how to join IMA
Target Defence Academy

Welcome to Target Defence Academy, Joining the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun is a prestigious and rewarding goal. The process to join the IMA is through various entry routes, depending on your educational background and career interests. Here’s a breakdown of how you can join IMA:

Various types of entries for Indian Military Academy Dehradun:

S.No.Entry Type
1. NDA Entry (National Defence Academy)
2. CDS Entry (Combined Defence Services)
3.Technical Graduate Course (TGC)
4.NCC Special Entry
5. Direct Entry (For Serving Soldiers)

NDA Entry (National Defence Academy)

  • Eligibility:
    • Must be an unmarried male candidate.
    • Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
    • Educational Qualification: Must have completed 12th class (with Physics and Mathematics for the Air Force and Navy, and any stream for the Army).
    • You can join the IMA after clearing the NDA written exam (conducted by UPSC) followed by the SSB interview.
  • Selection Process:
    1. NDA Written Exam: The NDA exam consists of two papers—Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
    2. SSB Interview: After clearing the written exam, you will undergo an SSB interview where you’ll be assessed through a series of psychological tests, physical tests, and group activities.
    3. Training at NDA: After clearing the NDA written exam and SSB interview, you will join the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (near Pune), where you will undergo basic military training for three years.
    4. IMA Training: After completing NDA, you will be directly inducted into IMA Dehradun for further specialized training for 1 year.

CDS Entry (Combined Defence Services)

  • Eligibility:
    • Age Limit: 19 to 24 years for IMA (Indian Military Academy).
    • Educational Qualification: Must be a graduate from a recognized university. You can apply for IMA if you have a graduation degree in any stream (no specific requirement of having a science background).
    • Marital Status: Only unmarried male candidates can apply.
  • Selection Process:
    1. CDS Written Exam: The CDS exam consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA entry).
    2. SSB Interview: After clearing the written exam, selected candidates will appear for the SSB interview, which is an assessment of your psychological, physical, and leadership qualities.
    3. IMA Training: Upon successful completion of the CDS exam and SSB, you will join IMA Dehradun for 1-year training.

Technical Graduate Course (TGC)

  • Eligibility:
    • Age: 20 to 27 years (for TGC).
    • Educational Qualification: Engineering Graduates in various disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc., are eligible to apply.
    • Marital Status: Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.
  • Selection Process:
    1. Shortlisting: Based on your academic qualifications, you will be shortlisted for the SSB interview.
    2. SSB Interview: This is a rigorous interview that evaluates your psychological fitness, physical fitness, and overall suitability for the armed forces.
    3. IMA Training: After clearing the SSB, selected candidates will undergo training at IMA Dehradun for 1 year.
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NCC Special Entry

  • Eligibility:
    • Age: 19 to 25 years.
    • Educational Qualification: Graduates in any discipline.
    • NCC Certificate: Must have a NCC “C” Certificate (Army Wing).
    • Marital Status: Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.
  • Selection Process:
    1. No Written Exam: The selection process is based on the NCC “C” certificate and direct interview.
    2. SSB Interview: You will directly be called for the SSB interview based on your NCC “C” certificate.
    3. IMA Training: Successful candidates undergo training at IMA Dehradun.

Direct Entry (For Serving Soldiers)

  • Eligibility:
    • Age: Typically, for serving soldiers, the age limit is around 19 to 25 years.
    • Educational Qualification: Soldiers with a graduation degree or those in technical trades may be eligible.
  • Selection Process:
    • Service Selection: Candidates must meet the IMA eligibility criteria, and they apply for the Direct Entry (through Army Headquarters).
    • SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates undergo the SSB interview.
    • IMA Training: Those who clear the SSB join IMA for training.

Important Physical and Medical Standards for IMA

  • Height: The minimum height required is 157 cm for men.
  • Weight: Must be proportionate to height.
  • Vision: Candidates must have a vision of 6/6 for the better eye and 6/9 for the worse eye.
  • Fitness: You should be physically fit to undergo the training.

Conclusion: How to Join IMA Dehradun

To join IMA Dehradun, the most common routes are through the NDA, CDS, TGC, or NCC Special Entry. Each route has specific eligibility, selection processes, and training phases. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare for the written exams, and clear the SSB interview to successfully join the prestigious academy.