Joining Territorial Army as an Officer

RANJAN K BARUAH

EDUCARE 

If any individual is physically fit, mentally alert, socially active and emotionally stable may choose the defence forces.  Joining the defence forces as an officer is not only pride but it is more than that for the individual, family or entire community. We are aware that one may join the defence forces as an officer by various entries like cracking the test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission i.e. National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination, Combined Defence Services Examination, etc.

The number of officers is limited in all the forces like the Indian Army, Indian Navy or the Indian Air Force for which many cannot fulfill their dreams to become an officer. Like men, eligible women to become officers in the defence forces. It needs courage and valour to serve the Indian Army which is one of the largest in the entire world.

There is  another entry where individuals may join the Indian Army as Territorial Army and currently applications are invited from gainfully employed citizens for an opening of donning the uniform and serving the nation as Territorial Army Officers. Aspirants may serve the nation in two capacities – as a civilian and as a soldier. There cannot be any other better opportunities than this where one may play the dual role and contribute positively for the nation.

Currently the total number of vacancies is 12 which include 11 male and 1 female. The selection shall be made in the order of merit up to the number of vacancies available. Any Indian citizen both male and female within the age group of 18 to 42 is eligible to apply for the vacancy. Aspirants must graduate from any recognized universities. Aspirants must be physically fit and gainfully employed in any profession.  If anyone is employed currently in the Regular Army/ Navy/ Air Force/ Police/ GREF/ Para Military and like forces are not eligible to become officers in TA.

The Computer Based Test ( CBT ) would be held on 12 July 2026 in various test centres across the country.  The online registration and applications can be filed from 20 April to 19 May after which the link will be disabled. The standard of the papers should approximately be as expected of a graduate of an Indian university. The CBT comprises Part 1 – Reasoning; Part -2 General Knowledge and part – 3 is English. Time allotted for the test is 2 hours and it would carry 100 questions   for 100 marks in total. 

The question paper is being designed to test the candidates’ ability to complete sequences, making logical conclusions based on a simple pattern of numbers, statements, figures, letters etc. General knowledge paper will consist of general knowledge & current affairs. The English question paper will be designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workman-like use of words.

All aspirants applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions for admission to the examination. TA is a part time concept with mandatory two months training in a year and does not guarantee a full time career. Initially the commission is granted in the rank of a Lieutenant and may be promoted up to the rank of a Brigadier. This is a unique and respected opportunity for those who want to serve the nation as it is part time commitment and not a full time career. Aspirants may further read the details from the official website of the Indian Army.

(The writer as a career mentor and can be reached at 8473943734 or bkranjan@gmail.com)