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About the Indian Army

"The Indian Army is the land-based branch of the Indian Armed Forces. It is the world's second-largest standing army and has played a crucial role in safeguarding India's sovereignty and territorial integrity since independence."

The Army is responsible for land-based military operations, internal security, disaster relief, and maintaining peace. With over 1.2 million active personnel and a vast reserve force, it stands as a formidable guardian of the nation.

Our Sacred Mission

"The primary mission of the Indian Army is to ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India by defending against external aggression and internal threats."

Defending Borders

Maintaining territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Counter-Terrorism

Conducting operations against terrorist threats.

Humanitarian Aid

Providing disaster relief and assistance

PeaceKeeping

Participating in UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Civil Support

Assisting civil authorities during emergencies.

National Pride

Upholding the honor and dignity of the nation.

Our Core Values

"The Indian Army upholds timeless values that guide its personnel in service to the nation."

Honor

Integrity and ethical conduct in all actions

Foundation of Trust

Courage

Bravery in the face of adversity

Spirit of Valor

Commitment

Dedication to duty and service

Unwavering Loyalty

Comradeship

Strong bonds of brotherhood and teamwork

United We Stand

Entry Routes to Join the Indian Army

"Choose your path to serve the nation with honor and distinction."

Officer Entry Routes

NDA (National Defence Academy)

3-year training at NDA followed by 1 year at IMA

Age: 16.5-19.5 years
CDS (Combined Defence Services)

Direct entry for graduates

Age: 19-24 years
Technical Entry Scheme (TES)

For engineering students

Age: 16.5-19.5 years
University Entry Scheme (UES)

For final year engineering students

Age: 18-25 years
Short Service Commission (SSC)

10-year commission for women and specialists

Age: 19-25 years

Soldier Entry Routes

General Duty

For combat and support roles

Age: 17.5-21 years
Technical

For technical and engineering roles

Age: 17.5-23 years
Nursing

For military nursing service

Age: 17.5-25 years
Clerical

For administrative roles

Age: 17.5-23 years
Tradesmen

For specialized trades

Age: 17.5-23 years

Detailed History of Indian Army

"From ancient warrior traditions to modern land power - a legacy of military excellence."

Chronological Development:

  • 3000-1500 BCE - Indus Valley Civilization: Evidence of organized military settlements and fortified cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
  • 1500-500 BCE - Vedic Period: Rig Veda mentions military formations, chariots, and warrior classes (Kshatriyas)
  • 600-300 BCE - Mahajan padas: 16 kingdoms with standing armies, introduction of iron weapons
  • 322 BCE - Mauryan Empire Founded: Chandragupta Maurya establishes first pan-Indian empire with organized military
  • 300 BCE - Arthashastra Written: Kautilya's military manual describing army organization of 6,00,000 infantry, 30,000 cavalry, 9,000 elephants
  • 268-232 BCE - Ashoka's Reign: Largest ancient Indian army, Kalinga War (261 BCE) with 1,00,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry
  • 320-550 CE - Gupta Empire: Golden age of military science, advanced metallurgy, Delhi Iron Pillar constructed
  • 606-647 CE - Harsha's Empire: Army of 1,00,000 cavalry and 60,000 elephants, last major Hindu empire
  • Year-wise Major Events:

  • 1192 - Second Battle of Tarain: Muhammad Ghori defeats Prithviraj Chauhan, beginning of Islamic rule
  • 1206 - Delhi Sultanate Established: Qutb-ud-din Aibak founds first Islamic dynasty, introduces Turkish military tactics
  • 1398 - Timur's Invasion: Destroys Delhi, demonstrates weakness of Sultanate armies
  • 1526 - First Battle of Panipat: Babur defeats Ibrahim Lodi, establishes Mughal Empire using gunpowder
  • 1556 - Second Battle of Panipat: Akbar consolidates Mughal power, creates efficient military administration
  • 1627-1658 - Shah Jahan's Reign: Mughal army reaches peak strength of 4,00,000 cavalry and 4,00,000 infantry
  • 1674 - Shivaji's Coronation: Maratha military revolution begins, guerrilla warfare tactics developed
  • 1680-1707 - Aurangzeb's Deccan Wars: 25-year campaign against Marathas, Mughal military overextension
  • 1739 - Nadir Shah's Invasion: Persian invasion exposes Mughal military decline
  • 1761 - Third Battle of Panipat: Ahmad Shah Abdali defeats Marathas, end of Maratha expansion
  • Detailed Timeline:

  • 1757 - Battle of Plassey: Robert Clive defeats Siraj-ud-Daulah, East India Company gains Bengal
  • 1764 - Battle of Buxar: Company defeats combined forces of Mughal Emperor, Nawab of Awadh, and Bengal
  • 1767-1799 - Anglo-Mysore Wars: Four wars against Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, Company gains South India
  • 1803-1805 - Second Anglo-Maratha War: British defeat Marathas, gain Central India
  • 1839-1842 - First Afghan War: Disastrous British retreat from Kabul, only one survivor reaches Jalalabad
  • 1845-1849 - Anglo-Sikh Wars: Two wars result in annexation of Punjab, end of Sikh Empire
  • 1857 - Great Revolt: Sepoy Mutiny begins at Meerut (May 10), spreads across North India
  • 1858 - Government of India Act: Crown takes over from East India Company, army reorganization begins
  • 1895 - Army Unification: Bengal, Madras, and Bombay armies merged into single Indian Army
  • 1914-1918 - World War I: 1.3 million Indians serve, 74,187 killed, 67,000 wounded
  • 1919 - Third Afghan War: Brief conflict, Afghanistan gains independence
  • 1939-1945 - World War II: 2.5 million volunteers, largest volunteer army in history
  • 1942 - Indian National Army: Subhas Chandra Bose forms INA with Japanese support
  • 1946 - Royal Indian Navy Mutiny: Naval uprising in Bombay, precursor to independence
  • Comprehensive Timeline:

  • August 15, 1947 - Independence & Partition: Indian Army divided, 2/3 to India, 1/3 to Pakistan
  • October 1947 - Kashmir War Begins: Pakistani tribal invasion, Indian troops airlifted to Srinagar
  • January 1, 1949 - Ceasefire: UN-mediated ceasefire, Line of Control established
  • January 15, 1949 - General Cariappa: First Indian Commander-in-Chief appointed
  • 1950 - Republic Day: Indian Army takes oath to Constitution, becomes truly national force
  • 1961 - Goa Liberation: Operation Vijay liberates Goa from Portuguese rule in 36 hours
  • October 20, 1962 - Sino-Indian War: Chinese attack across McMahon Line, Indian forces unprepared
  • November 21, 1962 - Unilateral Ceasefire: China declares ceasefire, India loses territory in Aksai Chin
  • August 5, 1965 - Operation Gibraltar: Pakistan infiltrates Kashmir, Second Kashmir War begins
  • September 6, 1965 - Full War: India crosses international border, battles in Punjab and Rajasthan
  • January 10, 1966 - Tashkent Agreement: Soviet-mediated peace, status quo restored
  • March 25, 1971 - Operation Searchlight: Pakistan cracks down on East Pakistan, refugee crisis
  • December 3, 1971 - War Begins: Pakistan attacks Indian airfields, India responds with full force
  • December 16, 1971 - Victory: Pakistan surrenders in Dhaka, Bangladesh created, 93,000 POWs
  • May 18, 1974 - Nuclear Test: India conducts "Smiling Buddha" nuclear test, becomes nuclear power
  • April 13, 1984 - Operation Meghdoot: India occupies Siachen Glacier, world's highest battlefield
  • May-July 1999 - Kargil War: Pakistan infiltrates Kargil heights, India launches Operation Vijay
  • July 26, 1999 - Victory: All peaks recaptured, 527 Indian soldiers martyred
  • December 13, 2001 - Parliament Attack: Terrorists attack Parliament, India mobilizes for war
  • 2002 - Operation Parakram: Largest mobilization since 1971, 10-month standoff with Pakistan
  • September 29, 2016 - Surgical Strikes: Special forces cross LoC, destroy terrorist camps
  • June 15, 2020 - Galwan Clash: First combat deaths on China border since 1975, 20 soldiers martyred
  • 2021-Present - Modernization: Theaterization, indigenous weapons, AI integration ongoing
    • 1947: Indian Army established with 2/3 of British Indian Army
    • 1949: First Indian Commander-in-Chief appointed
    • 1961: Liberation of Goa, Daman and Diu
    • 1965: Successful defense in Indo-Pak War
    • 1971: Decisive victory in Bangladesh Liberation War
    • 1984: Occupation of Siachen Glacier
    • 1999: Victory in Kargil War
    • 2016: Surgical strikes across LoC
    • 2020: Successful defense in Galwan Valley

    Army Commands

    "The Indian Army is organized into seven operational commands, each responsible for specific geographical areas."

    Northern Command

    Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir

    Defends the northern borders with China and Pakistan
    Strategic Frontier

    Western Command

    Chandimandir, Punjab

    Guards the western borders with Pakistan
    Western Sentinel

    South Western Command

    Jaipur, Rajasthan

    Covers the Thar Desert and southern Rajasthan
    Desert Guardian

    Southern Command

    Pune, Maharashtra

    Largest command geographically
    Southern Shield

    Eastern Command

    Kolkata, West Bengal

    Defends the eastern borders with China and Myanmar
    Eastern Watch

    Central Command

    Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

    Internal security and central India operations
    Heartland Defender

    Army Training Command

    Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

    Training and doctrine development
    Knowledge Hub

    Awards and Decorations

    Gallantry Awards

    • Param Vir Chakra (PVC) - Highest military decoration for bravery
    • Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) - Second highest gallantry award
    • Vir Chakra (VrC) - Third highest gallantry decoration
    • Sena Medal (Gallantry) - For distinguished service in war
    • Mention-in-Despatches - For meritorious service
    • Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card - For exceptional service

    Service Awards

    • Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) - For distinguished service in peace
    • Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) - For distinguished service of high order
    • Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) - For exceptional devotion to duty
    • Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) - Highest peacetime decoration
    • Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) - For distinguished service in war
    • Long Service and Good Conduct Medal - For long and meritorious service

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