Sepoy Pawan Kumar, a 26-year-old Army Jawan, sacrificed his life in a clash with terrorists in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. The security forces managed to eliminate two terrorists during the operation, but one soldier was also wounded.
The terrorists were taking refuge in a mosque located in Padgampora village in Awantipora. The Army launched the operation based on information shared by the CRPF and J&K Police, and these terrorists were responsible for killing a bank employee named Sanjay Sharma and two migrant laborers in Pulwama.
Sepoy Pawan Kumar hailed from Shimla and was part of the mission to eliminate the terrorists who had killed Kashmiri Pandit Sanjay Kumar. Sadly, he was shot during the operation and sustained severe injuries. Despite his valiant efforts to overpower one of the militants, he later passed away in the hospital.
Sepoy Pawan Kumar was a member of the 55 Rashtriya Rifles, although he was initially recruited in 16 Grenadiers. The Army paid tribute to the brave soldier and expressed its solidarity with his grieving family.
Earlier, before writing this blog, I was quite apprehensive about what to write in it. Tough questions asked in SSB interviews! I mused on this theme for a lot of days and finally today I made up my mind to write on it. When you read the caption, “Tough questions asked in SSB interviews”, what was the first thought that struck your mind? Did you come across any difficult question? Before scrolling down, just think for a minute for all possible tough questions emerging in your minds, that may be asked in your SSBs and look for them in this article. Yes, do give feedback in the end!
First of all, you need to know the motto behind the interview. It is a formal meeting aimed at determining one’s suitability for the service before considering any agreement. It’s like putting forth one’s past and present incidents, feelings and reactions to the interviewing officer. This gives the interviewer a chance to look into the candidate’s hidden qualities and brings out his/her inner traits, outlook, and ideas on a wide range of subjects and matters.
What all SSB wants to know about you?
Family background
Educational career
Interest in extra curricular activities, games and sports
Hobbies
Grasp of general knowledge, awareness, current political situations of India
Reading Habits
General Behaviour
Courtesy, Manners, and Etiquettes
Manner of speaking, vocabulary, clarity of expression
Self-confidence
Knowledge of current International Affairs
The complete process is an examination of your introspection and self-analysis. Just remember the fact that it is your life story and nobody knows it better than you! Act your age, project maturity and high quality of insight. Nothing will seem tough if you have done a proper and serious introspection.
When do you feel a question asked by the interviewing officer is demanding or troublesome? What is your reaction? Do you intend to answer it or just skip? If you do answer, are you able to satisfy the IO? And if not, what does your skipping a question indicate?
A. You are unaware
B. You are hiding
C. You are unable to discern
The question is, if you have prepared well for the interview, go through all current affairs, brushed up all your knowledge; should you feel nervous or panic then? NO! Never panic, ORGANIZE. And organization comes when you have analysed your strategy in depth. The SSB is not looking for candidates of super intelligence or walking encyclopedias. It seeks for common young individuals of average intelligence who are of the receptive mind and keep their eyes and ears open.
The crux of this whole theme revolves around knowing self. Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”. Nothing is tough when you have done SWOT Analysis. A SWOT analysis, acronym for “Strength, Weakness, Opportunity & Threat” is an effective mind-tool, helping with self-awareness of strengths and weakness, in relation to the external environment. It’s important to identify strengths and weaknesses in relation to people around you.
For example, you may be good in communication skills; but if you are in a voice process job, then it’s not a strength, but a necessity. In the same way, if you have high energy levels, it is strength in most careers but not in defence careers, where it becomes a requirement. The evaluation of opportunities and threats enables you to take advantage of your strengths and minimize the threats arising out of your weaknesses.
SWOT analysis is a critical thinking process, that can be applied to any situation or issue, and therefore, an analytical tool in problem-solving and decision-making. It is also an enlightening process of self-discovery, which empowers your mind to consider viable alternatives and take the right decisions about life.
Questions like:
Why do you want to join Army/Navy/Air Force? Why a defence career?
Why do you want to be an Officer? Who motivated you?
Why gap after graduation? Why backlogs?
Tell me qualities which you have and your father/mother/sibling/friend doesn’t.
Personal questions pertaining to relationships, smoking/drinking habits, p*ornography, etc.
………..and the list goes on and on.
Questions like these, boggle your mind at that moment of the interview and you find yourself tongue tied. What are these questions? Are they related to general knowledge? Are they that tough? And why do you face difficulty while answering in the first place?
Use SWOT analysis, for this purpose. Remember this is not a one day process! Be realistic about your strengths and weaknesses. Distinguish between where you are today, and where you could be tomorrow by avoiding grey areas and always analyse in relation to the actual situation. Lastly, keep your SWOT analysis short and simple, and avoid complexity and over-analysis. Use it as a guide and not a prescription.
The answers to your backlogs, a gap in education, motivation to join armed forces, and all other questions lie within you. And that is why you should know yourself because it helps you to reach your goals, make better decisions and improves your full potential.
DO THE RIGHT THING TO CONQUER SELF. IT’S A LIFELONG PROCESS. START TODAY!
On Wednesday, Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar took over the role of Vice Chief of the Army Staff from Lieutenant General BS Raju.
Prior to this, General Kumar held the position of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) at Army HQ and has a wealth of experience in intelligence, operations, force structuring, operational logistics and tech infusion from previous appointments.
General Kumar is a graduate of Sainik School Bijapur and the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into 1 Assam Regiment in 1985.
He has held a number of commanding and instructional appointments throughout his career, including commanding 59 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion (ASSAM), an Infantry Brigade, an Infantry Division on the Line of Control, and the highly active White Knight Corps in Northern Command.
Additionally, General Kumar has attended a variety of military courses and his papers have been published in several professional journals.
The Indian Naval Academy is a premier institution that trains young men and women to become officers in the Indian Navy. It is located in Ezhimala, Kerala, India, and is the largest naval academy in Asia. The academy offers a four-year degree course in Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding, and a five-year Integrated BTech degree course in Electronics and Communication Engineering.
History of the Indian Naval Academy
The Indian Naval Academy was established in 1969, as a Joint Services academy for training officers for the Indian Armed Forces. In 1976, it became the exclusive training ground for the Indian Navy’s officers, and was renamed the Indian Naval Academy.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The Indian Naval Academy is spread over 800 acres of land and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The academy has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a gymnasium, a sports complex, and a multi-purpose indoor stadium. The campus also has a library, computer labs, and lecture halls.
The academy has its own ship, the INS Tarangini, which is used for training cadets in seamanship and navigation. The academy also has a sailing club, which offers courses in sailing and yacht handling.
Training at the Indian Naval Academy
The training at the Indian Naval Academy is designed to develop leadership, physical fitness, mental robustness, and a sense of discipline in the cadets. The training program is divided into three phases: the basic phase, the intermediate phase, and the final phase.
During the basic phase, cadets undergo rigorous physical training, learn basic naval subjects, and are taught survival skills. In the intermediate phase, cadets undergo specialized training in subjects such as navigation, gunnery, and communication. The final phase involves practical training aboard ships, where cadets put their theoretical knowledge to use.
Apart from the regular training program, cadets at the Indian Naval Academy also participate in various extra-curricular activities such as sports, cultural events, and community service. These activities help to develop a well-rounded personality in the cadets.
Career Prospects
Upon completion of the training at the Indian Naval Academy, cadets are commissioned as officers in the Indian Navy. They are assigned to various ships and naval bases across the country, and are responsible for the smooth functioning of the Navy.
Officers in the Indian Navy have a challenging and rewarding career. They are involved in a wide range of activities such as safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests, disaster relief operations, and providing humanitarian aid. The Indian Navy also offers opportunities for further education and specialization, both within the country and abroad.
The Indian Naval Academy is a prestigious institution that offers excellent training to young men and women who aspire to serve in the Indian Navy. The academy’s state-of-the-art facilities, rigorous training program, and opportunities for extra-curricular activities make it an ideal place to develop the qualities required to become a successful naval officer.
The principal role of the Indian Naval Academy is to impart basic and orientation training to all officer entrants of the Navy and Coast Guard, other than Special Duties List officers. The aim is to develop the trainees morally, mentally and physically and to imbibe in them the high ideals of loyalty, valour and patriotism in order to provide the service with officers who are dedicated to a career of Naval Service and have potential for future development to assume the highest responsibility of leadership.
Vision of Indian Naval Academy
The Indian Naval Academy has been developed as a national prestigious project and is the ‘Cradle for Leadership’ in the Indian Navy. It is unique in concept and design and stands out as an outstanding monument. The ab-initio training imparted at the academy will ensure that every officer who passes out through its portals will be leaders worthy of trust and confidence that the nation has reposed in them. It will also establish bridges of friendship across the ocean by training personnel from friendly foreign countries.
Aim of Indian Naval Academy
The aim of the Indian Naval Academy is to prepare young men and women to be a professional officer in the navy by providing them sound education supplemented with the required professional naval training. It is intended that all officers joining the Navy will pass through this academy so that the entire officer cadre is suitably initiated into the naval way of life starting with a common controlled foundation.
The academic curriculum is tailored to keep pace with the demands of modern technology. In addition, the academy will condition the young men and women who have chosen the navy as a career with the mental and physical attributes to be able to exercise self-discipline, perform efficiently under stress, think and react quickly and above all be good leaders of men.
How to Join Indian Naval Academy
Officers into the Navy are recruited by the Directorate of Naval Manpower and Recruitment, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy) under various schemes. The details are available on the website.
The Academy conducts three types of courses
Four Year Indian Naval Academy Course. The four year INAC programme is conducted for the 10 + 2 Integrated Cadets and on graduation the cadets are awarded a B. Tech degree.
22 Week Naval Orientation Course. The graduate entries who are inducted into various branches of the Navy under different schemes undergo a 22 week Naval Orientation Course at the Academy prior to their training in the respective professional institutions.
Four Week Short Naval Orientation Course. The four week Short Naval Orientation Course is conducted for Medical Officers of the Navy on their induction.
Hello, Warriors! The Word Association Test or WAT is common method within psychology, which has been used to reveal the private world of an individual. The test reveals the candidate’s verbal memories, thought processes, emotional states and personalities.
Through the process, psychologists examine the nature and probabilities of the response words and sometimes the amount of time it takes to respond. This test was devised by a famous psychologist to show the person’s reality and autonomy of unconscious complexes.
The test has 60 words shown one by one for 15 second each. Out of 60, at least 45 have to be attempted. Doing the math, you get 900 seconds or 15 minutes for at least 45 words.
Here are the tips or RULES that’ll help you in the right approach towards the WAT:
TRY TO MAKE YOUR OWN SENTENCES. Please. Don’t write famous sayings or memorised sentences. Take, for example, your word is ‘Die’ (A negative word). Instead of writing the sentence as ‘Do or Die’, you could write that ‘I’m a die-hard fan of football’. It’s genuine, positive and it’s not a learned sentence. Plus, it reveals your personality to the assessor about what you like or dislike.
Write logical, meaningful and grammatically correct sentences. It’s not that everyone there is a grammar nazi, but it’s just that it’ll give a good impression to the assessor and it makes the sentence more meaningful.
Make sentences that are in reality, a possibility or has happened or is going to happen. Be grounded. Don’t be in a land of imagination. This shows how realistic a person you are.
Don’t be under the impression that making all sentences related to defence or armed forces will fetch you credit. Instead they show that your responses are not natural and not spontaneous.
Talking roughly, you can write about 15% sentences related to defence, that too, which shows your knowledge regarding the defence field.
Taking the same example, instead of making a sentence “I’ll die to join the armed forces” for the word ‘die’, you could approach it as “33 soldiers died last year in Kashmir saving the nation from terrorists”.
Finally, PRACTISE-PRACTISE-PRACTISE. Don’t stop practising even if you fail. Leonardo De Caprio didn’t stop making movies just because he didn’t get an Oscar!
The point is, failure should always be taken as climbing steps to success and not as something that you are wasting your time on.
At last believe in yourself, be confident and stay positive, always. Good Luck!
Indian Air Force invites Indian citizens (male and women) to be part of this elite force as Class 1 Gazetted Officers in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Online examinations will be conducted two times every year. Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all the eligibility conditions for admission to the examination. Their admission at all the stages of examination viz. written examination and SSB test will be purely provisional, subject to their satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions. If on verification at any time before or after the written examination or AFSB Testing, it is found that they do not fulfill any of the eligibility conditions, their candidature will be canceled by the IAF
But, for any average Indian student who have had Maths and Physics at 10+2, 30 days are more than enough to prepare for this exam. Let’s see how to crack AFCAT exam in 30 days. But first let us revisit the pattern and syllabus:
Pattern of Exam:
AFCAT consist of a written paper of 100 questions with a maximum of 300 marks. Each question carry 3 marks and there is a negative mark for each wrong answer to a question. Question unattempted will not be penalized.
It also has EKT for Ground Duty and Technical branches with maximum 150 marks.
After clearing it, the candidate advances to the next rounds of personal interview and screening.
Syllabus:
English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion/Filling in of correct word, Synonyms, Antonyms and Testing of Vocabulary, Idioms and Phrases
General Awareness: History, Geography, Civics, Politics, Current Affairs, Environment, Basic Science, Defence, Art, Culture, Sports, etc
Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion and Simple Interest, Time & Distance (Trains/Boats & Streams)
Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test: Verbal Skills and Spatial Ability
The standard of Numerical Ability Questions will be of Matriculation level. The standard of questions in other subjects will be of graduation level.
Tips for Preparing for AFCAT in 30 Days:
Follow Schedule:
One should make a proper schedule and follow it religiously with studying 5-8 hours daily.
Make Notes:
Making notes does two things: first – it helps you to retain the topic and second – it helps you to revise it before exam easily.
Practice for AFCAT through CDSE:
The topics of Numerical Ability are the same as those in CDSE. In fact, CDSE has some extra topics than AFCAT so this is an advantage for Math-haters.
Previous Papers are Critical:
Just solve previous year question papers because the pattern of the exam is almost same every session
Don’t Miss GK:
For GK and CA go through a good book like Let’s Crack AFCAT and read daily newspapers and hot topics of all past 6 months.
After every 55 minutes of studying, take a 5 minute break. After every 2 hours, take a 15 minute break.
Stay Hydrated:
Body is 70% water and so is water. Being hydrated is the easiest way to make your mind concentrate. It will also be a reason to make you take those breaks in between to refresh your mind and lighten your body.
During Exams:
During exams do not attempt hard question first. Focus on your strong areas. For me, it is English reasoning and aptitude. 30-40 questions are asked in these sections if you get all of them correct you can score 90-120 marks easily. Rest, giving the most time to solve the next easier topics like GK, Current Affairs and lastly, Math.
Ideal Schedule to Prepare for AFCAT in 30 Days:
Day 1 – Day 30: Daily 1 hr GK, 1 hr Current Affairs, 1 hr newspaper.
Day 1 – Day 10: Study Math deeply for 5 hours daily, making notes for all the formulae and practicing a lot.
Day 11 – Day 15: Study reasoning and aptitude deeply for 5 hours daily. Practice variety.
Day 15 – Day 20: Study English in depth for 5 hours. Learn antonyms and synonyms.
Day 20 – 30: Enough with studying, practice at least 2 previous papers daily and evaluate for yourself and award marks to yourself.
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 (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:
Age Limit: The candidate should be between 21 to 27 years of age on the date of commencement of the course.
Educational Qualifications: The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Nationality: The candidate should be an Indian citizen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 CDSOTA: 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:
Pay and Allowances: SSC officers are entitled to pay and allowances as per the 7th Pay Commission.
Medical Benefits: SSC officers and their families are entitled to medical facilities at military hospitals.
Leave and Holidays: SSC officers are entitled to paid leave and holidays as per the Army’s regulations.
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
What is short service commission
Short Service Commission (SSC) is a type of service in the Indian Armed Forces where officers are commissioned for a limited period, usually between 10-14 years.
Do short service commission get pension
No, Short Service Commission officers are not eligible for a pension after completing their commissioned service.
How to apply for short service commission
To apply for Short Service Commission in the Indian Army, candidates need to appear for the entrance examination and selection process conducted by the Army like CDS, SSC Tech, NCC, JAG.
Is afcat short service commission
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a selection process for both Short Service Commission and Permanent Commission in the Indian Air Force.
Is cds a short service commission
CDS (Combined Defence Services) is a selection process for both Short Service Commission and Permanent Commission in the Indian Armed Forces.
Is ota short service commission
OTA (Officers Training Academy) is a training institution for Short Service Commission officers in the Indian Army.
The OTA or Officers’ Training Academy has been set up to train the officers of the Indian Army and taking down the burden of cadets from the existing IMA. It’s colours are steel grey and blood red which indiacates the strength of steel and sacrificing blood for the nation. Here is all you want to know about this academy:
OTA Chennai, also known as the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, is a premier training institution of the Indian Army. It is located in the picturesque surroundings of the St. Thomas Mount, in the southern part of the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. OTA Chennai was established in 1963 and has since been training young men and women to become officers in the Indian Army.
The main objective of OTA Chennai is to train young men and women who have been selected through the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE), SSC Tech, NCC and JAG Entry to become officers in the Indian Army. The training program is designed to impart military training, physical fitness, leadership skills, and values to the cadets. The training is rigorous and demanding, and is aimed at preparing the cadets to face the challenges of leading soldiers in the Indian Army.
The training at OTA Chennai is divided into two phases. The first phase is the Pre-Commission Training, which lasts for one year. During this phase, the cadets are trained in military subjects, physical fitness, and leadership skills. They also undergo extensive training in drill, weapon handling, and field craft. The second phase is the Post-Commission Training, which lasts for six months. During this phase, the cadets are posted to various regiments and units of the Indian Army for on-the-job training.
The training at OTA Chennai is conducted by a team of experienced and highly qualified instructors, who are drawn from various branches of the Indian Army. The training is conducted in a highly disciplined and structured manner, and the cadets are expected to maintain high standards of discipline, conduct, and physical fitness throughout their training.
Apart from the regular training, OTA Chennai also conducts a number of extra-curricular activities for the cadets. These include sports, adventure activities, cultural events, and community service projects. These activities are aimed at developing the all-round personality of the cadets and instilling in them a sense of social responsibility.
The infrastructure at OTA Chennai is world-class, with state-of-the-art facilities for training, sports, and accommodation. The academy has a large parade ground, firing ranges, obstacle courses, and a gymnasium. The cadets are housed in modern and comfortable barracks, which are equipped with all the necessary amenities.
In addition to the regular training program, OTA Chennai also conducts a number of specialized courses for officers of the Indian Army. These courses include the Junior Command Course, the Young Officers Course, and the Staff Course. These courses are aimed at developing the professional skills and knowledge of the officers, and preparing them for higher levels of command and responsibility.
All You Want To Know About OTA Chennai
Initially established as the Officers Training School (OTS) in Chennai and Pune, it trained the officers to be commissioned in the army.
The Pune school, however, had a short run and was closed while the Chennai school still continued to operate to train officers for the Short Service Regular Commission.
The Short Service Regular Commission has evolved into the Short Service Commission, and the OTS has continued to train officers for these commissions.
The school was granted permanent status in 1985. On 1 January 1988, the school was renamed as the Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Although it was officially established in 1963 to train officers for Emergency Commission in the Army, it now trains those between 22 and 25 years for the Short Service Commission.
It is the only Academy, among the country’s four Army training establishments, which commissions women to be officers.
The first batch of 25 women to be commissioned as officers into the Army, were trained at the OTA with training commencing on 21 September 1992.
Unlike IMA, alongwith the Gentlemen Cadets (GCs), the OTA also trains Lady Cadets (LCs) for commission into the army.
The outset that lady cadets undergoing training at OTA, Chennai are cut no slack whatsoever. They undergo the same level of training with as much intensity if not more as their male counterparts. Also, they train hard and are in every way equals to GC’s when they pass out.
OTA Chennai is affiliated to the Jawaharlal Nehru University and it’s motto is “Serve with Honour”.
OTA Gaya was established on 14 November 2011 with the motto “Shaurya, Gyan, Sankalp”.
OTA Chennai is spread in a sprawling 750 acres (3.0 km2) land whereas OTA Gaya is spread over 800 acres (3.2 km2) of land.
The Academy has produced many war heroes as well as distinguished Officers. The academy also has one PVC awardee to it’s name. It was Major Ramaswamy Parameshwaran of 8 Mahar Regiment in “Operation Pawan” who bought the academy the prestigious wartime gallantry.
The OTA has and will continue to produce one of the finest soldiers for the Indian Army and will uphold it’s true traditions by sacrificing their blood for the motherland.
The Army Education Corps (AEC) is one of the corps of the Indian Army, responsible for providing educational and training support to soldiers, officers, and their families. It was formed on 15 September 1945, with the primary objective of fostering education and knowledge among the army personnel.
What is army education corps
The AEC is an integral part of the Indian Army and is responsible for providing educational opportunities to the soldiers and officers of the army. The corps comprises officers and soldiers who are trained in various fields such as education, psychology, and military tactics.
The role of the AEC is to provide educational support to the Indian Army personnel and their families in the form of pre-deployment, in-service, and post-service education. It plays a significant role in providing training and education to the soldiers, which helps them in their professional and personal development.
COAS visited the Army Education Corps Training College and Centre, Pachmarhi on 16 and 17 Jun 2018.
The AEC conducts various courses and programs to meet the educational requirements of the army personnel. The courses offered by the AEC are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the soldiers in their respective fields. The courses include language training, computer courses, military psychology courses, and specialized courses in various other fields.
One of the primary objectives of the AEC is to promote education and knowledge among the soldiers and their families. It conducts various programs to encourage soldiers to pursue higher education and enhance their knowledge. The AEC also provides guidance and counseling to soldiers who wish to continue their education after retirement from the army.
army education corps logo
The AEC is also responsible for the establishment and management of educational institutions for the children of army personnel. These institutions include Army Public Schools, Army Institute of Technology, and Army Institute of Management. These institutions provide quality education to the children of the army personnel, and they are recognized as some of the best educational institutions in India.
The AEC also plays a crucial role in the recruitment and selection of candidates for the Indian Army. The corps conducts various tests and interviews to select the best candidates for the army, and it also provides training to the selected candidates before their induction into the army.
army education corps pachmarhi
The Army Education Corps is an integral part of the Indian Army, and it plays a crucial role in providing educational support to the soldiers and their families. The AEC is committed to promoting education and knowledge among the army personnel and enhancing their professional and personal development. With its extensive range of courses and programs, the AEC continues to support the Indian Army in its mission to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
How to join army education corps
To join the Army Education Corps (AEC) of the Indian Army, you need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria and follow a specific recruitment process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to join the AEC:
Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility criteria to join the AEC vary depending on the rank you are applying for. Here are the basic criteria:
Age: The candidate should be between 23 and 27 years of age.
Educational Qualification: The candidate should have a master’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks.
Physical Standards: The candidate should be physically and medically fit.
Apply Online: The first step is to apply online on the official website of the Indian Army. The website provides all the necessary information regarding the recruitment process and eligibility criteria.
Written Examination: The candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be called for a written examination. The written examination is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge in the relevant subject areas.
SSB Interview: The candidates who clear the written examination will be called for an interview. The interview is conducted to assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for the role.
Medical Examination: The selected candidates will undergo a medical examination to ensure that they meet the physical and medical standards required for the job.
Training: Once the candidate clears all the selection stages, he/she will undergo training at the Army Education Corps Training Centre in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.
Commission: After completion of the training, the candidate will be commissioned as an officer in the AEC.
Joining the Army Education Corps requires fulfilling certain eligibility criteria and following a specific recruitment process. The process involves online application, a written examination, an interview, a medical examination, training, and commissioning. If you are interested in joining the AEC, you can visit the official website of the Indian Army for more information.
Is AEC Entry Closed by Indian Army?
The Indian Army has discontinued the entry into the Army Education Corps. The last notification for AEC entry was released in 2017, and since 2018, no new entry has been announced. A committee has suggested that the AEC should be shut down as a Corps over the next five years. The existing manpower should be re-oriented and re-skilled to become part of the electronic surveillance and intelligence, cyber warfare, and electronic warfare units, or trained as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operators.
Colonel Noreen Shanet John has made history by becoming the first lady officer to take over command of a training battalion responsible for training Agniveers. This is a remarkable achievement and an important milestone for women in the Indian Armed Forces.
Colonel Noreen Shanet John is an officer of the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) and Centre, which is one of the oldest and most distinguished engineering units of the Indian Army. The MEG and Centre is responsible for providing engineering support to the Indian Armed Forces, including the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
As a senior officer of the MEG and Centre, Colonel John has served in a variety of roles and has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Indian Armed Forces. Colonel Noreen Shanet John also served as a GTO officer at SSB Allahabad.
Colonel John’s appointment as the commanding officer of a training battalion responsible for training Agniveers is a significant step forward for women in the Indian Armed Forces. It demonstrates that women are capable of leading and commanding in all areas of military service, including in traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering and logistics.
The Indian Armed Forces have made significant strides in recent years to increase the participation of women in the military. In 2016, the government announced that women would be allowed to serve in combat roles, including in the infantry, artillery, and armored corps. Since then, women have made steady progress in the armed forces, with more women being recruited and promoted to senior positions.
Colonel John’s appointment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of women in the Indian Armed Forces. It is also a sign of the growing recognition of the important role that women can play in the military. Women have proven themselves to be capable and competent leaders, and they are an essential part of the Indian Armed Forces.
We wish Colonel John success in her new role and hope that she will continue to inspire other women to pursue careers in the armed forces.
