In a landmark reform designed to enhance transparency and meritocracy, the Indian Army has announced a significant overhaul in the selection process for technical officers. Starting from 2026, all entries for technical positions will be conducted through a new examination, the Combined Defence Services Technical Examination (CDSTE), organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This reform applies to both the Technical Graduate Course (TGC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) Technical entries, representing a crucial shift for engineering graduates aiming to join the Army.
Previously, candidates seeking admission to the Services Selection Board (SSB) were mainly shortlisted based on their engineering percentages. This method often overlooked talented candidates who may not have had high academic scores, thereby restricting opportunities for capable aspirants. The introduction of the CDSTE aims to level the playing field by providing all eligible candidates an equitable chance to compete through a national-level competitive examination, which will be followed by the SSB interview process.
The CDSTE will consist of two distinct papers. The first paper, titled the General Ability Test, is a unified assessment for all candidates that will evaluate English, General Knowledge, and Engineering Mathematics. It will feature 100 objective questions, totaling 100 marks, and will have a time limit of two hours. The second paper will be discipline-specific, assessing core technical knowledge across various engineering fields, including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Science. This paper will also have 100 questions worth 100 marks, with a similar two-hour duration.
This reform has garnered significant attention from defence analysts and aspiring candidates, who are labeling it a “game-changer” for technical entry into the Army. By shifting the focus from mere college marks to conceptual understanding, competitive preparation, and mastery of relevant subjects, the new system aims to empower motivated candidates with strong fundamentals. This change is expected to elevate the overall quality of officer intakes, setting a rigorous UPSC standard for selection.
Students pursuing engineering in their pre-final and final years are now being encouraged to start their preparations early. This is particularly pertinent for those already acquainted with competitive exams such as the CDS, AFCAT, GATE, or ESE. With official announcements regarding the CDSTE expected in 2026, this new examination is being hailed as a historic initiative towards a more transparent, competitive, and knowledge-driven pathway for aspiring technical officers in the Indian Army.
