Indian Military Academy (IMA)
The Indian Military Academy (IMA), located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is the premier officer training academy of the Indian Army. Established in 1932, it trains cadets to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
IMA is the dream institution for defense aspirants, producing some of India’s finest military leaders, including Field Marshals, Generals, and War Heroes.
Indian Military Academy (IMA) - Roles & Responsibility
After passing out from IMA, officers are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army and take on roles such as:
Combat Arms (Infantry, Armored Corps, Artillery)
Support Arms (Engineers, Signals, Intelligence)
Logistics & Services (Army Service Corps, Ordnance Corps)
Responsibilities Include:
✔ Leading troops in combat & peacekeeping missions
✔ Strategic planning & operational command
✔ Disaster relief & counter-terrorism operations
✔ Training and mentoring soldiers
Indian Military Academy (IMA) - Selection Process
*1. UPSC NDA/ CDS Examination
NDA (National Defence Academy) – After 10+2 (for 12th pass students).
CDS (Combined Defence Services) – For graduates (direct entry to IMA).
*2. SSB Interview (5-Day Process)
Stage 1: Screening (OIR Test + Picture Perception Test)
Stage 2: Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT)
Stage 3: Group Tasks (GD, GPE, Lecturette)
Stage 4: Personal Interview & Conference
*3. Medical Examination
Conducted at AFMSB (Armed Forces Medical Services Board).
Tests include physical endurance, vision, hearing, and overall fitness.
Indian Military Academy (IMA) - Eligibility Criteria
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
| Age Limit | 19–24 years (varies for different entries) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate (any discipline) from a recognized university |
| Marital Status | Unmarried males (for most entries) |
| Physical Standards | Height: 157.5 cm (relaxed for some categories) Weight: Proportionate to height & age Vision: 6/6 or correctable to 6/6 |
Indian Military Academy (IMA) - Career Growth
| Rank | Approx. Service Duration |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant (Lt.) | On Commissioning |
| Captain (Capt.) | 2 Years |
| Major (Maj.) | 6 Years |
| Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) | 13 Years |
| Colonel (Col.) | 15+ Years |
| Brigadier (Brig.) & Above | Based on Merit & Vacancies |
Perks & Benefits
Salary: ₹56,100 – ₹2,50,000 (7th Pay Commission)
Allowances: DA, HRA, Field Area, Siachen, Transport
Lifetime Pension & Healthcare
Post-Retirement Opportunities (Govt. jobs, PSUs, Security Sector)
Indian Military Academy (IMA) - Exam Pattern
1. UPSC NDA Exam Pattern (For IMA Entry after 10+2)
| Subject | Marks | Duration | Questions | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours | 120 MCQs | Based on 10+2 level |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours | 150 MCQs | English (200), GK (400), Science (200) |
| Total | 900 | 5 Hours | 270 MCQs | Negative marking (0.33 per wrong answer) |
Key Features:
Conducted twice yearly (April & September)
Cutoff usually 55-65% (varies yearly)
SSB Interview for qualified candidates (900+ marks)
2. UPSC CDS Exam Pattern (For Graduates)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | English | 100 | 2 Hours | 120 MCQs |
| II | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours | 120 MCQs |
| III | Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours | 100 MCQs |
| Total | – | 300 | 6 Hours | 340 MCQs |
Key Features:
Negative marking: 0.33 marks deducted per wrong answer
IMA cutoff: ~120-140/300 (varies by year/category)
Maths paper is qualifying (minimum 20% required)
3. SSB Interview (5-Day Selection Process)
Stage 1: Screening Test
| Test | Format | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) | Verbal/Non-verbal reasoning | 50 mins | Cognitive ability |
| Picture Perception Test (PPT) | Write story based on image | 30 secs/image | Imagination & expression |
Stage 2: Psychological Tests
| Test | Format | Duration | Parameters Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) | Story writing (12 pics) | 30 secs/pic | Leadership, Problem-solving |
| Word Association Test (WAT) | 60 words → 60 responses | 15 secs/word | Thought process |
| Situation Reaction Test (SRT) | 60 situations → responses | 30 mins total | Decision-making |
| Self-Description Test (SD) | Self-analysis questionnaire | 15 mins | Personality traits |
Stage 3: Group Testing
| Activity | Duration | Skills Evaluated |
|---|---|---|
| Group Discussion (GD) | 20 mins | Communication, Knowledge |
| Group Planning Exercise (GPE) | 30 mins | Teamwork, Tactical thinking |
| Progressive Group Task (PGT) | 40 mins | Physical+mental coordination |
| Half Group Task (HGT) | 20 mins | Individual contribution |
| Lecturette | 3 mins/speaker | Public speaking, Clarity |
| Individual Obstacles | 10 mins | Courage, Fitness |
| Command Task | 15 mins | Leadership under pressure |
| Final Group Task | 20 mins | Overall group dynamics |
Stage 4: Conference Day
Final assessment by all assessors
Recommendation decision announced
Medical examination for recommended candidates
Indian Military Academy (IMA) - How to Prepare
1. Written Exam (NDA/CDS)
Mathematics (NDA) / General Knowledge (CDS)
English & Reasoning
Current Affairs (Defense-related)
2. SSB Interview Tips
✔ Improve communication & leadership skills
✔ Practice group discussions & lecturettes
✔ Stay physically & mentally fit
3. Recommended Books
Pathfinder for NDA/NA – Arihant
SSB Interview Guide – SSBCrack
Current Affairs – Manorama Yearbook
Indian Military Academy (IMA) - Salary Range
1. Starting Salary (Lieutenant)
| Component | Amount (Monthly) | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 | ₹6,73,200 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 | ₹1,86,000 |
| Grade Pay | ₹5,400 | ₹64,800 |
| DA (Current ~46%) | ₹25,806 | ₹3,09,672 |
| Kit Maintenance Allowance | ₹20,000 | ₹2,40,000 |
| Transport Allowance | ₹3,600-7,200 | ₹43,200-86,400 |
| Field Area Allowance (if applicable) | Up to ₹10,500 | Up to ₹1,26,000 |
| Gross Salary Range | ₹1.25L – ₹1.5L | ₹15L – ₹18L |
2. Captain (After 2 Years)
| Component | Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹61,300 |
| Gross Salary | ₹1.4L – ₹1.7L |
3. Major (After 6 Years)
| Component | Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹69,400 |
| Gross Salary | ₹1.6L – ₹2L |
4. Lieutenant Colonel (After 13 Years)
| Component | Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹1.21L |
| Gross Salary | ₹2.2L – ₹2.6L |
5. Colonel (After 15+ Years)
| Component | Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹1.30L |
| Gross Salary | ₹2.5L – ₹3L |
6. Brigadier & Above
| Rank | Monthly Gross |
|---|---|
| Brigadier | ₹2.8L – ₹3.5L |
| Major General | ₹3.2L – ₹4L |
| Lieutenant General | ₹3.8L+ |
Special Allowances (Tax-Free)
| Allowance | Monthly Amount | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Siachen Allowance | ₹42,500 | Highest risk zone |
| High Altitude Allowance | ₹10,600-25,000 | Above 9,000 ft |
| Flying Allowance | ₹25,000 | For aviators |
| Parachute Allowance | ₹12,000 | Para units |
| Special Forces Allowance | ₹25,000 | SF personnel |
Lifetime Benefits
Pension: 50% of last drawn basic pay (+DA) after 20 years
CSD Canteen: 30-50% discount on goods
Healthcare: Free for family (through AFMS hospitals)
Education: 90% fee reimbursement for children
Housing: Subsidized accommodation/plot allotment
Comparison: Civil vs Military Pay
| Experience | Corporate Salary (₹) | Army Officer (₹) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 Years | 6-8L | 15-18L | Army offers 2X higher starting |
| 5 Years | 12-15L | 22-25L | Better perks in military |
| 10 Years | 20-30L | 30-35L | Army has job security |
| 20 Years | Varies | ₹1.5L pension + other benefits | Guaranteed post-retirement |
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