The Army Medical Corps is amongst one of the best options available to medical graduates where there is a professional environment of an exceptional order blended with a high degree of professionalism, dignity and self esteem. It offers a golden opportunity to be a part of world’s finest service and get trained not only to be an officer and a gentleman but also a highly skilled professional. Army Medical Corps promises both professional and personal growth at every stage of the career. In addition to the professional growth and development, the adventure and extra-curricular activities in the service ensure an all round development of an officer essential to survive in today’s competitive world. Apart from attractive pay and perks, this service also offers the best life style and professional growth.

To gain entry into AMC, you can take admission to Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune after passing 10+2 examination through NEET and complete your MBBS to be commissioned in the rank of Captain or equivalent. The other option available for civilian doctors, who have completed their MBBS from any MCI recognised medical college is to apply for commission in AMC as a Short Service Commission officer based on the notification by Army . The candidate has to fulfil the eligibility criteria in terms of – age below 45 years, educational criteria of completion of MBBS graduation and the physical fitness criteria.

After the qualification through personal interview of candidates conducted by the board of officers, the candidates undergo physical tests and get the joining letter as a commissioned officer in Army, Navy or Air Force in the rank of Captain or equivalent. If you join AMC after completion of your MD/MS or any diploma in medical field then you additionally get an antedate seniority of upto forty two months. The officer on commissioning (as Capt/Equivalent) gets employed as per service requirement of Armed Forces in any part of the country or abroad in Army, Navy or Air Force. He also gets promotion in the rank of Major, Lt Col and Col after completion of four, eleven and eighteen years of service respectively. SSC officer also gets an opportunity after completion of four years of physical service to appear for Departmental Permanent Commission in AMC so as to serve till the age of retirement. As a SSC officer, one can serve upto fourteen years of service.

The most important advantage of gaining entry into AMC is an opportunity to get oneself updated for MD/MS/DNB examination through separate Army quota. The present day competition for gaining an admission for MD/MS or any post graduate course is the challenging task for every MBBS graduate. There is a tough competition amongst medical graduates for getting post graduate seats through NEET examination for which candidates invest number of years of their preparation as well as a hefty amount of fees and donation. AMC provides the best opportunity to appear for MD/MS/DNB or different diploma courses from the reputed medical colleges or hospitals of Armed Forces through separate Army Quota to be filled based on NEET examination ranking. The competition is lesser for Army Quota as compared to the general quota competition. Getting admission for any post graduate course or further super speciality course is a turning point in a medical graduate’s life and AMC provides the best opportunity for the same.

A craze for uniform, desire to serve the nation, getting commissioned from President of India as a commissioned officer in Armed Forces, salary and perks and privileges of a Gazetted officer, All India nature of these services, future prospects in medical career through post graduate and super speciality courses – are some of the key attractions for joining Army Medical Corps. The advertisement of Army asks, ‘Do you have it in you to serve in Army?’ Just ask the question to yourself and if the answer is affirmative then Armed Forces is the best career option for you because- ‘Army is not a career option, but it is a way of life.’

(The author of this article ,Lt Col (Dr) Satish Dhage, is an ex Army officer and has been qualified for IPS (Indian Police Services) through IPS LCE 2012. Presently, he is Director, MGM Institute of Competitive Exams Aurangabad. For any queries or feedback, he can be contacted on email id : drsatishdhage@gmail.com)