Indian Army Soldier (General Duty)
Entry into the Indian Army as a General Duty soldier via army recruitment rallies after Class 10.
Description
The Indian Army Soldier (General Duty) is one of the most respected entry routes for young Indians after Class 10. Recruitment is conducted through army recruitment rallies (bharti) held across the country, followed by the Common Entrance Examination (CEE).
The role focuses on physical fitness, discipline, weapons training and national defence. Soldiers undergo rigorous basic training at regimental centres, followed by specialised corps training. The army instils leadership, teamwork and a strong sense of duty.
A career in the Indian Army offers job security, respect, excellent benefits (housing, medical, pension under NPS), and opportunities for promotion to Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and beyond based on performance and experience.
Entrance Exams
Indian Army Common Entrance Examination (CEE)
Indian Army (Army Recruiting Office)
Written exam covering General Knowledge, Maths, Reasoning and English/Hindi; held after qualifying the physical and medical tests at the rally.
Army Recruitment Rally (Physical & Medical)
Army Recruiting Office (ARO)
Physical fitness tests (1.6 km run, pull-ups, beam balance) and medical examination are the first stage at the rally.
Job Roles
Soldier General Duty (GD)
Serves in combat and combat support roles across infantry, artillery and armoured corps.
Soldier Clerk / Storekeeper (after experience)
Handles administrative, clerical and storekeeping duties in army units.
Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO, after promotion)
Leads platoons and sections after years of distinguished service and promotion.
Salary
Fresher (during training)
Stipend during training; full pay and allowances start after training.
Mid-level (3–6 yrs / Sepoy to Lance Naik)
Pay rises with rank; includes DA, housing and other allowances.
Senior (7+ yrs / Havildar & JCO)
JCOs earn well with allowances, pension benefits and post-retirement perks.
Top Colleges / Institutes
- Army Recruiting Offices (ARO) across India — rally-based recruitment
- Regimental Training Centres (basic & corps training)
- No college admission — selection via rally + CEE