If you are an engineering graduate, and your aspirations include wearing the olive green uniform, the Technical Graduate Course (TGC) is your door to a future in the Indian Army. The TGC pathway enables young engineers to serve the country while applying their engineering education in practice. In this blog, Trishul Defence Academy – a trusted name in defence exam preparation for the young minds – will discuss everything you need to know on what is TGC in Indian Army, including eligibility, how to apply, training periods and a preparation strategy.Â
What Is TGC Entry in Army?
The TGC in Indian Army will be a special recruitment scheme for graduates of engineering who want to serve as commissioned officers. The TGC scheme is conducted by the Indian Army, twice-a-year. TGC allows aspirants to serve in technical branches such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Computer Science. Â
TGC Indian Army Eligibility
Before applying, it is important that you understand the TGC eligibility criteria. Here are the updated eligibility criteria:Â
| Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Indian citizen or subject of Nepal/Bhutan. Indian-Origin candidates from only a select number of foreign countries can apply in accordance with the Government of India position. |
| Age Limit | 20 to 27 years at the time of application (actual dates will be announced in the official notification) |
| Marital Status | Only unmarried MALEÂ candidates can apply. |
| Educational Qualification (Indian Army TGC Qualification) | Must hold an Engineering degree (B.E/B.Tech) in an eligible stream from a recognized University. |
| Physical Standards | Minimum height of 157 cms for men.. Must meet all medical and fitness standards. |
Indian Army TGC Qualification – Eligible Engineering Streams
Typically, the following streams of engineering are eligible for TGC Entry into Indian Army:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Computer Science / Information Technology
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Others(Other Streams)
How to Join TGC in Indian Army
The application process for TGC Indian Army is completely online and easy to follow.Â
Step 1: Check the Notification
The Indian Army will release the TGC Indian Army notification two times a year – usually in February and August. It’s best to visit joinindianarmy.nic.in regularly.Â
Step 2: Register Online
You’ll have to create an account at the official website by entering your personal details, education details, and verifying your credentials.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Enter exact details regarding your engineering qualification, personal details, contact details, and any other details if required.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and educational documents.Â
Step 5 Submit the form
Once you are done, please check all details before finally submitting the Form. Keep a printed copy of the completed application for your reference.
Note: TGC entry will not have any application fee for each applicant.
Role of TGC in Indian Army
The responsibilities of TGC officers in the Indian Army involve technical leadership, innovation and support to operations. Following successful training officers are posted in technical branches wherein they:
- Design, maintain and manage defence equipment and systems.
- Supervise engineering projects, including infrastructure and supply chain projects.
- Provide technical solutions for operational support in combat and peacetime roles.
- Assist in modernisation and research projects in the Army.
Selection Process for TGC Indian Army
The process for selecting a TGC is done in four phases:
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Shortlisting:
Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of academic performance in the engineering profession.
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SSB Interview:
The shortlisted candidate then reports to the Services Selection Board (SSB) which consists of:Â
- Â Â Â Â Â Screening Test
- Psychological testÂ
- Group discussions and outdoor tasks
- Personal interview
- Conference
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Medical Examination:
The candidate who passes the SSB process is then sent for a further, detailed medical examination.Â
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Final Merit List:
Finally, after reviewing SSB and medical results, the Army releases a merit list, and Candidates will be called for training.
Training and Career Progression
Once selected, individuals undergo pre-commission training for a year at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), located in Dehradun. The training prepares candidates for military life physically, mentally, and professionally.
At the end of the pre-commission training, the candidates are commissioned into the Indian Army as Lieutenants and may continue to progress from Captain to Major to Lieutenant Colonel and higher based on their performance and length of service.
Army TGC Salary and Benefits
| Rank | Approx. Monthly Pay | Other Benefits |
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | Dearness Allowance, Military Service Pay, Uniform Allowance, Field Area Allowance, Free Medical, and Travel Expense. |
The salary of TGC in the Indian Army will be very rewarding, as it will also include non- monetary benefits, such as housing, family support, canteen facility, and final retirement pension in this prestigious career.
Conclusion
Through the TGC in Indian Army, engineering graduates have the opportunity to give back to the nation, while also pursuing a rewarding, respectable career. If you are serious about joining through TGC entry in the Indian Army, equip yourself with training through the best at Trishul Defence Academy, where experience meets excellence.Â
Join Trishul Defence Academy today and start your journey towards a rewarding and meaningful career in the Indian Army.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is TGC in Indian Army?
The Technical Graduate Course is a special entry for engineering graduates to enter the Indian Army as commissioned officers.
2.How to apply TGC in Indian Army?
Application is online via joinindianarmy.nic.in , you can apply once when the official notification is issued
3.Who is eligible for TGC Indian Army?
Unmarried engineering graduates who are between the ages of 20 and 27 must meet medical and physical standards.
4.What is the salary of TGC in Indian Army?
A newly commissioned officer entering the Technical Graduate Course earns gross pay of approximately ₹56,100 per month, plus allowances which increase with rank and length of service.
5.How many times TGC is conducted in a year?
The TGC in Indian Army will be conducted twice every year, once in February (TGC-1) and once in August (TGC-2). Each notification will specify vacancies, eligible branches, and the selection schedule.
6.Which is better CDS or NDA?
Both are excellent options. NDA is for students who completed 10+2, while CDS and TGC are for Graduates.Â



