If you’re an engineering student in your final year or a graduate, passionate about serving the country in uniform, here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about TGC-142. How you can join Indian Defence Forces and serve the country.
The Indian Army has released the official notification for the 142nd Technical Graduate Course (TGC-142) scheduled to commence in January 2026 at the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. This course provides an excellent opportunity for unmarried male engineering graduates to serve the nation as Permanent Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army.
If you’re an engineering student in your final year or a graduate, passionate about serving the country in uniform, here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about TGC-142.
1. About the TGC Entry
The Technical Graduate Course is one of the primary entries for engineering graduates to join the Indian Army as officers. After successful completion of training at IMA, candidates are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Lieutenant.
This entry is exclusively for male candidates with engineering backgrounds. The 142nd course is set to begin in January 2026.
2. Nationality Criteria
To apply for TGC-142, candidates must fulfill one of the following conditions:
- Be a citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from:
- Pakistan
- Burma
- Sri Lanka
- East African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam
with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Such candidates (except Gorkha subjects of Nepal) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
3. Age Limit
Candidates should be between 20 to 27 years as on 01 January 2026.
This means candidates must have been born between 02 January 1999 and 01 January 2006, both dates inclusive.
4. Educational Qualification
Applicants must fulfill the following educational requirements:
- Candidates must have either:
- Passed the required Engineering degree course, or
- Be in the final year of their Engineering degree.
However, those whose final year/semester exam is scheduled after 01 January 2026 are not eligible to apply.
For Final Year Students
- Must be able to submit proof of passing the degree exam with all mark sheets by 01 January 2026.
- Final semester/year students will be inducted provisionally and must submit their degree certificate within 12 weeks of training commencement.
- Failure to produce the degree in time will result in cancellation of candidature and recovery of training costs.
5. Engineering Streams and Vacancies available for TGC-142
Only the following engineering streams are eligible. Degrees must exactly match the notified stream titles.
| Engineering Stream | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Civil (Building Construction Tech) | 08 |
| Computer Science | 06 |
| Electrical | 02 |
| Electronics | 06 |
| Mechanical | 06 |
| Miscellaneous Engg Streams | 02 |
| Total | 30 |
Note :
Candidates not making it in the TGC merit list may be considered for Short Service Commission (Tech) for April 2026, subject to eligibility and vacancy availability.
6. Physical Standards (Fitness Requirements)
Before joining the training, candidates must meet the following physical benchmarks:
| Activity | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| 2.4 Km Run | 10 minutes 30 seconds |
| Push-Ups | 40 repetitions |
| Pull-Ups | 06 repetitions |
| Sit-Ups | 30 repetitions |
| Squats | Two sets of 30 repetitions |
| Lunges | Two sets of 10 repetitions |
| Swimming | Should know fundamentals of swimming |
These benchmarks assess candidates’ stamina, strength, and endurance, which are critical for military life.
7. Selection Procedure
The selection process involves the following stages :
(a) Shortlisting
- Applications will be shortlisted by the Indian Army HQ based on cumulative percentage of engineering marks.
- A cut-off percentage will be applied for each stream.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be called for SSB interviews.
(b) SSB Interview
- Held at one of the following centers:
- Prayagraj (UP)
- Bhopal (MP)
- Bengaluru (Karnataka)
- Jalandhar (Punjab)
- Candidates undergo a 2-stage selection process:
- Stage 1: Screening (Officers Intelligence Rating test + PPDT)
- Stage 2: Psychological tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview
- Those failing Stage 1 are sent back on the same day.
(c) Medical Examination
- Recommended candidates will undergo a medical fitness test.
- Final selection is subject to medical fitness, merit list, and availability of vacancies.
8. Training at IMA Dehradun
(a) Duration:
- One year of rigorous military training.
(b) Key Points:
- Married candidates are not eligible.
- Marriage is not permitted during training.
- Candidates marrying during training will be discharged and liable to refund all training expenses.
- Training is fully funded by the government.
- If a candidate withdraws for personal reasons (non-medical), training cost of ₹16,260 per week + 8% increment per annum will be recovered.
9. Type of Commission
(a) Short Service Commission (SSC) – Probation
- Initially, candidates are granted SSC on probation in the rank of Lieutenant from the start of training.
- If not granted Permanent Commission (PC) immediately, the officer will not receive pay/allowances after training until PC is granted.
(b) Permanent Commission (PC)
- Granted after successful training completion.
- Rank: Lieutenant
- One year ante-date seniority is given for the purpose of promotions and increments.
10. Final Arm/Service Allocation
- The Indian Army decides the final arm/service (Infantry, Signals, Engineers, etc.) allocation before passing out.
- It is done as per organizational requirements.
Candidates have no choice in this allocation.
11. How to Apply TGC-142 Course
Applications are to be submitted online only through the official website:
👉 www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
Steps to Apply :
- Visit the site and click on “Officer Entry Apply/Login”.
- Register (if not already).
- Select Technical Graduate Course under Officer Selection.
- Fill in personal, communication, education, and SSB details.
- Ensure accuracy and click Submit.
- Take two printouts of the application after submission.
Note:
- Aadhaar Number and Matriculation Certificate are mandatory for registration.
- No changes can be made after submission.
- CGPA must be converted to marks using the university’s official formula.
12. Documents to Carry During SSB Interview
Candidates must bring self-attested copies and originals of the following:
- Signed application printout with photo.
- Matriculation certificate (as proof of DOB and parents’ names).
- 12th certificate and mark sheet.
- Engineering Degree or Provisional Degree.
- All semester/year mark sheets.
- Certificate for CGPA-to-marks conversion.
- Certificate for cumulative percentage (up to 6th semester).
Mismatch in names, dates, or failure to produce documents will lead to cancellation of candidature.
13. Important Dates (Tentative)
- Application Start : 29 Apr 2025
- Application End : 29th May 2025
- SSB Interviews : July – September 2025
- Training Commencement : January 2026 at IMA Dehradun
Also read : Picture Perception And Description Test (PPDT)
Conclusion,
The Indian Army’s TGC-142 entry is a golden chance for technically skilled young men to pursue a challenging, disciplined, and prestigious career in uniform. Beyond just a job, it offers a way of life built on values, leadership, and honor.
Candidates must ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria‘s, maintain physical fitness, and prepare diligently for the SSB interview.
For more updates, eligibility calculators, preparation guides, and notifications, keep visiting the official website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
