Aanchal
Yes, you can join the Indian Army through the Short Service Commission (SSC) route, but reaching the rank of Lt. Colonel depends on service duration, performance, and promotions.
SSC Entry:
- You’re initially commissioned as a Lieutenant for a tenure of 10 years (extendable up to 14 years).
- Promotions happen similarly to Permanent Commission (Lieutenant → Captain → Major → Lieutenant Colonel).
Promotion to Lt. Colonel:
- In SSC, you are eligible for promotion up to the rank of Lt. Colonel based on service length (around 13–14 years) and assessment of performance/merit.
- However, since SSC is not a permanent career path, most officers retire/release at the end of their term.
Option for Permanent Commission (PC):
- SSC officers can apply for Permanent Commission. If approved, they continue their career and can rise further in rank beyond Lt. Colonel.
- If not selected for PC, they generally retire at the Major or Lt. Colonel level, depending on service length.
In short:
Yes, through the Short Service Commission, it is possible to reach the rank of Lt. Colonel (after 13 years of service), but only if you serve the full extended tenure or get a Permanent Commission for a longer career.
