How to Become an Army Doctor in India After 12th

When we picture the Indian Armed Forces, most of us think of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force; the brave warriors who protect our nation. These uniformed services operate under the Ministry of Defence. But did you know that besides these prominent defence careers, other professionals serve just as soldiers. One such important support role is that of an army doctor.

If you have ever wondered how to become a doctor in the army, especially after the 12th, this article provides a step-by-step guide. Here, we will discuss everything you need to know about a career in the military as a doctor in detail. From eligibility, important army doctor exams, promotions and potential salary range, we will cover it all. Let's begin.

Why Choose a Career as an Army Doctor?

A career as an army doctor in India is not just a job; it is a privilege. These medical professionals hold ranks that are similar to an Army officer. Beyond just wearing the uniform, these noble professionals contribute to the nation with the discipline and honour of the armed forces. They also enjoy the same perks, allowances and privileges as other officers in the armed forces, such as:

• Retirement benefits

• Family pension

• Medical treatment

• Free accommodation and ration

• Travel concessions

Whether you are a girl or a boy, the process of how to become an army doctor in India remains the same. This article provides a complete roadmap for aspirants wondering how to pursue this noble profession immediately after class 12th.

Also read: Career as a Doctor

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become an Army Doctor in India After 12th

A career as a Doctor in the Armed Forces is one of the most sought-after career choices for medical aspirants. While this career path is highly rewarding, it is also quite competitive compared to other medical careers, especially when appearing for the army medical exam after 12th. This profession is not only prestigious but also comes with all the benefits and stability of a government job, along with lucrative salaries and post-retirement benefits. Unlike other career paths in medicine, the career of a military doctor is secure with long-term success and growth.

Read on to know about the step-by-step guide on how to become a doctor in the army after 12th.

Step 1: Complete 10+2 with Science Stream

The first step for those asking how to become doctor in army is to complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB). Aspirants must score a minimum of 60% in PCB and 50% in English in the first attempt from a recognised board. Also, passing mathematics in class 10 is mandatory.

Step 2: Qualify for The Army Doctor Exam

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the most popular army doctor exam conducted to provide admissions to aspiring doctors. Early preparation and strong dedication are crucial to qualify for this exam and to secure admission to the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune.

Step 3: Secure Admission in AFMC Pune

Once you secure the required cut-off marks in NEET, you can apply for AFMC Pune. If qualified, you will go through a challenging screening process including:

• Test of English Language, Comprehension, Logic and Reasoning (ToELR): A Computer-Based Test (CBT).

• Psychological Assessment Test (PAT)

• Interview by a Board of Officers.

• Medical Examination as per AFMS standards.

A final list is then prepared based on NEET scores and scores from ToELR, PAT, and the Interview. All these assessments are part of the army medical exam after 12th, and selected students can pursue an MBBS program to serve as doctors or other medical professionals in the armed forces.

AFMC MBBS Eligibility Criteria At A Glance:

Around 150 seats (145 for Indian nationals + 5 for friendly foreign countries) are offered in MBBS. 115 seats are reserved for male candidates, while 30 are reserved for female candidates.

• Candidates must be citizens of India. Candidates who are subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, or Persons of Indian Origin who have migrated from Pakistan or other foreign countries to permanently settle in India, may also be eligible under specific government rules.

• 10+2 with 60% in PCB and 50% in English.

• Must have passed Class 10 Mathematics

• Must be unmarried and medically fit as per the standards of the government

• Age between 17–24 years

It is crucial to note that Candidates who qualify for the army doctor exam and secure admission in AFMC must sign a mandatory Service Liability Bond. This bond requires them to serve a compulsory liability period of 7 years for Short Service Commission, which may be extended to Permanent Commission. Candidates who try to resign or seek other careers during the bond period will face significant financial penalties (repayment of bond money) and should gain official approval. For the 2023 admissions, the bond amount was Rs 65 Lakhs.

Also Read: Career as a Dentist

Entry Rank and Promotion Structure

After clearing the army medical exam after 12th and all the other selection processes, you will be commissioned into the Army Medical Corps with the following entry ranks:

• Captain – For those with full Medical Registration

• Lieutenant – For those with provisional registration or undergoing internship

Also Read: Career as an Indian Air Force Airman

Promotion Hierarchy

Based on their fitness and satisfactory services provided, army doctors are promoted to a higher rank. We have listed here the eligibility criteria for promotion to specific posts in the medical field of the armed forces.

• Captain: For those who possess permanent registration after completion of the prescribed internship, partly or wholly in the Armed Forces.

• Major: Eligible after completion of four years of service as Captain.

• Lt. Colonel: After completion of 13 years of reckonable service or on completion of 13 years from the date of eligibility for permanent registration

• Colonel to Lt. General: Based on merit and available vacancies

What You Earn as an Army Doctor in India

The starting gross monthly salary of a newly commissioned Captain (MBBS) in the AFMS is approximately Rs 1,00,000 to 1,30,000 per month. This salary range involves basic pay as defined by the 7th CPC along with allowances like,

• Military Service Pay (MSP)

• Non-Practising Allowance (NPA)

• Dearness Allowance (DA)

Qualifying for the army doctor exam can open ways to build a prestigious and lucrative medical career in uniform. Such additional benefits and perks make this profession increasingly appealing to young aspirants.

Final Thoughts

A career as a medical doctor is about serving the nation with courage and commitment. If this is a dream career for you, just remember that pursuing MBBS from AFMC is the most direct route. However, AFMC offers only limited seats, and it is highly competitive to secure admission through the army doctor exam. Although the army exam after 12th is challenging and the path is difficult, it is essential to note that once you clear this, the reward is a lifetime of pride and national honour.