By Mukesh 
The Territorial Army Directorate under the Indian Army has officially announced the Territorial Army Commission Examination 2026, offering a prestigious opportunity for eligible candidates to serve the nation as commissioned officers (Lieutenant rank).
The online application process will begin from April 20, 2026, and interested candidates can apply through the official website www.indianarmy.nic.in. This recruitment is open to gainfully employed graduates who wish to join the Armed Forces in a part-time capacity while continuing their civilian careers, making it an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals seeking both professional growth and national service.
Territorial Army 2026 – Overview
Important Dates
- Application Window Opens: 20 April 2026 (10:00 hrs)
- Last Date to Apply Online: 19 May 2026 (23:55 hrs)
- Date of CBT (Written Exam): 12 July 2026
- Admit Card Availability: 10-15 days before CBT
- Objection Management Link Live: 72 hrs after exam (for 3 days)
- SSB Interview: Post CBT (dates notified later)
Territorial Army 2026 – Vacancy Details
Male and female candidates will be placed in separate orders of merit based on total marks secured in the CBT and SSB tests. Vacancies are subject to change as per organisational requirement. Final selection will be made in order of merit up to the number of vacancies available.
Who Can Apply for Territorial Army Recruitment 2026?
Nationality
- Only citizens of India (male and female) are eligible to apply.
Age Limit
- Candidates must have attained a minimum age of 18 years and must not be more than 42 years as on 19 May 2026 (last date of filing application).
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must be a Graduate from any recognised university.
Physical Standards
- Candidates must be physically and medically fit in all respects. Refer to the “Instructions to Candidates applying for Commission in The Territorial Army (Civilian Candidates)” uploaded on the Indian Army website for detailed guidelines.
Employment Condition
- Candidates must be gainfully employed at the time of application. Serving members of the Regular Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, GREF, Para-Military and like forces are not eligible.
Application Fee
- Application Fee: Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five Hundred Only)
- Payment must be made only through the online modes prescribed on the official website. Payment by any other mode is not valid. Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances, nor can it be held in reserve for any other examination.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The examination is a Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted in a single session of 2 hours. The question paper consists of 100 MCQ carrying 100 marks, divided into three parts.
ⓘ Negative Marking: For each wrong answer, 1/3 (0.33%) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty. Questions marked for review will be treated as unanswered.
Detailed Syllabus
- Part 1 – Reasoning: Tests the ability to complete sequences and make logical conclusions based on simple patterns of numbers, statements, figures, and letters — as expected of a rational thinking person without any special study.
- Part 2 – General Knowledge: Covers General Knowledge and Current Affairs (equal weightage). Includes questions on current affairs, everyday scientific observation, History of India, and Geography — answerable without special study.
- Part 3 – English: Tests understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
The standard of papers will approximately be that expected of a graduate of an Indian university. The Territorial Army Directorate has the discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all subjects.
Selection Process
- Stage 1 – CBT: Candidates whose application forms are found correct and who qualify the CBT will be detailed for Intelligence and Personality Test at the Service Selection Board (SSB).
- Stage 2 – SSB (Two-Stage): A two-stage selection procedure based on Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence Test is followed at SSBs. All candidates will be put to Stage 1 (Screening) on the first day of reporting. Only those qualifying Stage 1 will be admitted to the Stage 2/remaining tests. Those who fail Stage 1 will be returned.
- Final Merit: Male and female candidates will be placed in separate orders of merit based on total marks in CBT and SSB tests combined.
Pay Scales (7th CPC)
Documents Required at SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the CBT must bring the following documents in original with self-attested copies at the time of SSB Interview:
- Application Form IAF (TA)-9 (Revised) Part-2 — downloaded from www.indianarmy.nic.in and filled in own handwriting
- All educational qualification certificates (Matric onwards).
- Copy of identity proof with photograph (Voter ID / PAN Card / Passport / Driving Licence / Aadhaar etc.).
- Proof of residential address.
- Certificate for proof of age (Matric/Senior Secondary mark sheet and certificate for DOB verification).
- Candidates with name variation in documents: copy of Gazette Notification of India/State showing correct name, OR an affidavit supported by newspaper cuttings.
- Latest income proof from appropriate authority (Income Tax Revenue Department / Magistrate / Employer).
- Copy of latest Income Tax Return (ITR) filed.
- Admit Card.
- Self-employed candidates: Affidavit on Non-Judicial stamp paper (minimum value, duly attested by Notary) stating nature of employment and annual income, along with photocopy of PAN Card and self-certified character certificate.
- Govt./Semi-Govt./Private Sector employed candidates: Service certificate authenticated by Head of Office, along with salary certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the department as per the format prescribed in the notification.
How to Apply for Territorial Army Commission 2026
Applications must be submitted online only at www.indianarmy.nic.in. No other mode of application is allowed.
Apply Online – indianarmy.nic.in
1. Visit the official website: Go to www.indianarmy.nic.in and read all instructions for filling the online Application Form IAF (TA)-9 (Revised) Part-1 before proceeding.
2. Fill Application Form: Complete the online application form from 20 April 2026 (10:00 hrs) to 19 May 2026 (23:55 hrs). Provide a valid and active email ID and mobile number — all communications will be sent electronically. Select your examination centre carefully, as no change of centre will be granted.
3. Pay Application Fee: Pay Rs. 500/- through the prescribed online payment modes available on the website. Applications submitted without the prescribed fee will be summarily rejected.
4. Submit and Save: Submit the application well before the last date. Save a printout/copy of the filled and submitted application form for future reference.
5. Download Admit Card: The admit card will be made available online 10 to 15 days before the CBT (12 July 2026). An email and SMS alert will also be sent. The admit card will include photograph, scanned signature, date of birth, exam date/time, and examination centre details.