Likhith · November 1, 2025 
Introduction
Have you just finished your 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and dream of wearing the olive green uniform? If you have a passion for technology and a desire to serve the nation, the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) offers a direct path to becoming an officer in the Indian Army.
This route bypasses the NDA exam and allows you to earn a B.Tech degree while training to be a leader. This guide provides the accurate, up-to-date information on TES eligibility, the actual selection process, training, and the prestigious career that follows.
What Is the Technical Entry Scheme (TES)?
The Technical Entry Scheme is a special entry for 10+2 students to join the Permanent Commission of the Indian Army. It is designed to recruit technically inclined candidates who will be trained as engineers and military leaders. Upon completion of their training, these officers serve in the technical branches of the Army, such as the Corps of Engineers, Corps of Signals, and the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).
TES Eligibility Criteria (Corrected & Updated)
Meeting every criterion is mandatory. There are no exceptions.
- Age: 16½ to 19½ years on the first day of the month in which the course is due to commence.
- Educational Qualification: Passed 10+2 Examination or its equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- JEE Mains: You must have appeared for the JEE (Mains) exam. There is no minimum score required to apply, but your rank will be used for shortlisting.
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Marital Status: Unmarried male candidates only.
Note: Candidates with engineering diplomas or degrees are not eligible for TES. They can apply through the Technical Graduate Course (TGC) or other graduate-level entries.
How to Join: The Real Selection Process
The selection process for TES does not have a written exam. The process is as follows:
- Step 1: Application Candidates apply online on the official website, www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, after the notification is released. You will need to provide your JEE (Mains) application number and other details.
- Step 2: Shortlisting – Based on JEE (Mains) Rank The Indian Army does not conduct a separate exam. Instead, it shortlists candidates for the SSB interview based on a cutoff applied to their All India Rank in the JEE (Mains) exam.
- Step 3: SSB Interview – Shortlisted candidates are called for a 5-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview at one of the selection centers (Allahabad, Bhopal, Bengaluru, or Kapurthala). This is a comprehensive test of your personality, intelligence, and officer-like qualities.
- Step 4: Medical Examination – Candidates who are recommended by the SSB board undergo a detailed medical examination at a military hospital.
- Step 5: Final Merit List – A final merit list is prepared based only on the marks obtained in the SSB interview for all medically fit candidates. Candidates who make it to the final list are issued joining letters.
Training Timeline & Curriculum (5 Years)
The training is rigorous and comprehensive, molding you into an engineer and a soldier.
- Basic Military Training (1 Year): Conducted at the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Gaya. This phase focuses on physical fitness, drills, weapon handling, and military fundamentals.
- Technical Training (3 Years): Cadets are sent to one of the three premier engineering institutes of the Army:
- College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune
- Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow
- Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), Secunderabad
- Commissioning as Lieutenant: After successfully completing 4 years of training, cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army. They are also awarded a B.Tech degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
- Post-Commission Training (1 Year): As newly commissioned officers, they complete the final year of their degree and undergo specialized training for their respective technical corps before joining their first unit.
Benefits of Joining Through TES
- Stipend and Salary:
The Army provides cadets with a fixed stipend during training. After commissioning, you start as a Lieutenant in Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix (beginning at ₹56,100), along with Military Service Pay (MSP) and various allowances. - Permanent Commission:
TES offers a Permanent Commission that allows you to serve in the Army until retirement. You also enjoy a secure pension and attractive post-retirement benefits. - Earn While You Learn:
You pursue a world-class engineering degree from a prestigious university without paying any tuition fees. - Leadership and Prestige:
You lead troops and handle advanced military technology from an early stage in your career—a position that brings both responsibility and pride.
TES vs. CDS Entry: Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Technical Entry Scheme (TES) | Combined Defence Services (CDS) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | 10+2 with 60% in PCM + JEE (Mains) | Graduate in any discipline |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting via JEE (Mains) rank + SSB | Written Exam (3 papers) + SSB |
| Training Duration | 5 Years | 1.5 years at IMA (for PC) or 49 weeks at OTA (for SSC) |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission | Permanent (IMA) or Short Service (OTA) |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can diploma holders apply for TES?
No. The Indian Army accepts only 10+2 PCM candidates for TES. Diploma holders can join the armed forces through other entry schemes. - Is there a written exam for TES?
No, the Indian Army doesn’t conduct a separate written exam for TES. The authorities shortlist candidates purely based on their JEE (Mains) ranks. - How long is the total training for TES?
TES offers a total training period of five years. - What rank do TES cadets get after commissioning?
After completing four years of training, the Army commissions cadets as Lieutenants. - Is TES a Permanent Commission entry?
Yes, TES grants a Permanent Commission and offers a long-term career in the Indian Army.
Conclusion
The Technical Entry Scheme gives young, technically minded students an unmatched opportunity to begin a prestigious career as officers in the Indian Army. It combines advanced engineering education with world-class military leadership training. The selection process remains tough and competitive, depending on your JEE (Mains) performance and SSB success.
