The PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) stream is one of the highly desirable career options for many young students. After finishing high school, many students opt for the PCB stream to continue their higher studies. The door to career opportunities for PCB students is open in both medical and non-medical fields. In this detailed blog, we will discuss the career opportunities for PCB students in defence. By going through this blog, you, being a PCB student, can understand different ways to join the armed forces. Read on to learn more about different career options available for PCB students in the armed forces after 12th, graduation and even post-graduation.

When it comes to stream selection after the 10th, some students opt for PCB because they have goal clarity and are aware of career choices they will have post-12th. On the other hand, some students opt for PCB just because their friends have chosen the same stream. Apart from this, some students lack clarity as to what they want to achieve with PCB steam; the only reason they choose PCB is because they fear mathematics and do not wish to continue with this subject further. This comprehensive blog will cover the issues of all such students. With the help of this blog, we aim to provide clarity regarding career options in defence for PCB students.

PCB Student Career Options in Defence After 12th

Talking about career opportunities for PCB students, there are various options available in defence like NDA, MNS, AFMC, and Agniveer. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) scorecard is mandatory for MNS and AFMC. On the other hand, NDA is one of the best career options for PCB students after 12th without NEET. If you wish to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) with the PCB stream, you are not required to appear for NEET. Apart from these options, you can also opt for Agniveer roles in the armed forces for all three wings, be it Army, Air Force or Navy. Let us discuss each career option in detail.

National Defence Academy (NDA)

The National Defence Academy (NDA) provides the best career opportunity for PCB students interested in joining the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam invites both male and female aspirants for this prestigious joint defence service academy, which caters to the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. The NDA examination is held twice a year. Eligible candidates include those who have passed or are appearing for their 10+2 exams. The age limit for applicants is between 16½ to 19½ years.

For the Army Wing, candidates who have completed their 10+2 education in any stream from a recognized board are eligible to apply. This means that PCB students can join the NDA for the Army Wing. However, for the Air Force or Navy Wings, candidates must have passed their 10+2 exams with Physics and Mathematics. In addition to this, students in the 12th class who are yet to take their board exams can also apply.

As discussed earlier, you do not need a NEET scorecard to join the NDA. This means that if you’re a PCB student and prefer not to take NEET, the NDA remains a meaningful career option for you. The selection process involves a written examination conducted by the UPSC, followed by an SSB interview and a medical examination. After completing three years at the NDA, cadets proceed to their respective training academies for specialized training as per their wings.

Military Nursing Service (MNS)

A golden career option in defence for PCB students after the 12th is to join the Military Nursing Service (MNS). The Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services conducts the MNS exam every year for female candidates who have passed 12th with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Interested candidates must have at least 50% marks in 12th in the first attempt. In addition to this, NEET (UG) qualification is essential for MNS. After the NEET results are announced, candidates should apply for the MNS exam through the official website of the Indian Army.

The shortlisting process for the MNS exam is based on NEET (UG) scores. The further selection process takes place at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt., and successful candidates will undergo a 4-year B.Sc. (Nursing) training course. For MNS, there are 220 seats available across six AFMS Colleges of Nursing. Upon completion of their training, selected candidates will serve as MNS officers in the Indian Army at the rank of Lieutenant.

MBBS Course at AFMC Pune

Have you ever wondered how to become a doctor in the Army? If so, AFMC Pune is the answer to your question. It is the premier medical institute in our country, dedicated to preparing doctors for the Indian Armed Forces. For PCB students who aspire to join the armed forces as doctors, AFMC Pune is the most popular choice. Additionally, it is one of the six colleges of the Armed Forces Medical Services that offers the MNS course.

To pursue an MBBS at AFMC Pune, you must meet certain criteria. Firstly, you need at least 60% aggregate marks in your 12th-grade examination with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Qualification through NEET UG is also required, and a higher NEET score is essential to gain admission to this prestigious college. The program is open to both male and female candidates, and the age limit for eligibility is between 17 and 24 years. Upon selection as Medical Cadets for MBBS at AFMC Pune, there is an obligation to serve in the Armed Forces Medical Services as a Medical Officer.

Career Options for PCB Students in Defence After Graduation

If you are a graduate with a PCB background, there are still many opportunities available in the armed forces. For graduate entries, options include the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam, the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), the NCC Special Entry, and the Navy Short Service Commission (SSC) Entry, among others. The armed forces offer a wide range of opportunities for PCB students, whether you have completed your 12th class with PCB, or you are a graduate or postgraduate. Let’s explore in detail the various options available in the armed forces for graduates who have a PCB background.

Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam

The UPSC conducts the CDS exam twice a year, and the only requirement to apply for PCB students is a graduation degree in any field. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply. For graduates with a PCB background, you can apply for the OTA (Officers Training Academy) in Chennai, where both male and female candidates can be considered. However, if you are interested in the IMA (Indian Military Academy) in Dehradun, please note that it is open only to male candidates. Therefore, if you are a PCB student looking to join the armed forces, applying for OTA Chennai could be a great opportunity.

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) Entry

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) also provides golden career opportunities for graduates with a background in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). After clearing AFCAT, you can pursue a career in the Indian Air Force by joining either the Administration and Logistics branch or the Accounts branch.

Eligibility for Administration & Logistics Branch:

You must have passed 10+2 and completed a graduate degree (a minimum of a three-year course) in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 60% marks or equivalent.

Eligibility for Accounts Branch:

If you completed your 12th grade with PCB and later pursued a B.Sc. with a specialization in Finance, you are eligible to apply for the Accounts branch through AFCAT. For this, you need to have obtained at least 60% marks or equivalent from a recognized university.

NCC Special Entry Scheme of the Indian Army

The NCC Special Entry Scheme of the Indian Army offers an exciting career opportunity for graduates with a PCB background. If you hold an NCC ‘C’ Certificate and have a degree from a recognized university or its equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks across all years, you are eligible to apply. There is no restriction on the stream of your graduation. Before applying, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria. For more information, you can download the NCC Special Entry notification from the official website of the Indian Army.

Logistics Branch of the Indian Navy

If you wish to join the Indian Navy with a PCB background, you can do so by applying for the Logistics Branch. As a PCB student, you are eligible to join this branch under the following criteria: You must have completed an M.Sc. in IT with First Class, or a B.Sc. or B.Sc. IT with First Class, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Material Management. Before you apply, make sure that you meet these educational requirements for the Logistics Branch of the Indian Navy. For updates on this entry, keep an eye on the Navy SSC Entry notification.

Career Opportunities in Defence for Postgraduates

As mentioned earlier, the Indian Armed Forces provide career opportunities for students from a PCB background, even at the postgraduate level. If you have a postgraduate degree and come from a PCB background, you have a good chance to join the armed forces. Specifically, with a postgraduate degree, you can enter the Education branches of the Air Force and Navy. For the Navy Education Branch, the eligibility criteria include having 60% marks in an M.Sc. in Chemistry, with Physics included in your B.Sc. degree. If you are interested in joining the Education branch of the Air Force, you can do so through the AFCAT entry. The requirements for this are passing 10+2 and a postgraduate degree with 50% marks in any discipline, including integrated courses that offer a postgraduate degree, and having 60% marks in graduation in any discipline.

Contact Centurion Defence Academy for Further Guidance

We hope you have found valuable information regarding career options in the defence sector for PCB students. Please note that eligibility criteria for various courses and entries can change frequently. If you notice any changes or have any questions, feel free to comment below or contact us directly. Centurion Defence Academy provided the best coaching for NDA, CDS, MNS, AFCAT, and SSB Interviews. As one of India’s top defence coaching institutes, we have achieved the highest selection rate. If you are looking for career guidance and preparation courses for your defence exams, just call us at +91 9795977776.