Can I Join the Infantry Division of the Indian Army via Technical Graduate Course (TGC) or Must I Take the CDS Exam?

The Indian Army, one of the world's largest national military organizations, offers a variety of entry routes to its officers. Not all graduates can directly join the infantry division through Technical Graduate Courses like TGC. Instead, the primary routes for graduates, including those seeking to join the infantry, are the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam and direct entry schemes like Short Service Commission (SSC).

Overview of the Indian Army's Entry Routes

The Technical Graduate Course (TGC) is specifically designed for engineering graduates to join the Indian Army as officers in technical branches such as the Corps of Engineers and Signals. While it is a valuable route, it does not provide a passage to the infantry division.

Primary Entry Route: CDS Exam

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is the most common route for graduates, particularly those aspiring to join non-technical branches like the infantry. Successful candidates will be eligible for training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. Upon successful completion of the one and a half year training program, these officers will be allotted to their desired units based on merit and choice, including the infantry division. The CDS Exam covers a comprehensive syllabus and is conducted in multiple stages, including a written exam and an interview.

Alternative Direct Entry Schemes

For graduates willing to join the infantry directly, there are direct entry schemes such as the Short Service Commission (SSC). These schemes allow candidates to join the infantry without undergoing the TGC. However, the TGC is not designed for infantry officers' training and is therefore not applicable for those directly interested in the infantry division.

The Role of the Infantry Division in the Indian Army

Infantry Divisions are the backbone of the Indian Army, composed of various arms and services. They are capable of undertaking sustained operations independently for an extended period. A typical division is commanded by a Major General and can range from 15,000 to 20,000 troops. Each division has its own distinctive formation sign, and there are various formations and commands it can be part of, serving either in static sectors or as a reserve.

As an officer, you will initially be posted to a unit of your chosen arm or service. It is highly likely that this unit will be part of an infantry division, as these units form the majority of the infantry presence in the Indian Army. Over time, you may move into the divisional headquarters to serve on the staff, providing command and support for the operations of the division.

Typical Composition of an Infantry Division

Divisional HQ 3x Infantry Brigades 1x Artillery Brigade 1 Armoured Regiment 1 Engineer Unit 1 Signal Regiment 1 EME Battalion 1 ASC Battalion 1 Divisional Ordnance Unit 1 CMP unit 2x Field Ambulances Other minor units

Conclusion

To summarize, if your goal is to join the infantry division of the Indian Army, you must either clear the CDS Exam or explore the direct entry schemes specifically designed for infantry postings. While the Technical Graduate Course is an excellent route for those interested in technical roles, it is not suitable for infantry officers.

Once you achieve your commission, you are likely to be posted to an infantry unit, and over the course of your career, you may move into the divisional headquarters, serving in staff roles. The Indian Army's structure and the various entry routes offer a rich and diverse career path for aspiring officers.