The Technical Graduate Course (TGC) represents a prestigious entry route for engineering graduates into the Indian Army, granting permanent commission after rigorous training. The 143rd course, commencing in July 2026 at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, targets unmarried male candidates with specific technical qualifications. This comprehensive overview draws from the official notification, incorporating eligibility criteria, selection processes, training details, and benefits, while highlighting the competitive nature of the program.
TGC 143 Overview
The Indian Army invites applications for the 143rd Technical Graduate Course, aimed at filling approximately 30 vacancies in core engineering streams. This entry is exclusively for unmarried male engineering graduates or final-year students who meet stringent academic and physical standards. The course leads to permanent commission in arms/services such as the Corps of Engineers, Signals, and Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, though allocations may extend to other branches based on organizational requirements.
Eligibility extends to Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal, or persons of Indian origin from specified countries, provided they possess necessary certificates. Final-year candidates must submit proof of passing by July 1, 2026, with cumulative marks not below the approved cut-off.
TGC 143 Application Procedure
Applications are accepted solely online through www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. The process involves:
- Registration (if not already done) using Aadhaar and matriculation details.
- Filling segments on personal information, communication, education, and previous SSB details.
- Reviewing and submitting the form; no edits post-submission.
- Printing two copies of the application for SSB reference.
Key notes include ensuring no variations in names or streams, as mismatches lead to cancellation. Candidates serving in the Armed Forces must obtain countersigned applications from their Commanding Officer.
TGC 143 Age and Educational Qualifications
- Age Limit: 20 to 27 years as on July 1, 2026 (born between July 1, 1999, and June 30, 2006). The matriculation certificate is the sole proof accepted.
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) in notified streams or equivalent. Final-year students are eligible if their exams conclude by July 1, 2026, and they maintain required percentages (e.g., not below cut-off up to 6th semester for engineering degrees).
Special emphasis is placed on stream nomenclature matching exactly with degree certificates. Variations result in immediate cancellation.
TGC 143 Vacancies and Eligible Streams
Vacancies are tentative at 30 and may be adjusted. The breakdown is as follows:
| Core Engineering Stream | Vacancies | Key Equivalent Streams (AICTE Approved) |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | 8 | Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, Architecture Engineering, etc. |
| Computer Science | 6 | Computer Science & Engineering, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, etc. |
| Electrical | 2 | Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Electronics, etc. |
| Electronics | 6 | Electronics & Communication, Instrumentation, Opto Electronics, etc. |
| Mechanical | 6 | Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Aeronautical, etc. |
| Misc Engineering Streams | 2 | Plastic Technology, Bio Medical Engineering, Mining, Textile, etc. |
Candidates must ensure their degree matches listed equivalents; otherwise, applications are invalid.
TGC 143 Cut-Off Marks and Shortlisting
Shortlisting is based on cumulative percentage marks up to the final semester, with cut-offs applied per stream. For TGC-143, these will be announced in late December 2025. Historical data indicates competitive thresholds:
| Course | Civil | Computer Science | Electrical | Electronics | Mechanical | Misc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TGC-142 (Jan 2026) | 78% | 89% | 85% | 83% | 84% | 80% |
| TGC-141 (Jul 2025) | 71% | 84% | 81% | 76% | 80% | 69% |
| TGC-138 (Jan 2024) | 77% | 80% | 78% | 78% | 78% | 68% |
Trends suggest rising cut-offs in high-demand streams like Computer Science. Final-year candidates must meet these post-result declaration, or candidature is cancelled.
TGC 143 Selection Process
The multi-stage process includes:
- Shortlisting: Based on cut-offs and vacancy-to-applicant ratio.
- SSB Interview: Five-day assessment at centers like Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, or Jalandhar. Involves psychological tests, group tasks, and interviews.
- Medical Examination: As per Army standards available on the website.
- Merit List: Based on SSB marks, with ties resolved by age and percentage.
Successful candidates receive joining letters for IMA.
TGC 143 Physical Standards
Minimum requirements before joining include:
- 2.4 km run in 10:30 minutes
- 40 push-ups, 6 pull-ups, 30 sit-ups
- Two sets of 30 squats and 10 lunges
- Basic swimming knowledge
TGC 143 Training and Commission
- Training: Approximately 12 months at IMA, Dehradun, starting July 2026. Stipend: ₹56,100/month (Level 10).
- Commission: Permanent in the rank of Lieutenant, with one-year ante-date seniority.
- Restrictions: No marriage allowed during training; cost recovery if withdrawn for personal reasons (₹16,260/week + 8% annual increment).
TGC 143 Pay, Allowances, and Benefits
Upon commissioning:
- Starting pay: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10).
- Military Service Pay: ₹15,500/month.
- Additional allowances: Dearness, Technical (₹3,000-₹4,500), Field Area, etc.
Promotion criteria:
| Rank | Promotion Criteria |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | On commission |
| Captain | 2 years service |
| Major | 6 years service |
| Lt Colonel | 13 years service |
| Colonel (TS) | 26 years service |
| Higher Ranks | Selection basis |
Other benefits include ration, transport allowance (₹3,600-₹7,200 + DA), children education allowance (₹2,812.50/child/month), hostel subsidy (₹8,437.50/child/month), and Army Group Insurance Fund coverage (₹1.25 Cr).
TGC 143 Important Notes and Warnings
- Multiple applications lead to cancellation.
- Travelling allowance for first SSB appearance only.
- Merit does not guarantee selection; final allocation at Army’s discretion.
- Candidates debarred from UPSC or withdrawn on disciplinary grounds are ineligible.
This entry underscores the Army’s emphasis on technical expertise, offering a blend of leadership, adventure, and service. Aspiring candidates should prepare thoroughly, focusing on academics and physical fitness.
