In this comprehensive guide, learn about the Indian Army’s 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) – 54th course for Jan 2026. Get key dates, eligibility, selection process and application details.
The Indian Army’s Technical Entry Scheme (TES-54) (January 2026 course) allows 10+2 (PCM) science students to join as officers. This 4-year program leads to an engineering degree and a Permanent Commission as Lieutenant upon completion. The official notification for TES-54 was released on 13 May 2025 and applications are open from 13 May to 12 June 2025. Eligible unmarried male candidates (12th with PCM, 60%+) who have appeared in JEE Mains 2025 can apply online at the Army’s official portal. The training begins January 2026 at the Cadets Training Wing (CTW) and Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
Overview of TES-54 (Jan 2026 Course)
Learn what the TES-54 entry scheme is, who it’s for, and its main benefits like a 4-year course leading to an engineering degree and army commission.
The 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES-54) is a direct officer-entry program for class-12 (PCM) graduates. Under TES, selected candidates undergo a 4-year integrated course (3 years at CTW + 1 year at IMA), earning an engineering degree and commission as a Lieutenant. Key points about TES-54:
- Unmarried Male Only: Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.
- Training & Commission: 4 years of training; awarded an engineering degree; receive Permanent Commission as Lieutenant on completion.
- Branches: Most TES cadets join the Corps of Engineers, Signals, or EME (Electronics & Mechanical)
- No Graduation Required: Unlike other entries, graduation is not required – 12th pass with PCM suffices.
This scheme is ideal for science students who want to become Army engineers. TES-54 (Jan 2026) is the latest cycle, following the pattern of previous TES entries.
Important Dates (TES-54 Recruitment)
Key dates for TES-54 (Jan 2026 Batch) – notification release, application start & end, SSB schedule and cutoff publication.
- Notification Released: 13 May 2025 (published on joinindianarmy.nic.in).
- Online Application Start: 13 May 2025 (from 1200 hrs).
- Application Deadline: 12 June 2025 (upto 1200 hrs).
- Shortlisting Cutoff: Tentatively 1st week of July 2025.
- SSB Interviews: Scheduled for Aug–Sep 2025 (5-day SSB). Candidates can choose SSB dates in July 2025.
- Course Commencement: January 2026 at CTW & IMA.
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply for TES-54? Check age limits, educational requirements, and other conditions to qualify for this entry.
To apply for TES-54, candidates must meet all of the following official criteria:
- Age: Between 16½ and 19½ years on 1 Jan 2026. (Birthdate must be between 2 July 2006 and 1 July 2009, inclusive).
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried male at the time of application and remain so until training completion.
- Educational Qualification: Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) subjects and at least 60% aggregate in PCM.
- JEE (Mains): Must have appeared in JEE (Mains) 2025 exam (score can be used for shortlisting).
- Nationality: Indian citizen, or Nepalese/PIO with eligibility certificate (as per rules).
- Physical & Medical Standards: Must meet the Army’s medical fitness and physical standards for officers (see official guidelines).
- Other: Not debarred by UPSC, no criminal record, and must not be currently undergoing any other service academy training.
Meeting all eligibility points is mandatory. For example, simply having 60% in PCM is not enough if you did not appear in JEE (Mains) 2025. Unmarried status and nationality requirements are strictly enforced. Always refer to the official notification for detailed eligibility paragraphs.
Vacancies and Post Details
Know how many positions are available under TES-54 and the rank offered after training.
- Total Vacancies: 90 (provisional) Officer Cadet posts for TES-54.
- Post Name: Lieutenant (on successful training and commissioning).
- Course Duration: 4 years (leading to B.Tech/B.E degree).
- Service Type: Permanent Commission.
The number of vacancies (90) is subject to final confirmation by the Army Training Academy. On completion of the 4-year course, successful cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Army’s Corps of Engineers or related branches.
Selection Process
Learn how TES-54 candidates are selected – from application shortlisting to SSB interviews, medical exam, and final merit list.
Selection for TES-54 involves multiple stages:
- Online Application: Candidates apply online on the official portal.
- Shortlisting: Applications are screened; candidates are shortlisted based on JEE Mains 2025 score and academic performance (10+2 marks). A cutoff percentage is decided.
- SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates undergo a 5-day SSB (Services Selection Board) interview (intelligence, psychological, and physical tests).
- Medical Examination: Those who clear the SSB are medically examined per Army standards.
- Final Merit List: A merit list is prepared based on SSB marks. Higher education (beyond 10+2) or NCC background do not influence merit.
- Joining Letter: Candidates on the merit list (subject to vacancies and medical fitness) receive joining orders to begin training.
How to Apply for TES-54
Step-by-step application process – apply online on joinindianarmy.nic.in, upload documents, and submit the form (no fee required).
The TES-54 application is 100% online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to joinindianarmy.nic.in and click on “Officers Entry Apply/Login”.
- Register/Login: Create a candidate login (if new) or login with existing credentials.
- Fill Application Form: Select TES-54 entry. Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and JEE details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned photo, signature, and ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN etc) as per specifications.
- Verify & Submit: Carefully review all fields (especially PCM percentage). Submit the form online. (Note: You can edit the form until submission closes).
- Print Application: After submission, the system will generate a Roll Number. Print two copies of the final form with Roll No.
- Fee: No application fee is charged for any category.
- Documents for SSB: Carry one copy of the application form and required certificates (10th, 12th, JEE result, ID proof, etc.) to the SSB.
For full details, see the official notification (linked below). The process summary above is based on the official TES-54 instructions.
Official Notification & Apply Links
Access the official Indian Army website for TES-54 notification and application portal (joinindianarmy.nic.in).
- Official Notification PDF: Available on the Indian Army website or Download Here. (Course notification dated 13 May 2025).
- Apply Online: Go to the Indian Army’s Officers Entry portal: joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Eligibility Details: As per official notification (posted on joinindianarmy.nic.in).
- Helpline: Use the “Feedback/Queries” tab on the site for questions.
Make sure to read the official notification before applying. The link above is the genuine portal for TES-54 updates. All candidate communications (selection, admit cards, etc.) will be via the official site.
FAQs
Q1: What is the last date to apply for Indian Army TES-54 (Jan 2026)?
A: The online application window is open from 13 May 2025 (12:00 hrs) to 12 June 2025 (12:00 hrs). No applications are accepted after 12 June 2025.
Q2: Who is eligible to apply for TES-54?
A: Eligibility for TES-54 requires: Unmarried male candidates aged 16½ to 19½ years as on 1 Jan 2026 (born between 02 Jul 2006 and 01 Jul 2009); 10+2 PCM pass with at least 60% aggregate; and must have appeared in JEE (Mains) 2025. Indian citizenship (or eligible Nepalese/PIO) and good medical fitness are also required. See official notification for details.
Q3: Is there any application fee for TES-54?
A: No. The TES-54 application is completely free for all candidates (General, OBC, SC, ST). You do not need to pay any fee to submit the form.
Q4: How many vacancies are there for TES-54 entry?
A: There are 90 vacancies for the TES-54 (Jan 2026) course. These vacancies are provisional and may be adjusted by the Army as needed.
Q5: What is the selection process for TES-54?
A: Selection involves: (1) Online application and shortlisting based on JEE Mains score and 10+2 marks, (2) 5-day SSB interview, (3) medical exam, and (4) final merit list. Shortlisted candidates will be called for SSB tentatively in Aug–Sept 2025.
Q6: Do I need to take any written exam for TES-54?
A: No separate written exam is conducted. Shortlisting is based on 10+2 PCM marks and JEE (Mains) 2025 performance. Only shortlisted candidates appear for the SSB interview.
Q7: Where can I find the official application link and notification?
A: The official Indian Army recruitment portal is joinindianarmy.nic.in. The TES-54 notification (and apply/login portal) is posted there. Always apply via the official website and refer to the official notification for guidance.