The Indian Army, one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, continues to provide opportunities for young, motivated, and disciplined individuals to serve the nation. The NCC Special Entry Scheme for the 123rd Course (April 2026) is a unique entry pathway for unmarried male graduates who have actively participated in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). This entry is also extended to wards of Battle Casualties of Army personnel, ensuring their children can pursue a career in the armed forces.
This article provides complete details about the course, including eligibility criteria, age limits, vacancies, pay and allowances, training, selection procedure, and application process. Candidates interested in joining the Indian Army through this prestigious scheme must read this guide carefully to understand the requirements and plan their preparation accordingly.
Overview of NCC Special Entry Scheme (123rd Course, April 2026)
- Entry Category: NCC Special Entry Scheme – 123rd Course (April 2026)
- Commission Type: Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) for Male Candidates [SSC (NCC)-123]
- Category: Includes wards of Battle Casualties of Army Personnel
- Number of Vacancies: 70
- Pre-Commission Training Academy: Officer Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
- Training Duration: 49 weeks starting from April 2026
- Stipend During Training: ₹56,100 per month
- Salary After Commissioning: CTC approx. ₹17–18 lakh per annum (excluding free medical cover and travel allowance to home town once a year)
The NCC Special Entry Scheme is specifically designed for individuals who have demonstrated commitment, leadership, and discipline through NCC training. Candidates with C Certificate in NCC, along with educational qualifications and age criteria, are eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
Candidates must fulfill one of the following criteria:
- Citizen of India, or
- Subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam to permanently settle in India.
- Candidates in this category must obtain a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
- Gorkha individuals from Nepal are exempt from submitting a certificate of eligibility.
2. Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 19 years
- Upper Age Limit: 25 years (as of 01 January 2026)
- Eligible Date of Birth: Candidates should be born on or after 02 January 2001 and on or before 01 January 2007.
Important: Only the date of birth recorded in Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate or an equivalent certificate will be considered. No changes will be allowed after submission.
3. Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have a Graduate Degree from a recognized university.
- Applicants in the final year of graduation may also apply provided they complete their degree before the commencement of the course.
- For students in their final year, the overall percentage of the first two or three years of a three- or four-year program will be used for shortlisting.
Important Note: Possession of a graduation degree is required to apply, but it is not mandatory to be shortlisted for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. The Army applies a vacancy-to-call ratio based on various filters to shortlist candidates for SSB.
4. NCC Service
- Candidates must have served for a minimum of 2–3 years in Senior Division/Wing of NCC.
- Must have ‘B’ grade or higher in the ‘C’ Certificate Exam of NCC.
- Candidates without NCC ‘C’ Certificate or Provisional NCC Certificate on the date of application are not eligible.
- Provisional NCC Certificates will not be accepted at SSB; candidates must acquire the full ‘C’ Certificate before attending SSB.
5. Eligibility for Wards of Battle Casualties
Special provisions exist for children of Army personnel who are Battle Casualties, including:
- Killed in action
- Died due to wounds or injuries (excluding self-inflicted)
- Wounded or injured (excluding self-inflicted)
- Missing in action, presumed dead
Educational Qualification: Same as NCC entry, i.e., graduate degree from a recognized university.
NCC Certificate: Not required for wards of Battle Casualties.
Documentation Required:
- Battle Casualty Certificate issued by Manpower (Policy & Planning) Directorate certifying parent’s status.
- A copy of the Part II Order or MP Directorate Record Number indicating injuries or designation as a Battle Casualty.
- Relationship Certificate issued by Manpower Directorate or respective Regimental Records.
Vacancy Details
- Total Vacancies: 70
- General Category: 63
- Wards of Battle Casualties: 7
This ensures a fair opportunity for both NCC graduates and the children of brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Selection Procedure
The selection of candidates for the NCC Special Entry Scheme is a multi-stage process:
- Online Application – Initial submission and verification of details.
- Shortlisting – Candidates will be selected based on their academic records and NCC accomplishments.
- Additional marks will be given for NCC achievements and graduation percentage.
- Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview – Five-day assessment for leadership, psychological, and physical fitness.
- Tentative dates: November/December 2025 (Candidates may choose SSB dates within a 15-day window).
- Medical Examination – Candidates cleared by SSB are subjected to a detailed medical examination as per Army standards.
- Merit List Preparation – Based on performance in SSB, academics, and NCC contributions.
- Issuance of Joining Letter – Successful candidates are called for pre-commission training at OTA, Chennai.
Note: Candidates may appear for only one SSB interview, either SSC (NT) 123 Course as CDSE candidate or NCC Special Entry 123 Course.
Pre-Commission Training
- Training Academy: Officer Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
- Duration: 49 weeks
- Stipend During Training: ₹56,100 per month
The training is rigorous and designed to prepare cadets physically, mentally, and tactically for their roles as officers in the Indian Army.
Commission and Salary Structure
After successful completion of training, cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants with the following pay structure:
| Rank | Level | Pay (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General HAG Scale | Level 15 | 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| Lieutenant General HAG+ Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army Commander/Lt General (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (fixed) |
Additional Allowances:
- Military Service Pay (MSP) – ₹15,500/month for ranks from Lieutenant to Brigadier
- Technical Allowance Tier I – ₹3,000/month
- Technical Allowance Tier II – ₹4,500/month
- Reserve Allowance – ₹2,625/month
- Dearness Allowance – As per government norms
- Free medical coverage
- Travel allowance to home town once per year
The total remuneration including salary, MSP, and allowances can reach ₹17–18 lakh per annum for a Lieutenant.
Commission and Service Tenure
- Type of Commission: Short Service Commission (SSC)
- Initial Engagement Period: 10 years
- Maximum Engagement Period: 14 years
- Option for Release:
- First: After 5 years of service
- Second: After 10 years of service
- Third: After 14 years of service
- Option for Permanent Commission: After 10 years of service
- Primary Arms/Services: All Arms & Services of the Indian Army
- Release Benefits: Depending on length of service at the time of release
Medical Standards
Candidates must meet the medical standards prescribed for army officers. Detailed medical guidelines are available at the official Indian Army recruitment website.
How to Apply
- Start Date for Online Application: 11 August 2025 at 3:00 PM
- Closing Date: 10 September 2025 at 3:00 PM
- Mode of Application: Online only
- Official Website.
Steps to Apply Online
- Visit the official Indian Army recruitment website.
- Register using personal details and valid email/phone number.
- Fill out the application form with academic, NCC, and personal details.
- Upload scanned documents including photograph, signature, and relevant certificates.
- Submit the application and download/print the confirmation for future reference.
Important Notes:
- Applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
- NCC candidates must have the ‘C’ Certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade.
- Wards of Battle Casualties must submit all relevant certificates issued by MP Directorate or Regimental Records.
Why Choose NCC Special Entry Scheme?
- Prestigious Career: Serve in one of the most respected institutions in India.
- Fast-Track Commission: NCC cadets have the advantage of direct entry into officer cadre.
- Excellent Remuneration: Competitive pay with allowances and long-term career prospects.
- Leadership Development: Rigorous training builds leadership, discipline, and decision-making skills.
- Opportunities for Permanent Commission: After completing 10 years of SSC, officers may opt for a Permanent Commission, ensuring a long-term career in the army.
- Contribution to Nation: A chance to serve and protect the country while making a difference in society.
Key Takeaways
- Eligibility: Unmarried male graduates with NCC ‘C’ Certificate (or wards of Battle Casualties).
- Age Limit: 19–25 years as on 01 Jan 2026.
- Vacancies: 70 (63 for NCC, 7 for Battle Casualty wards).
- Selection Process: Application → Shortlisting → SSB → Medical → Merit List → Joining.
- Training: 49 weeks at OTA, Chennai.
- Pay & Allowances: ₹56,100 stipend during training, CTC ₹17–18 lakh per annum after commissioning.
- Commission Type: Short Service Commission with options for permanent commission after 10 years.
This scheme offers an unmatched opportunity for NCC graduates and wards of army personnel to join the Indian Army, gain leadership experience, and serve the nation with pride. Aspirants should prepare thoroughly, meet all eligibility conditions, and apply online within the stipulated dates.
