Defence Exams in India (2026): Service and Entry Route Guide
Competitive Exams in India → Defence Exams
Find the Right Exam Route
Compare Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and CAPF routes by service, entry type and selection process.
Live directory layer: Statuses and next dates come from NeelGyan’s shared competitive-exam records, refreshed 2 August 2026. Exact dated claims appear only for source-verified records; the latest official notice remains final.
Coverage note: A written exam may be only one part of defence selection. Physical tests, medical standards, interviews, service selection boards or training requirements can also apply.
At a Glance
Who This Guide Helps
Students and jobseekers exploring armed-forces, officer, Coast Guard, police and paramilitary careers.
30 Source-Listed Exam Routes
Canonical defence and paramilitary routes, with CDS, NDA & NA and AFCAT cycles consolidated once.
Your Next Step
Compare entry type and service, then verify education, age, physical and medical standards.
Quick Finder by Entry Type
Use these shortcuts to reach the most relevant section. Eligibility still depends on the current official notice.
Officer and Academy
NDA, CDS, AFCAT and other officer-entry routes. 9 routes.
Agniveer and Enlisted
Soldier, sailor, airman and Agniveer routes. 9 routes.
Coast Guard
Officer, Navik and Yantrik routes. 4 routes.
CAPF and Police
CAPF, paramilitary and police recruitment. 7 routes.
Serving Personnel
Departmental and internal-entry routes. 1 routes.
Find the Right Exam
Search by exam name or open one focused, crawlable student route.
Live Defence Exams Directory
LIVE DEFENCE EXAMS DIRECTORY
What is happening now?
Status layer refreshed 3 August 2026. 12 of 30 master guides currently carry source-verified detail.
- 0open now
- 0closing soon
- 0opening soon
- 30other current or awaiting phases
Showing 30 master guides from 317 competitive exams · filtered by Defence Exams. Cards use the same status, eligibility and next-date records as the main directory.
AFCAT
Indian Air Force · IAF standards · 20–24 years
Exam scheduledExam in 5 days
Next verified step
CDS
Union Public Service Commission · Proof required
Exam scheduledExam in 41 days
Next verified step
NDA & Naval Academy Examination
Union Public Service Commission · Class 12 · Unmarried
Exam scheduledExam in 41 days
Next verified step
CAPF AC
UPSC · Bachelor's degree · 20–25 years
Result awaited
Next verified stepWritten result date awaited
Agniveervayu
Indian Air Force / CASB · Qualifying · Maximum 21 at enrolment
Exam tentative
Next verified step14 Nov 2026 — Provisional Select List
SSC CPO SI
Staff Selection Commission · Bachelor’s degree · 20–25 years
Result stage
Next verified stepNext-stage dates are regional and candidate-specific
SSC GD Constable
Staff Selection Commission · Class 10 pass · 18–23 years
Result awaited
Next verified stepCBE result date not announced by SSC
Agniveer Army (Clerk/SKT)
Indian Army · 17½–22 years
Cycle in progress
Next verified stepOnline CEE completed; ARO-specific results and rally activity in progress
Agniveer Army (GD)
Indian Army · 17½–22 years
Cycle in progress
Next verified stepOnline CEE completed; ARO-specific results and rally activity in progress
Agniveer Army (Technical)
Indian Army · 17½–22 years
Cycle in progress
Next verified stepOnline CEE completed; ARO-specific results and rally activity in progress
Agniveer Navy (MR)
Indian Navy · Class 10 with at least 50% aggregate · 02/2026 batch
Cycle in progress
Next verified stepPublished schedule reached the July 2026 induction window; candidate status is login-specific
Agniveer Navy (SSR)
Indian Navy · Qualifying · 02/2026 batch
Cycle in progress
Next verified stepPublished schedule reached the July 2026 induction window; candidate status is login-specific
ACC
Indian Army · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Agniveer Army (Tradesman 10th)
Indian Army · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Agniveer Army (Tradesman 8th)
Indian Army · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Agniveervayu (Musician)
Indian Air Force / CASB · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Assam Rifles Tech & Tradesman
Assam Rifles (MHA) · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
CISF ASI (Exe) LDC
CISF · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
CISF Constable (Fire)
CISF · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
CRPF ASI (Steno)
CRPF · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
CRPF Head Constable (Min)
CRPF · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
ICG Assistant Commandant (CGCAT)
Indian Coast Guard · Not currently verified
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
ICG Navik (DB) — CGEPT
Indian Coast Guard · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
ICG Navik (GD) — CGEPT
Indian Coast Guard · Not currently verified
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
ICG Yantrik — CGEPT
Indian Coast Guard · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
JAG
Indian Army · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
MNS
Office of DGMS (Army) · Job / UG
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
NCC Special Entry
Indian Army (via NCC 'C' certificate) · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Territorial Army (TA)
Indian Army (TA Directorate) · Graduate orientation
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
TES
Indian Army · Check eligibility in the guide
Catalog overview
Verification statusCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Jump to Detailed Categories
The primary lists contain 30 exam routes listed as active or restructured in the source directory. Stages, cycles and modes for major exams are merged into one canonical route; they are not repeated as separate exams. Historical and excluded-status records remain in the complete directory.
Indian Coast Guard Routes
4 routes
Routes for Serving Personnel
1 routes
Officer and Academy Entry Routes (9)
Compare the service and entry type first, then verify education, age, physical, medical and selection requirements in the current notice.
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS), including OTA
Combined Defence Services Examination
Conducting body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · Level: Graduate / Job · Area: Armed Forces officer entry, including OTA · Scope: National · Format: Written examination, SSB / AFSB and medical examination · Live status: Exam scheduledExam in 41 days
NDA & Naval Academy Examination
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination
Conducting body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) · Level: Class 12 / Job · Area: Armed Forces officer training · Scope: National · Format: Written examination, SSB and medical examination · Live status: Exam scheduledExam in 41 days
AFCAT
Air Force Common Admission Test
Conducting body: Indian Air Force · Level: Graduate / Job · Area: Flying / Technical / Ground Duty · Scope: National · Format: Online examination, AFSB and medical examination · Live status: Exam scheduledExam in 5 days
Territorial Army (TA)
Territorial Army Officer Examination
Conducting body: Indian Army (TA Directorate) · Level: Job · Area: Part-time commissioned officer · Scope: National · Format: Written + SSB + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
MNS
Military Nursing Service entrance (B.Sc Nursing)
Conducting body: Office of DGMS (Army) · Level: Job / UG · Area: Nursing (armed forces) · Scope: National · Format: Written + Interview + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
TES
Technical Entry Scheme (10+2)
Conducting body: Indian Army · Level: Job · Area: Technical officer entry · Scope: National · Format: Shortlist on JEE/PCM + SSB · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
NCC Special Entry
NCC Special Entry (Officer)
Conducting body: Indian Army (via NCC 'C' certificate) · Level: Job · Area: Officer entry · Scope: National · Format: SSB + Medical (no written) · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
JAG
Judge Advocate General entry
Conducting body: Indian Army · Level: Job · Area: Legal officer · Scope: National · Format: Shortlist on law degree + SSB · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
ACC
Army Cadet College entry examination
Conducting body: Indian Army · Level: Job · Area: Cadet-to-officer route · Scope: National · Format: Written + SSB + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
CAPF, Paramilitary and Police Recruitment (7)
Compare the service and entry type first, then verify education, age, physical, medical and selection requirements in the current notice.
CAPF AC
Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Exam
Conducting body: UPSC · Level: Job · Area: BSF/CRPF/CISF/ITBP/SSB officer entry · Scope: National · Format: Paper I + Paper II + PET/PST + Interview · Live status: Result awaitedWritten result date awaited
Assam Rifles Tech & Tradesman
Assam Rifles Technical and Tradesman Recruitment
Conducting body: Assam Rifles (MHA) · Level: Job · Area: Paramilitary technical/tradesman · Scope: National · Format: Written + PET/PST + Trade Test + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
SSC GD Constable
Constable (GD) in CAPFs, SSF, NIA, Rifleman (AR)
Conducting body: Staff Selection Commission · Level: Job · Area: Constabulary / armed police · Scope: National · Format: CBT + PET/PST + Medical · Live status: Result awaitedCBE result date not announced by SSC
SSC CPO SI
Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs Examination
Conducting body: Staff Selection Commission · Level: Job · Area: SI-level police / CAPF · Scope: National · Format: Paper I + PET/PST + Paper II + Medical · Live status: Result stageNext-stage dates are regional and candidate-specific
CISF Constable (Fire)
CISF Constable (Fire) Examination
Conducting body: CISF · Level: Job · Area: Fire services · Scope: National · Format: PST/PET + Written + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
CRPF Head Constable (Min)
CRPF Head Constable (Ministerial) Examination
Conducting body: CRPF · Level: Job · Area: Ministerial / administration · Scope: National · Format: CBT + PST + Skill Test + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
CRPF ASI (Steno)
CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector (Stenographer) Examination
Conducting body: CRPF · Level: Job · Area: Clerical / stenography · Scope: National · Format: CBT + PST + Stenography Test + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Agniveer and Other Enlisted Routes (9)
Compare the service and entry type first, then verify education, age, physical, medical and selection requirements in the current notice.
Agniveer Army (GD)
Indian Army Agniveer — General Duty
Conducting body: Indian Army · Level: Job · Area: Soldier GD · Scope: National · Format: Online CEE + Physical Rally + Medical · Live status: Cycle in progressOnline CEE completed; ARO-specific results and rally activity in progress
Agniveer Army (Technical)
Indian Army Agniveer — Technical
Conducting body: Indian Army · Level: Job · Area: Technical soldier · Scope: National · Format: Online CEE + Rally + Medical · Live status: Cycle in progressOnline CEE completed; ARO-specific results and rally activity in progress
Agniveer Army (Clerk/SKT)
Indian Army Agniveer — Clerk / Store Keeper Technical
Conducting body: Indian Army · Level: Job · Area: Clerical/technical soldier · Scope: National · Format: Online CEE + Rally + Medical · Live status: Cycle in progressOnline CEE completed; ARO-specific results and rally activity in progress
Agniveer Army (Tradesman 10th)
Indian Army Agniveer — Tradesman (10th pass)
Conducting body: Indian Army · Level: Job · Area: Tradesman · Scope: National · Format: Online CEE + Rally + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Agniveer Army (Tradesman 8th)
Indian Army Agniveer — Tradesman (8th pass)
Conducting body: Indian Army · Level: Job · Area: Tradesman · Scope: National · Format: Online CEE + Rally + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Agniveer Navy (SSR)
Indian Navy Agniveer — Senior Secondary Recruit
Conducting body: Indian Navy · Level: Job · Area: Sailor entry · Scope: National · Format: CBT + PFT/Written + Medical · Live status: Cycle in progressPublished schedule reached the July 2026 induction window; candidate status is login-specific
Agniveer Navy (MR)
Indian Navy Agniveer — Matric Recruit
Conducting body: Indian Navy · Level: Job · Area: Sailor (Chef/Steward/Hygienist) · Scope: National · Format: CBT + PFT + Medical · Live status: Cycle in progressPublished schedule reached the July 2026 induction window; candidate status is login-specific
Agniveervayu
IAF Agniveervayu Intake (Science / Non-Science, Group X/Y)
Conducting body: Indian Air Force / CASB · Level: Job · Area: Airmen · Scope: National · Format: Online test + PST/Adaptability + Medical · Live status: Exam tentative14 Nov 2026 — Provisional Select List
Agniveervayu (Musician)
IAF Agniveervayu — Musician
Conducting body: Indian Air Force / CASB · Level: Job · Area: Musician trade · Scope: National · Format: Skill/music test + PFT + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Indian Coast Guard Routes (4)
Compare the service and entry type first, then verify education, age, physical, medical and selection requirements in the current notice.
ICG Assistant Commandant (CGCAT)
Indian Coast Guard AC Common Admission Test
Conducting body: Indian Coast Guard · Level: Job · Area: Coast Guard officer (Group A) · Scope: National · Format: CGCAT + PSB + FSB + Medical (Stage I–V) · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
ICG Navik (GD) — CGEPT
Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test — Navik (General Duty)
Conducting body: Indian Coast Guard · Level: Job · Area: Coast Guard sailor · Scope: National · Format: Stage I–IV (CBT + PFT + Medical) · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
ICG Navik (DB) — CGEPT
Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test — Navik (Domestic Branch)
Conducting body: Indian Coast Guard · Level: Job · Area: Coast Guard sailor (Steward/Cook) · Scope: National · Format: Stage I–IV · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
ICG Yantrik — CGEPT
Coast Guard Enrolled Personnel Test — Yantrik
Conducting body: Indian Coast Guard · Level: Job · Area: Technical sailor (diploma) · Scope: National · Format: Stage I–IV · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Routes for Serving Personnel (1)
Compare the service and entry type first, then verify education, age, physical, medical and selection requirements in the current notice.
CISF ASI (Exe) LDC
CISF Assistant Sub-Inspector (Executive) LDC Exam
Conducting body: CISF · Level: Job · Area: Security & Policing · Scope: National · Format: Service record + Written + Physical + Medical · Live status: Catalog overviewCurrent dates awaiting source verification
Official Exam Portals
Use these authority websites for current notifications, applications, calendars and results. NeelGyan does not replace an official notice.
UPSC Active Examinations
Official notices for NDA & NA, CDS and CAPF examinations. Official portal →
Join Indian Army
Official Army officer, Agniveer and other entry information. Official portal →
Join Indian Navy
Official officer, sailor and Agniveer entry information. Official portal →
Indian Air Force Careers
Official Air Force career, qualification and selection information. Official portal →
Indian Coast Guard
Official Coast Guard recruitment notices and entry information. Official portal →
Staff Selection Commission
Official notices for relevant CPO and GD recruitment routes. Official portal →
How to Choose and Verify an Exam
- Choose the service and entry type: officer, technical, soldier, sailor, airman, Coast Guard, police or paramilitary.
- Check academic, age, physical and medical eligibility before planning preparation.
- Read the latest official notification for the complete selection sequence and current vacancies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does every defence route have a written exam?
No. Some routes use interviews, service selection boards, physical tests, medical examinations or qualification-based shortlisting.
Are physical and medical standards included here?
No. These standards are detailed and can change by service, role, gender and notification. Check the official recruitment notice.
Are paramilitary and police routes included?
Yes, when they appear as individual records in the Defence & Paramilitary section of the source directory.
Verify Before You Apply
Important: Live status and next-date labels come from the same canonical records used by the main directory. “Catalog overview” means that current dates still await source verification. Always read the latest official notification before applying.
NeelGyan is an independent education initiative and is not affiliated with the examination authorities listed here. A listing supports discovery; it does not confirm eligibility, admission or selection.