Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission: Hello defense lovers! In this blog post, we will learn and understand the concept of military commissions in Indian defense forces.
Basically, there are two types of military commissions that are established in the Indian Defense Forces currently. Permanent and Short Service Commissions are two distinct paths for defense aspirants in Indian Army. These two paths offered by the Defense Forces help the defense aspirants to serve the nation with dedication, motivation, courage, aspiration, and commitment.
This blog post will categorize and differentiate the Permanent and Short Service Commissions on various aspects like Duration and Tenure, Job Roles and Responsibilities, Training and Skill Development, Career Progression and Promotion Opportunities, Post-Service Benefits, and Retirement.
Overview of Permanent Commission
Definition and Purpose of Permanent Commission (PC)
A permanent Commission or PC is a career opportunity for defense aspirants who want to serve the nation with dedication, courage, and motive. In the Permanent Commission officers are allowed to serve the nation until retirement age, it is a long-term opportunity for the soldiers and officers until the age of 60 subject to mental and physical concerns. Officers and Soldiers in Permanent Commission are allowed to rise through ranks at varying times and seek leadership roles in the Army.
Eligibility Criteria and Entry Requirements
For Permanent Commission in Indian Defense Forces, Eligibility Criteria and Entry Requirements are categorized based on different levels like age, marital status, nationality, educational qualification, etc. Following is the table which shows Eligibility Criteria and Entry Requirements for permanent commission in Indian Army.
| Eligibility Criteria | Entry Requirments |
| Nationality | Indian Citizens Only |
| Age | 19-25 years |
| Gender | Male (In some branches Females also) |
| Educational Qualification -NDA -TES -UES -CDS | 10+2 (12th Grade) Passed with recognized board 10+2 (12th Grade) Passed with recognized board Pre-final year student with 60% aggregate marks in University Graduation from a recognized university/institution |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Physical Standards | Meet prescribed standards |
| Entry Schemes | Varies based on the type of commission |
| Tattoo Policy | Certain rules regarding the size and location of tattoos apply |
| Training | Completion of basic military training |
Benefits and Advantages of Permanent Commission (PC)
- Career Stability: Permanent Commission of an officer offers him/her better stability in career and assures them a full career till retirement which acts as a sense of job security and stability.
- Leadership Roles: Permanent Commission helps the soldiers to rise through the various ranks such that officers are eligible to hold various leadership positions, command of units, squadrons, ships, and regiments.
- Pension and Retirement Benefits: One of the major significance of the Permanent Commission is that it offers Pension post Retirement after the completion of the Service which ensures post-retirement financial security.
- Specialization and Expertise: Permanent Commission offers the officers to undergo advanced training and specializations in specific domains like engineering, medicine, custom, intelligence, and logistics. This enhances their skill set and adds value to their military service.
Examples of the Military Positions that offer Permanent Commission (PC)
- Commissioned officers
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
- General
Permanent Commission for Indian Army
- National Defense Academy (NDA)
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Technical Graduate Course (TGC)
- University Entry Scheme (UES)
- Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry
Overview of the Short Service Commission
Definition and Purpose of the Short Service Commission (SSC)
Short Service Commission or SSC is a short-term period for the serving of Officers or Soldiers in the Indian Defense Forces. Unlike, Permanent Commission officers in Short Service Commission are commissioned for a predetermined period of 5-10 years depending on the Country. The SSC path is attractive for individuals who just want to seek and gain valuable experience, training, and skills during their short-term period in the Armed Forces. It offers an opportunity to contribute to the military’s mission without committing to a lifelong career.
Eligibility Criteria and Entry Requirements
Unlike Permanent Commission, Eligibility Criteria and Entry Requirements for Short Service Commission vary for Army, Navy, and Airforce. Following is the table for Eligibility Criteria and Entry Requirements for Short Service Commission (SSC).
| Parameter | Army | Navy | Airforce |
| Nationality | Indian | Indian | Indian |
| Gender | Male/Female | Male/Female | Male/Female |
| Age | 19 to 27years | 19 to 25 years | 19 to 24 years |
| Marital status | Unmarried | Unmarried | Unmarried |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation degree from a recognized university (varies for different branches) | Graduation degree in Engineering or Equivalent (varies for different branches) | Graduation degree in Engineering/Science/Commerce/Arts or equivalent (varies for different branches) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination | AFCAT Written Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Examination |
| Training Period | Approximately 49 weeks at OTA (Officers Training Academy) | Approximately 22 weeks at INA (Indian Naval Academy) | Approximately 74 weeks at AFA (Air Force Academy) |
Benefits and Advantages of Short Service Commission (SSC)
- Opportunity to Serve: Short Service Commission provide an opportunity to young individuals who aspire to serve the country and experience life and being commissioned in the Indian Defense Forces.
- Specialization and Expertise: SSC officers can opt for specialization courses and expertise in engineering, intelligence, medical, law, and finance.
- Good Pay and Perks: Short Service Commission also offers good pay and a competitive salary and numerous benefits like medical facilities, subsidized housing, and other allowances.
- Skill development: Short Service Commission encourages the officers to acquire skills, and knowledge quickly.
Examples of the Military Positions that offer Short Service Commission (SSC)
- Short Service Commission Officer in the Army Medical Corps.
- Short Service Commission Officer in the Army Dental Corps.
- Short Service Commission Officer in the Army Education Corps.
- Short Service Commission Officer in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Branch.
- Short Service Commission Officer in the Technical Graduate Course (for engineering graduates).
Duration and Tenure
The duration and tenure period for both Permanent Commissioned officers and Short Service Commissioned officers differs. Permanent Commissioned officers are appointed for a long-term period until 54 to 64 years depending upon the ranks, service, and age subject to physical and mental health, whereas Short Service Commissioned officers are appointed for a predetermined period of time, for 5 to 10 years.
Family and Personal Life
Work life balance In Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Sercive Commissions (SSC)
Work life balance is something that highly varies and differs when considered for Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission. It can be affected by working hours, work pressure, deployment frequency, and anymore.
Given below table depicts theWork life balance In Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Sercive Commissions (SSC).
| Aspects | Permanent Commission | Short Service Commission |
| Family Life | Often involves frequent transfers and postings | Generally offers more stability in location |
| Work Assignments | Diverse and broader range of responsibilities | May involve more specialized and specific roles |
| Work Pressure | Moderate to high, depending on the role and rank | Varies with the Active duties |
| Exit Options | No option to leave before service completion | Can leave before completion of service |
| Post-Service Oppportunities | Opportunities in civilian or private sectors | May be shorter due to shorter service period |
Conclusion
This brings the end of our blog, we hope this blog has given you the enough information and knowledge regarding the blog All about Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission.
Thank You!!!
