Defence Jobs 2026
Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and CAPF recruitment updates. This hub keeps every live notification, eligibility detail and official link in one place, and it is updated as each board publishes its notice.
Defence Jobs 2026: Eligibility at a Glance
| E | Q | A |
|---|---|---|
| Agniveer GD | Class 10 pass | 17.5 to 21 years |
| Agniveer Technical | Class 12 with physics, chemistry and maths | 17.5 to 21 years |
| Agniveer Clerk | Class 12 with 60 per cent | 17.5 to 21 years |
| SSC GD constable (CAPF) | Class 10 pass | 18 to 23 years |
Live Notifications and Guides in This Category
- Agniveer Admit Card 2026
- SSC GD Constable Notification 2027: Dates Overview
- SSC GD Physical Test 2027: Height, Chest, Running
- SSC GD Tattoo Rules 2027
How to Approach These Recruitments
- The Agniveer Common Entrance Exam is online and the physical test follows at the regimental centre.
- Medical standards are strict in every defence entry; get your vision and teeth checked before applying.
- Running, pull-ups and beam practice decide the physical round; start at least two months earlier.
- Tattoos are allowed only in specified locations, and the rules are checked at the medical stage.
Official Sources
Always confirm dates and eligibility on the official website of the recruiting body before you apply, and download the notice PDF for your own record.
Every Defence Entry, by Qualification
The armed forces recruit through several different doors, and each has its own age band and qualification requirement. Picking the right door is the first decision.
| Entry | Qualification | Age band | Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agniveer GD | Class 10 pass | 17.5 to 21 years | CEE, physical test, medical |
| Agniveer Technical | Class 12 with physics, chemistry, maths | 17.5 to 21 years | CEE, physical test, medical |
| Agniveer Clerk | Class 12 with 60 per cent marks | 17.5 to 21 years | CEE, physical test, medical |
| Agniveer Tradesman | Class 10 pass with ITI | 17.5 to 21 years | CEE, physical test, medical |
| NDA | Class 12 pass, unmarried | 16.5 to 19.5 years | UPSC written, SSB interview |
| CDS | Graduation | 20 to 24 years | UPSC written, SSB interview |
| AFCAT | Graduation with specified marks | 20 to 24 years | Written, AFSB interview |
| Indian Navy Agniveer | Class 10 or 12 pass | 17.5 to 21 years | Written, physical, medical |
Agniveer entries are the main route for Class 10 and 12 candidates. Officer entries such as NDA and CDS need Class 12 or graduation plus a competitive written examination and an interview at a selection board.
Agniveer CEE: What the Exam Looks Like
| Head | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer based test conducted at centres across the country |
| Subjects | General knowledge, reasoning, mathematics and, for technical entries, physics and chemistry |
| For GD entry | Around 50 questions in 60 minutes, with the paper at Class 10 level |
| For technical entry | Additional technical and science sections |
| Marking | Questions carry equal marks; negative marking rules are stated in the notice for the cycle |
| Qualifying | A minimum percentage fixed by the recruiting directorate |
The CEE is only the first filter. Candidates who clear it proceed to the physical fitness test and then the medical examination at the regimental centre, and both are strict.
Physical Fitness Standards for Defence Entries
| Test | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Running 1.6 km | Within the time fixed for the group | In battle dress or shorts as prescribed |
| Pull-ups | Minimum number fixed by the entry | 10 or more is a comfortable target |
| Beam pull-ups | As per the entry standard | Tests upper body endurance |
| 9 feet ditch | Crossed without touching the ditch | Confidence and technique |
| Balance beam | Walk across without falling | Balance and poise |
| Height | 157 cm and above for most entries | Region-wise relaxations apply |
| Chest | Expansion as prescribed | Male candidates only |
Defence physical standards are more demanding than police recruitment standards in upper body strength. Pull-ups and beam exercises need separate practice from running, starting at least three months before the test.
Medical Standards and Common Rejections
| Check | Standard | Common issue |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | Uncorrected and corrected standards differ by entry | Colour blindness and low uncorrected vision are the most common rejections |
| Teeth | Minimum number of healthy teeth | Untreated decay and spacing problems |
| Hearing | Normal in both ears | Untreated infections and wax |
| Skin | No chronic conditions in visible areas | Unresolved skin conditions |
| Orthopaedic | No flat foot, knock knee or bow legs | Flat foot is the most frequent orthopaedic rejection |
| General health | No hernia, piles or varicocele | Found only at the medical board |
- Get a private medical check-up two months before applying, especially for vision and teeth.
- Spectacle prescriptions within the permitted limits are accepted for some entries but not others; read the notice.
- Any past surgery or fracture needs documentation at the medical board.
Which Entry to Choose
| Your situation | Best route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Class 10 pass, want early entry to service | Agniveer GD | Lowest qualification entry with the widest vacancy |
| Class 12 with science | Agniveer Technical | Higher pay band and a technical trade |
| Class 12 with strong academics | NDA after Class 12 | Direct officer entry through UPSC |
| Graduate, want officer rank | CDS or AFCAT | Officer entry with a permanent commission |
| Want a short engagement to test armed forces life | Agniveer any trade | Four-year engagement with a retention review |
| Physically strong but academically weak | Agniveer GD or Tradesman | Physical performance carries more weight |
Agniveer and permanent commission entries are not competing choices for the same candidate. The Agniveer route is for those entering after Class 10 or 12, while NDA and CDS are officer entries with a different selection process and service structure.
Preparing for Both Defence and Police Recruitment
| Aspect | Defence preparation | Police preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Running | 1.6 km to 5 km depending on the entry | 4.8 km to 5 km typically |
| Upper body | Pull-ups and beam exercises essential | Push-ups and general strength |
| Written paper | CEE or UPSC-level for officer entries | Class 10 to 12 level reasoning, GK and maths |
| Medical | Stricter vision and orthopaedic standards | Vision and dental standards |
| Timeline | CEE and physical test within months | Written first, physical after the result |
Most of the preparation overlaps. Running, strength work and general knowledge serve both paths, and the main additional work for defence entries is the pull-up and obstacle practice. Candidates targeting both should keep the defence physical routine as their base.
The SSB Interview Explained
Officer entries such as NDA and CDS include a Services Selection Board interview of five days. It tests personality and psychological suitability, not academic knowledge, and it cannot be crammed.
| Day | Activity | What is assessed |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Screening test with verbal and non-verbal reasoning plus picture story | Basic intelligence and group dynamics |
| Day 2 | Psychological tests: word association, situation reaction, self-description | Personality traits and clarity of thought |
| Day 3 and 4 | Group tasks and outdoor exercises | Leadership, teamwork and physical courage |
| Day 5 | Personal interview and conference | Awareness, motivation and suitability |
Medical examination follows the SSB for recommended candidates, and then a merit list is prepared with the SSB marks and academic record. The whole process, from written exam to joining, usually takes eight to twelve months.
Physical Preparation for Defence Entries
| Component | Target | Training approach |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 km run | Within the time set for your group | Interval training three days a week |
| Pull-ups | 10 or more for a comfortable margin | Start with assisted pull-ups and build gradially |
| Push-ups | 40 or more | Daily sets, increasing by five every two weeks |
| Sit-ups | 40 or more | Core work three days a week |
| Rope climbing | Completed without assistance | Upper-body and grip strength work |
| Obstacle course | Completed without falling | Technique practice at a ground if available |
- Train on grass or a track; obstacle practice needs a supervised ground.
- Upper-body strength takes longer to build than running endurance, so start first with strength.
- Do not attempt obstacle practice alone, especially the rope and beam elements.
Fitness Standards for Officer Entries
| Entry | Age band | Fitness expectation |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | 16.5 to 19.5 years | High, tested at the SSB with group tasks |
| CDS | 20 to 24 years | High, with academic record also considered |
| AFCAT | 20 to 24 years | High, with aviation medical standards for flying branch |
| Agniveer | 17.5 to 21 years | Physical fitness test at the regimental centre |
Officer entries test leadership and mental robustness alongside fitness. Candidates who prepare only physically tend to struggle in the group tasks and the conference, while those who prepare only academically struggle in the outdoor tasks. Balanced preparation is what the board looks for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defence recruitment is open in 2026?
Agniveer 2026 admit cards have been released for the Common Entrance Exam, and the SSC GD 2027 notification is expected on 30 September 2026 for CAPF constable posts.
Can girls join the army through Agniveer?
Yes. Women are recruited through the Agniveer Women Military Police and other notified entries.
What is the minimum height for defence jobs?
It varies by entry and region; most entries require 157 cm for female and 170 cm for male candidates, with relaxations for hilly areas.
Is CAPF a defence job?
CAPF forces work under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Defence, but the recruitment pattern and physical standards are similar.
Which defence job can I get after 12th pass?
Agniveer Technical, Agniveer Clerk and the NDA officer entry are the main routes after Class 12, along with Agniveer GD if you have only Class 10.
What is the height requirement for defence jobs?
Most entries require a minimum of 157 cm, with a higher standard for some trades and region-wise relaxations for hilly areas.
Is Agniveer a permanent job?
No. Agniveer is a four-year engagement, after which a portion of each batch is retained in regular service based on performance and organisational requirements.
Which defence entry is easiest after Class 12?
Agniveer entries have the simplest eligibility, needing only Class 10 or 12 with a physical fitness test and medical examination, while NDA requires a competitive written exam and an SSB interview.
Can I wear spectacles in defence jobs?
Some entries and branches permit spectacles within prescribed limits, while flying and certain technical branches require uncorrected vision. Check the medical standard for the specific entry.
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Last updated: 18 September 2026.