Discover everything about the SSC (Tech) Men – 66 Entry Scheme in the Indian Army, including eligibility, engineering branches, physical standards, selection process, SSB interview, medical tests, training, and salary structure. A complete guide for engineering graduates aspiring to become Army officers through this scheme.
The Short Service Commission (Technical) Entry, or SSC (Tech), is a big opportunity for unmarried male and female engineering graduates to be commissioned officers in the Indian Army. This entry is an opportunity for young engineers to serve the nation by becoming Lieutenants in the technical arms and services of the Indian Army.
The course is twice a year April and October, at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. This is an entry without any written exam (like CDS). The candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their percentage in academics and then called for SSB Interview.
Eligibility Criteria’s For SSC (Tech) Men – 66
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who came to India before Jan 1, 1962, or
A person of Indian origin from select countries with a certificate of eligibility.
Age Limit
(i) 20 to 27 years as on 01 Apr 2026
(ii) Born between 01 Apr 1999 to 31 Mar 2006 (inclusive of both dates)
Educational Qualification
(i) Should have possess BE/B.Tech degree in related engineering stream or should be final year (but should complete the degree by 01 April 2026).
(ii) Final year students must produce evidence of having passed before training begins.
Vacancies for SSC (Tech) Men – 66
There are 350 total posts (SSC Tech-66 Men) under streams such as
(i) Mechanical Engineering – 101 Vacancies
(ii) Civil Engineering – 75 Vacancies
(iii) Computer Science/IT – 60 Vacancies
(iv) Electronics & Communication – 64 Vacancies
Note : The field of engineering must be exactly as mentioned on your degree certificate and must be AICTE approved.
Physical Standards Required :
Activity | Standard | Remarks |
2.4 Km Run | 10 min 30 sec | |
Push Ups | 40 reps | |
Pull Ups | 6 reps | |
Sit Ups | 30 reps | |
Squats | 2 sets of 30 | |
Lunges | 2 sets of 10 | |
Swimming | Basic Knowledge Required |
All the shortlisted candidates should fulfill these minimum physical standards prior to OTA induction at Chennai.
Selection Process Step-by-Step For SSC (Tech) Men – 66
1. Online Application
Submit online application at [www.joinindianarmy.nic.in] from 24 Jul 2025 to 22 Aug 2025.
2. Shortlisting of Applications
Based on cumulative marks till the 6th semester.
Cut-off is defined by the Army for both streams.
3. SSB Interview
Fivd-day selection process held at SSB Centres : Bhopal, Allahabad, Bengaluru, Jalandhar.
Includes Psychology tests, GTO tasks & Personal Interview. It has two-stage process :
Stage I : Screening (OIR + PPDT)
Stage II : Psychological Tests, GTO, Interview & Conference day
4. Medical Examination
Selected Candidates will be examine a proper medical checkup.
Only those declared “Medically Fit” will proceed.
5. Merit List & Final Selection
Based on the only consideration of SSB marks and merit order.
Merit is not impacted by prior SSB performance or superior academic qualifications.
Vacancies are stream-wise and final selection will be on merit + medical fitness + eligibility.
6. Training Details
Duration : 49 weeks at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
Commission : You will be commissioned as a Lieutenant on successful completion.
Training is FREE (at government expense).
Cadets receive ₹56,100/month stipend during training.
Note : Marriage during training is prohibited.
Terms of Service and Salary
Start Service : 10 years (extendable to 14 years)
Eligible for Permanent Commission (PC) in the 10th year.
Commission After Salary :
Lieutenant : ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10)
MSP (Military Service Pay) : ₹15,500 per month
Other benefits :
Field area, hardship, field area allowances
Medical, canteen, accommodation facilities
Hostel and subsidy for children education
Medical Standards Overview
The candidates must meet specific vision, dental, and general health requirements.
Tattoos are permitted only in specific locations.
Physical disability or chronic illness excluded.
Body parts permanently colored in unauthorized areas can cause rejection.
Documents Required During Reporting At SSB
Printout of application form
Original 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates
All originals & duplicates of mark sheets for every semester
Provisional Degree/Engineering Degree
Identity confirmation (Aadhar/PAN)
Name mismatch affidavit (if necessary)
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there a written examination for SSC(Tech) ?
Ans: No. It is subject to academic cut-off and SSB interview.
Q2: Can final year students apply ?
Ans: Yes, as long as they can award the degree by 01 April 2026.
Q3: Are married candidates eligible ?
Ans: No. You must be unmarried when you apply and stay unmarried throughout the training period.
Q4: What is the cut-off percentage ?
Ans: It varies each year and stream. Not disclosed to the public.
Q5: Am I able to select my branch in the Army upon selection ?
Ans: No. Final allotment is made based on vacant posts and merit.
Q6: Will I be given a permanent position ?
Ans: It is a Short Service Commission (10 years), with scope of Permanent Commission depends upon merit and vacancy.
In The Last,
SSC (Tech) Entry scheme is one of the most direct and prestigious entries for engineering graduates to become officers in the Indian Army. This entry has no written examination. It has only required direct SSB Interview and provides honorable and adventurous career. It is a dream entry for patriotic engineers who aspire to lead from the front. So if you’re a gutsy engineer with leadership and a passion for serving the nation this is YOUR call of duty.