Indian Army Recruitment 2025: Complete Details, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Selection Process

The Indian Army has officially released recruitment notifications for Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and Havildar positions for the year 2025-26. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals to serve the nation in various technical, educational, and religious capacities. Here’s a detailed overview of the notifications, including eligibility, exam pattern, and selection process.

🔔 Indian Army Recruitment 2025 Notifications Overview

Indian Army JCO & Havildar Recruitment 2025 – Important Dates

🔔 Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the last date to avoid last-minute issues.

• Online Registration on the official portal: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
• Application Fee: ₹250/- for all categories (Online Payment).

📝 Indian Army Recruitment 2025-Post-wise Eligibility Criteria

🔶 1. Havildar (Education)

• Age Limit: 20 to 25 years (Born between 01 Oct 2000 to 01 Oct 2005).
• Educational Qualification:
  • Graduation/Post Graduation with minimum 50% in relevant fields.
  • IT/Cyber: BSc/MSc (IT, Cyber Security, CS, AI/ML, Data Science), BCA/MCA, B.Tech, etc.
  • Information Ops: Mass Comm, Psychology, Political Science, IT, Sociology, etc.
  • Linguist: BA/MA in English, Chinese, Myanmar, etc. Bonus marks for specific qualifications.

🔶 2. Havildar (Surveyor Automated Cartographer – SAC)

• Age Limit:
  • Civilians: 20 to 25 years
  • In-Service Candidates: Up to 28 years
• Educational Qualification:
  • BA/BSc with Mathematics & 10+2 PCM with 50% in each subject
  • OR BE/BTech in Civil, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Tech/Science

🔶 3. JCO (Catering)

• Age Limit: 21 to 27 years (Born between 01 Oct 1998 to 01 Oct 2004)
• Educational Qualification:
  • 10+2 or equivalent
  • One-year or more Diploma/Certificate Course in Cookery or Hotel Management/Catering from AICTE/HRD-recognized institutes

🔶 4. JCO (Religious Teacher)

• Age Limit: 25 to 34 years (Born between 01 Oct 1991 to 01 Oct 2000)
• Educational Qualification:
  • Graduation + religious qualification specific to each post:
    • Pandit – Shastri/Acharya in Sanskrit
    • Granthi – Gyani in Punjabi
    • Maulvi – Alim in Arabic / Urdu Mahir
    • Padre – Ordained priesthood by Bishop
    • Buddhist Monk – Recognized Monastery Certification

⚖️ Selection Process (All Posts)

1️⃣ Online Registration on Portal
2️⃣ Online Common Entrance Exam (CEE)
3️⃣ Physical Fitness & Measurement Test (PFT/PMT)
4️⃣ Medical Examination
5️⃣ Skill Test / Personal Interview (post-wise)
6️⃣ Final Merit List & Training Call Letter

✍️ Exam Pattern Summary

🔸 Minimum 40% marks required in each paper. Interview cut-off for some posts may be 50%.

💪 Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

📄 Documents Required at Rally

• Admit Card
• Educational Certificates
• Domicile, Caste, and Character Certificate
• Relationship Certificate (if applicable)
• PAN & Aadhar Card
• 20 Passport Size Photos
• Affidavit (₹10 stamp paper)

📢 Final Note

Recruitment in the Indian Army is transparent and merit-based. No bribes or intermediaries are required. Stay vigilant and report fraudulent agents.

🔗 Apply Online: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

📥 Download Official Notifications (PDFs)

• Havildar (Education)
• Havildar (Surveyor Automated Cartographer)
• JCO (Catering)
• JCO (Religious Teacher)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Indian Army Recruitment 2025

🔸 Q1. What is the last date to apply for Indian Army JCO and Havildar Recruitment 2025-26?

Ans: The last date to apply online is 10 April 2025. The application process starts from 12 March 2025.

🔸 Q2. What is the application fee for the online entrance exam?

Ans: The application fee for all categories is ₹250. It can be paid online using Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking.

🔸 Q3. Who can apply for the Havildar (Education) post?

Ans: Candidates with Graduation/Post-Graduation in IT, Cyber Security, Mass Communication, Linguistics, etc., with a minimum of 50% marks can apply. Specific qualifications vary by category: IT/Cyber, Information Operations, or Linguist.

🔸 Q4. What are the qualifications required for Havildar (Surveyor Automated Cartographer)?

Ans: Candidates must have a BA/BSc with Mathematics and 10+2 in PCM with 50% marks in each subject OR BE/BTech in Civil/Electronics/Computer/Mechanical streams.

🔸 Q5. What is the age limit for JCO (Catering)?

Ans: Candidates must be between 21 and 27 years of age as on 01 October 2025.

🔸 Q6. What educational qualification is required for JCO (Catering)?

Ans: 10+2 along with a one-year or more Diploma/Certificate in Cookery or Hotel Management and Catering Technology from recognized institutions.

🔸 Q7. Can civilians apply for the Religious Teacher (JCO) post?

Ans: Yes, both civilian and in-service candidates can apply, provided they meet the age and religious qualification criteria for the respective denomination.

🔸 Q8. Is there any negative marking in the Indian Army Online Exam?

Ans: No, there is no negative marking for wrong answers in the Online Common Entrance Examination (CEE).

🔸 Q9. What is the minimum passing percentage in the Indian Army exam?

Ans: Candidates must score at least 40% marks in each paper (Paper I & II, wherever applicable). For interviews or skill tests, a minimum of 50% marks is required in most cases.

🔸 Q10. How will I get my Admit Card?

Ans: Admit cards will be made available for download on the Join Indian Army portal under the candidate’s login profile.

🔸 Q11. What are the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) requirements?

Ans: PFT includes:

• 1.6 km run (within 6:15–8:00 mins depending on the post)
• Minimum 6 Pull-ups
• Zig-Zag Balance test
• 9 Feet Ditch Jump

🔸 Q12. What is the selection process for Indian Army JCO & Havildar posts?

Ans: Selection involves:

1. Online Registration
2. Online Entrance Exam (CEE)
3. Physical Fitness Test & Medical Examination
4. Interview / Skill Test (Post-wise)
5. Final Merit List & Training Call-Up