Overview
The Sri Lanka Army recruits officer cadets for its Regular Force through notices published on its Officers page. This page covers the 2026 intake for the two diploma-linked cadet routes: the Officer Cadets Short Course (Diploma) for men and the Lady Officer Cadet Course (Diploma) for women. The Army also publishes separate applications for other professional officers and for the Volunteer Force, which are not covered here.
Selected candidates complete a diploma programme and the Officer Cadet Course together. Those who finish the Officer Cadet Course are commissioned as Second Lieutenants.
Who can apply
Both routes require Sri Lankan citizenship, unmarried status and a Body Mass Index between 18.5 and 25. Age is counted as at 1 October 2026. Eyesight must be 6/6 in the master eye and 6/9 in the other eye, without spectacles or lenses.
| Requirement | Short Course (men) | Lady Officer Cadet Course (women) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 23 years | 18 to 22 years |
| Minimum height | 5 ft 6 in (167 cm) | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Minimum weight | 52 kg | 45 kg |
| Minimum chest | 32 in | Not listed |
Educational requirements are the same for both routes:
GCE Advanced Level: three ordinary passes (S), 30% in the Common General Test, in one sitting and no more than three attempts, with "YES" for university admission.
GCE Ordinary Level: eight subjects including science, with five credit passes (C) in one sitting and no more than two attempts. Credit passes are needed in English, Mathematics and Sinhala or Tamil. A candidate with only an ordinary pass in English may still be considered with a credit in English at A/L or an NVQ Level 4 or higher English qualification.
A result from an internationally recognised examination that the Department of Examinations accepts as equivalent also counts.
Sports, leadership and other achievements, and skills in languages beyond Sinhala and English, are counted as added qualifications.
How to apply
For the 2026 intake, applications were open until 31 July 2026. Applicants download the form from the Army's Officers page, print it and send it by registered post to the Directorate of Personnel Administration, Sri Lanka Army Headquarters, Battaramulla. Certified copies of the identity document and photograph, birth certificate and O/L, A/L and other academic certificates must be attached. Each person may submit only one application.
Applicants who are called to the interview must bring originals of their certificates, a Grama Niladhari certificate and a police report, each obtained within six months, and two character certificates, one from the school principal. Qualified candidates appear before a medical board before the final interview board. The Army states that it does not pay interview travel costs and does not inform disqualified applicants.
After selection
Officer cadets receive uniforms, accommodation, food and medical care. Each enlisted cadet signs a bond of Rs. 700,000 and ten years of service, and must agree to serve anywhere in the country. For the 2026 intake the Army lists a minimum complete salary of Rs. 105,415.80 during the training period.
Is there a separate route for graduates?
The Officers page lists a separate application for other professional officers, with its own enlistment criteria. Check that page for the current notice.
When does the 2026 application window close?
The 2026 instructions for both cadet courses give 31 July 2026 as the closing date. Later intakes will have their own notices.