Short Service Commission (SSC) officers are inducted into the Indian Armed Forces for a limited duration, generally 10 to 14 years. However, depending on the officer’s performance, branch policies, and organizational requirements, there is an opportunity to transition to a Permanent Commission (PC), which enables officers to serve a full career until the retirement age as per military norms.
A Permanent Commission means a career in the Armed Forces until retirement. Officers with PC can hold command, staff, and instructional appointments over the span of their service and are eligible for pension and other long-term benefits.
SSC officers can generally apply for PC after completing 10 years of service.
In some branches (like technical or education), they may be considered earlier, based on specific needs.
The Ministry of Defence may also extend the tenure of SSC officers by 4 years (total of 14 years), during which they may apply for PC if eligible.
Good Conduct and Service Record: No disciplinary issues, consistent positive appraisal reports.
Medical Fitness: Officers must meet prescribed medical standards.
Vacancies and Branch Requirements: Approval depends on the availability of PC vacancies in the particular branch/service.
Officers must submit a formal application for PC.
A Selection Board reviews the officer’s performance, records, and service conduct.
Recommendations are forwarded to the Ministry of Defence for final approval.
Initially limited, the scope for women officers has expanded significantly following Supreme Court rulings and policy reforms.
Women are now eligible to apply for PC in various branches including Army (JAG, Signals, Engineers, Education), Navy (Logistics, Education, Air Traffic Control), and Air Force (flying and ground duties).
Not all arms/services offer the PC option. For example, combat support and technical arms often allow PC, while some support branches may not.
Each force (Army, Navy, Air Force) updates eligible branches periodically based on manpower needs.
Job security and long-term career path.
Pension and post-retirement benefits.
Higher chances of reaching senior ranks (Colonel, Brigadier, etc.).
Opportunity for higher education, foreign postings, and specialized courses.
A male SSC officer in the Indian Navy serving in the Logistics Branch completes 10 years of excellent service. He applies for Permanent Commission through the internal process, clears the medicals, and gets recommended by the selection board. The Ministry of Defence approves his PC, allowing him to serve until the prescribed age of retirement for his rank, and making him eligible for pension and other career benefits.
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