and administrative tasks.

Short Service Commission in Army

Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Army is a type of service where an officer is commissioned for a limited period, usually between 10-14 years. It offers an opportunity to serve the nation for a short period of time and then return to civilian life. SSC officers are selected through a rigorous selection process and undergo a comprehensive training program. After completion of the training, they are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army and can serve in various operational and administrative roles. SSC officers are entitled to various benefits and allowances and can opt for permanent commission or the Territorial Army or Reserve Forces.

Short Service Commission in Indian Air Force

Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Air Force is a type of service where an officer is commissioned for a limited period, usually between 10-14 years. It offers an opportunity to serve the nation for a short period of time and then return to civilian life. SSC officers are selected through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and undergo a comprehensive training program. After completion of the training, they are commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force and can serve in various operational and administrative roles. SSC officers are entitled to various benefits and allowances and can opt for permanent commission or the Territorial Army or Reserve Forces.

Short Service Commission in Indian Navy

Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Navy is a type of service where an officer is commissioned for a limited period, usually between 10-14 years. It offers an opportunity to serve the nation for a short period of time and then return to civilian life. SSC officers are selected through the Indian Navy entrance examination and undergo a comprehensive training program. After completion of the training, they are commissioned as Sub-Lieutenants in the Indian Navy and can serve in various operational and administrative roles. SSC officers are entitled to various benefits and allowances and can opt for permanent commission or the Territorial Army or Reserve Forces.

Short Service Commission Eligibility

To be eligible for the Short Service Commission in the Indian Army, a candidate must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Age Limit: The candidate should be between 21 to 27 years of age on the date of commencement of the course.
2. Educational Qualifications: The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
3. Nationality: The candidate should be an Indian citizen.
4. Physical Standards: The candidate should be physically fit and meet the prescribed physical standards.

Short Service Commission Selection Process:

The selection process for SSC in the Indian Army is a four-stage process.

1. Written Examination: The first stage of the selection process is a written examination. The written exam consists of two papers, General Knowledge and English. The General Knowledge paper includes questions on current affairs, history, geography, and general knowledge. The English paper includes questions on comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
2. Physical Fitness Test: The second stage of the selection process is a physical fitness test. The physical fitness test includes a 1.6 km run, chin-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups.
3. Personal Interview: The third stage of the selection process is a personal interview. The interview is conducted by a board of officers who assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and knowledge of current affairs.
4. Medical Examination: The final stage of the selection process is a medical examination. The medical examination is conducted to ensure that the candidate meets the prescribed physical and medical standards.

Different Entries to Join Short Service Commission

All the SSC officers of Indian army are being trained at OTA Chennai, below are a few entries through which you can join the OTA Chennai.

• UPSC CDS OTA: One can join the Indian Army SSC through CDS Exam by opting for OTA Chennai.
• SSC Tech Entry: Engineering graduates can apply for the direct SSB interview to join the OTA Chennai.
• NCC Special Entry: C certificate holders can apply for the NCC special entry to join the OTA Chennai.
• JAG entry: Law graduates can apply for the direct SSB interview to join the OTA Chennai.

Short Service Commission Training:

Once selected, SSC officers undergo a 49-week training program at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. The training program includes both academic and physical training. The academic training covers subjects such as military history, tactics, and leadership, while the physical training includes obstacle courses, endurance training, and martial arts.

Short Service Commission Career Prospects:

After completion of the training, SSC officers are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army. SSC officers are initially commissioned for a period of 10 years, which can be extended up to 14 years. During this period, they can opt for permanent commission if they fulfill the required criteria. SSC officers can also opt for the Territorial Army or Reserve Forces, which offers opportunities to serve the nation while pursuing their civilian careers.

Short Service Commission for Women Officers

Women officers are also a part of the Indian Army and can take up the challenge of Short Service Commission to showcase their courage and leadership skills. The OTA in Chennai provides training for women officers, and to be eligible, one needs to have completed Graduation/Post-Graduation. The selection process involves a written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination.

Short Service Commission Benefits and Allowances:

SSC officers are entitled to various benefits and allowances, which include:

1. Pay and Allowances: SSC officers are entitled to pay and allowances as per the 7th Pay Commission.
2. Medical Benefits: SSC officers and their families are entitled to medical facilities at military hospitals.
3. Leave and Holidays: SSC officers are entitled to paid leave and holidays as per the Army’s regulations.
4. Accommodation: SSC officers are provided with accommodation in the Army’s residential quarters or are given a house rent allowance.

Short Service Commission in the Indian Army offers an opportunity to serve the nation for a short period of time and then return to civilian life. SSC officers are selected through a rigorous selection process and undergo a comprehensive training.

FAQs on Short Service Commission