Joining the Indian Armed Forces as an officer is a dream for many young aspirants. Two of the most prestigious entry routes for young men after Class 12 are the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Technical Entry Scheme (TES). In this Article, we have discussed which entry is better, NDA and TES
Overview
Dear Aspirants, we have a comprehensive guide for candidates seeking a career in the Indian Armed Forces as an Officer. It’s an essential pathway for students who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces after completing their 12th grade.
| Particulars | NDA | TES |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | National Defence Academy | Technical Entry Scheme |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Indian Army |
| Frequency Of Exam | Twice a Year (April & September) | Twice a Year (January & July) |
| Mode of exam | Offline | Direct entry, no written exam. |
| Opportunities | Army, Navy, Air Force | Army (Technical Branch) |
| Training Duration | 3 Years | OTA Gaya (1 Year) |
| Who Can Apply | Class 12 pass with PCM/any stream (Army) | Class 12 pass with PCM |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination, & Final Merit List | SSB Interview, Medical Test, Documentation |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for NDA & TES, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:
| Criteria | NDA | TES |
|---|---|---|
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Education Qualification | For Army Wing: Candidates must have completed the 12th class (or equivalent) in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts). For Air Force and Navy: Candidates must have completed the 12th class (or equivalent) with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. | Candidate must have passed Class 12th with a minimum of 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) Must have appeared in JEE Main |
| Marital Status | Only unmarried candidates can apply. | Only unmarried candidates can apply. |
| Nationality | The applicant must be an Indian citizen, a subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who migrated to India before January 1, 1962. | The applicant must be an Indian citizen, a subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who migrated to India before January 1, 1962. |
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Career Path & Opportunities
Here, we have outlined the career path and opportunities available for the NDA and TES.
| NDA | 1. Commissioned as Lieutenant in the Army / equivalent ranks in the Navy & Air Force 2. Opportunities for General Cadre, Infantry, Armoured Corps, Aviation (Army), Pilot (Air Force), etc. 3. Can rise to the highest ranks, including Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) |
| TES | 1. Commissioned as Lieutenant in Technical Branch (Engineering) 2. Specialized roles in Corps of Engineers, Signals, EME 3. Technical-focused career with chances for higher command, but generally within technical streams |
NDA vs TES Pros and Cons
| NDA | TES | ||
| NDA Pros | NDA Cons | TES Pros | TES Cons |
| 1. Open to broader service options (Army, Navy, Air Force) 2. Prestigious and competitive 3. Balanced academic and physical development 4. Broader career growth, including combat and strategic roles | 1. Tough written exam 2. High competition | 1. No written exam – direct SSB call 2. B.Tech degree from Army institutions 3. Specialized technical career | 1. Fewer options for combat roles 2. Limited to the Army Technical Branch only 3. Requires strong PCM performance and JEE Main score |
Which One is Better: NDA vs TES?
Choose NDA if you want a well-rounded military career, are ready for the UPSC written exam, and enjoy the flexibility to choose from all three services (Air Force, Navy, and Army).
Choose TES if you have a strong interest in technology/engineering, are good at academics, Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM), and want to join the Army through a technical route without a written test.