If you’re an engineering student aged between 20 and 27 and dream of serving the nation, the Indian Army’s Technical Graduate Course (TGC) offers a prestigious pathway to become a commissioned officer. The TGC Entry in Army is tailored for engineering graduates, providing them with an opportunity to join the Army’s technical branches through a Permanent Commission. This comprehensive guide delves into the TGC Entry process, important dates, eligibility criteria, selection procedure, and more to help you navigate your journey toward a fulfilling military career.
📌 What is TGC Entry in Army?
The Technical Graduate Course (TGC) is a specialized entry scheme for unmarried male engineering graduates to join the Indian Army as commissioned officers in its technical branches. Upon successful completion of training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, candidates are granted a Permanent Commission in the rank of Lieutenant.
📅 Important Dates for TGC 142 (January 2026 Batch)
- Application Start Date: April 30, 2025
- Application End Date: May 29, 2025 (till 1500 hrs)
- Course Commencement: January 2026
- Training Location: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Training Duration: 12 months
Note: There is no written examination for TGC Entry. Selection is based on academic performance and SSB interview.
✅ TGC Entry Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the TGC Entry in Army, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
👤 Nationality
- Citizen of India, or
- Subject of Nepal, or
- Person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- Such candidates must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
🎓 Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of a B.E./B.Tech degree in the following engineering disciplines:
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science/Information Technology
- Electronics
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Other relevant streams
- Final year students must submit proof of passing the degree by January 1, 2026, and produce the degree certificate within 12 weeks from the commencement of training at IMA.
🎂 Age Limit
- Candidates must be between 20 to 27 years as of January 1, 2026.
- Born between January 2, 1999, and January 1, 2006 (both dates inclusive).
💍 Marital Status
- Only unmarried male candidates are eligible to apply.
🛠️ Engineering Streams & Vacancies for TGC 142
The TGC 142 course offers a total of 30 vacancies across various engineering disciplines.
- Civil Engineering: 8 vacancies
- Computer Science/Information Technology: 6 vacancies
- Electronics: 6 vacancies
- Mechanical: 6 vacancies
- Electrical: 2 vacancies
- Other Streams (e.g., Architecture, Biomedical): 2 vacancies
Note: Vacancies are subject to change based on organizational requirements.
🧭 TGC Entry Selection Process
The selection process for TGC Entry in Army comprises the following stages:
- Shortlisting of Applications:
- Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic performance and cutoff percentages for each engineering discipline.
- SSB Interview:
- Shortlisted candidates undergo a comprehensive 5-day assessment at designated SSB centers (Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Jalandhar), which includes:
- Psychological tests
- Group discussions
- Personal interviews
- Physical fitness tests
- Shortlisted candidates undergo a comprehensive 5-day assessment at designated SSB centers (Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Jalandhar), which includes:
- Medical Examination:
- Candidates who qualify in the SSB interview undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the required medical standards.
- Final Merit List:
- A merit list is prepared based on SSB performance and medical fitness. Candidates are selected as per the number of vacancies in each engineering discipline.
🏋️ Training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Duration: 12 months
- Focus Areas:
- Military training
- Leadership development
- Physical fitness
- Technical and tactical training
- Outcome: Upon successful completion, candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.
💼 Career Progression and Benefits
- Starting Rank: Lieutenant
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10)
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 per month
- Additional Allowances:
- Technical Allowance
- High Altitude Allowance
- Field Area Allowance
- Uniform Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Promotions:
- Captain (after 2 years of service)
- Major (after 6 years)
- Lieutenant Colonel (after 13 years)
- Colonel (selection-based)
- Brigadier and above (selection-based)
📝 How to Apply for TGC Entry in Army
Follow these steps to apply for TGC 142:
- Visit the Official Website:
- Go to joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Registration:
- Click on the “Officer Entry Apply/Login” tab.
- Register as a new user or log in with your existing credentials.
- Application Form:
- Select “Apply Online” under the TGC 142 notification.
- Fill in the required details, including personal information, educational qualifications, and contact details.
- Upload necessary documents, such as photographs and certificates.
- Submission:
- Review the application form carefully.
- Submit the form before the deadline (May 29, 2025, till 1500 hrs)
Note: There is no application fee for TGC Entry.
📚 Tips for Aspiring Candidates
- Academic Excellence:
- Maintain a strong academic record to meet the cutoff criteria for shortlisting.
- SSB Preparation:
- Enhance communication skills, leadership qualities, and general awareness.
- Participate in group discussions and mock interviews.
- Focus on physical fitness through regular exercise and endurance training.
- Documentation:
- Ensure all necessary documents, such as mark sheets, certificates, and identification proofs, are up to date and readily available.
- Stay Informed:
- Regularly check the official Indian Army website for updates and notifications.
🔚 Conclusion: Embark on a Prestigious Journey with TGC Entry
The TGC Entry in Army is a golden opportunity for engineering graduates to serve the nation as commissioned officers, combining technical expertise with leadership roles. With a structured selection process, comprehensive training, and promising career progression, TGC Entry paves the way for a fulfilling and honorable military career. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about serving the country, seize this opportunity and apply for TGC 142.
For more information and to apply, visit the official Indian Army website: joinindianarmy.nic.in.
