📌 What is Territorial Army Officer Recruitment 2026?
The Territorial Army (TA) has released its official advertisement for Territorial Army Commission 2026 (TAC-026), inviting applications from gainfully employed citizens of India — both male and female — to serve the nation as Territorial Army Officers. This is a unique opportunity to serve in a military environment without sacrificing your primary profession.
A total of 12 vacancies have been announced — 11 for male candidates and 1 for female candidates. Selected candidates will be commissioned in the rank of Lieutenant and will serve on a part-time basis, with mandatory two months of training every year. This is not a full-time career, but a distinguished dual role — as a civilian and as a soldier.
The online application window is open from 20 April 2026 (10:00 AM) to 19 May 2026 (11:55 PM). The Computer Based Test (CBT) is scheduled for 12 July 2026 and will be conducted pan India. Candidates must apply exclusively through the official website at www.indianarmy.nic.in. No other mode of application is accepted.
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Last Date to Apply Online
19 May 2026 – 11:55 PM
CBT Exam on 12 July 2026 | Apply at indianarmy.nic.in
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|
| Notification Released | April 2026 |
| Application Opens | 20 April 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 May 2026 (11:55 PM) |
| Admit Card Available | 10–15 days before exam |
| CBT Exam Date | 12 July 2026 |
| Objection Management Opens | 72 hours after CBT |
| Objection Window | 3 days only |
| SSB Interview | After CBT result declaration |
📌 The exam date is subject to change at the discretion of the competent authority. Candidates should regularly check www.indianarmy.nic.in for updates. Apply early — do not wait for the last date.
📊 Vacancy Details
Male Vacancies
11
Territorial Army Officer
Female Vacancies
01
Territorial Army Officer
Total Posts
12
TAC-026 Commission
Rank on Joining
Lieutenant
Territorial Army
✅ Vacancies are subject to change as per organizational requirement. Final selection will be made in order of merit up to the number of vacancies available, with separate merit lists for male and female candidates.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India (Male and Female both eligible) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 42 years as on the last date of application (19 May 2026) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate from any recognized university |
| Employment Status | Must be Gainfully Employed (job or self-employed) |
| Physical Standards | Physically and medically fit as per Army standards |
| Who is NOT Eligible | Serving members of Regular Army / Navy / Air Force / Police / GREF / Para Military or like forces |
⚠️ Serving defence / paramilitary personnel are NOT eligible. Only civilian employed citizens (including self-employed) can apply for Territorial Army Commission.
📝 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The Computer Based Test (CBT) consists of a single paper divided into 3 parts. Maximum time allowed is 2 hours. There is a negative marking of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|
| Part 1 | Reasoning | 40 | 40 | 2 Hours (Combined) |
| Part 2 | General Knowledge | 30 | 30 |
| Part 3 | English | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | |
Syllabus Details:
1
Reasoning: Tests ability to complete sequences, make logical conclusions based on patterns of numbers, statements, figures, and letters. No special study required — based on rational thinking.
2
General Knowledge: Current affairs and general knowledge with equal weightage. Includes everyday observation, science, History of India, and Geography — answerable without special study of any subject.
3
English: Tests understanding of English and practical use of words. Based on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar at graduation level.
⚠️ Negative Marking: 1/3 mark (0.33) is deducted for each wrong answer. Questions marked for review will be treated as unanswered. There is no sectional cut-off — qualifying marks are at the Directorate's discretion.
💰 Pay Scale & Salary
Territorial Army Officers receive pay and allowances equivalent to Regular Army Officers when embodied for training or military service. Pay is as per 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
| Rank | Pay Level | Pay Range | Military Service Pay |
|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹15,500/month |
| Captain | Level 10A | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 | ₹15,500/month |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 | ₹15,500/month |
| Lt Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 | ₹15,500/month |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 | ₹15,500/month |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 | ₹15,500/month |
📌 Pay is received only during the period of embodiment (training/military service). Territorial Army does not provide full-time salary or guaranteed pension — pension depends on total embodied service as per organizational requirements.
🏆 Selection Process
1
Online Application Screening: Applications are reviewed for eligibility. Only candidates meeting all criteria are called for the CBT.
2
Computer Based Test (CBT) – 12 July 2026: A 2-hour objective test with 100 questions across Reasoning, General Knowledge, and English. Candidates who clear the CBT are shortlisted for SSB.
3
SSB Interview (Service Selection Board): Shortlisted CBT qualifiers are called for intelligence and personality testing at an SSB centre. This is a two-stage process — Stage 1 (Psychological Aptitude & Intelligence Test on Day 1); only Stage 1 qualifiers proceed to Stage 2 (remaining tests). Others are returned.
4
Medical Examination: SSB-cleared candidates undergo a detailed medical examination at a designated military hospital to assess fitness per Army standards.
5
Final Merit List: Separate merit lists for male and female candidates are prepared based on total marks in CBT and SSB. Commission is offered to the toppers up to available vacancies.
6
Pre-Commission Training & Commissioning: Up to 6 months Pre-Commission Training (as per TA Rule 20A / SRO 65 dated 29 Apr 2023). Candidates are commissioned as Lieutenant in the Territorial Army only after successful completion of training, followed by 21 days Post-Commission Leave.
💰 Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|
| All Candidates (General / OBC / SC / ST) | ₹500/- (Rupees Five Hundred Only) | Online only (as prescribed on website) |
| Offline / DD / Cash | NOT Accepted – Online payment only |
⚠️ Fee once paid will NOT be refunded under any circumstances, nor can it be held for any other exam or selection. Do not pay through any other mode — applications without prescribed fee/mode will be summarily rejected.
📋 Terms & Conditions of Service
✓
Part-Time Commitment: Territorial Army is a part-time concept. Mandatory 2 months annual training camp every year. Does NOT guarantee a full-time career.
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Pension: Service in TA does NOT guarantee pension. Pension is subject to total embodied service as per organizational requirements.
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Promotion: Promotions up to Lt Colonel by time scale (subject to laid down criteria). Promotion to Colonel and Brigadier is by selection.
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Extended Military Service: Officers may be called out for military service for longer duration depending on the Army's requirements.
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Training: After commissioning — 30 days training under Rule-19 after Post-Commission Leave; 2 months annual training every year (if not embodied for more than 6 months in a training year).
🖥️ How to Apply Online
- Visit the official Indian Army website: www.indianarmy.nic.in
- Find and click the "Territorial Army Commission 2026 (TAC-026)" application link
- Fill in Application Form IAF (TA)-9 (Revised) Part-1 online as per instructions on the website
- Provide a valid, active Email ID and mobile number — all communications will be electronic
- Carefully select your preferred examination centre — no changes will be allowed later
- Pay the application fee of ₹500/- through the online payment mode prescribed on the website
- Submit the application before 19 May 2026 at 11:55 PM
- Print and save a copy of the submitted application form for your records
💡 Important: Apply well before the last date — do not wait for the deadline. No request for change of examination centre will be granted after submission. Only ONE mode of application is accepted — online via indianarmy.nic.in.
📋 Documents Required at SSB Interview
| # | Document |
|---|
| 1 | Application Form IAF (TA)-9 (Revised) Part-2 (to be downloaded from indianarmy.nic.in and filled in own handwriting) |
| 2 | All educational qualification certificates (Matric onwards) |
| 3 | Photo ID Proof (Voter ID / PAN Card / Passport / Driving Licence / Aadhaar) |
| 4 | Proof of residential address |
| 5 | Age proof certificate (Matric / Senior Secondary mark sheet & certificate) |
| 6 | Latest income proof (from Income Tax / Revenue Dept / Magistrate / Employer) |
| 7 | Copy of latest Income Tax Return (ITR) filed |
| 8 | Admit Card (for CBT) |
| 9 | Service Certificate from employer (Govt / Private) with No Objection Certificate (NOC) — as per prescribed format |
| 10 | Self-employed candidates: Affidavit on Non-Judicial stamp paper duly attested by notary + self-certified character certificate |
| 11 | Gazette notification / affidavit if name varies across documents |
📌 All documents must be produced in original along with self-attested photocopies. Candidates employed in govt or private sector must produce an employer certificate confirming availability for TA training/embodiment.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Territorial Army Commission 2026 (TAC-026)?+
The Territorial Army Commission 2026 (TAC-026) is an official recruitment notification by the Territorial Army Directorate inviting gainfully employed Indian citizens (male and female) to join as Territorial Army Officers. A total of 12 vacancies have been announced — 11 for men and 1 for women. This is a part-time commission, allowing candidates to continue their civilian career while serving the nation in a military role.
What is the last date to apply for Territorial Army Officer Recruitment 2026?+
The online application window is open from 20 April 2026 (10:00 AM) to 19 May 2026 (11:55 PM). After this, the application link will be automatically disabled. Candidates must apply only through www.indianarmy.nic.in. No offline applications are accepted.
What is the eligibility criteria for Territorial Army 2026?+
Candidates must be Indian citizens (male or female), aged between 18 and 42 years as on 19 May 2026, hold a Graduate degree from a recognized university, and be gainfully employed (salaried or self-employed). Serving members of Regular Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, GREF, or Para Military forces are NOT eligible.
What is the exam date and pattern for TAC 2026?+
The Computer Based Test (CBT) is scheduled for 12 July 2026. The exam has 100 questions across 3 parts — Part 1: Reasoning (40 marks), Part 2: General Knowledge (30 marks), Part 3: English (30 marks) — all in 2 hours. There is negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer.
What is the application fee for Territorial Army 2026?+
The application fee is ₹500/- (Rupees Five Hundred) for all candidates. Payment must be made online only through the prescribed mode on the website. Cash, DD, or any offline payment is not accepted. Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Is Territorial Army a full-time job?+
No, Territorial Army is NOT a full-time career. It is a part-time commitment. Officers are required to undergo 2 months of annual training every year and may be called for extended military service when needed. Officers continue in their civilian jobs otherwise. Pay and allowances are paid only during embodied service (training / military duty).
What rank is given on joining Territorial Army?+
Officers are commissioned in the rank of Lieutenant in the Territorial Army. The starting basic pay for a Lieutenant is ₹56,100/- per month (Pay Level 10, 7th CPC) plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500/- when embodied. Promotions up to Lt Colonel are by time scale; Colonel and Brigadier are by selection.
Can female candidates apply for Territorial Army Commission 2026?+
Yes, female candidates are eligible. Out of 12 total vacancies, 1 post is reserved for female candidates. Separate merit lists will be prepared for male and female candidates based on their CBT and SSB performance. The selection process is the same for both genders.
When will the Territorial Army 2026 Admit Card be available?+
The admit card will be made available for download 10 to 15 days before the exam date (12 July 2026). It will be downloadable online and will include the candidate's photograph, signature, date of birth, exam date/time, and examination centre details. Email and SMS alerts will also be sent to candidates.

Territorial Army Officer Recruitment 2026 – 12 Vacancies, Apply Online, Exam 12 July 2026
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from the official Territorial Army Commission 2026 (TAC-026) advertisement for informational purposes only. BharatDisha is not affiliated with the Territorial Army Directorate, Indian Army, or any government body. All details including vacancies, dates, eligibility, fee, and pay are subject to change as per official notifications. Candidates must verify all information from the official website
www.indianarmy.nic.in before applying. We do not charge any fee for any service.