Are you an engineering graduate who envisions a life beyond the confines of a corporate cubicle? Do you seek a profession where your technical expertise is the backbone of national security, and your leadership shapes the future of the world’s most formidable army? The Indian Army’s Technical Graduate Course (TGC) is not merely a job opening; it is a summons to the extraordinary.
The 143rd Technical Graduate Course (TGC-143) is your gateway to a Permanent Commission, offering a distinguished career as an officer in the technical arms of the Indian Army. This is a chance to transform from a graduate into a leader, entrusted with cutting-edge technology and the welfare of the soldiers you will command. Selected candidates will undergo a transformative journey at the hallowed Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, emerging not just as engineers, but as commissioned officers in the rank of Lieutenant. If you possess the intellect of an engineer and the heart of a warrior, your nation awaits you.
Crucial Dates at a Glance
Mark your calendars and prepare for this life-changing opportunity. The entire application process is conducted online.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 08 October 2025 (3:00 PM IST) |
| Online Application Closes | 06 November 2025 (3:00 PM IST) |
| Shortlist/Cut-off Publication | Last week of December 2025 |
| SSB Interview Sessions | January to March 2026 |
Application Fee
In a significant benefit to all aspirants, there is no application fee for applying to the TGC-143 entry. The Indian Army encourages all eligible candidates to apply without any financial burden.
Vacancy Breakdown: Find Your Stream
The Army is looking for engineers in specific disciplines. The total vacancies are 30 (tentative), distributed as follows. It is critical that the name of your stream on your degree certificate matches exactly with the listed branches.
| Core Engineering Stream | Eligible Branches (Illustrative) | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | Civil, Environmental, Construction, Architecture, Infrastructure | 08 |
| Computer Science & IT | Computer Science, IT, AI & Machine Learning, Data Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering | 06 |
| Electrical & Electronics | Electrical, Electrical & Electronics, Power Systems | 02 |
| Electronics & Communication | ECE, Electronics, Instrumentation, Telecommunication, VLSI | 06 |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical, Automobile, Production, Industrial, Aerospace, Mechatronics | 06 |
| Miscellaneous Streams | Metallurgy, Chemical, Bio-Medical, Biotechnology, Plastic Technology | 02 |
Eligibility Criteria: The Non-Negotiables
To be considered for this prestigious entry, you must meet the following non-negotiable criteria:
1. Nationality:
- Must be a citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from specified countries with a valid Certificate of Eligibility from the Government of India.
2. Age Limit:
- You must have been born between 02 July 1999 and 01 July 2006 (both dates inclusive).
- This translates to being 20 to 27 years old as on 01 July 2026.
3. Marital Status:
- Must be unmarried. Marriage is not permitted during the entire training period. A candidate who marries after application but before joining will have their candidature cancelled.
4. Educational Qualification:
- You must have passed the requisite Engineering Degree course OR be in the final year of the course.
- Final Year Students Must Note: You must produce your final degree and all mark sheets by 01 July 2026. If your final exams are scheduled after this date, you are NOT ELIGIBLE.
Pay Scale & Perks: A Rewarding Life of Service
The compensation is competitive and comes with unparalleled respect and job security.
During Training (at IMA):
- Stipend: You will receive a generous stipend of ₹56,100 per month.
On Commissioning as a Lieutenant:
- Starting Salary (Pay Level 10): ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month.
- Military Service Pay (MSP): An additional ₹15,500 per month.
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Revised periodically to counter inflation.
- Other Allowances: You are entitled to numerous allowances including:
- Technical Allowance (Tier-I & II)
- Transport Allowance
- Risk & Hardship Allowance (for field postings, can be significant)
- Children Education Allowance
- Hostel Subsidy
- Cost-to-Company (CTC): The approximate annual CTC at the start of your career is ₹17-18 Lakhs, excluding free medical facilities for you and your family, subsidized accommodation, and rations.
Career Progression:
- Captain: After 2 years of service.
- Major: After 6 years of service.
- Lieutenant Colonel: After 13 years of service.
The Selection Process: Forging the Best
The selection process is meticulously designed to identify individuals with the potential to become exceptional officers.
- Shortlisting of Applications: Based on your cumulative percentage of marks in engineering, a cut-off is applied for each stream. Only the top-scoring candidates are shortlisted for the next stage.
- SSB Interview (5-Day Process): This is the core of the selection, conducted at designated Selection Centres (Allahabad, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Jalandhar).
- Stage 1: Screening test involving Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT). Candidates who clear this proceed to Stage 2.
- Stage 2: A comprehensive assessment over the remaining days, including:
- Psychology Tests: Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description.
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks: A series of indoor and outdoor group activities to assess leadership, teamwork, and social adaptability.
- Personal Interview: A one-on-one conversation with an interviewing officer to delve into your personality, motivation, and overall suitability.
- Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a rigorous medical examination at a military hospital to ensure they meet the stringent physical and medical standards of the Army.
- Merit List & Joining Letter: A final merit list is prepared based on SSB performance. Candidates who are medically fit and within the number of available vacancies receive the coveted Joining Letter for the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
Application Process: Your First Step to Glory
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a flawless application.
- Portal: Visit the official website: joinindianarmy
- Registration: Click on ‘Officer Entry Apply/Login’. If you are a new user, complete the registration. Your Aadhaar Number and Matriculation Certificate details are mandatory for registration.
- Application: After logging in, navigate to the dashboard and click ‘Apply Online’ for the Technical Graduate Course (TGC-143).
- Form Filling: Fill in all segments meticulously:
- Personal Information
- Communication Details
- Educational Details (Ensure CGPA to percentage conversion is accurate and as per your university’s formula).
- Submission: Review all details in the ‘Summary of your information’ page. Once verified, click ‘Submit’. No changes can be made after the final submission.
- Printout: Take two printed copies of the final submitted application form for your records and future reference. Do not send any hard copies to the Recruitment Directorate.
