The Indian Army has released the official notification for the Technical Graduate Course (TGC) 145, inviting unmarried male engineering graduates to apply for a permanent commission as officers. For engineers who want a uniformed career instead of a corporate one, this is among the most direct routes into the Army – there is no separate written examination, and selection is based on your engineering record followed by the SSB interview.
Applications for TGC-145 will be accepted online only at joinindianarmy.nic.in from 30 September 2026 to 29 October 2026, and the course is scheduled to commence in July 2027. This guide covers everything you need before filling the form – eligibility, age limit, important dates, the selection stages, documents, and a step-by-step application process.
What is TGC 145 in the Indian Army?
TGC-145 is the 145th course under the Technical Graduate Course entry scheme. In simple terms, it is an officer entry through which engineering graduates receive permanent commission in the Indian Army without appearing for a written exam like CDS. Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their engineering marks, assessed through the SSB interview and medical examination, and on completion of training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, they are commissioned into technical arms and services.
Because vacancies are limited and shortlisting is cut-off based, competition is stiff even without a written paper. A strong semester-wise score is your first filter.
TGC 145 Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Recruiting Organisation | Indian Army |
| Entry Type | Officer entry (Permanent Commission) |
| Course Name | Technical Graduate Course (TGC-145) |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Who Can Apply | Unmarried male engineering graduates |
Important Dates for TGC 145 Recruitment 2026
- Opening of online applications: 30 September 2026
- Last date to apply online: 29 October 2026
- Commencement of TGC-145 course: July 2027
Keep checking the official website for later updates such as the shortlist declaration and SSB dates. These are announced on the portal, and candidates are not always informed individually.
Eligibility Criteria for TGC 145
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have passed the requisite B.E. or B.Tech degree in the relevant engineering streams, or be in the final year of their engineering course, as specified in the official notification. Two points matter here:
- The notification lists the accepted engineering disciplines stream-wise along with vacancies. Common branches are usually covered, but confirm that your specific discipline appears in the TGC-145 list before you begin the form.
- Final-year students can apply, but they must be able to produce proof of passing the degree examination within the timeline the Army specifies. Missing that deadline can cost you the candidature.
Age Limit
The age of the candidate should be between 20 and 27 years. The exact cut-off date for calculating age is mentioned in the official notification, so read that line carefully – candidates often miscalculate and realise their mistake only after submitting.
Other Conditions
This entry is open to unmarried male candidates. Nationality and other conditions are laid down in the notification, which remains the final authority on every eligibility detail.
Selection Process for TGC 145
The process below reflects the standard TGC selection pattern; the official notification is the final word. It broadly works in four stages:
- Shortlisting of applications: The Army shortlists candidates stream-wise on the basis of engineering marks. Cut-offs differ by discipline and from course to course, so no fixed score can be quoted.
- SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called to a Selection Centre for the five-day Services Selection Board interview – Stage 1 is screening, and Stage 2 covers Psychology tests, GTO tasks, the personal interview and a conference.
- Medical Examination: Recommended candidates undergo a detailed medical board as per Army standards.
- Merit List: A final stream-wise merit is prepared based on SSB performance, subject to medical fitness and the vacancy position.
Only shortlisted candidates receive SSB call details through the portal and their registered email. Keep your login credentials, email ID and mobile number active and correct throughout the process.
How to Apply Online for Indian Army TGC 145
- Visit the official Join Indian Army website – joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Navigate to the Officer Entry / online application section on the homepage.
- Click on the registration link for the Technical Graduate Course (TGC-145).
- Complete the one-time registration using valid credentials such as your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational and communication details.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents – photograph, signature and certificates – in the prescribed size and format.
- Review every entered detail carefully and submit the form on or before 29 October 2026.
- Download and take a printout of the final submitted application for future reference.
A small but useful habit: submit a few days before the deadline. The portal usually sees heavy traffic on the last date, and server delays have cost many candidates their application.
Documents to Keep Ready Before Applying
While the official notification carries the final checklist, candidates generally need:
- Recent passport-size photograph as per the prescribed specifications
- Scanned signature
- Class 10 certificate as date-of-birth proof
- Semester-wise engineering marksheets
- Degree or provisional degree certificate, or final-year proof if applicable
- Valid photo ID such as Aadhaar
Important Points and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Match your discipline first. Applications from engineering streams not listed for TGC-145 are not considered.
- Enter marks exactly as printed on your marksheets. Discrepancies surface during document verification, by which time months have already been wasted.
- Final-year candidates, check the proof-of-passing deadline and apply only if you can meet it.
- Select your SSB date early once the option opens, as slots are typically allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- One candidate, one application. Duplicate registrations only create problems during verification.
- Preserve the printed application. You will need it at later stages, including document checks at the SSB.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is TGC 145?
TGC-145 is the Technical Graduate Course entry of the Indian Army through which engineering graduates receive permanent commission as officers. The course is scheduled to begin in July 2027.
Who can apply for TGC 145 Recruitment 2026?
Unmarried male engineering graduates with a B.E./B.Tech in a relevant stream (or in the final year of the course), aged between 20 and 27 years as per the cut-off date given in the notification.
Is there a written exam for TGC 145?
No. There is no separate written examination. Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of engineering marks and then face the SSB interview followed by a medical examination.
Can final-year engineering students apply?
Yes, as per the notification, provided they can produce proof of completing their degree within the timeline specified by the Army.
What is the last date to apply for TGC 145?
The online application window closes on 29 October 2026.
Where should I submit my application?
Only on the official portal, joinindianarmy.nic.in. The Army does not accept applications through any other website, agency or offline mode.
When will the TGC-145 course start?
The course is scheduled to commence in July 2027.
