TGC-142 Recruitment 2025: Join Indian Army as an Officer with Your Engineering Degree

Are you an engineering graduate with a burning desire to serve the country while building a rewarding career? The Indian Army has just rolled out an incredible opportunity for you! The Directorate General of Recruiting, Indian Army, recently announced the Technical Graduate Course (TGC-142) for January 2026, inviting applications from unmarried male engineering graduates. If you’ve ever dreamt of leading with pride as an officer in the Indian Army, this could be your chance to shine. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting recruitment drive and why it’s a game-changer for aspiring engineers and get some great salary package and benefits.

What is TGC-142? A Pathway to Leadership in the Indian Army

The Technical Graduate Course (TGC) is one of the most prestigious entry routes for engineering graduates to join the Indian Army as officers. Unlike other military entry exams, TGC-142 doesn’t require a written test. Instead, it fast-tracks candidates directly to the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview—a rigorous 5-day evaluation process designed to test your physical fitness, mental aptitude, and leadership potential. Successful candidates will undergo a 12-month training program at the iconic Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, a historic institution that has been shaping officers since 1932.

What makes TGC-142 even more appealing? It offers a Permanent Commission, meaning you’ll have a lifelong career in the Indian Army, leading troops and contributing to national security. Plus, the starting salary is an impressive 18 LPA CTC—a lucrative package that rivals top corporate jobs, all while giving you the chance to serve the nation.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for TGC-142?

Before you get too excited, let’s check if you meet the eligibility requirements for TGC-142. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Gender: Unmarried male candidates only (sorry, female engineers—this one’s not for you, but stay tuned for other opportunities like CDS or SSC-Technical).
• Age: Between 20 and 27 years as of January 1, 2026 (born between January 2, 1999, and January 1, 2006).
• Educational Qualification: You must be a B.E./B.Tech graduate or in the final year of your engineering degree. However, your engineering stream must be from the notified streams listed by the Indian Army (check the official notification for details).
• Nationality: Indian citizens only.

Specific Engineering Streams and Vacancies

Engineering Streams and Vacancies: The Indian Army has specified 30 tentative vacancies across various engineering streams for TGC-142. For example, Civil Engineering (including streams like Structural Engineering, Geo Informatics, and Environmental Engineering) has 8 vacancies, Computer Science (covering IT, AI, Machine Learning, and Robotics) has 6, Electronics (including Telecom, Fibre Optics, and Satellite Communication) has 6, and Mechanical (including Automobile, Aerospace, and Production) also has 6. There are also 2 vacancies for miscellaneous streams like Architecture, Bio-Tech, Chemical Engineering, and Mining. Candidates must ensure their degree matches the exact stream or equivalent as listed—any mismatch will lead to cancellation of candidature. Check the full list on the official notification to confirm your eligibility!

One of the best parts? There’s no limit on the number of attempts for TGC as long as you’re within the age bracket, giving you multiple shots to make it through the selection process.

Documentation Requirements

• Documents to Carry for SSB: Candidates must bring self-attested copies and originals of their Matriculation Certificate (for date of birth and name verification), 12th-grade marksheet, engineering degree/provisional degree, and all semester marksheets. Final-year candidates need a certificate from their university confirming their cumulative percentage up to the 6th semester (or equivalent) meets the cutoff, along with a declaration that they’ll submit proof of passing by January 1, 2026. Any discrepancy in names or CGPA conversion (as per university formula) will lead to cancellation, so ensure all details match exactly with your documents.

Key Dates and How to Apply for TGC-142

Mark your calendars! The application window for TGC-142 opens on May 20, 2025, and closes on June 18, 2025. To apply, head over to the official Indian Army website at joinindianarmy.nic.in. The process is straightforward:

1. Register on the website and fill out the online application form.
2. Upload the required documents, including your educational certificates and ID proof.
3. Submit your application before the deadline.

Pro tip: Double-check your eligibility and ensure your engineering stream matches the notified list to avoid rejection. Once shortlisted, you’ll be called for the SSB interview, where the real challenge begins.

Why Choose TGC-142? Benefits That Set It Apart

So, why should engineering graduates consider TGC-142 over a cushy corporate job? Here are some compelling reasons:

• Direct SSB Interview: No written exam hassle! Your skills and personality are evaluated through the SSB process, which includes physical tests (like push-ups, running, and swimming), psychological assessments, and group tasks.
• Training at IMA Dehradun: The Indian Military Academy is a legendary institution with a legacy of producing top-tier officers. Training here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shapes you into a leader.
• Permanent Commission: Unlike short-service entries, TGC offers a lifelong career in the Army, with opportunities to rise through the ranks.
• Lucrative Salary: At 18 LPA CTC, the financial rewards are on par with top engineering jobs, not to mention the prestige and job security that come with serving in the Army.
• Serve the Nation: There’s no greater honor than contributing to India’s defense and security. As an officer, you’ll lead troops, tackle challenges, and make a real difference.

• Training Costs and Rules: Training at IMA Dehradun is fully funded by the government, but there’s a catch—if a candidate withdraws for personal reasons (not medical or uncontrollable circumstances), they’ll need to refund the training cost, which is currently ₹16,260 per week (with an 8% annual increment). During the 12-month training, candidates cannot marry or live with parents/guardians. If a candidate marries during training, they’ll be discharged and liable to repay all expenses incurred by the government. This ensures complete focus and commitment during the rigorous program.

Pay Structure (Salary) and Career Progression

The blog mentions the 18 LPA CTC but doesn’t detail the rank-wise pay or promotion criteria. You can add this under a new section like “Career Growth and Pay in the Indian Army”:

Pay and Promotion Path: As a TGC officer, you’ll start as a Lieutenant with a pay range of ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 (Level 10), along with a Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month. During training, cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month. Post-commissioning, you can progress to Captain after 2 years, Major after 6 years, and Lieutenant Colonel after 13 years, with salaries scaling up to ₹1,21,200–₹2,12,400 at the Lieutenant Colonel level. Higher ranks like Colonel, Brigadier, and Major General are selection-based, with pay reaching up to ₹2,18,200 for a Major General. Additionally, officers are entitled to allowances like Children Education Allowance (₹2,812.50 per child), Hostel Subsidy (₹8,437.50 per child), and Uniform Allowance (₹25,000 per year), making this a financially rewarding career.

The SSB Interview: What to Expect

The SSB interview is the heart of the TGC selection process. Spanning 5 days, it’s a comprehensive evaluation that tests every aspect of your personality. Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll face:

• Day 1: Screening tests, including verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
• Day 2: Psychological tests like the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and Word Association Test (WAT) to assess your mindset.
• Day 3 & 4: Group tasks, outdoor activities, and physical fitness tests (e.g., 40 push-ups in 2 minutes, 20 sit-ups, and a 2.4 km run in under 15 minutes).
• Day 5: Personal interview and final board conference.

Preparation is key! Brush up on your communication skills, stay physically fit, and read up on current affairs to ace the interview. Many candidates have shared their experiences online, with some noting the lack of transparency in the selection process—a valid concern that the Army could address to build trust.

• Selection Process Breakdown: The selection starts with shortlisting based on a cutoff percentage of marks (applied stream-wise up to the final semester). Shortlisted candidates are assigned to one of four SSB centers—Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, or Jalandhar—via email/SMS. Candidates can initially choose their SSB dates on a first-come, first-serve basis, but the final allotment is at the discretion of the Directorate General of Recruiting. The SSB process is two-staged: Stage 1 includes screening tests, and only those who pass move to Stage 2 for detailed assessments. Post-SSB, a medical examination is mandatory, and final selection depends on merit (based on SSB marks, with tiebreakers favoring older candidates or those with higher degree percentages).

Insurance and Benefits During Training

• Insurance Coverage During Training: Gentlemen Cadets at IMA are insured for ₹1 crore under the Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF), with a monthly subscription of ₹10,000. If a cadet is invalidated due to disability (not caused by alcoholism, drug addiction, or pre-existing conditions), they’re eligible for benefits: ₹25 lakh for 100% disability, scaled down to ₹5 lakh for 20% disability, or an ex-gratia grant of ₹50,000 for less than 20% disability. However, cadets withdrawn on disciplinary grounds or who leave voluntarily won’t qualify for these benefits.

Voices from the Community: What Aspiring Candidates Are Saying

The TGC-142 announcement has sparked a lot of buzz on social media, especially on X. While many are excited about the opportunity, some concerns have also surfaced. For instance, female engineers like Riya Gupta (@riyagupta1604) expressed disappointment over the lack of opportunities for women in this specific entry. Others, like Vikas Kumar (@kumar_vikas_in), shared mixed experiences with the SSB process, pointing out that selection criteria can sometimes feel unclear.

On the flip side, users like Pooran Singh (@Bharangar320) called it a “golden opportunity to serve the country,” reflecting the pride and enthusiasm this recruitment drive has generated among young engineers.

A Call to Action for Engineering Graduates

The Indian Army’s TGC-142 is more than just a job—it’s a chance to lead, serve, and make history. With applications opening on May 20, 2025, now is the time to start preparing. Whether you’re a final-year engineering student or a recent graduate, this could be your shot at a career that combines technical expertise with the honor of defending the nation.

Visit joinindianarmy.nic.in for more details and to apply. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to train at the Indian Military Academy and earn a Permanent Commission in the Indian Army. Have questions or experiences to share? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!