The Directorate General Territorial Army has released the Territorial Army Notification 2026 for Ex-Commissioned Officers, inviting eligible former commissioned officers of the Armed Forces to apply for commission in the Territorial Army.
The entry provides an opportunity to experienced former officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Territorial Army to once again serve in uniform while continuing with their civilian profession or employment.
Applications for the Territorial Army Ex-Officers Entry 2026 are being accepted from 27 July 2026 to 26 August 2026, while the Army Headquarters Selection Board interview is expected to be conducted in September 2026.
Candidates must note that the Territorial Army is based on the concept of the citizen-soldier. It is a part-time military commitment and should not be considered a full-time career in the Armed Forces.
Territorial Army Ex-Officers Notification 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | Territorial Army Ex-Commissioned Officers Entry 2026 |
| Organisation | Territorial Army |
| Conducting Authority | Directorate General Territorial Army |
| Entry | Army Headquarters Selection Board – Ex-Officers |
| Eligible Candidates | Ex-Armed Forces Commissioned Officers |
| Gender | Male and Female |
| Minimum Qualification | Graduation |
| Age Limit | 18 to 42 Years |
| Employment Requirement | Gainfully Employed/Self-Employed |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Application Start Date | 27 July 2026 |
| Last Date | 26 August 2026 |
| Interview | September 2026 |
| Selection | Army Headquarters Selection Board |
| Commission | Lieutenant |
| Nature of Service | Part-Time Military Service |
Territorial Army Important Dates 2026
Candidates should carefully note the following dates:
- Application commencement: 27 July 2026
- Last date for receipt of application: 26 August 2026
- Army Headquarters Selection Board Interview: September 2026
- Exact interview date: To be communicated separately to eligible candidates
The completed application must reach the Directorate General Territorial Army by 26 August 2026.
Candidates should therefore avoid waiting until the last date to send the application.
Applications received after the closing date or applications found incomplete can be rejected.
Territorial Army Ex-Officers Vacancies 2026
The vacancies under the Territorial Army Ex-Officers Entry 2026 will be filled according to the organisational requirements of the Territorial Army.
The opportunity is available to both male and female eligible ex-commissioned officers.
Candidates should note that the final number of vacancies can be increased or decreased depending upon the requirements of the organisation.
Who Can Apply for Territorial Army Ex-Officers Entry 2026?
This recruitment is specifically intended for former commissioned officers.
Eligible applicants may include ex-commissioned officers from:
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
- Territorial Army
Officers who have successfully completed their tenure or have been released following approved premature retirement may apply, subject to fulfilment of all other eligibility conditions.
However, officers who were dismissed or removed from service or who resigned their commission are not eligible under the prescribed conditions.
This notification should not be confused with the separate Territorial Army entry conducted for civilian candidates.
Territorial Army Ex-Officers Age Limit 2026
Candidates must:
- have attained the age of 18 years, and
- not have attained the age of 42 years on the date of application.
The applicable upper-age provisions will be governed by the official Territorial Army rules and instructions.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess at least a:
Graduation degree from a recognised university.
Candidates should keep their original graduation certificates and marksheets ready for verification.
Educational documents starting from Matriculation/10th standard onwards are also required during document verification.
Employment Requirement
One of the most important eligibility requirements for joining the Territorial Army is that the candidate must be gainfully employed.
Candidates may be:
- Government employees
- State Government employees
- Semi-Government employees
- Private-sector employees
- Professionals
- Business owners
- Self-employed individuals
A candidate without a sustainable civilian profession or means of livelihood may not fulfil the eligibility conditions.
This requirement exists because the Territorial Army is designed to allow citizens to serve in the military while continuing with their primary civilian careers.
Can Self-Employed Ex-Officers Apply?
Yes.
Eligible self-employed ex-commissioned officers can apply.
However, they will have to provide appropriate documentary evidence regarding their profession, employment and income.
Self-employed candidates are required to submit prescribed declarations and supporting documents, which may include:
- affidavit mentioning nature of employment,
- annual income details,
- PAN Card,
- Income Tax Return, where applicable, and
- self-certified character certificate.
Candidates should prepare these documents strictly according to the format prescribed by the Territorial Army.
Physical and Medical Standards
Candidates must be physically and medically fit for service in the Territorial Army.
The required medical category mentioned for candidates is:
S1H1A1P1E1
Recommended candidates will subsequently undergo an official medical examination before final selection.
Applicants are also required to carry a recent physical fitness certificate issued by a registered MBBS doctor as prescribed.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Serving members of certain organisations are not eligible to apply under the Ex-Officers entry.
These include serving personnel of the:
- Regular Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
- Police
- GREF
- Para-Military Forces
- Other similar forces covered under the notification
This recruitment is meant for eligible former commissioned officers, not personnel who are presently serving in the Regular Armed Forces.
Territorial Army Ex-Officers Selection Process 2026
Unlike the Territorial Army civilian officer entry, Ex-Service Commissioned Officers are screened through the Army Headquarters Selection Board (ASB).
The broad selection procedure consists of:
1. Scrutiny of Applications
Applications received by the Directorate General Territorial Army are checked for:
- age,
- previous commissioned service,
- educational qualification,
- employment,
- medical documents, and
- other prescribed eligibility requirements.
The Directorate General Territorial Army may restrict the number of applicants called for selection depending upon the number of applications and available vacancies.
2. Army Headquarters Selection Board
Shortlisted candidates will appear before the Army Headquarters Selection Board at the Directorate General Territorial Army in New Delhi.
The ASB will assess the suitability of former officers for commission in the Territorial Army.
3. Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the Army Headquarters Selection Board will undergo medical examination.
The medical examination is conducted as per the applicable Armed Forces medical standards.
4. Police Verification
Recommended and medically fit candidates will undergo the required police verification process before final selection and commission.
Therefore, the broad process can be understood as:
Application → Shortlisting → Army Headquarters Selection Board → Medical Examination → Police Verification → Pre-Commission Training → Commission
Is There a Written Examination?
For eligible Ex-Service Commissioned Officers under this entry, the selection is through the Army Headquarters Selection Board rather than the Territorial Army written entrance examination conducted for civilian candidates.
Candidates should therefore not confuse the Ex-Officers recruitment process with the Territorial Army Commission/TAC examination for civilians.
Is SSB Interview Conducted for Ex-Officers?
The Ex-Officers entry follows the selection procedure laid down specifically for former commissioned officers through the Army Headquarters Selection Board (ASB).
Candidates shortlisted after scrutiny will be informed regarding their selection-board schedule.
The exact reporting instructions contained in the call letter should be followed.
Territorial Army Interview Date 2026
The Army Headquarters Selection Board for the 2026 Ex-Officers entry is expected to be conducted in:
September 2026
Exact dates will be communicated separately to candidates who are found eligible.
Candidates should regularly check their registered email and official communication.
A request for changing the allotted interview date may not be entertained.
Territorial Army Pre-Commission Training
Selection by the board does not automatically mean that a candidate will immediately receive commission.
Successful candidates are required to undergo the prescribed Pre-Commission Training in accordance with Territorial Army rules.
Commission in the Territorial Army will be granted after successful completion of the applicable training requirements.
Annual Training Requirement
Territorial Army officers are ordinarily required to undergo annual military training.
The notification provides for approximately:
Two months of Annual Training Camp every year, subject to applicable conditions and embodiment requirements.
However, Territorial Army personnel may be called for longer periods of service depending on military and organisational requirements.
Rank After Joining Territorial Army
Eligible candidates selected and commissioned under the entry are granted commission in the Territorial Army in the rank of:
Lieutenant
However, previous commissioned service may be taken into account for seniority, pay and promotion purposes subject to verification and the applicable Territorial Army regulations.
Previous Armed Forces Service and Seniority
One of the important benefits for ex-commissioned officers joining the Territorial Army is that previous commissioned service can be taken into consideration under applicable rules.
Once the previous service is verified by the concerned authorities, eligible officers can receive the benefit of their previous commissioned service for matters such as:
- pay fixation,
- increments,
- seniority, and
- eligibility periods for promotion.
Previous full-pay commissioned service rendered in the Regular Army, Indian Navy or Indian Air Force can count towards prescribed periods of commissioned service.
Territorial Army Officer Salary 2026
When embodied for training or military service, Territorial Army officers receive pay and allowances corresponding to their rank broadly on the same lines as Regular Army officers.
Territorial Army Officer Pay Scale
| Rank | Pay Level | Pay Matrix | Military Service Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹15,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 | ₹15,500 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 | ₹15,500 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 | ₹15,500 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 | ₹15,500 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 | ₹15,500 |
Applicable allowances are governed by existing military rules and the nature and duration of embodiment.
Candidates should understand that Territorial Army salary is associated with the period during which the officer is embodied, undergoing training or performing military service according to the applicable rules.
Territorial Army Promotion
The normal substantive promotion requirements include:
- Lieutenant: On grant of commission
- Captain: After 4 years of commissioned service
- Major: After 8 years of commissioned service
- Lieutenant Colonel: After 15 years of commissioned service
- Colonel: By Selection Grade
- Colonel (Time Scale): As per prescribed length of commissioned service
- Brigadier: By Selection Grade
Previous qualifying commissioned service may count towards these periods subject to verification and applicable regulations.
Promotion Examination Exemption for Ex-Officers
Territorial Army officers may be required to qualify prescribed promotion examinations such as Parts A, B, C and D for progression to higher ranks.
However, an important benefit is available to former Armed Forces officers.
Ex-officers who have already passed corresponding promotion examinations during their previous service can be granted exemption from those examinations, provided they produce the required documentary evidence.
Candidates should therefore keep records and certificates relating to previous promotion examinations available.
How to Apply for Territorial Army Ex-Officers Entry 2026
The application process is offline.
Eligible candidates need to download the prescribed:
IAF (TA)-9 (Revised) Part-I Application Form
and complete the application according to the instructions.
Step 1: Download Application Form
Download the prescribed Territorial Army application form from the official Territorial Army/Indian Army recruitment resources.
The application form is available free of cost.
Step 2: Fill the Application
The application should be completed carefully and in the candidate’s own handwriting where prescribed.
Candidates should ensure that information regarding:
- name,
- date of birth,
- educational qualification,
- previous military service,
- employment,
- address, and
- contact information
matches their supporting documents.
Step 3: Attach Required Documents
Applicants must attach the prescribed documents, particularly:
- Photocopy of Release Order
- Photocopy of Release Medical Board/Medical Examination proceedings
- Other supporting documents specified in the instructions
Step 4: Send Application by Post
The application must be sent by India Post to the prescribed Directorate General Territorial Army address.
Territorial Army Application Address
Candidates should send their applications to:
Directorate General Territorial Army (TA-4)
Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence
4th Floor, ‘A’ Block
Ministry of Defence Office Complex
KG Marg, New Delhi – 110001
The application must reach the authorities on or before 26 August 2026.
Candidates are advised to retain a photocopy or scanned copy of their completed application and postal receipt for their records.
Documents Required for Territorial Army Ex-Officers Interview
Candidates called for the Army Headquarters Selection Board should be prepared to produce original documents along with the required self-attested photocopies.
Important documents include:
Service Documents
- Release Order/Release Certificate
- Release Medical Examination/Medical Board Proceedings
- Discharge or Service Particular Booklet
- Certificates/reports relating to military courses
- Relevant records of previous commissioned service
- Promotion examination certificates, wherever applicable
Educational Documents
Candidates should carry all educational certificates beginning from:
- Matriculation/10th
- Class 12
- Graduation
- Post-graduation, if applicable
- Other professional qualifications, where applicable
Identity and Address Documents
Candidates may be required to produce:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence
- Domicile Certificate
- Residential Address Proof
Candidates should carry documents according to the exact requirements mentioned in their instructions/call letter.
Proof of Age
Proof of date of birth normally includes:
- Matriculation certificate, or
- Senior Secondary certificate/marksheet containing the date of birth.
Physical Fitness Certificate
Candidates should carry the latest physical fitness certificate issued by a:
Registered MBBS Doctor
as prescribed in the instructions.
Documents Required for Employed Candidates
Candidates employed with:
- Central Government,
- State Government,
- Union Territory administration,
- Semi-Government organisation, or
- Private sector
will have to produce the prescribed service certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) authenticated by the competent authority/head of office.
The format prescribed by the Territorial Army should be used.
Documents Required for Self-Employed Candidates
Self-employed candidates may be required to produce:
- Affidavit on Non-Judicial Stamp Paper
- Description of nature of employment/business
- Annual income declaration
- PAN Card
- Latest Income Tax Return, where applicable
- Self-certified character certificate
- Other prescribed proof of gainful employment
Candidates should not prepare generic certificates if a specific Territorial Army format has been prescribed.
Income Tax Return and Form 16
Candidates may also be required to produce documentary proof of income and employment, such as:
- Latest Income Tax Return
- Form 16
- Form 16A, where applicable
- Employment certificate
- Business/professional income documentation
These documents help establish the mandatory condition that a Territorial Army applicant is gainfully employed.
Name Difference in Documents
Candidates whose name differs across:
- educational certificates,
- service documents,
- Aadhaar,
- PAN, or
- other records
should rectify the discrepancy or provide the prescribed supporting documentation.
Depending upon the case, documents such as a:
- Gazette Notification,
- affidavit, and/or
- relevant newspaper publication
may be required.
Candidates should ensure that their name is written in full and consistently across the application and supporting documents.
Important Instructions While Filling the Application
Candidates should take special care while completing the application.
The following precautions are important:
- Fill all applicable entries in the prescribed manner.
- Do not leave mandatory columns incomplete.
- Write the candidate’s complete name as mentioned in educational and service documents.
- Avoid using initials if full names are required.
- Ensure that the signature remains consistent across documents.
- Attach the required Release Order and medical proceedings.
- Provide correct email and contact details.
- Use the prescribed employer/NOC format.
- Self-employed candidates must use the prescribed affidavit and certificate formats.
- Send the application sufficiently early so that it reaches New Delhi before the deadline.
What Happens if Documents Are Missing?
Candidates must produce the required original certificates during document verification.
Failure to produce mandatory original certificates or supporting documents may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Candidates should therefore not rely only on photocopies.
Original documents should be carried along with the required number of self-attested copies.
Change of Employment After Application
Candidates should inform the Directorate General Territorial Army if their employment status changes during the selection process.
For example, if an applicant:
- changes company,
- leaves a government department,
- becomes self-employed, or
- joins another organisation,
the candidate may have to submit a fresh employment certificate/NOC and updated details.
This is important because gainful employment is a continuing eligibility requirement for Territorial Army service.
Territorial Army Is Not a Full-Time Career
Candidates considering the Territorial Army must clearly understand its nature.
The Territorial Army provides an opportunity to serve the country in two capacities:
as a civilian and as a soldier.
It is therefore fundamentally different from joining the Regular Army as a full-time career officer.
Territorial Army officers undergo military training and can be embodied for military service when required.
Liability for Military Service
Territorial Army officers can be embodied for service with their Territorial Army unit or with the Regular Army according to the requirements of the Armed Forces and applicable regulations.
Once embodied, officers are subject to military law and the applicable provisions of the Army Act, Territorial Army rules and regulations.
Therefore, although the Territorial Army is commonly described as a part-time force, the military responsibilities assumed by an officer while embodied are real and binding.
Leave and Medical Treatment
During embodiment, leave is governed by the existing rules applicable to Territorial Army personnel.
An officer suffering from an injury or disease attributable to training or military service can receive medical treatment in accordance with applicable Armed Forces provisions.
Permanent Staff Appointments
Although Territorial Army service is primarily part-time, a limited number of permanent staff appointments may be available in Territorial Army units.
Such appointments are offered depending upon:
- organisational requirements,
- qualifications,
- service experience, and
- suitability of the officer.
The tenure of such appointments is governed by the applicable Territorial Army regulations.
Pension and Gratuity
Joining the Territorial Army does not automatically guarantee a regular pension simply by holding a commission.
Pensionary and terminal benefits depend upon qualifying embodied service and the applicable government rules.
Territorial Army officers completing the prescribed aggregate embodied service may become eligible for terminal gratuity.
Disability pension and family pension provisions may also apply under specified circumstances.
Candidates should therefore not treat the Territorial Army as a conventional post-retirement salaried or pensionable job.
Territorial Army Retirement Age
The broad retirement provisions for Territorial Army officers include:
- Major and below: 54 years
- Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel: Up to 56 years subject to rank-tenure provisions
- Brigadier: Up to 58 years subject to rank-tenure provisions
The actual retirement of an officer will be governed by the applicable Territorial Army regulations, rank and tenure.
Why Territorial Army Ex-Officers Entry Is Unique
The Ex-Officers entry is particularly significant because it allows trained military officers to bring their previous operational, administrative, technical and leadership experience back into the Armed Forces.
Unlike a fresh civilian entrant, an ex-commissioned officer already possesses:
- military training,
- command experience,
- understanding of military discipline,
- knowledge of service procedures,
- leadership experience, and
- familiarity with Armed Forces culture.
At the same time, many former officers develop extensive expertise in the corporate, government, entrepreneurial and professional sectors after leaving regular service.
The Territorial Army provides a framework through which this combination of military experience and civilian expertise can contribute to national defence.
Territorial Army Ex-Officers 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Territorial Army Ex-Officers Entry 2026?
Eligible former commissioned officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Territorial Army who fulfil the prescribed age, education, medical and employment conditions can apply.
What is the last date to apply?
The application must reach the Directorate General Territorial Army by 26 August 2026.
What is the age limit?
Candidates must generally be between 18 and 42 years on the date of application.
Can serving Army officers apply?
No. This particular entry is intended for eligible ex-commissioned officers.
Can retired Navy and Air Force officers apply?
Yes. Eligible ex-commissioned officers from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force can apply subject to fulfilment of the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Can female ex-commissioned officers apply?
Yes. The recruitment is open to eligible male and female candidates according to organisational requirements.
Is graduation compulsory?
Yes. A candidate must possess a graduation degree from a recognised university.
Is employment compulsory?
Yes. Applicants must be gainfully employed or self-employed.
Can a self-employed ex-officer apply?
Yes, provided the candidate can establish gainful self-employment through the prescribed affidavit and supporting documents.
Is there a written exam for ex-commissioned officers?
The Ex-Officers entry uses the Army Headquarters Selection Board selection process rather than the Territorial Army entrance examination meant for civilian candidates.
Where will the selection board be conducted?
The Army Headquarters Selection Board is conducted under the Directorate General Territorial Army in New Delhi.
When will the interview be held?
The interview/selection-board process is scheduled for September 2026, with exact dates communicated separately to eligible candidates.
What rank will successful candidates receive?
Commission is granted in the rank of Lieutenant, subject to successful completion of all prescribed requirements, while previous commissioned service may be considered under applicable rules.
Does previous military service count for promotion?
Previous qualifying full-pay commissioned service may count towards prescribed service requirements after verification by the concerned authorities.
Do ex-officers need to pass Territorial Army promotion examinations?
TA officers are subject to prescribed promotion examinations. However, ex-officers who have already passed equivalent promotion examinations during their previous Armed Forces service may be exempted upon production of supporting documents.
Is Territorial Army a permanent full-time job?
No. Territorial Army service is principally a part-time military commitment, although officers can be embodied for longer periods according to military requirements.
Important Advice for Applicants
The Territorial Army Ex-Officers Entry differs considerably from conventional defence recruitment examinations.
Applicants are already experienced military officers, and consequently particular importance is placed on:
- complete previous service records,
- medical documents,
- current employment status,
- NOC from employer,
- income/employment proof,
- previous military courses and qualifications, and
- overall suitability for further commissioned service.
Candidates should therefore carefully check every document before dispatching the application.
With the deadline approaching on 26 August 2026, eligible officers should send their applications well in advance instead of relying on last-minute postal delivery.
Conclusion
The Territorial Army Notification 2026 for Ex-Commissioned Officers offers former Armed Forces officers a valuable opportunity to once again wear the uniform and contribute their military experience to national service without necessarily giving up their civilian careers.
Eligible ex-commissioned officers who are graduates, aged between 18 and 42 years, medically fit and gainfully employed or self-employed can apply through the prescribed offline process.
Applications must reach the Directorate General Territorial Army, New Delhi, by 26 August 2026, while the Army Headquarters Selection Board is scheduled to be conducted in September 2026.
Candidates are strongly advised to read the complete official notification and general instructions before applying, particularly the provisions relating to previous service, employment certificates, medical documents, affidavits and mandatory certificates.
For the latest application forms, instructions and subsequent updates, candidates should rely on the official Territorial Army/Indian Army recruitment portal.
