Answer by Commander Rathore: If a candidate has appeared for CDS written examination and he has opted for Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Army, he can get permanent commission only if he has been recommended (in annual reports by the commanding officer) for permanent commission. There is no guarantee that every officer of SSC will get permanent commission. However, in the past it has been seen that 99% officer who have joined Army through CDSE get permanent commission.
In remaining entries of Army, (if a candidate joins without clearing a written examination) a candidate who has joined as SSC officer CAN NOT get permanent commission.
Indian Navy and Indian Air Force do NOT give permanent commission to any SSC officer irrespective of the entry or performance during their service.
Indian Army is facing shortage of officers. In 2014, the shortage was 11, 238 (24.1%) officers against its authorized strength of 46615 officers. Shortage of officers is at junior ranks. Therefore, the vacancies were required to be filled at junior ranks. The 10 to 14 years of service (SSC) was thus considered ideal to fill the gap. The selection of officers through SSC entry has eventually reduced the shortfall to about 7000 by year 2019.