Indian Army TGC 143 Recruitment 2025 – Become a Lieutenant!

Are you an engineering graduate who’s always dreamed of serving your motherland? Do you see yourself leading soldiers, making strategic decisions, and being part of something far bigger than yourself? If yes, then the Indian Army has just opened doors for brilliant minds like yours through the 143rd Technical Graduate Course (TGC-143).

This isn’t just another job posting—this is an invitation to transform your engineering expertise into national service. The Indian Army is calling out to 30 exceptional engineering graduates who are ready to trade their corporate cubicles for combat boots, their desk jobs for decisive leadership, and their routine lives for remarkable adventures.

Training kicks off in July 2026 at the legendary Indian Military Academy in Dehradun—the same institution that has shaped countless heroes who’ve defended our borders with unwavering courage. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about this life-changing opportunity.

💼 What’s On Offer?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s what awaits successful candidates:

📚 Stream-Wise Vacancy Distribution

The Army needs technical experts from various engineering backgrounds. Here’s how the 30 positions are split:

🚨 Critical Note: Your engineering degree certificate must show the exact stream name or an approved equivalent. Even slight variations can disqualify your application, so double-check before applying.

✅ Who Can Apply? Check Your Eligibility

Age Requirements

You need to be between 20 and 27 years old as on 01 July 2026. In simple terms:

• Your date of birth should fall between 01 July 1999 and 30 June 2006 (both days included)

• Only your Class 10 (Matriculation) certificate will be accepted as age proof

Educational Background

You’re eligible if:

• ✅ You’ve already completed your B.E./B.Tech from a recognized university in any of the streams mentioned above

• ✅ OR you’re in your final year, provided your exams finish before 01 July 2026 and you can submit passing proof by that date

• ✅ Your engineering degree certificate must reach IMA within 12 weeks of training commencement

🚨 Important for Final Year Students: If your exams are scheduled after 01 July 2026, you cannot apply. Period.

Nationality Criteria

You must be an unmarried male who is:

• ✅ An Indian citizen

• ✅ OR a Nepalese or Bhutanese national

• ✅ OR a Tibetan refugee (arrived before 01 January 1962)

• ✅ OR a person of Indian origin from specified countries (Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East Africa, Vietnam) with a Government of India eligibility certificate

Marital Status

This opportunity is exclusively for unmarried males. Marriage during the training phase is strictly forbidden. If discovered, your commission will be cancelled immediately, and you’ll be required to reimburse all training expenses.

💸 What You’ll Earn: Breaking Down the Numbers

Let’s talk money—because while patriotism drives you, financial security matters too.

During Your Training at IMA

You’ll receive ₹56,100 monthly as stipend while undergoing training. That’s right—you get paid while learning to become an officer!

After Commissioning as Lieutenant

Once you pass out and earn your stars, here’s your salary structure:

🏆 Beyond Basic Salary: The Real Game-Changers

The magic lies in the allowances that significantly boost your take-home:

• ✅ Housing Allowance – Depends on your posting city

• ✅ Travel Allowance – ₹3,600 to ₹7,200 plus DA

• ✅ Field Posting Benefits – Extra pay for field areas

• ✅ Mountain Allowance – For high-altitude postings

• ✅ Siachen Allowance – ₹42,500/month for the world’s highest battlefield

• ✅ Medical Coverage – Completely free for you and your family

• ✅ Education Benefits – ₹2,812.50 per child monthly

• ✅ Subsidized Shopping – Access to CSD canteens

• ✅ Life Insurance – Coverage up to ₹1.25 Crore

Career Growth Timeline

Your journey doesn’t stop at Lieutenant. Here’s the promotion ladder:

🌟 Plus, TGC officers enjoy one year ante-date seniority—meaning for promotion purposes, you’re considered senior by a year compared to other entry schemes!

🎯 The Selection Journey: What Awaits You

Getting into the Indian Army isn’t easy—and that’s exactly what makes it prestigious. Here’s the four-stage selection process:

Stage 1: Shortlisting Based on Marks

The Army will set a minimum percentage cut-off for each engineering stream. Only those who meet or exceed this threshold will move forward. Higher marks mean better chances—so those semester grades do matter!

🚨 For final year students: Initial shortlisting uses marks up to your 6th semester. Once final results arrive, your complete percentage must still exceed the cut-off, or your candidature gets cancelled even if you were initially shortlisted.

Stage 2: The 5-Day SSB Interview

If shortlisted, you’ll receive an email with your SSB centre allotment (Allahabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, or Bhopal). You can select interview dates online, but choices are first-come-first-served.

Day 1: Screening Round

• ✅ Intelligence test (Officer Intelligence Rating)

• ✅ Picture Perception & Description Test

• ✅ Group discussion

Clear this, and you move to Stage 2. Fail, and you head home the same day.

Days 2-4: Comprehensive Assessment

• Psychology Tests: Story writing, word associations, situation reactions, self-description

• Group Tasks: Planning exercises, outdoor obstacles, group tasks, lecturette presentations

• Personal Interview: One-on-one deep dive into your personality, motivations, and suitability

Day 5: Medical Examination (only for those recommended by the board)

Stage 3: Medical Standards

This is where many otherwise excellent candidates stumble. The medical examination is thorough and uncompromising.

Vision Requirements:

• ✅ Your vision must be correctable to 6/6 in both eyes

• ✅ Myopia or Hypermetropia shouldn’t exceed ±3.5 D

• ✅ Color vision: CP-III minimum required

• ✅ LASIK surgery is accepted if done at least 12 months prior

Common rejection reasons: Hernias, kidney/gall bladder stones, piles, chronic health issues, certain tattoos (only inner forearm and back of hand allowed), and dental problems.

💡 Pro tip: Get a preventive health check-up done months before applying. Address any correctible issues beforehand rather than facing disappointment later.

Stage 4: Final Merit List

Candidates recommended by SSB and cleared medically are ranked based on their SSB interview performance. The top 30 receive joining instructions. In case of tie scores, the older candidate gets preference, followed by higher degree percentage.

🏋️ Physical Fitness: Start Preparing Now

The Indian Army demands peak physical condition. Before joining IMA, you should comfortably achieve these standards:

💪 My suggestion? Start training at least 3-4 months before your SSB. Daily running builds stamina, regular strength training handles the push-ups and pull-ups, and core exercises help with sit-ups. Swimming is also highly beneficial.

📝 How to Apply: Simple Step-by-Step Guide

The entire process is online. Zero paperwork needs to be mailed anywhere. Here’s how:

Step 1: Visit the official website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

Step 2: Click ‘Officer Entry Apply/Login’ on the homepage

Step 3: If you’re a new user, complete the registration process first. Existing users can directly log in.

Step 4: Once logged in, go to your dashboard and find ‘Technical Graduate Course (TGC-143)’

Step 5: Click ‘Apply’ and you’ll land on the application form page

Step 6: Fill every section meticulously:

• ✅ Personal details

• ✅ Contact information

• ✅ Educational qualifications (with exact stream names)

• ✅ Previous SSB attempts (if any)

Click ‘Save & Continue’ after completing each section.

Step 7: Review everything on the summary page. Make edits if needed. Once absolutely certain, click ‘Submit’

Step 8: Wait 30 minutes after the final submission deadline, then download and print two copies of your application showing the Roll Number. Keep one for SSB, one for your records.

🌟 Remember: No hard copy needs to be posted anywhere. All further communication happens via your registered email and SMS.

📋 Documents You’ll Need

For Online Application:

• ✅ Active email address and mobile number

• ✅ Recent passport-size photo (digital)

• ✅ Digital signature

• ✅ Scanned copies of educational certificates

For SSB Interview (Bring Originals):

• ✅ Application printout with Roll Number

• ✅ Class 10 certificate (age proof)

• ✅ Engineering degree certificate (or provisional certificate)

• ✅ Marksheets of all semesters

• ✅ Aadhar card

• ✅ Caste/category certificate (if applicable)

• ✅ Recent passport-size photos

🚨 Missing any document at SSB means instant disqualification and immediate return home—so pack carefully!

🎓 Life at Indian Military Academy: The Transformation Begins

IMA Dehradun isn’t just a training center—it’s a crucible where civilians are forged into military leaders. The 12-month training program is intense, demanding, and transformative.

What You’ll Experience:

Physical Training:

• ✅ Daily dawn runs and endurance building

• ✅ Obstacle courses that test your limits

• ✅ Swimming and water confidence exercises

• ✅ Sports competitions fostering team spirit

Academic Learning:

• ✅ Military history and warfare tactics

• ✅ Strategic thinking and defense studies

• ✅ Communication and presentation skills

• ✅ Technical subjects related to your engineering stream

Practical Training:

• ✅ Weapon handling and marksmanship

• ✅ Field exercises and combat drills

• ✅ Map reading and land navigation

• ✅ Leadership exercises and command tasks

Special Training:

• ✅ Mountaineering expeditions

• ✅ Jungle and desert warfare modules

• ✅ Counter-insurgency operations training

The training is tough—designed to push you physically, mentally, and emotionally. But that’s precisely what prepares you for leading troops in actual operations. You’re not just learning theories; you’re being molded into a leader.

🏆 The Passing Out Parade: After successfully completing training, you’ll participate in the prestigious Passing Out Parade—one of the most emotional and proud moments of your life. You’ll receive your Lieutenant stars, take the oath of allegiance, and step into your new life as an Indian Army officer.

⚡ Critical Points: Read Carefully

🔴 Multiple applications will be rejected – Submit only ONE application

🔴 Stream name must match exactly – Even minor differences in degree certificate lead to cancellation

🔴 Final year students beware – Your exams must conclude by 01 July 2026

🔴 Medical fitness is mandatory – Get checked beforehand; many fail here

🔴 There’s NO application fee – Beware of fraudulent websites charging money

🔴 SSB centre allocation is final – You cannot request changes

🔴 Check email regularly – All official communication happens via registered email

🔴 Marriage during training = dismissal – This rule is strictly enforced

🌟 Why Choose TGC Over Other Career Options?

✅ Permanent Commission: Unlike many entry schemes offering temporary appointments, TGC gives you a career until retirement—complete job security for life.

✅ Technical + Leadership Combination: You get to apply your engineering knowledge in real-world defense applications while developing as a leader capable of commanding soldiers.

✅ Financial Security: Competitive salary, multiple allowances, free medical care, education benefits for children, pension—the financial package is comprehensive and stable.

✅ Adventure Beyond Imagination: Forget boring office routines. You’ll serve in diverse terrains—from Siachen glaciers to Rajasthan deserts, from Northeast jungles to Ladakh mountains.

✅ Respect and Pride: There’s something special about wearing the Indian Army uniform. The respect you command, the pride your family feels—it’s beyond measure.

✅ Professional Growth: Regular training courses, specialization opportunities, exposure to cutting-edge military technology, and leadership development programs ensure continuous growth.

❓ Your Questions Answered

Q: I’m in final year. Can I apply?
Absolutely! Just ensure your exams finish before 01 July 2026 and you can submit passing proof by that date.

Q: Is there any fee?
No. The application is completely free. Beware of websites asking for money.

Q: Can I choose my SSB interview location?
No. The centre is allocated by the Army, and you cannot request changes.

Q: I had LASIK surgery. Am I eligible?
Yes, provided it’s been at least 12 months since surgery and you meet other medical criteria.

Q: What if my degree says “Computer Engineering” but vacancy is for “Computer Science”?
Check the official notification—it lists approved equivalent stream names. If your stream is listed as equivalent, you’re fine. Otherwise, you risk cancellation.

Q: What happens if I quit during training?
You’ll have to refund the training cost—₹16,260 per week of training received, plus 8% annual increment.

📞 Official Contact & Links

🌐 Official Application Portal: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

📧 For Queries: Use the helpdesk facility available on the official website

📱 Stay Updated: Follow official Indian Army social media handles for real-time updates

⏰ Application Dates to Remember: