The Indian Army has released the official notification for the 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES-55) course, commencing from July 2026.
This is a golden opportunity for young, unmarried male candidates who have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and have appeared in JEE (Mains) 2025.
Selected candidates will undergo four years of military and engineering training, after which they will be commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.
This article provides complete information about the TES-55 Entry, including eligibility, selection process, pay scale, training, and how to apply.
Overview of TES-55 Entry
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES-55) |
| Conducted by | Indian Army (Integrated HQ of MoD – Army) |
| Course Commencement | July 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Total Vacancies | 90 (tentative, may vary) |
| Type of Commission | Permanent Commission |
| Rank on Commissioning | Lieutenant |
| Training Academies | CME Pune, MCTE Mhow, MCEME Secunderabad, and IMA Dehradun |
About TES Entry
The 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) allows eligible students to join the Indian Army as officers after completing their training.
Candidates selected through TES undergo a four-year integrated training program combining military education and engineering studies.
After successful completion, they receive a Permanent Commission and are posted as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.
Eligibility Criteria for TES-55 (July 2026 Batch)
1. Nationality
The candidate must be:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam, intending to permanently settle in India.
Note: Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not require an eligibility certificate.
2. Age Limit
The candidate must be between 16½ and 19½ years of age as on 01 July 2026.
Candidates must be born between 02 January 2007 and 01 January 2010 (both dates inclusive).
3. Marital Status
Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.
Candidates must not marry until completing their full training.
If a candidate marries during training, he will be discharged and will have to refund the cost of training.
4. Educational Qualification
Passed 10+2 / Intermediate / Equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
Must have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in PCM subjects.
Must have appeared in JEE (Mains) 2025 (mandatory).
Note: The PCM percentage will be calculated based on marks obtained in Class 12 only.
5. Medical and Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the prescribed medical standards for officer entry into the Indian Army.
Medical details and procedures are available at www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
The decision of the Medical Board is final and confidential.
Selection Procedure
The selection process for the TES-55 course consists of the following stages:
Stage 1: Online Application
Candidates must apply online through the official website.
Stage 2: Shortlisting
Applications will be shortlisted based on:
JEE (Mains) 2025 rank, and
PCM percentage in Class 12.
Shortlisted candidates will be called for the SSB Interview.
Stage 3: SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)
The SSB Interview is conducted at Allahabad (Prayagraj), Bhopal, Bangalore, or Jalandhar.
It is a 5-day selection process that includes psychological tests, group testing, and personal interviews.
Candidates who clear Stage I proceed to Stage II; those who fail are sent back on the same day.
The SSB Interviews are likely to be held between February and March 2026.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the SSB will undergo a detailed medical examination at a Military Hospital.
Stage 5: Merit List and Joining
The final merit list is prepared based on the SSB performance only.
Medically fit candidates placed in the merit list will receive joining letters for training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
Training Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 4 years (3 years + 1 year) |
| Phase I | 3 years at CME Pune / MCTE Mhow / MCEME Secunderabad |
| Phase II | 1 year at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun |
| Degree Awarded | Engineering Degree (recognized by Jawaharlal Nehru University) |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission |
| Rank on Completion | Lieutenant |
| Cost of Training | ₹13,940 per week (as per 2021 rates, borne by Government) |
Note: If a candidate withdraws voluntarily, the cost of training will be recovered.
Pay Scale and Allowances
During Training
₹56,100 per month (stipend after completing 3 years of training).
Pay after Commissioning (as Lieutenant)
| Rank | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Pay Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lt. Colonel | 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 |
| Lt. General | Level 15–17 | ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,25,000 (fixed) |
| Chief of Army Staff | Level 18 | ₹2,50,000 (fixed) |
Additional Allowances
| Allowance Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 per month (fixed) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per government norms |
| Dress/Kit Allowance | ₹20,000 per year |
| Children Education Allowance | ₹2,250 per month per child (up to 2 children) |
| Hostel Subsidy | ₹6,750 per month per child |
| Transport Allowance (TPTA) | ₹7,200 per month (metro) / ₹3,600 (other cities) |
| Risk & Hardship Allowance | ₹25,000 to ₹42,500 depending on location |
| Siachen Allowance | ₹42,500 per month |
| High Altitude Allowance | ₹5,300 to ₹25,000 per month |
Promotion Criteria
| Rank | Eligibility for Promotion |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | On Commission |
| Captain | After 2 years of service |
| Major | After 6 years |
| Lt. Colonel | After 13 years |
| Colonel (Time Scale) | After 26 years |
| Brigadier and above | Based on selection and service record |
Insurance and Benefits
Cadet Insurance: ₹15 lakh cover during training.
Officer Insurance: ₹1.25 crore under the Army Group Insurance (AGI) scheme.
Medical Facilities: Free comprehensive medical care for officers and their families.
Leave: Annual, casual, and study leave as per Army regulations.
Travel: Free or concessional travel during official duties and annual leave.
How to Apply for TES-55 Entry
Step-by-Step Process
Visit the official website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Click on Officer Entry Apply/Login.
Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
Fill out the TES-55 online application form carefully.
Verify all details and submit the form.
Take two printouts of the application form.
One copy for personal record.
One copy to carry for the SSB interview.
Application Dates:
Opening Date: 14 October 2025 (12:00 PM)
Closing Date: 13 November 2025 (12:00 PM)
Important Instructions
Submit only one application. Multiple submissions will result in cancellation.
Ensure all documents (10th, 12th mark sheets, JEE Mains scorecard, ID proof) are valid and original.
SSB call letters will be sent through registered email and SMS only.
No compensation for injuries during SSB testing.
Misrepresentation of information will lead to permanent disqualification.
Read the official notification carefully before applying.
Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 14 October 2025 |
| Application End | 13 November 2025 |
| Cut-off Release | Third week of November 2025 |
| SSB Interviews | February – March 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2026 |
Why Choose TES Entry
A chance to serve the nation as a Commissioned Officer.
Earn an Engineering Degree recognized by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Career progression, adventure, and a life of honor and discipline.
Attractive salary, perks, and lifetime respect.
Useful Links
Official Website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
SSB Preparation Guidelines: Available on the Indian Army website under “Officers Entry”.
FAQs: Indian Army FAQ Section
Conclusion
The Indian Army TES-55 Entry is one of the most prestigious career options for young science students in India.
It offers the perfect blend of education, leadership, and service to the nation.
If you have the passion to lead and the courage to serve, this is your chance to join the elite ranks of the Indian Army.
Apply online before the last date and begin your journey toward becoming a Commissioned Officer.
Visit: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in