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Written by Mumtaj Khan
Jan 30, 2026

Serving the Nation: How to Become a Soldier

A Soldier is the main combat element of all the world armies. A soldier, who is called Ground Troop or Sepoy or Rifle Man in the Indian army is the one who meets the enemy directly. The success of a war is determined by the bravery and heroism of a soldier.

By this fact a person could imagine that there will be no one to take this responsibility. But the truth is the opposite to the opinion, which is evidenced by long queues of young Indians (and even younger than the age demanded), in Recruiting rallies all over the country. There are a lot of young energetic youths in the country that are willing to serve the country in this capacity.

It is very difficult to become a soldier of Indian Army just like in any other profession competition. By the madness of wearing olive green, they are aware of the thing they are going to do, which others cannot do. They understand that they are the single ones, which are not familiar as Hindu, Sikhs, Muslims, etc. They are referred to as Soldiers of The Indian Army. And there are no shortage of such young ones. This is what makes the Indian Army to be among the few volunteer Armies as opposed to many other superior powers which have to bear an obligatory army service.

The rivalry was even more intense due to the desire of the younger ones. So it really takes being the best and the fittest to enlist into the Indian Army as a Soldier. And to be the best one is expected to be replete with confidence, courage, determination, and grit to support the aspirations of the country. In case you believe that you possess these basic requirements then you are free to join the Indian Army.

Eligibility of Indian Army Soldiers

Educational Qualification and Age

Qualification and age required to join army as a soldier is Non-metric to Metric with some time demanding math, science, and English to be their main subjects. It is conditional on the kind of work that gets allocated to the Soldier.

Category

Education

Age

Soldier General Duty

SSLC/ Matric

16-21 Years

Soldier Technical

SSLC/ Matric 45% aggregate

16-23 Years

Soldier Clerk

SSLC/ Matric 50% aggregate with 45% in individuals.

16-23 Years

Soldier Nursing Assistant

SSLC/ Matric (Maths, English & Biology)

16-23 Years

Soldier Tradesman (General Duties)

Non-Matric

16-20 Years

Soldier Tradesman (Specified Duties)

Non-Matric

16-25 Years

What is it like to be a Soldier/Sepoy in Army?

Step 1 : This being the case since all the recruitments are made by way of rallies, the initial step towards joining shall be to contact the nearest Branch recruiting Office /Zonal Recruiting Office and get the information of the Rally schedule and report to the Rally site on the dates announced on the Notice board with your Educational Certificate, Birth Certificate (in original), domicile certificate, character certificate and six passport size photographs.

Step 2 : There are the Physical Fitness Tests (PFT) one has to carry with 100 marks in total that occur after the events.

  • 1 Mile Run
  • Pull Ups
  • Balance
  • Feet Ditch

The information regarding the marks obtained in every single test.

One Mile Run

  • 5.40 Mins and below - 60 Mks
  • 5.41 Mins to 5.50 - 48 Mks
  • 5.51 Mins to 6.00 - 36 Mks
  • 6.01 Mins to 6.20 - 24 Mks

Pull Ups

  • 10 and above - 40 Mks
  • 9 - 32 Mks
  • 8 - 28 Mks
  • 7 - 21 Mks
  • 6 - 16 Mks

Balance & 9 Feet Ditch

These are examinations that qualify them therefore no points are given.

Step 3 : The successful of the physical test is subjected to the put of a written test with the following description.

Written Examination

Recruitment of Soldiers is by Common Entrance Examination (CEE) which is made up of two papers done on last Sundays of every month.

Paper-I - This is mandatory to all categories of soldiers.

It is usually made up of questions on IQ/Numerical ability general knowledge and the current affairs.

  • Duration - 60 minutes.
  • Total marks - 100
  • Pass Marks - 32.

Paper-II - Sol. technical, Sol. CLK (GD/SKT), Sol. Nursing Candidates.

Sol Tech - It is usually made up of Physics, Chemistry and Maths.

Sol CLK/SKT -It usually consists of Maths and English (Language Proficiency).

Sol Nursing Assistant - It normally consists of Chemistry, Botany and Biology,

The paper above is all composed of:

  • Duration - 30minutes
  • Total Marks - 50
  • Pass marks - 16

Note: As well as paper I, a Sol Tech, Sol Clk/SKT and Sol Nursing Assistant must qualify in his respective paper NCC "C" Certificate holders which seek to be enrolled in Sol (GD) are also exempted to appear in written examination but must otherwise meet other requirements laid down.

Step 4 : Medical Examinations. Merit will be the last criterion.

Physical Standards according to Region

 HeightWeight Chest
Ladakhi1585077
Gorkhas both Nepalese and Indians1574877
Andaman, Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Group including Minicoy:- Settlers1655077
Locals1555077
Tribals of recognized tribal areas1624877
Brigade of the Guards1735077
Med Arty1705077
Corps of Military Police1735077
Clerks GD/SKT1625077


 

Salary/ Pay Scale Army Soldier

The first salary of a soldier in the Army is approximately 25,000 to 30,000 depending on the category on which he belongs. Coupled with this, an ordinary army military personnel has other perks such as free ration, clothing, accommodation and allied services, self and family medical treatment, group-housing scheme benefits, building loan facilities, canteen facilities, etc.

Prospects in the Army Soldier Career

A Commissioned Officer can be made up of a soldier under conditions. A large number of NCO/ JCO posts have been established to enhance career prospects and pensionary benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

A soldier is an enlisted member of the armed forces responsible for national security, military operations, and supporting defence missions.
You can become a soldier by meeting eligibility criteria, clearing recruitment exams, physical fitness tests, medical examinations, and completing basic military training.
Educational requirements generally range from 10th pass to 12th pass, depending on the trade or entry category.
Age limits vary by recruitment scheme but usually fall within a specific age range set by the armed forces.
Candidates must meet prescribed height, weight, chest measurements, endurance levels, and overall fitness standards.
Recruitment includes written tests, physical efficiency tests, medical examinations, and document verification.