DEFENCE SERVICES

Estimated starting salary from `60,000 to `70,000 per month

With a strength of over 1.4 million active personnel, the Indian Armed Forces are the third largest military force in the world. A career in the Forces offers a privileged lifestyle and world-class facilities in addition to the honour of serving the country.

Specialisations

“If a student has a technical bent of mind, he can be absorbed by the technical corps like engineering, electrical, mechanical, which form the services arms. On the other hand, a cadet can enter the combat arms like infantry, artillery and armoured corps,” says Col KD Segan, Founder, ALPS Academy, which provides training for the armed forces.

Skills needed to succeed

The armed forces look for a candidate with average intelligence, who is self assured, has clear expression and adequate physical and moral courage. More importantly, he should be an effective team member and leader, says Segan.

Career prospects

The armed forces provide officers and soldiers with the opportunity to enhance their education and professional skills while serving. From the very beginning, NDA cadets are awarded bachelor’s degrees in arts, science or computer sciences on completing their training. During the tenure, officers can also opt for a two-year study leave to enhance their skills, he adds.

Institutes

The National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune is a feeder institute for the Indian Military Academy, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Naval Academy. Cadets choose their arm or service at one of these finishing academies.