Schoolboys planning to join the prestigious National Defence Academy for a career in the armed forces can have an extra go as the upper age bar for the examination has been raised by six months.

The defence ministry has approved the proposal of the armed forces allowing those who are 19 and a half years years old to take the NDA examination conducted by the Union Public Services Commission. Earlier the limit was 19 years.

Sources said the move, which is aimed at tackling the long troubling shortage of officers, would go a long way in tapping more students to join the armed forces. The army alone faces a shortage of around 10,000 officers.

Against the authorised strength of 47,916, the army has 37,509 officers at the moment.

What is of more concern is the fact that the shortage is most felt at early officers ranks, which are very crucial to keep the army’s profile young.

Out of the 37,000-odd officers 90 are lieutenant generals, 297 major generals, 1,127 brigadiers and 5,129 colonels.

The officials hope that the decision, which has already been conveyed to the authorities, will bring into fold even those students who have passed out from school and are preparing for streams like medical and engineering. The new age limit would be applicable from January 2014.

The NDA at Khadakwasla in Pune prepares school boys to become officers in the army, the air force and the navy.

The armed forces have even launched a media campaign to encourage the youngsters for joining the services.

It has been observed that generally children of non-commissioned or junior commissioned officers appear for the NDA examination.

The body is also focussing on organising events in schools, and colleges to persuade the youth to pursue a career in the armed forces.