Overview
The Indian Army is recruiting graduates through its prestigious NCC Special Entry scheme for Short Service Commission officer positions. This is a prestigious opportunity for educated NCC cadets and wards of Army personnel to become commissioned officers and serve the nation. Selected candidates will undergo 49 weeks of officer training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai before commissioning as Lieutenants. This is a pathway to leadership, service, and excellent career prospects with the Indian Army.
🏢 Organization
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Army |
| Country | India |
| Recruitment Type | Officer Recruitment |
| Commission Type | Short Service Commission (SSC) |
| Training Academy | Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai |
| Official Website | https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
📊 Total Vacancies: 70 Posts
| Category | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| NCC Men (General Category) | 63 |
| Wards of Battle Casualties | 7 |
| Total | 70 |
Post Type & Job Type
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Title | Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) Officer |
| Officer Rank | Lieutenant (upon commissioning) |
| Commission Duration | 10-14 years |
| Employment Type | Full-Time, Permanent During Service |
| Training Duration | 49 weeks at OTA Chennai |
Application Mode
Online Only – All applications must be submitted through the official Indian Army website. No offline or physical applications are accepted.
Official Website
https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application | 12 February 2026 (3:00 PM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 16 March 2026 (3:00 PM) |
| Choice for SSB Centre & Date | April 2026 (15 days window) |
| SSB Interview | May/June 2026 (5 days) |
| Training Commencement | October 2026 |
| Course Duration | 49 weeks |
🎓 Educational Qualifications
For NCC Special Entry Candidates (63 Posts):
Educational Requirement:
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (any stream)
- Candidates in their final year can also apply, provided they complete and obtain graduation before course commencement (October 2026)
- For final year students, aggregate percentage of first 2-3 years will be considered
NCC Service Requirements:
- Minimum 2-3 years service in NCC (Senior Division/Wing)
- Obtained NCC ‘C’ Certificate with minimum ‘B’ Grade
- Provisional ‘C’ Certificate must be converted to permanent before joining training
For Wards of Battle Casualties (7 Posts):
Who Are Eligible:
- Unmarried sons or unmarried daughters (including legally adopted) of Army battle casualties:
- Killed in action
- Died of wounds/injuries (not self-inflicted)
- Wounded/Injured (not self-inflicted)
- Missing, presumed dead
Educational Requirement:
- Bachelor’s degree from recognized university (any stream)
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate is NOT required
Required Documents:
- Battle Casualty certificate number from Manpower Directorate
- Service record part II order number
- Relationship certificate from Manpower Directorate
💰 Salary & Allowances (Per Month)
During Training (49 weeks at OTA):
Stipend: ₹56,100/- per month
After Commissioning (as Lieutenant):
| Rank | Pay Level | Monthly Salary (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain (after 2 years) | Level 10B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major (after 6 years) | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
CTC on Commissioning: Approximately ₹17-18 lakhs per annum
Additional Monthly Allowances:
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500/-
- Para Reserve Allowance: ₹2,625/-
- Technical Allowance (Tier I): ₹3,000/-
- Technical Allowance (Tier II): ₹4,500/-
- Transport/Dearness Allowance: ₹3,600-7,200 + DA
- Children Education Allowance (CEA): ₹2,250/- per child (max 2 children)
- Hostel Subsidy: ₹6,750/- per month per child
- Dress Allowance: ₹20,000/- per year
- Field Area Allowances: Depending on posting location
Additional Benefits:
- Free medical coverage
- Travel to hometown once per year
- Pension scheme
- Housing & accommodation
- Leave encashment
⏳ Age Limit
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Age as on | 1 July 2026 |
| Minimum Age | 19 years |
| Maximum Age | 25 years |
| Date of Birth Range | 2 July 2001 to 1 July 2007 (both dates inclusive) |
| Age Relaxation | As per Government of India norms for SC/ST/OBC |
Important Note: Date of birth as per Matriculation/10th Certificate is final. No changes accepted later.
🎯 Selection Process
The selection is multi-stage and competitive, designed to identify the best leadership potential.
Stage 1: Online Application
- Candidates apply online with educational and NCC details
- Shortlisting based on NCC ‘C’ grade and graduation percentage
Stage 2: Bonus Marks Evaluation
Maximum 100 bonus marks awarded as:
NCC Performance (Maximum 50 marks):
- A Grade in NCC ‘C’: 50 marks
- B Grade in NCC ‘C’: 25 marks
Graduation Performance (Maximum 50 marks):
- 60.00-64.99%: 5 marks
- 65.00-69.99%: 10 marks
- 70.00-74.99%: 20 marks
- 75.00-79.99%: 30 marks
- 80.00-84.99%: 40 marks
- 85.00-100%: 50 marks
Stage 3: Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
- 5-day comprehensive interview and assessment
- Tests personality, leadership qualities, communication skills
- Group discussions, personal interviews, and psychological tests
- Held at 4 centers: Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Jalandhar
Stage 4: Medical Examination
- Complete medical fitness assessment
- Height, weight, and vision standards required
Stage 5: Merit List & Final Selection
- Merit list prepared based on SSB performance and medical clearance
- Selected candidates receive joining letters
📑 How to Apply
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Verify you have Bachelor’s degree (or in final year)
- For NCC candidates: Ensure NCC ‘C’ Certificate (min ‘B’ Grade)
- Check age: 19-25 years as on 1 July 2026
- Check nationality requirements
Step 2: Register on Official Website
- Visit https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Click “Officer Entry Application/Login”
- Click “Registration” (if not already registered)
- Provide email address and create password
- Complete registration process
Step 3: Fill Online Application Form
- Login with registered credentials
- Click “Apply Online” under Dashboard
- Select “Short Service Commission NCC Special Entry Course”
- Fill personal information section
- Name, date of birth, contact details
- Permanent and communication address
- Nationality
- Fill education details section
- School/College names
- Degree, stream, year of passing
- Marks/percentage obtained
- Graduation certificate details
- Fill NCC details section (for NCC candidates)
- Years of service
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate grade
- Cadet particulars
- Fill employment history (if any)
Step 4: Upload Documents (If Required)
- Upload scanned copies as per instructions
- Ensure documents are clear and legible
- File size and format as specified
Step 5: Review Application
- Carefully review all entered information
- Check for spelling errors in name and date of birth
- Verify all educational details match certificates
- Ensure contact information is correct
Step 6: Submit Application
- Click “Submit” button after final verification
- Important: Only one application allowed per candidate
- Multiple applications will result in disqualification
- Take note of application reference number
Step 7: Choose SSB Centre & Date
- In April 2026, choose your preferred SSB center
- Select preferred interview dates
- Confirmation will be sent via email
Step 8: Prepare for SSB
- Receive SSB call letter in May 2026
- Attend for 5-day interview process
- Selection announcement after medical clearance
⚙️ Key Documents Required
For Online Application:
Educational Documents:
- Matric/10th Certificate and mark sheet
- 12th Certificate and mark sheet
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or provisional degree
- Mark sheets of all semesters/years
- Certificate stating percentage/CGPA
- For final year students: Principal’s letter confirming final year status
For NCC Candidates:
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Original)
- NCC Cadet Roll Number and enrollment details
- Service record from NCC institution
For Wards of Battle Casualties:
- Battle Casualty Certificate (from Manpower Directorate)
- Service record Part II Order
- Relationship Certificate
Age Proof (Original + Photocopy):
- Birth Certificate
- Matric/10th Certificate (compulsory)
- Aadhar Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
Personal Identification:
- Aadhar Card or PAN Card
- Voter ID or Driving License
Photographs:
- 4-5 recent passport-sized photographs (4×6 cm)
- White background
- Clear face visible
- Taken within last 6 months
- Color or black & white both acceptable
For SSB Interview (Originals + Self-Attested Copies):
- All educational certificates and mark sheets
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate
- Birth/Age Certificate
- Aadhar Card/Voter ID/Passport
- Battle Casualty documents (if applicable)
- Printout of online application (signed with photograph)
- CGPA conversion certificate (if applicable)
- Character Certificate from school/college
Important: DigiLocker certificates will NOT be accepted. Original certificates are mandatory.
Document Preparation Tips
✓ Carry documents in original + 2-3 self-attested photocopies ✓ All photocopies should be clear, complete, and legible ✓ Name and date of birth must match exactly across all documents ✓ For regional language documents, carry English translation ✓ Organize documents in chronological order ✓ Carry extra copies for safekeeping ✓ Verify all details match application form ✓ Check document validity before SSB interview
📘 Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Online Application | https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in/Authentication.aspx |
| Notification PDF | https://joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/NotificationPDF/NOTIFICATION_FOR_NCC_SPL_ENTRY_124__MEN_COURSE__OCT_2026_.pdf |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the last date to apply? A: The last date to apply online is 16 March 2026 at 3:00 PM. No applications will be accepted after this time.
Q2: How many vacancies are available? A: A total of 70 positions are available – 63 for NCC candidates and 7 for Wards of Battle Casualties.
Q3: Do I need NCC ‘C’ Certificate? A: Yes, for regular NCC Special Entry candidates. However, Wards of Battle Casualties do NOT need NCC certificate.
Q4: What is the salary after commissioning? A: Starting salary as Lieutenant is ₹56,100-1,77,500/- per month (approximately 17-18 lakhs per annum CTC). Salary increases with promotion and rank.
Q5: What is the training duration? A: Training duration is 49 weeks at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, from October 2026.
Q6: What is the age limit? A: Age should be 19-25 years as on 1 July 2026. This means date of birth between 2 July 2001 and 1 July 2007.
Q7: Is there a written exam? A: No written exam. Selection is based on online application shortlisting, Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, and medical examination.
Q8: What happens in SSB interview? A: SSB is a 5-day interview process with group discussions, personal interviews, psychological tests, and various assessments to evaluate leadership qualities.
Q9: Where will SSB interviews be held? A: SSB interviews are held at four centers: Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, and Jalandhar. You can choose your preferred center.
Q10: Can I apply if I’m in final year? A: Yes, final year students can apply. You must complete graduation and obtain degree before October 2026 training commencement.
Q11: What is the commission duration? A: Officers are commissioned for Short Service Commission of 10-14 years, with option for permanent commission based on performance and requirements.
Q12: Can I apply for multiple times? A: Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple applications will result in immediate disqualification.
🎯 Why Apply for Indian Army NCC Special Entry 2026?
✓ Prestigious Officer Commission – Become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army ✓ Excellent Salary & Allowances – ₹17-18 lakhs CTC with various allowances and benefits ✓ No Written Exam – Direct SSB interview-based selection ✓ Free Medical Coverage – Comprehensive health benefits for you and family ✓ Job Security – 10-14 years service guarantee ✓ Leadership Opportunity – Lead armed forces personnel and make national contribution ✓ Career Growth – Clear promotion pathway to higher ranks (Captain, Major, Colonel, etc.) ✓ Pension Benefits – Excellent pension scheme for officers ✓ International Exposure – Opportunity for foreign postings and training ✓ National Service – Serve and protect the nation
📌 Quick Checklist Before Applying
- ✓ Check you have Bachelor’s degree (or in final year)
- ✓ Verify NCC ‘C’ Certificate (min ‘B’ Grade) – if NCC candidate
- ✓ Confirm age between 19-25 years as on 1 July 2026
- ✓ Register on official website: joinindianarmy.nic.in
- ✓ Gather all educational certificates and mark sheets
- ✓ Collect NCC ‘C’ Certificate
- ✓ Prepare clear copies of age proof
- ✓ Take recent passport-sized photographs
- ✓ Note application deadline: 16 March 2026 (3:00 PM)
- ✓ Prepare CGPA/Percentage conversion certificate (if needed)
- ✓ Have valid email and phone number ready
- ✓ Double-check all details before submitting
⚠️ Important Reminders
- Single Application Only – Submit only one application. Multiple applications = disqualification
- Deadline is Final – Applications close exactly on 16 March 2026 at 3:00 PM
- Verify Details – Date of birth from matriculation certificate is final, no changes accepted
- Keep Documents Safe – Original certificates are needed for SSB interview
- Stay Updated – Check website for SSB call letters and announcements
- Professional Approach – Attend SSB with seriousness and discipline
- Medical Fitness – Ensure you meet physical and medical standards before SSB
- No Hard Copies – Don’t send any physical documents; everything is online initially
Last Updated: 12 February 2026
