To become an officer in the Indian Armed forces after Intermediate. There is basically two entry NDA and TES entry etc. Both entries are very different from each other. The Selection Process and Eligibility Criteria is also different. Here in this article, we will see the complete details of these both entries and at last, I will tell you which entry is more suitable for you NDA or TES. Check out the complete information in the given article below:

The NDA Exam is conducted for the selection of the officers into the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air force, etc While the TES entry is conducted by the Indian Army for the selection of the Technical officers (Engineers) into the Indian Army Service. To understand each entry, we will discuss this one by one. Let’s start with the NDA and after this, we will see the TES entry.

National Defence Academy

Union Public Service Commission conducts the NDA written examination twice in a year. All the candidates who have passed class 12th are eligible to apply for this. Now let’s see the selection process and eligibility criteria:

Selection Process:

• Written Examination
• SSB Interview
• Medical Examination

Eligibility Criteria:

• To apply for NDA, A candidate must have passed class 12th with Physics and mathematics.
• If anyone is in class 12th, then they are eligible to apply for the Written Examination.
• Candidate’s age must be between 16.5 to 19 years old.
• There is no age relaxation has been given to any caste or community.

This is the selection process and Eligibility Criteria for NDA entry but in the case of TES (Technical Entry Scheme). It is completely different.

TES (Technical Entry Scheme):

This entry is especially for the candidate who wants to become an engineer in the Indian Army. This is a technical entry while the NDA is an Open entry for all forces like Airforce, Navy, and Army, etc. Let’s see the selection process and eligibility criteria for TES Entry.

Selection Process:

There is no written exam for the selection. The selection will be based on the performance in the SSB Interview. The Shortlisting of the candidates for the SSB Interview will be on the basis of the marks scored in class 12th examination. So the selection will be like:

• Shortlisting of the candidates
• SSB Interview
• Medical Examination

Eligibility Criteria:

• Only those candidates can apply who is having physics, chemistry, and mathematics at 10+2 level. With a minimum of 70% marks.
• Candidate’s age must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old.
• The age should not be less than 16.5 years old while applying and it should not be more 19.5 years old on the date of commencement of the course.

This is the selection process and required eligibility criteria to apply for Technical Entry Scheme. I hope, you have understood the basic structure of NDA and TES entry and now let’s see which entry is more suitable for you NDA vs TES.

Which Entry is better NDA v/s TES:

It is very hard to say that which is better for you because it completely depends on the candidate. It is all about your aim and dream. But here are common things that I would like to tell you.  If you want to become an engineer in the Armed forces then the TES entry is best for you. But you want to join the Indian Airforce, Indian Navy or Indian Army, etc. You can only do this through NDA entry.

NDA gives you an open opportunity to join any forces of the nation and also any branch of Army, Navy or Airforce, etc. You can join the technical branch of the Indian Army through the NDA entry also. It is completely up to you whichever you find suitable.  If we talk about which entry is easier NDA or TES.

TES entry is far easier than the NDA entry. For the selection in NDA you will need to clear Written Exam, SSB Interview and Medical exam, etc while in the TES Entry, if you have scored more than 70% marks in the 12th Board and get shortlisted for the SSB Interview. You will only need to clear the SSB Interview. Well, SSB Interview is a tough entry. It is not easy to clear. Well in the case of NDA entry, It is hard to clear even Written examination and those who clear the written exam will proceed for the SSB Interview. The Process and Procedure of the SSB Interview are completely the same for NDA SSB as well as TES SSB Interview.

Now it is up to you to decide which is better for you as per your aim and your dream. If you are just passionate about joining the Indian Armed forces. I would suggest appearing for TES entry. It is far easier than NDA.  All you need is prepare for your 12th and score better in the 12th examination.  If you could not score 70% on the Board, you can not apply for the vacancy. On average, the cutoff marks go around 75% to 80% every year. To get shortlisted for the SSB Interview. It is very important to score at least more 75% in the 12th Board exam.  Whichever entry you choose prepare well for that. Nothing is easy in India. There are around 3,000 candidates per vacancy.