The Indian Army has announced a recruitment drive for the entry of eligible candidates into the Short Service Commission (NCC Special Entry) for the 124th Course starting October 2026. This comprehensive job opportunity is open to talented individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria and wish to serve in the esteemed Indian Army while earning a competitive salary and undergoing rigorous training. This job description provides detailed information about the recruitment process, including vacancy details, eligibility requirements, application procedures, selection process, salary structure, important dates, and essential documents required for the application. Candidates are encouraged to carefully read and understand this guide to ensure a smooth application process and successful selection.
Indian Army NCC Special Entry Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Indian Army |
| Post Name | Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) – NCC Special Entry |
| Number of Posts | 70 (Including 63 for NCC Men and 7 Wards of Battle Casualties) |
| Course | 124th Course (October 2026) |
| Salary | Rs.56,100 – Rs.2,18,200/- Per Month (Approximate CTC: 17-18 lakh per annum) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation Degree with NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Minimum ‘B’ Grade) |
| Start Date for Application | 12 February 2026, 15:00 Hours |
| Last Date for Application | 16 March 2026, 15:00 Hours |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Short Service Commission (10-14 years) |
| Training Location | Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai |
| Training Duration | 49 weeks commencing October 2026 |
| Official Website | www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Vacancy Details
Breakdown of Posts
| Category | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| NCC Men (General Category) | 63 |
| Wards of Battle Casualties (Army Personnel) | 07 |
| Total | 70 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualifications
Candidates applying under NCC ‘C’ Certificate category must possess a Graduate Degree from a recognized university. Final year students are also eligible to apply provided they will complete and certify their graduation before the commencement of the course in October 2026. For final year students, the aggregate percentage of marks obtained in the first two/three years will be considered for shortlisting purposes.
NCC Service Requirements
Applicants must have served for a minimum of two or three years (as applicable) in the Senior Division/Wing of NCC and must have obtained at least a ‘B’ Grade in the ‘C’ Certificate exam of NCC. Candidates without the ‘C’ Certificate or those holding a Provisional NCC ‘C’ Certificate on the date of application are not eligible. Candidates holding a Provisional NCC ‘C’ Certificate must obtain the Final Certificate before appearing for the SSB interview; provisional certificates are not accepted at SSB.
Wards of Battle Casualties of Army Personnel
This category is open to unmarried sons and daughters, including legally adopted children, of Army personnel who have been killed in action, died of wounds or injuries (excluding self-inflicted), wounded or injured (excluding self-inflicted), or presumed dead. They must have a minimum educational qualification of a graduate degree, but NCC ‘C’ Certificate is not required for these applicants. Essential documents include the ‘Battle Casualty’ certificate from the Manpower Directorate, along with regimental records and relationship certificates.
Nationality
Candidates must be citizens of India, subjects of Nepal, or individuals of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or East African countries with the intention to settle permanently in India.
Age Limit
The age of candidates must be between 19 to 25 years as on 01 July 2026. The date of birth should be between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007 (both inclusive). Age relaxations will be granted as per government norms. The date of birth recorded in the matriculation or equivalent certificate is the only accepted document, and no subsequent changes will be entertained.
Salary and Allowances
During Training
Candidates undergo 49 weeks of training at OTA Chennai, during which they receive a stipend of Rs.56,100 per month.
Post-Commissioning Salary Structure
Upon commissioning, the salary structure is as follows, with approximate annual CTC of 17-18 lakh excluding allowances:
| Rank | Pay Level | Pay Scale (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant (On Commission) | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain (After 2 years) | Level 10B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major (After 6 years) | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (After 13 years) | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
Additional Allowances and Benefits
Post-commission, officers are eligible for various allowances and benefits, including:
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs.15,500/month
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As applicable
- Para Reserve Allowance: Rs.2,625/month
- Technical Allowances: Rs.3,000 to Rs.4,500/month (depending on tier)
- Field Area Allowances: Depending on rank and location
- Transport Allowance: Rs.7,200 + DA (higher cities) / Rs.3,600 + DA (others)
- Children Education Allowance: Rs.2,250/month per child for two eldest children
- Hostel Subsidy: Rs.6,750/month per child
- Dress Allowance: Rs.20,000 annually
- Additional perks include free medical cover, annual travel to hometown, and ration in peace and field areas.
Important Dates and Timeline
Event Date/Period Start of Online Application 12 February 2026, 15:00 Hours Last Date for Online Application 16 March 2026, 15:00 Hours Shortlisting for SSB Tentatively first week of May 2026 SSB Interview May/June 2026 (Maximum 5 days) Choice of SSB Centre & Dates Open for 15 days in April 2026 Training Start Date October 2026 (for 49 weeks) Selection Process
Stages of Selection
- Application Submission: Online and verified through eligibility criteria
- Shortlisting: Based on NCC ‘C’ Certificate grade and graduation percentage, with bonus marks
- SERIES of SSB interviews (Stage I and II): Conducted across five centers
- Medical Examination: Detailed medical check-ups at designated Military Medical Boards
- Merit List Preparation: Based on overall performance in SSB and medical clearance
- Issuance of Joining Letter: To successful candidates post-merit list release
Shortlisting Criteria and Bonus Marks
Parameter Maximum Bonus Marks NCC ‘C’ Certificate Grade - A Grade: 50 Marks
- B Grade: 25 Marks
Graduation Percentage - Up to 60%: 0 marks
- 60-64.99%: 5 marks
- 65-69.99%: 10 marks
- 70-74.99%: 20 marks
- 75-79.99%: 30 marks
- 80-84.99%: 40 marks
- 85-100%: 50 marks
Physical Standards & Fitness Requirements
Minimum Physical Standards
Activity Minimum Standard 2.4 Km Run 10 minutes 30 seconds Push-Ups 30 Pull-Ups 40 Sit-Ups 6 Squats Two sets of 30 repetitions Lunges Two sets of 10 repetitions Swimming Swim 25 meters with any stroke Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide
How to Apply
- Visit the official Indian Army recruitment portal: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Click on the ‘Officer Entry Application/Login’ section. If not registered, complete the registration process.
- Log in with your credentials and select ‘Apply Online’ from the dashboard.
- Choose the ‘Short Service Commission NCC Special Entry Course’ option.
- Carefully fill out the application form, including personal details, educational qualifications, NCC details, and contact information.
- Upload the scanned copies of required documents and recent passport-sized photograph.
- Review all details before final submission; once submitted, no modifications are allowed.
- Print two copies of the application form after submission for future reference.
Documents Required for the SSB Interview
- Printout of the online application form with self-attested photograph
- Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate and Marks Sheet
- 12th Class Certificate & Marks Sheet
- Graduation Degree / Provisional Degree (issued within last 6 months)
- Marksheets of all academic years/semesters
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate (not required for Wards of Battle Casualties)
- Certificates for CGPA conversion (if applicable)
- Final Year Certificate (for final year students)
- Battle Casualty documents (for Wards of Battle Casualties)
Important Links & Resources
- Download Notification PDF
- Apply Online
- Official Website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
Conclusion
Candidates interested in a prestigious career in the Indian Army through NCC Special Entry must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, prepare diligently for the physical and medical examinations, and submit their applications within the specified timeframe. The recruitment process is competitive but rewarding, offering excellent salary, allowances, and career growth opportunities as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. Download the official notification and read all instructions carefully to maximize your chances of success.