Indian Army TGC 145 Recruitment 2026: 30 Vacancies for Engineering Graduates, Apply by 29 October

The Indian Army has opened the 145th Technical Graduate Course (TGC 145) for engineering graduates, with about 30 vacancies, no application fee and a course start at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun in July 2027. Applications run from 30 September to 29 October 2026 (3:00 PM). TGC is a direct route to a permanent commission as an officer for engineers, which is why a small number of seats attracts a lot of attention. This guide explains the stream-wise vacancies, the eligibility, the process from the application to the SSB interview, how to prepare and the practical mistakes that cost candidates their chance.

Last updated: 9 October 2026. Facts below are compiled from published reports and may change, so confirm on joinindianarmy.nic.in before you act.

Army TGC 145 Highlights

Particular	Details
Course	Technical Graduate Course 145
Vacancies	About 30 (tentative)
Registration	30 September 2026
Last date	29 October 2026, 3:00 PM
Course start	July 2027, IMA Dehradun
Qualification	B.E/B.Tech, or MSc Computer Science (notified streams); final-year students may apply with conditions
Age	20 to 27 years as on 1 July 2027
Fee	Nil

What the TGC is

The Technical Graduate Course is an entry for engineering graduates into the Indian Army as commissioned officers. Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their qualification and then called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Those who clear the SSB and the medical examination are placed in a merit list and sent to the Indian Military Academy for training, at the end of which they are commissioned as Lieutenants. The notice says the course begins in July 2027, so if you are in your final year, your pass-out date matters a lot.

Vacancies by stream

Stream	Vacancies
Civil Engineering	8
Computer Science	6
Electronics	6
Mechanical	6
Electrical	2
Miscellaneous Engineering	2

The total is about 30 and is tentative. The small numbers mean that cut-offs for shortlisting are usually high, especially in streams like computer science, where many candidates apply.

Eligibility in detail

• Qualification: BE or BTech, or MSc in Computer Science, in the streams notified. Final-year engineering students can apply under the conditions in the notice.
• Age: 20 to 27 years as on 1 July 2027.
• Gender: TGC is for male candidates, as per the notice for this course.
• Fee: nil.

If you are in the final year, read the clause about the proof of degree. Usually, you must produce the degree certificate by a specified date before the course begins, and failure to do so means cancellation of candidature. Keep this in mind while planning your final-year exams.

How the process works

1. Online application: on joinindianarmy.nic.in.
2. Shortlisting: based on your engineering marks and the cut-off decided by the Army.
3. SSB interview: a five-day assessment at a selection centre including psychological tests, group tasks, personal interview and conference.
4. Medical examination: for recommended candidates.
5. Merit list and joining: as per vacancies in your stream.

Why the SSB is the real exam

For most candidates, the shortlisting is automatic, and the SSB is what decides selection. The SSB looks at officer-like qualities: confidence, leadership, teamwork, clarity of thought, initiative and responsibility. It is not a test of academics. Candidates do not need coaching tricks. They need honest self-awareness, clear communication and steady habits.

How to prepare for the SSB

Start by reading about the stages: screening (picture perception and group discussion), psychology tests, group tasks and the personal interview. Practise writing short stories from pictures within time limits, as this reveals your thinking. Improve your general awareness by reading a daily newspaper. Work on physical fitness, since the group tasks include obstacle activities. Keep your personal data sheet consistent: know your family background, education, hobbies and reasons for joining the Army well, because the interviewer will ask from it.

Physical and medical readiness

Officer entries require medical fitness according to the Army standards. These cover eyesight, hearing, height-weight proportions and general health. If you have any concerns, check the standards in the notice, and do not ignore a minor issue until the last moment. Fitness improves your confidence for the group tasks as well.

How to apply

1. Go to joinindianarmy.nic.in and open Officer Entry Apply/Login.
2. Register or log in and open the TGC-145 application.
3. Fill every section using Save and Continue.
4. Submit before 29 October 2026, 3:00 PM and print two copies with your SSB roll number.

Use only the official portal

Some listing websites link to Google Forms or third-party pages with an Apply Online button. The official application is on joinindianarmy.nic.in only. The Army does not take fees for TGC and does not use agents.

Other defence entries to consider

If TGC does not fit, see Assam Rifles technical and tradesman, CRPF sports quota and the defence jobs page.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an application fee?

No, the fee is nil.

What is the age limit?

20 to 27 years as on 1 July 2027.

Which website should I use?

Use joinindianarmy.nic.in only.