Latest news with #CombinedDefenceServices
Time of India
21-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Territorial Army vs Regular Army: Understanding the right career path in 2025
In 2025, defence career aspirants in India are increasingly exploring multiple entry points into the armed forces. Among the most commonly compared options are the Territorial Army (TA) and the Regular Army. While both serve under the Indian Army 's structure and uphold the same code of discipline and honour, their roles, commitments, and eligibility frameworks are distinct. Understanding the differences is essential for making an informed, long-term career decision. Structural and operational differences The Regular Army is the standing, full-time military force responsible for national defence, border security, and strategic operations both during peacetime and conflict. It demands complete professional commitment, with recruits undergoing rigorous training at institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), or National Defence Academy (NDA). Service in the Regular Army is typically a full-time career, involving frequent transfers, postings in high-risk zones, and long stretches away from family. In contrast, the Territorial Army is a part-time voluntary force that supports the Regular Army during emergencies, natural disasters, internal security operations, and peacetime administrative tasks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo TA personnel are trained soldiers, but they are not required to serve continuously. Most continue with their civilian professions and are called up for service as needed. This model is designed to leverage the capabilities of trained citizens without requiring a full-time commitment. Eligibility and recruitment The Regular Army has a structured recruitment process, including entry-level exams such as NDA and Combined Defence Services (CDS) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Depending on the entry scheme, candidates may join as commissioned officers or through technical and non-technical routes. The selection process includes a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical examinations, and detailed background checks. Territorial Army recruitment, on the other hand, is open to employed professionals and self-employed individuals aged 18 to 42 years. In 2025, the selection process involves a written exam conducted by the Indian Army, followed by a preliminary interview board (PIB) and SSB interview for officer-level entries. The requirement of being "gainfully employed" distinguishes TA recruitment, as it aims to enlist citizens who can contribute without leaving their primary careers. Career progression and deployment Officers in the Regular Army have defined ranks, promotion pathways, and pension benefits based on years of service and performance. They are posted across the country and, in some cases, in foreign missions. The career is structured, hierarchical, and comes with extensive training in military tactics, leadership, and operations. Territorial Army officers may rise in ranks based on their engagement and years of service, but their progression is generally slower and does not offer the same long-term career structure. TA personnel may be deployed during national emergencies or operations such as counter-insurgency, disaster relief, or ceremonial duties, but they are not typically posted in forward combat roles on a permanent basis. Which path aligns better with career goals? The Regular Army is ideal for those seeking a lifelong commitment to military service, complete with structured progression, leadership responsibilities, and immersion in operational defence roles. The TA, however, suits individuals who wish to serve the nation while continuing civilian careers, especially in fields like law, medicine, administration, or corporate leadership. Both offer the chance to serve the country with honour. The right choice depends on one's long-term professional goals, lifestyle priorities, and willingness to adapt to a military framework full-time or part-time. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Scroll.in
05-07-2025
- General
- Scroll.in
UPSC CDS II, NDA/ NA II correction window opens on July 7; check details here
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will open the application correction window for the National Defence Academy (NDA)-II and Combined Defence Services (CDS)-II examinations 2025 from July 7 to 9, 2025. Eligible candidates can make changes to their forms at or 'The correction window would be an opportunity to the candidates to edit their details and make necessary corrections, in the 'Common Application Form' and 'Examination Application Form',' reads the notification. Here's the official notice. Vacancy Details Steps to make changes to NDA, CDS-II forms 2025
Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
UPSC likely to open 'correction window' to help candidates rectify mistakes in application forms
New Delhi, The Union Public Service Commission is planning to open a "correction window" for candidates to rectify their mistakes in the application forms filled for the NDA & NA and CDS examinations to be held this year. UPSC likely to open 'correction window' to help candidates rectify mistakes in application forms The correction window will open for three days and will be a one-time measure, according to the UPSC statement issued on Thursday. Combined Defence Services exam-II, 2025 and National Defence Academy and Naval Academy -II, 2025, were notified on May 28 and will be held on September 14. The UPSC said that this window would give an opportunity to the candidates to edit their details and make necessary corrections in the 'common application form' and 'examination application form.' UPSC chairman Ajay Kumar said that the online portal provides repeated checks before the final submission of any application form. "Despite that, apparently, some mistakes have been made by the applicants in attaching their documents and filling up their details. As the portal is new and applicants are filling the information for the first time, UPSC is giving an opportunity to correct and rectify any wrong information filled during the application process, as a one time measure," he said. Kumar said the necessary software module to enable the correction window is being developed by the National Informatics Centre , and as soon as the same is ready and tested, it will be made available to the applicants. "Those applicants who are interested in availing the correction window, may look for the announcement, on UPSC website, which would give details of exact dates. The correction window would be available for three days, as a one time measure only," he said. The new online application portal was launched on May 28, replacing the old one time registration module. The applications for the CDS and NDA & NA were accepted through the new portal. The UPSC online application portal has four parts, arranged in four separate cards on the home page, three of which, namely, account creation, universal registration and common application form, contain information which is common to all examinations and can be filled anytime by the candidates, it said. The fourth part is examination specific module and contains exam notices, application and applications status, the statement said. UPSC online portal can be accessed at This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Scroll.in
25-06-2025
- General
- Scroll.in
UPSC CDS II exam schedule 2025 released; to be held in September
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the exam schedule of the Combined Defence Services (CDS-II) 2025. As per the notification, the exam will be conducted on September 14 in three shifts: 9.00 am to 11.00 am, 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm, and 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm. The Commission aims to fill 453 vacancies. Applications were invited until June 20, 2025. Here's the CDS II exam schedule 2025. Meanwhile, the Commission has declared the Engineering Services Examination Prelims 2025 results on the official website The shortlisted candidates will have to appear for the Main exam scheduled for August 10, 2025. The ESE Preliminary exam was conducted on June 8, 2025. The Commission aims to fill 457 vacancies.
India.com
19-06-2025
- General
- India.com
UPSC CDS, NDA, NA 2 Registration 2025: Application Window Extended Till June 20 At upsconline.nic.in- Here's How To Apply
UPSC Registration 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has extended the application deadline for the CDS II, NDA & NA II 2025 exams to Friday, June 20, 2025. Candidates who haven't applied yet can still submit their applications for the Combined Defence Services and National Defence/ Naval Academy Exams on the official website, Through this recruitment process, the UPSC aims to fill a total of 453 vacancies through the Combined Defence Services Examination and 406 vacancies through the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy II Examination. UPSC NDA, NA, CDS II Registration 2025: Steps to apply here Go to the official website: On the homepage, either create a new account or log in to your existing one. Complete the Universal Registration by entering the required details. Fill out the Common Application Form and pay the application fee. Choose the relevant examination (NDA NA II or CDS II) and submit your application. Download the confirmation page after submission. Take a printout for future reference. To complete the application process, candidates must follow these requirements: Provide an active mobile number and email ID for communication purposes. Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPG format (20–300 KB) with a white background. Upload a scanned image of your signature in JPG format (20–300 KB). Submit a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, Passport, or Driving Licence) in PDF format (20–300 KB). Upload scanned copies of Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets or certificates. Out of the four modules in the new Online Application Portal, three—Account Creation, Universal Registration, and the Common Application Form—are common for all exams and can be filled at any time by candidates. The fourth module is specific to each exam and must be completed within the timeframe mentioned in the exam notification. It is important to note that the UPSC will conduct the written exams for the National Defence Academy/ Naval Academy II and the Combined Defence Services on September 14, 2025.
