Army Officer, Short Service Commission vs Assistant Commandant
Side by side on pay, work, transfers and growth — so you can rank your preferences with confidence.
Pay level
Level 10 + MSPPay Level 10
Starting in-hand
₹1,15,000 pay + allowances₹92,000–₹1,02,000 in-hand
Group
Group A (Gazetted)Group A (Gazetted)
Exam
UPSC CDSUPSC CAPF
Qualification
GraduateGraduate
Age limit
19–2520–25
Field work
highhigh
Stress (1–5)
44
Transfers
all indiaall india
First promotion
Captain (2 years, time-scale)Deputy Commandant (6–10 years, varies by force)
Choose Army Officer, Short Service Commission if…
- ✓ Shorter training and no mathematics paper in the exam
- ✓ Open to women graduates
- ✓ Officer experience that is valued in civilian careers afterwards
Choose Assistant Commandant if…
- ✓ Direct entry as a gazetted officer with command of troops
- ✓ Adventure and operational experience
- ✓ Allowances in field areas add to pay