The Indian Army has announced the TGC 142 Notification for the 142nd Technical Graduate Course, commencing in January 2026 at the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. This course offers a Permanent Commission for eligible, unmarried male engineering graduates. If you’re an aspiring engineer with a passion for serving the nation, this is your chance!
TGC 142: Your Path to Becoming a Commissioned Officer
- Entry Name: Technical Graduate Course (TGC-142)
- Commission Type: Permanent Commission
- Training Academy: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Training Duration: 12 Months
Eligibility Criteria: Are You the Right Candidate?
- Nationality:
- Citizen of India
- Subject of Nepal
- Person of Indian origin who migrated from select countries with the intention of permanent settlement in India (a certificate of eligibility is required, if applicable).
- Age Limit: 20 to 27 years as of 01 January 2026 (Candidates born between 02 Jan 1999 and 01 Jan 2006, both dates inclusive).
- Educational Qualification: You must have passed OR be in the final year of an Engineering Degree (BE/B.Tech) in a relevant discipline. Final year students must provide proof of passing the degree by 01 January 2026.
- Note: Candidates with exams scheduled after 01 Jan 2026 are not eligible.
Engineering Streams and Vacancies: Find Your Fit
A total of 30 vacancies are available across these branches:
| Core Stream | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering & equivalents | 08 |
| Computer Science / IT & equivalents | 06 |
| Electrical / Electronics & Instrumentation | 02 |
| Electronics / Telecommunication & equivalents | 06 |
| Mechanical / Industrial / Aeronautical & equivalents | 06 |
| Other Streams (Architecture, Biomedical, etc.) | 02 |
- Important: Only the streams mentioned in the official notification will be accepted. Any mismatch in the stream name on your degree certificate will lead to cancellation.
Selection Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Shortlisting of Applications: Based on a cutoff percentage determined for each engineering stream. Final-year students must meet the cutoff criteria up to their 6th semester.
- SSB Interview:
- Centres: Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bangalore, Jalandhar
- The SSB Interview is a two-stage process:
- Stage 1: Screening
- Stage 2: Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, and Personal Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List: Prepared based on your performance in the SSB interview. Tie-breakers are resolved based on age, followed by degree percentage, and finally, selection.
How to Apply: Your Journey Begins Here
- Visit the official website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Click on ‘Officer Entry Apply/Login’.
- Complete the registration process and submit your application under the TGC-142 scheme.
- After submitting, print two copies of your application.
- Note: Your Aadhaar number and Matriculation Certificate are mandatory for registration.
Training and Commission: Shaping Future Leaders
- Training Location: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Commission: Upon successful completion of the course, you will be granted a Permanent Commission as a Lieutenant.
- Ante-date Seniority: You will be granted one year of ante-date seniority for promotion and pay benefits.
Pay and Allowances: Competitive and Rewarding
| Rank | Pay Level | Pay Scale (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 per month
- Training Stipend: ₹56,100 per month during your training at IMA
- Additional Allowances: You will also be eligible for various allowances, including Field Area Allowance, High Altitude Allowance, Uniform Allowance, Transport Allowance, and Education Allowance.
Medical and Physical Standards: Are You Fit to Serve?
Minimum Physical Standards
| Activity | Standard |
|---|---|
| 2.4 km Run | 10 min 30 sec |
| Push Ups | 40 |
| Pull Ups | 06 |
| Sit Ups | 30 |
| Squats | 2 sets of 30 |
| Lunges | 2 sets of 10 |
| Swimming | Must know basics |
Your medical fitness will be assessed according to the standards available on the Indian Army website.
Important Points to Remember
- If you are a final-year student, ensure your results are declared by 01 January 2026.
- Any mismatch in your stream name or discrepancies in your personal details will lead to rejection.
- You are allowed to submit only one application.
- Candidates who have been withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any military academy are not eligible.
TGC Previous Cut-Off Trends (Indicative)
While the cutoff percentages for TGC 142 are not yet available, based on previous courses like TGC-140 and TGC-141, the typical cutoff ranges are:
| Stream | Expected Cut Off Range (%) |
|---|---|
| Civil | 65 – 70% |
| Computer Science | 70 – 80% |
| Electrical | 70 – 75% |
| Electronics | 70 – 80% |
| Mechanical | 70 – 75% |
- The final cutoff for TGC 142 will be released after the shortlisting process.
Contact and Queries
For any official communication, please use the “Feedback/Query” option on the official website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Please note that queries sent later than 3 days before the closing date will not be entertained.
Your Journey to Service Begins Now!
The TGC 142 Entry offers an exceptional opportunity for engineering graduates with a drive to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Army. With a competitive salary, well-defined career progression, and the unparalleled honor of serving your country, this path presents both unique challenges and immense rewards. If you meet the eligibility criteria and possess the determination to succeed, we encourage you to apply for the TGC 142 course. Your journey to becoming a leader in the Indian Army starts here!
