Join Indian Army: Application portal opens for Short Service Commission courses at joinindianarmy.nic.in, check direct link and registration deadline here

The Indian Army has opened the application portal for the 66th Short Service Commission (SSC) Technical Entry Course, set to commence in April 2026 at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. This recruitment drive invites applications from eligible unmarried male and female engineering graduates who aspire to serve the nation as technical officers.

The registration window is active from July 16 to August 14, 2025, and applications must be submitted online through the official website – joinindianarmy.nic.in. A total of 379 vacancies are available, including 350 for male candidates and 29 for female candidates. This is a golden opportunity for engineering graduates to join the Indian Army without a written exam, based on academic merit followed by SSB interviews.

Who can apply?

Candidates must be:

• Unmarried male or female Indian citizens
• Engineering graduates (from any recognized university/institution)
• Final-year students can also apply, provided they can submit proof of passing the degree by April 1, 2026
• Age limit: 20 to 27 years as of April 1, 2026 (i.e., born between April 2, 1999 and April 1, 2006, both inclusive)

How to apply

Here is how interested candidates can register online:

1. Visit the official website: joinindianarmy.nic.in
2. Click on “Officer Entry Apply/Login”
3. Register yourself and fill in the required personal, academic, and communication details
4. Upload relevant documents and photograph
5. Review and submit the application form

Note: No application fee is required for this entry.

Selection process and training

The selection process for the 66th SSC Tech Entry is designed to assess candidates comprehensively without the need for a written examination. Initially, applicants will be shortlisted based on their academic performance, particularly their engineering marks. Shortlisted candidates will then be called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview, a five-day assessment process conducted at designated centres across India.

Those who clear the SSB interview will undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the physical and medical standards required for military service. Candidates who qualify all stages will be selected for training. The selected candidates will undergo 49 weeks of pre-commission training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. After successful completion of the training, they will be granted a Short Service Commission in the Indian Army and commissioned with the rank of Lieutenant.

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