Indian Army TGC 2026: Eligibility, Vacancies, Salary, SSB Process, Registration

The Indian Army Technical Graduate Course (TGC) is one of the most direct paths to a Permanent Commission for engineering graduates who prefer a uniform to a desk in a corporate office. No Exam or Application Fees. Performance in the SSB and engineering marks determine the result. Applications for the 145th Technical Graduate Course (TGC-145) are now open. Here's what to know.

What Is the Indian Army TGC?

Technical Graduate Course is a scheme to qualify engineering graduates as officers. Selected candidates go for training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun and are commissioned as Lieutenants on permanent commission. The entry is designed to recruit technically competent officers in the technical and combat arms of the Army.

TGC is often confused with the TES (Technical Entry Scheme), which is for 12th-pass students, and with UES (University Entry Scheme), which is for pre-final-year engineering students. TGC is for those who are, or soon will be, graduates from a university.

Indian Army TGC 145 Notification 2026: Key Dates

The application window closes at 3:00 PM on 29 October 2026. Do not wait for the last evening as the portal slows down around the deadline.

TGC 145 Vacancies

There are 30 tentative vacancies in the Army and may change as per organisational requirements. The following engineering streams are covered:

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Science

• Electrical Engineering

• Electronics Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Miscellaneous Engineering Streams

Civil Engineering gets the most, with eight postings. Application forms will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis in each branch (please refer to the detailed notification which gives the actual seat availability in the branch before applying).

TGC Eligibility Criteria

Educational qualification: You need a B.E./B.B.E./B.Tech in notified engineering stream. You will not be automatically eligible for a degree that is not on the list. Students may also apply who are final year students and have passed out in the stipulated timeframe and can submit proof of passing.

• Age limit: The age limit reported is 20-27 years on 1 July 2027. Previously, TGC notifications were based on a different reference date, now use the date mentioned in the official notification TGC-145.

• Marital status: The course is for unmarried male candidates.

• Nationality: The categories mentioned in the official notification will determine the eligibility for nationality. The Indian citizen is eligible. Other categories, such as subjects of Nepal, have specific conditions.

• Medical fitness: Must be in good health and meet the Army's medical requirements. Having an eyesight, flat feet, hearing test and rotation of previous surgeries check-up before the appointment will help you avoid a late surprise.

Selection Process: How the Army Picks TGC Officers

There is no written test for getting into TGC. The process includes Application Shortlisting, SSB Interview, Medical Test, Final Merit List and Joining.

1. Application Shortlisting

Applications are shortlisted on the marks in your engineering degree. Cut-off is different for each engineering branch. The cut-off is not announced in advance and a previous year's cut-off is no indication of this year's cut-off. Having a good aggregate is good but not guaranteed to get a call up.

2. SSB Interview

The Services Selection Board operates over five days divided into two stages.

Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). Candidates who pass this to Stage II.

Stage II: Personal interview, group testing exercises, psychology tests, and a conclusion board conference.

For Officer Like Qualities (OLQs): Leadership, Teamwork, Clear Communication, Quick decision making, Emotional stability, SSB is searching for these qualities. It is not an engineering knowledge test.

3. Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by SSB go through a detailed medical exam. Some are under review, so it is important to be patient and follow instructions.

4. Merit List and Joining

Final merit list will also be based on medical fitness and availability of the posts/further conditions as prescribed and SSB recommendation is not a guarantee of appointment. Selected candidates then come to join IMA Dehradun in July 2027.

TGC Salary and Perks

The Army's officer pay matrix is used to determine pay. A Lieutenant is placed in Pay Level 10, with a scale of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500, plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500. These are payable in addition, and depend on the posting.

It's not just about the financial package. Army officers are also eligible for the following benefits:

• Subsidised or free accommodation (dependent on posting)

• Military medical services for family in military hospitals and ECHS

• The Canteen (CSD) facilities and subsidised messing.

• Leave travel concessions

• Pension and post retirement benefits for PC officers

• Frequent leadership opportunities, which are rare in civilian careers, that can be obtained in just a few years.

• Leadership opportunities that are rare in most civilian careers but readily available in a few years.

Promotions run from Lieutenant through Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel, and on to Brigadier and above, based on service and vacancies.

How to Apply Online for TGC 145

1. Visit the official recruitment website, joinindianarmy.nic.in.

2. Open Officer Entry and register, or log in if you are already registered.

3. Choose Technical Graduate Course (TGC-145).

4. Complete your personal, contact and educational information correctly.

6. Enter your engineering subject and marks.

6. Upload the documents the portal asks for.

7. Double check, submit, and make a copy of the application to keep for future reference.

There is no application fee for TGC-145. Ensure that your marksheets along with your degree or provisional certificate, ID proof and photographs are ready as you'll need originals at later stages.

Preparation Tips for TGC Aspirants

There is no written exam, so preparation begins once the individual is short-listed, but preparation can begin now.

• Do academic work. If you are in the last year of your degree, safeguard your grade percentage as this is what is used to shortlist you.

• Build fitness. Daily running, push-ups and basic exercises will serve you at IMA and in the Army.

• Practice OIR and PP&DT. Practice of verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, with writing of quick stories from pictures, develops speed.

• Know yourself. The psychology tests and the interview are consistent. Have a clear understanding of your background, strengths, weaknesses and why you are joining.

• Read the news every day. It is common for group exercises and interviews to discuss matters of the day and defence.

• Don’t fake it. Assessors trained to identify rehearsed responses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Enrolling in an engineering stream that is incongruent with the engineering degree qualification

• Relying on old notifications for age or eligibility rules

• Some people simply bypass the notification and only read summaries on third-party websites.

• Using inaccurate marks or dates as they will cause problems when the document is verified

• Waiting until the final day to submit

Final Thoughts

Engineering graduates who apply for the Indian Army TGC have a rare opportunity, as they get a Permanent Commission without any entrance exam, no fee, and a good job with real responsibilities. The competition to get on to the course is tight, so make sure you apply carefully and prepare well for your SSB.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the last date to apply for Indian Army TGC 145?

The deadline for receiving applications is 29 October 2026 at 3:00 PM and the applications were opened on 30 September 2026.

2. Is there a written exam for TGC?

No. The candidates are selected based on the marks obtained in engineering degree and then they are called for SSB interview, Medical test and Merit list.

3. Are students in engineering final year eligible for TGC 145?

Yes, they must have the prescribed cut-off as well as evidence of passing their degree within the time limit mentioned in the notification.

4. Are women eligible to apply to TGC?

TGC-145 is for unmarried male engineering graduates. Women can look at other routes, such as the Short Service Commission (Women) technical entry, which has its own notification.

5. What is the maximum age for TGC 145?

The reported age limit is 20 to 27 years as of 1 July 2027. To apply for this, please check the official notification for the precise date range.

6. What rank and salary does a TGC officer get after training?

Officers are commissioned in the rank of Lieutenant (pay level 10) and get paid from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 with Military Service Pay of ₹15,500 and allowances as applicable.