Recruitment for Armed Forces

Press Information Bureau 

Government of India

Ministry of Defence 

Recruitment for Armed Forces 

Officers in the Armed Forces are selected primarily through All India open competition. Recruitment of Other Ranks (ORs) in Army is carried out through Open Recruitment Rally System being conducted regularly throughout the country. Efforts are made to cover entire country including remote and tribal areas. In Navy, regular recruitment drives are undertaken, covering all States / regions for recruitment of sailors. Recruitment of Airmen in Air Force is on all India basis through scheduled selection tests. In addition, recruitment rallies are also conducted in different parts of the country including tribal areas to provide opportunity to youth from these areas to join the Armed Forces. 

Recruitment of youth, including from tribal areas across the country is an ongoing process. The recruitment data for a particular region, religion, tribe, caste or creed is not maintained. 

Government has approved setting up of additional seven Service Selection Boards (SSBs) (2 for Army, 3 for Navy and 2 for Air Force) for selection of officers. However, presently there is no proposal for opening new recruitment centre for other ranks. 

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri B Sriramulu and Shri Ramsinh Rathwa in Lok Sabha today.