How to Join Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun

Academy

The Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (IMA) is the officer training Academy of the Indian Army. IMA was established in 1932. The academy is located at the foothills of the Himalayas in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.

A trainee on admission to the IMA is referred to as a Gentleman Cadet (GC). Cadets undergo training at the IMA for one year. However, trainees selected through the Combined Defence Services Exam of UPSC, who are graduates of a non-military college undergo training for one and a half years.

There are three ways through which you can join IMA.

1. Through NDA Exam by UPSC

Young and valiant boys who have passed their class 12th are eligible for appearing in NDA. When you get selected in NDA and choose Army as preference, then you undergo a 3 year training at NDA Khadakwasla (Pune) and after that 1 year training at IMA (Dehradun).

Vacancies Per Course: 320 (Twice a year)

  • Army - 208
  • Air Force - 70
  • Navy - 42

Age: 16 ½ to 19½ yrs as on first day of the month in which course is due to commence.

Qualification: 12th Class of 10+2 System of Education of Equivalent for Army and with Physics and Maths for AF/Navy.

Marital Status: Unmarried

Date Commencement of Training: Jan and Jul

Training Academy: NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune

Duration of Training: 3 years at NDA and 1 year at IMA

2. Through CDS Exam

Male graduates can join IMA through CDS. You have to appear for CDS written exam, pass SSB, be medically fit and come in the final merit.

Vacancies Per Course: 200 (Twice a year)

Age: 19 to 24 years

Qualification: Graduation from Recognised University

Marital Status: Unmarried

Date Commencement of Training: Jan and Jul

Training Academy: IMA, Dehradun

Duration of Training: 1½ Years

3. Technical Graduate Course (TGC)

Those who are studying in final year or have completed BE or B.Tech in notified streams can also join IMA through Technical Graduate Course. The duration of training is one year.

Vacancies Per Course: 60 (Twice a Year)

Age: 20 to 27 years

Qualification: BE / B Tech in notified streams of Engineering

Marital Status: Unmarried

Date Commencement of Training: Jan and Jul

Training Academy: IMA, Dehradun

Duration of Training: One Year

About IMA

Founded in 1932, the IMA has grown from its first Course of 40 GCs to a planned capacity of 1200 GCs. The outstanding records of its alumni on battlefields around the world bear testimony to its fame as a cradle for future military leaders of the country.

There are four training Battalions - Bhagat, Cariappa, Thimayya and Manekshaw commanded by Colonels and assisted by Majors and Captains who are the Company and Platoon Commanders. The Battalions are organised into four Companies each which are further subdivided into three platoons each.