Serving the nation through defense services is a dream for many young and enthusiastic individuals. Among the many routes to this noble career, the National Defense Academy (NDA) has always been a popular choice. However, recently, the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) has emerged as an exciting alternative that’s catching the attention of many. 🎓
In this post, we’ll dig into the reasons why TES is becoming a powerful alternative to join Indian Army. We’ll talk about the unique perks that TES brings to the table and why it could be the right choice for you.
TES vs NDA: Which is Best for Joining Indian Army?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) are two prestigious entry routes for individuals looking to build a career in the Indian Defence Forces. While both the schemes are targeted towards young aspirants seeking to join the forces, they have distinct eligibility criteria, education qualifications, and training structures. Let’s delve deeper into the specific differences between the two:
Eligibility and Nationality: NDA require unmarried male/female candidates, and TES require candidates to be unmarried males. They should either be citizens of India, subjects of Nepal, or persons of Indian origin who have migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India. There is no difference in this aspect for both entry schemes.
Age Limit: For both NDA and TES, candidates must not be below 16½ years and above 19½ years on the first day of the month in which the course is due to commence.
Educational Qualification: The NDA allows students from any stream in their 12th grade or equivalent to apply. However, for those desiring to join the Air Force or Navy, Physics and Mathematics are mandatory in their 12th grade.
The TES, on the other hand, specifically invites applications from candidates who have passed the 10+2 examination or equivalent, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and have secured a minimum aggregate of 60% marks. Furthermore, TES applicants must have also appeared in the JEE (Mains) examination of the respective year of application.
SSB INTERVIEW:
An important Stage in TES Selection- A significant part of the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) selection process is the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. This multifaceted evaluation system assesses your potential to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Here’s why the SSB interview is of paramount importance:
The SSB interview is a rigorous and multi-dimensional evaluation process. It includes psychological aptitude tests, intelligence tests, personal interviews, and group discussions designed to gauge a candidate’s skills and personality. Understanding this procedure is key to strategizing effectively and performing well.
SSB coaching centers offer a valuable resource, providing personalized guidance from experienced trainers. They help candidates identify strengths, improve weaknesses, and conduct mock interviews to prepare them for the actual scenario.
Essential for the SSB interview, confidence and communication skills are developed through group discussions and interactive sessions at coaching classes.
The interview involves a two-stage evaluation – the Psychological Aptitude Test and the Intelligence Test, and only those clearing the first stage move to the next.
The SSB panel comprises officers from the Indian Armed Forces, skilled in psychology, group tasks, and interviews. With thirteen dedicated Service Selection Boards across India, it provides a comprehensive assessment platform for different Armed Forces branches.
The SSB interview is a vital stage in your journey towards becoming an officer through the TES. Preparing adequately for this can be the key to unlocking your dream career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Medical Conditions:
The medical conditions for both the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and the National Defence Academy (NDA) play a crucial role in determining a candidate’s eligibility for joining the defence forces. While both insist on a high degree of physical fitness, there are nuanced differences in how they are presented and accessed.
The standards for TES include specific requirements for height, weight, eye vision, and general health, among other factors. Detailed information about possible medical conditions that might cause rejection is also made available. This process ensures transparency and provides clarity to potential candidates about what is expected of them medically before they can join the Indian Army through TES.
CHECK THE OFFICAL NOTIFICATION https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/Medical_Policy.pdf
The NDA, on the other hand, emphasizes that candidates must meet the physical standards as per guidelines given in Appendix-IV of the examination notice. This document contains detailed information about the physical and medical requirements for admission to the NDA and Naval Academy Examination.
Much like the TES, the standards for NDA also include requirements for height, weight, and vision. However, it also extends to more specific medical criteria due to the nature of the different branches of service – Army, Navy, and Air Force – each of which may have unique physical and medical prerequisites.
CHECK THE OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION:
https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-II-23-engl-170523.pdf
Training:
NDA provides three years of training divided into six terms. After three years of training, a cadet is awarded a Bachelors Degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Dehli university(DU).
TES, however, involves five years of training. This includes basic military training of 1 year at the Officer Training Academy (GAYA) and technical training of 4 years, divided into two phases at the Cadets Training Wing(CTW) at
MCTE,MHow(Indore);CME(Pune);MCEME(Secunderabad) and last year is dedicated to the Post Commission Training.
After successful completion of the course, cadets are awarded an Engineering degree.
Vacancies:
When it comes to vacancies and commission in the Indian Army, both the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and the National Defence Academy (NDA) provide aspirants with ample opportunities to secure their positions in the defence forces. However, there are certain distinctions between the two which may highlight the TES as a more attractive option for some candidates.
For the NDA, vacancies are distributed across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In recent years, there have been approximately 208 vacancies for the Army, 42 for the Navy, and 120 for the Air Force. The Naval Academy also provides an additional 25 positions exclusively for male candidates through the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme.
TES, on the other hand, offers around 90 vacancies, focused on granting Permanent Commission in the Army. Though this number might appear less in comparison to NDA’s total, it’s important to note that these vacancies are exclusively for the Army, making it a concentrated opportunity for those solely interested in this branch of the defence forces. Furthermore, the number of TES vacancies is provisional and can be adjusted depending on the training capacity at the Training Academy and the organizational requirements at the time of the course commencement.
Commission:
Upon successful completion of the training course, both NDA and TES grant the rank of Lieutenant to their cadets. However, the TES offers a Permanent Commission post-training, highlighting its commitment to long-term career development for its cadets. This indicates a sense of job security and a clear progression path for the candidates opting for TES.
Seniority:
In TES, cadets are granted seniority based on the overall order of merit of the three technical institutes combined. the date of commissioning should coincide with that of the IMA, Dehradun, TES cadets are placed en-bloc junior to IMA but above the TGC/UES course. This structured seniority system, exclusive to TES, ensures a fair placement for the cadets and underlines the high regard for TES cadets within the defence forces.
Overall, while both NDA and TES are commendable entry points into the defence forces, TES presents unique advantages, particularly for those aspirants aiming to secure a long-term career in the Army. With a concentrated number of vacancies, the promise of a Permanent Commission, and a transparent seniority system, TES stands as a distinguished option for eligible candidates.
Which Entry is Better – TES or NDA?
When comparing the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and the National Defence Academy (NDA), it is essential to consider that both pathways offer unique advantages. However, if we focus on specific parameters such as career growth, technical exposure, and financial benefits, TES can be a particularly attractive choice.
A Straightforward Path with TES: Skip the Extra Exam Stress
The burden of multiple competitive exams can be overwhelming for class 12 students dreaming of a career in the armed forces. Thankfully, the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) offers a simpler way. Here’s why choosing TES can lighten the load:
- Straight to Officer Rank: Successful TES candidates are directly commissioned as officers in the Indian Army. This allows you to start your professional career sooner, without going through a three-year course like in NDA.
- Less Competitive Exams: As a TES applicant, you are only required to qualify JEE (Main) and a medical test. This means you can focus on your class 12 board exams and JEE preparation, rather than splitting your attention across multiple exams.
- SSB Interview Focus: Instead of prepping for another written test post your class 12, you can direct your energy towards cracking the SSB interview. This crucial stage assesses your potential and personality traits suitable for a career in the armed forces, and you can better prepare for it without the distraction of other exams. In essence, TES provides relief from the intense pressure of competitive exams, allowing students to concentrate on their immediate academic goals while securing a clear and direct route to their dream career in the armed forces.
- Career Growth: While NDA graduates have been known to advance swiftly up the ranks and have produced numerous Chiefs of Staff, it’s important to remember that career growth is not solely dependent on the entry scheme. It is also a function of individual competence, performance, and commitment to service. Officers from TES, with their technical expertise, often find themselves in critical roles that require problem-solving and strategic decision-making abilities. Their advanced technical skills enable them to manage and maintain complex military equipment, contributing significantly to the operational readiness and capability enhancement of the Indian Armed Forces.
- Technical Specialization: One of the most significant benefits of TES is the technical specialization it offers. Unlike the NDA, where the primary focus is on producing well-rounded officers for all arms of the military, TES is specifically geared towards training officers for technical roles within the Indian Army. This focused training provides TES officers with a deep understanding of the Army’s technical demands and equips them with the skills necessary to excel in these roles.
- Financial Considerations: From a financial perspective, TES officers typically receive higher pay allowances than their NDA counterparts. This is due to the technical nature of their work, which demands specific skills and expertise. In addition to their regular salaries, TES officers are often eligible for technical pay and other allowances, making it a financially attractive proposition.
TES – A Great Option for Future Technicians
While the choice between NDA and TES ultimately depends on an individual’s personal interests, goals, and aptitude, TES certainly offers significant advantages in terms of technical specialization and financial rewards. Therefore, for aspirants with a technical bent of mind seeking a fulfilling and rewarding career in the Indian Army, TES could be an excellent choice.
When compared, the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) shines as a great choice for students who are interested in joining the Indian Armed Forces, particularly those with a knack for technical fields. Its benefits include direct entry as an officer, competitive salaries, and a strong focus on technical knowledge. Although the SSB interview requires thorough preparation, this can be made easier with help from reliable coaching institutions. Therefore, for students who want to start their careers quickly and enjoy rewarding technical opportunities, TES is often the best path. To conclude, it is thus clear that TES is becoming a powerful alternative to join Indian Army.
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