Job Description:
General Duty Officers plays a key role in the smooth functioning of the Armed Forces of both discipline i.e. Combat Forces or Support Services. Man management, Administrative aspects as well as planning of training are the specific areas of responsibility. They are specialized in handling of various types of sophisticated weapons. During war, they are professionally ready to lead the troops and face enemy tactfully.

How to Join:
A) Through National Defence Academy (NDA)
(i) Type of Entry - National Defence Academy (NDA).
(Three years training period at NDA, Khadakwasla and one year at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun).

(ii) Mode of Selection - Through Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and getting through Service Selection Board Interview.

(iii) Advertisement Schedule - Advertised in all National Leading Newspapers/Employment News in Apr/May and Oct/Nov every year.

(iv) Status Awarded - Lieutenant in Regular Army.

B) Through Direct Entry
(i) Type of Entry - Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
(One year at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun)

(ii) Mode of Selection - Through Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and getting through Service Selection Board Interview.

(iii) Advertisement Schedule - Advertised in all National Leading Newspapers/Employment News in Apr/May and Oct/Nov every year.

(iv) Status Awarded - Lieutenant in Regular Army.

C) Through Short Service Commission
(i) Type of Entry - Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
(One year training at Officers Training Academy, Chennai).

(ii) Mode of Selection - CDSE conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and getting through Service Selection Board interview.

(iii) Advertisement Schedule - Advertised in all National Leading Newspapers/Employment News in Apr/May and Oct/Nov every year.

(iv) Status Awarded - Lieutenant in Regular Army.

Note: Few vacancies are kept reserved for ‘C’ certificate holders of NCC of Army Wing.

Qualification:
A) Through National Defence Academy (NDA)
(i) Academics - 10+2 system of education or equivalent.

(ii) Age - Between 16½ and 19 years

B) Through Direct Entry
(i) Academics - Degree or equivalent at the time of joining the course.

(ii) Age - Between 19 and 24 years

C) Through Short Service Commission
(i) Academics - Degree or equivalent at the time of joining the course.

(ii) Age - Between 19 and 25 years