Government Jobs in India for Candidates Below 18 Years
.png "Government Jobs in India for Candidates Below 18 Years")
The Indian
government offers very few direct job opportunities for individuals under 18
years. However, several training programs, apprenticeships, and preparatory
schemes allow young candidates to gain experience and later qualify for
government jobs.
Table of
Contents
1. Indian
Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
2. Indian
Railways (Apprenticeships & Entry-Level Jobs)
3. SSC
& State Government Apprenticeships
4. NDA
& Defense School Preparatory Programs
5. Police
Cadet & Para-Military Training
6. Sports
Quota Government Jobs
7. Career
Growth After Joining
8.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Indian
Armed Forces – Entry-Level Roles Before 18 Years
A. Indian
Army (Tradesman & Apprentice Roles)
The Indian
Army recruits candidates under 18 years for certain roles, primarily in the
Tradesman and Apprentice categories.
Eligibility
Criteria
- Minimum Age: 17.5 years (for most roles)
- Educational Qualification:
- Tradesman (Non-Technical) – 8th or 10th pass
- Tradesman (Technical) – 10th pass with ITI
- Physical Standards: As per Army norms
(height, weight, and fitness tests)
Selection
Process
1. Physical
Fitness Test (PFT) – Running, push-ups, and stamina test
2. Written
Examination – Based on basic Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge
3. Medical
Examination – To ensure physical and mental fitness
4. Document
Verification & Training
Career
Path
- After
completing training, candidates become Tradesmen in the Army and later qualify
for
promotions. - They can apply for permanent service after
18 years through internal Army exams.
B. Indian
Navy (Naval Dockyard Apprenticeship Program)
The Naval
Dockyard offers apprenticeship programs for candidates aged 14 to 17 years intechnical
trades.
Eligibility
Criteria
- Minimum Age: 14 to 17 years
Education:
- 10th pass with ITI in a technical trade (Fitter, Electrician, Welder,
etc.)
- Some non-ITI posts for 8th pass candidates
- Duration: 1 to 2 years of training
Selection
Process
1. Written
Test (Trade-related MCQs)
2. Interview
& Skill Test
3. Medical
Examination
Career
Growth
- After
completion, candidates can join Indian Navy as Tradesmen or apply for permanent
Defense jobs post-18 years.
C. Indian
Air Force (Group C Civilian & Apprentice Posts)
The Indian
Air Force (IAF) recruits candidates under 18 years for technical
apprenticeships in aircraft maintenance, electrical trades, etc.
Eligibility
Criteria
- Minimum Age: 15 to 17 years
- Education
Qualification: 10th or ITI pass
- Training
Duration: 1 to 2 years
- Written Test
- Skill Test
(Trade-related practical exam)
- Medical Test & Fitness Check
Career
Path
- After training, candidates can apply for
permanent technical jobs in IAF.
2. Indian
Railways – Apprenticeship & Training Programs
A. Railway
Act Apprenticeship (Under Apprentices Act, 1961)
The Indian
Railways offers Act Apprenticeships for students aged 15 years and above in
technical
trades.
Eligibility
Criteria
- Minimum
Age: 15 years
- Education Qualification: - 10th pass with ITI (Fitter, Welder,
Electrician, etc.)
- Training Period: 1 to 2 years
Selection
Process
- Merit-Based Selection (10th marks + ITI
marks) - Document Verification - Medical Test
- After training, candidates can apply for
Railway Technician or Mechanic jobs when they turn18.
3. SSC
& State Government Apprenticeships
A. SSC
MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff)
The Staff
Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the MTS exam, where some states allow 17-year-old
candidates to apply.
Eligibility
Criteria
- Minimum Age: 17 years
- Education: 10th pass
Selection
Process
- Written Exam (General Knowledge, Reasoning,
and English)
- Document Verification
Career
Growth
- After
selection, candidates work in government offices as peons, clerks, and
assistants.
4. NDA
& Defense School Preparatory Programs
A.
National Defence Academy (NDA)
Candidates
can apply at 16.5 years for NDA but will join only after turning 18.
Eligibility
- Age Limit: 16.5 to 19 years
- Education:
12th pass
-
Selection Process:
1. Written
Exam (Mathematics & General Ability)
2. SSB
Interview (Physical & Psychological Test)
3. Medical
Examination
5. Police
Cadet & Para-Military Training
Many state
police forces have Junior Police Cadet programs for students aged 16 to 18
years.
Eligibility
- Age: 16 to 18 years
- Education:
10th pass
Benefits
- Helps students prepare for police jobs after 18 years.
6. Sports
Quota Government Jobs
A.
Government Jobs for Young Athletes
The Indian Government recruits athletes under 18 years through the Sports Quota.
Eligibility
- Must have
represented India in National/International sports events
- Age: Some
posts allow 16+ candidates
- Recruitment in: - Railways
- Defense (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Police
Services
Career
Benefits
- Direct
entry into government services as a coach, trainer, or officer.
7. Career
Growth After Joining Government Services
If you join
a government apprenticeship or junior role before 18, you can apply for
permanen jobs after completing training.
- After 18 Years: Eligible for higher
promotions
- After 21 Years: Eligible for SSC, UPSC, and
Police Exams
- After Experience: Can switch to better
government positions
8.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I
apply for a permanent government job before 18?
No, most
permanent government jobs require 18+ years. However, apprenticeships and
training programs are available.
Q2: Can I
join the Army before 18?
Yes, you can
apply for Tradesman & Apprenticeship roles at 17.5 years.
Q3: Which
railway jobs can I apply for under 18?
Railway Act
Apprenticeships are available for 15-year-olds.
Q4: What
is the best government job for students under 18?
Defense
apprenticeships, railway training, and police cadet programs are great
options. ---
Conclusion
Although
permanent government jobs start at 18 years, several apprenticeships and
training programs allow early entry. Candidates can later secure full-time
government jobs with experience.