The Indian Army’s 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES-55) represents a premier opportunity for young, technically inclined individuals to join the armed forces as commissioned officers while earning an engineering degree. This entry targets unmarried male candidates who have completed their higher secondary education in science streams and demonstrated aptitude through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains. The scheme aligns with the Army’s emphasis on integrating advanced technical expertise into its ranks, particularly in engineering and signals corps, to support modern warfare requirements.
As per official sources, TES 55 is designed for the course commencing in July 2026, with applications currently open as of October 2025. This comprehensive overview draws from the official notification, incorporating eligibility criteria, selection processes, training regimens, financial benefits, and procedural notes to provide aspiring candidates with a thorough understanding.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Entry | Technical Entry Scheme (TES-55) July 2026 |
| Age | 16½ to 19½ years as on 01 July 2026 (Not born before 02 Jan 2007 and not after 01 Jan 2010, both days inclusive) |
| Open for | Unmarried Male |
| Education Qualification | 10+2 Physics, Chemistry & Maths with 60%+ aggregate, JEE Mains appearance required |
| Selection Process | Application > Shortlisting > SSB > Medical > Merit List > Joining Letter |
| Cut-off Marks Date | Tentatively Thord week of Nov 2025 |
| SSB Dates | Five days SSB between Feb to March 2026 (SSB dates open for two weeks in Jan 2026) |
| Pre-Commission Training Academy | Cadet’s Training Wing (CTW) and Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun |
| Duration of Training | 4 years (03+01) |
| Award of Degree | Engineering Degree |
| Stipend during Training | ₹56,100 per month (as admissible to NDA cadets after 3 years of training) |
| Rank after Training | Lieutenant |
| Salary on Commissioning | CTC approx. ₹17-18 Lakhs per annum (Level 10 in Pay matrix, excluding free medical cover & travel benefits) |
| Type of Commission | Permanent Commission |
| Primary Arms/Service for Commission | Majority in- Corps of Engineers, Corps of Signals and Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers |
Introduction to TES 55
The TES-55 notification invites applications from eligible candidates for grant of Permanent Commission in the Indian Army under the Technical Entry Scheme. This entry is specifically for those who have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as core subjects and have appeared in the JEE (Mains) 2025 examination. The scheme is provisional with 90 vacancies, which may vary based on training capacity at Cadet Training Wings (CTWs). It emphasizes technical proficiency, with successful candidates undergoing a structured 4-year training program that combines military discipline with engineering education. The official advertisement, available on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, supersedes any other information and serves as the definitive guide.
Candidates must note that the process is highly competitive, with shortlisting based on JEE Mains Common Rank List (CRL) and other parameters set by the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army). The scheme is open only to unmarried males, and marriage during training leads to discharge with recovery of training costs (currently ₹13,940 per week, subject to updates).
TES 55 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for TES-55 is multifaceted, covering nationality, age, education, medical fitness, and other conditions to ensure candidates are suitable for military service.
Nationality: Applicants must be unmarried males who are:
- Citizens of India.
- Subjects of Nepal.
- Persons of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with intent to settle permanently in India.
For non-Indian citizens in the latter categories, a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India is required, though Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempt. Provisional admission may be granted pending this certificate.
Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16½ and 19½ years as on July 1, 2026. This translates to birth dates not before January 2, 2007, and not after January 1, 2010 (both inclusive). Only the date of birth from the 10th class certificate is accepted; no changes are permitted post-submission.
Educational Qualification:
- Passed 10+2 or equivalent with at least 60% aggregate in PCM from recognized boards (calculation based on Class 12 marks only; no rounding off).
- Must have appeared in JEE (Mains) 2025 (mandatory; enter application number in form).
Medical and Physical Standards: Refer to www.joinindianarmy.nic.in for detailed standards. Medical proceedings are confidential, handled by competent authorities. Candidates debarred by UPSC, arrested, convicted, or involved in court cases are ineligible. Physical standards on arrival at training include:
| Ser No | Activity | Minimum Physical Standards on Arrival for Training (Officer Cadet Male) |
|---|---|---|
| 11.6.1 | 2.4 Km Run | 10 Minutes 30 Seconds |
| 11.6.2 | Push Up | 40 |
| 11.6.3 | Pull Up | 06 |
| 11.6.4 | Sit Up | 30 |
| 11.6.5 | Squats | Two Sets of 30 Repetitions |
| 11.6.6 | Lunges | Two Sets of 10 Repetitions |
| 11.6.7 | Swimming | Should know fundamentals of swimming |
Other Notes: Candidates withdrawn from prior academies (NDA, IMA, etc.) on disciplinary grounds are ineligible. Tattoos must comply with Army policy (visit website for details).
TES 55 Application Process
Applications are accepted exclusively online via www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Key steps:
- Click ‘Online Application’ and register.
- Fill particulars, including exact PCM percentage (up to two decimals) and JEE Mains 2025 number.
- Submit and note Roll Number (appears 30 minutes post-closing).
- Print two copies: One for SSB (self-attested) with originals (10th/12th certificates, JEE result, ID proof); second for personal reference.
- Carry 20 self-attested PP-size photos to SSB.
- Submit only one application; multiples lead to cancellation.
- Changes allowed until closing; no post-closure edits.
- If employed, inform employer in writing.
Important: Read notification carefully to avoid mistakes. Postal address changes must be reported via post with Roll No. Queries via ‘Feedback/Queries’ on website; last-hour rushes may not be addressed.
TES 55 Selection Procedure
The process is rigorous, ensuring only the most capable are selected:
- Shortlisting: Based on JEE Mains CRL and cut-off (published ~third week November 2025). No reasons provided for cut-offs; incomplete applications rejected.
- SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates attend 5-day SSB at centers like Prayagraj (UP), Bhopal (MP), Bengaluru (Karnataka), or Jalandhar (Punjab). Two-stage: Stage I (screening), Stage II (detailed assessment by Psychologist, GTO, Interviewing Officer). Call-up via email/SMS; no date/center changes.
- Medicals: At nearest Military Hospital post-SSB recommendation. No objection to male/female doctors.
- Merit List: Based solely on SSB marks (not education/NCC). Displayed on website before training. Joining letters issued subject to vacancies and fitness.
- Choice of CTWs: Post-recommendation, fill three mandatory choices (CME Pune, MCTE Mhow, MCEME Secunderabad). Allocation by Army; no changes.
For common candidates (TES & NDA): Medicals aligned to first recommendation; UNFIT in one applies to both. Non-disclosure of prior exams cancels candidature.
No compensation for injuries during tests. Merit qualifying does not guarantee selection; higher qualifications irrelevant.
TES 55 Training Details
Total duration: 4 years at Pre-Commission Training Academies (PCTAs).
- Phase-I: 3 years integrated basic military and engineering training at CTWs (CME Pune, MCTE Mhow, or MCEME Secunderabad).
- Phase-II: 1 year at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
- Engineering Streams:
- CTW CME, Pune: Civil & Mech Engg. (Parent Arm: Corps of Engineers).
- CTW MCTE, Mhow: Telecom & IT Engg. (Dual Degree) (Parent Arm: Corps of Signals).
- CTW MCEME Secunderabad: Elect & Mech Engg. (Parent Arm: Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers).
- Degree Award: Engineering degree from JNU after completion. Max two academic relegations; further leads to withdrawal. No ante-date seniority.
Cost: ₹13,940 per week (as of 2021; recovered on voluntary withdrawal). Stipend: ₹56,100 p.m. in final year at IMA.
TES 55 Promotion, Pay, and Allowances
On commissioning as Lieutenant, officers enter Level 10 pay matrix.
Promotion Criteria:
| Rank | Promotion Criteria |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | On commission |
| Captain | On completion of 02 years reckonable commission service |
| Major | On completion of 06 years reckonable commission service |
| Lt Colonel | On completion of 13 years reckonable commission service |
| Colonel (TS) | On completion of 26 years reckonable commission service |
| Colonel | On selection basis subject to fulfillment of requisite service conditions |
| Brigadier | On selection basis subject to fulfillment of requisite service conditions |
| Major General | On selection basis subject to fulfillment of requisite service conditions |
| Lt General | On selection basis subject to fulfillment of requisite service conditions |
| General | On selection basis subject to fulfillment of requisite service conditions |
Pay Scales:
| Rank | Level | Pay in ₹ |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant (Lt) | Level 10 | 56,100-1,77,500 |
| Captain (Capt) | Level 10B | 61,300-1,93,900 |
| Major (Maj) | Level 11 | 69,400-2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) | Level 12A | 1,21,200-2,12,400 |
| Colonel (Col) | Level 13 | 1,30,600-2,15,900 |
| Brigadier (Brig) | Level 13A | 1,39,600-2,17,600 |
| Major General (Maj Gen) | Level 14 | 1,44,200-2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General HAG Scale (Lt Gen) | Level 15 | 1,82,200-2,24,100 |
| Lieutenant General HAG + Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400-2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army Cdr/Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (fixed) |
Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 p.m. fixed from Lt to Brig.
Other Allowances (enhanced by 25% when DA rises 50%):
- Qualification Grant: Governed by Higher Qualification Incentive (HQI; orders pending).
- Dearness Allowance: Same as civilians.
- Kit Maintenance: Subsumed in Dress Allowance (₹20,000 per year).
- Risk and Hardship Matrix: Varies by posting (e.g., Siachen: ₹42,500; High Altitude Cat-III: ₹25,000).
Risk and Hardship Allowances Table (Officers):
| RH Max | High | Medium | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offr – Rs 42500 (Siachen Allowance) | HIGH: R1H1 Offr – Rs. 25000 (Flying, MARCOS, Special Forces, Submarine) | R1H2 Offrs – Rs. 16900 (HAFA, CI Fd) | R1H3 Offrs – Rs. 5300 (HPCA, PCA) |
| MED: R2H1 Offrs – Rs. 16900 (COBRA, High Altitude Cat-III) | R2H2 Offrs – Rs. 10500 (Fd Area, CI Peace, Sea Going, etc.) | R2H3 Offrs – Rs. 3400 (Nil) | |
| LOW: R3H1 Offr – Rs. 5300 (High Altitude Cat-II, Tough Location-I, etc.) | R3H2 Offrs – Rs. 3400 (High Altitude Cat-I, Tough Location-II, etc.) | R3H3 Offrs – Rs. 1200 (Tough Location-III, Cooking, Hardlying Money, etc.) |
- Dress Allowance: ₹20,000 per year.
- Ration: In kind (peace/field areas).
- Transport Allowance (TPTA): ₹7,200 + DA in higher cities; ₹3,600 + DA elsewhere (doubled for disabled).
- Children Education Allowance: ₹2,250 p.m. per child (two eldest, classes before 1 to 12th).
- Hostel Subsidy: ₹6,750 p.m. per child (two eldest).
- Leave: As per rules.
Life Insurance and Other Benefits
- Army Group Insurance Fund: ₹15 lakh cover on ₹7,200 one-time premium (3 years); additional for relegations. Disability benefits: ₹15 lakh (100%) to ₹3 lakh (20%); ex-gratia below 20%.
- Main Scheme: ₹1.25 crore for stipend-receiving cadets (₹12,500 monthly subscription). Disability: ₹25 lakh (100%) to ₹5 lakh (20%); ex-gratia ₹50,000 below.
Retirement benefits, medical cover, and travel concessions apply post-commissioning.
Important Notes and Warnings
- Bonds: Execute as per NDA cadets (AI 53/78).
- No claims for ineligibility detection or disciplinary withdrawal.
- Travel Allowance: AC III tier for first SSB appearance.
- Queries: Via website; English version prevails in disputes.
- Updates: Pay/allowances subject to revision (e.g., DA-linked enhancements).
This scheme not only builds technical officers but fosters leadership for national defence.
