Indian Army NCC Special Entry Scheme 2025
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) Special Entry Scheme is a golden opportunity for young men and women who have been part of the NCC and aspire to serve in the Indian Army. This special recruitment drive provides a direct pathway for talented and disciplined candidates to become Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs) in the Indian Army.
The Indian Army has officially opened applications for the NCC Special Entry Scheme 58th Course (October 2025 session). If you are an unmarried graduate with NCC certification and a passion for serving the nation, this is your chance to make a difference.
Understanding the NCC Special Entry Scheme
The NCC Special Entry Scheme is an exclusive route for NCC cadets with a ‘C’ Certificate to join the Indian Army as officers. Unlike other officer entries such as CDS (Combined Defence Services) or direct SSB (Services Selection Board) entries, this scheme is designed to recognize the leadership potential, discipline, and military training already received by NCC cadets.
Key Highlights of NCC Special Entry Scheme 58th Course (October 2025)
Application Start Date: February 14, 2025
Application End Date: March 15, 2025
Mode of Application: Online via Join Indian Army website
Selection Process: Shortlisting → SSB Interview → Medical Test → Final Merit List
Training Academy: Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Training Duration: 49 weeks
Rank After Training: Lieutenant
Probation Period: 6 months from date of commission
Salary on Commissioning: ₹17-18 lakh per annum (excluding perks like medical and travel benefits)
Vacancies Available:
NCC Men: 70 (63 General Category + 7 Wards of Battle Casualties)
NCC Women: 6 (5 General Category + 1 Wards of Battle Casualties)
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria for NCC Special Entry 2025
- Nationality
To be eligible, the candidate must be:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intent of permanently settling in India.
Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not require an eligibility certificate, but others from the above categories must provide an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
- Age Limit
19 to 25 years as of July 1, 2025
Candidates must be born between July 2, 2000, and July 1, 2006 (inclusive). - Educational Qualification
Graduation degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
Final-year students can also apply, provided they have secured 50% marks in the first two/three years of their degree course. - NCC Certificate Requirements
NCC ‘C’ Certificate with a minimum ‘B’ Grade.
Candidates without an NCC ‘C’ Certificate are not eligible. - Special Relaxation for Wards of Battle Casualties
Wards of Battle Casualties of the Indian Army can apply even without an NCC ‘C’ Certificate.
They must provide supporting documents like a Battle Casualty Certificate, Relationship Certificate, and Part II Order from the Army Record Office.
Selection Process: How Candidates Are Shortlisted
Step 1: Online Application
Candidates must register and submit their applications on the Join Indian Army portal before March 15, 2025. Ensure all personal, educational, and NCC details are correctly filled in.
Step 2: Shortlisting of Candidates
The Indian Army will screen and shortlist applications based on the aggregate percentage of marks in the degree.
Shortlisted candidates will receive an SSB call letter via email.
Step 3: SSB Interview Process
The Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview is a five-day process held at SSB Centres in Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, and Jalandhar.
It includes psychological tests, group discussions, personal interviews, and physical tasks to assess leadership skills, decision-making, and mental toughness.
Step 4: Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by SSB will undergo a detailed medical examination at a designated military hospital.
Medical standards can be checked on the Join Indian Army website.
Step 5: Final Merit List
The final merit list is prepared based on SSB interview performance.
Candidates in the merit list will receive joining letters for OTA Chennai.
Training at OTA Chennai
Selected candidates undergo 49 weeks of rigorous training at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
Training covers military tactics, leadership development, weapon handling, map reading, and endurance exercises.
Cadets receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month during training.
On successful completion, candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.
Tenure and Career Progression
Short Service Commission (SSC) Details
Minimum service period: 10 years
Option to leave after 5 years (with approval)
Extension option: Up to 14 years total
Permanent Commission: Possible after 10 years (based on performance and Army requirements).
Promotion Timeline
| Rank | Time Frame |
| Lieutenant | On Commission |
| Captain | After 2 years |
| Major | After 6 years |
| Lieutenant Colonel | After 13 years |
| Colonel | Selection-based |
| Brigadier, Major General & Higher | Based on Army requirements |
Salary and Perks of NCC Special Entry Officers
Pay Scale
Rank Pay Level Salary (₹ per month)
Lieutenant Level 10 ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
Captain Level 10B ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900
Major Level 11 ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200
Lt. Colonel Level 12A ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400
Additional Allowances
Military Service Pay: ₹15,500 per month
Dearness Allowance: As per government norms
Field Area Allowance: ₹21,125 to ₹53,125 per month
High Altitude Allowance: ₹6,625 to ₹31,250 per month
Siachen Allowance: ₹53,125 per month
Other Perks
Free medical coverage for officers and dependents.
Annual leave of 60 days and casual leave of 20 days.
Free travel to hometown once a year.
How to Apply for NCC Special Entry 2025
Visit Join Indian Army website – https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in/
Click on “Officer Entry Apply/Login” and register.
Fill out the online form and upload documents.
Submit the application before March 15, 2025.
Download and print the final application copy for reference.
Final Thoughts
The NCC Special Entry Scheme 2025 is a golden opportunity for NCC cadets to become officers in the Indian Army. If you have a passion for serving the nation, leadership skills, and the required qualifications, this entry scheme is your chance to don the olive green uniform with pride.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only. Candidates must refer to the official notification on Join Indian Army website https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in/ and https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in/officers-notifications.htm for the latest updates, eligibility criteria, and selection process.
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