Education is becoming more and more expensive. Many bright and enterprising students find it difficult to pursue higher education due to the prohibitive cost involved. One attractive option for such youngsters is to seek an entry into the Army, Navy or Air Force, and then continue education.
Once you have completed your 10+2 with good marks, you are eligible for the NDA exam held by the Union Public Service Commission (www.upsc.gov.in), wherein you are taken as an officer cadet with all expenses paid, and in four years you become a commissioned officer, starting as a Lieutenant (or equivalent rank in Navy or Air Force), and can go on to become a Colonel, with chances of rising right up to the Chief of the Army Staff.
The Armed Forces also take graduates (of engineering, medical, law, veterinary, commerce, arts) in different branches every year through Officers Selection exam.
Regardless of which branch you are in, the Military provides you with great facilities to pursue higher education.
People have studied MBA, MS or M.Tech, Law, Ph.D, and various other courses while they serve the nation and draw salary.
Similar facilities are available to those who cannot join directly as officers due to heavy competition. For example, after completing 10+2, a candidate can apply to become an Airman in various technical, administrative, medical, education, or other branches (A few streams take candidates after 10th also, but promotion chances in those branches are very limited).
On successful completion of training, the person serves as an Airman, Corporal, Sergeant etc., and is eligible to sit for departmental promotion exams to become a commissioned officer. Many Airmen have eventually retired as Wing Commanders (Colonels) or in higher ranks. Simultaneously one can pursue engineering or other high education courses.
If you do not wish to continue in uniform, there is an option of retiring after 20 years of service, drawing a pension and various other medical and canteen benefits, and making a more lucrative life back in the civilian world.
This means that before you reach 40 years of age, you have the security of a pension, good academic qualifications, the grilling and discipline of military life, and the freedom to make your fortune in a job or business.
