What Is Territorial Army In India & How to Join?

The Territorial Army serves a different purpose than the regular Army; yet, this difference is not really known by most people. The Territorial Army allows civilians – working professionals, graduates, and skilled persons to serve their country at a part-time capacity while maintaining their regular careers as well. 

Trishul Defence Academy outlines the process of applying for the Territorial Army, sets forth eligibility requirements and age limits, discusses benefits and duties, as well as training and other important sections of information in the blog.

What Is Territorial Army?

The Territorial Army is a voluntary reserve force for part-time service to support the regular Indian Army; it is also referred to as the “Second Line of Defence”.

Individuals who are members of the TA (either as civilians or working professionals) have been trained to serve as infantry soldiers and may be ordered into an active-duty status during times of war, during emergencies, and during times of natural disaster and internal security situations.

In essence, the Territorial Army provides an opportunity for Indian citizens to support national defence efforts while continuing to live their everyday lives, which is why many Indian citizens find this opportunity appealing.

Territorial Army Headquarters & Structure

The Territorial Army (TA) is an organisation made up of multiple infantry battalions, as well as various government departments and public-sector organisations with support from the TA. Each TA battalion typically has around 750 personnel.

TA units are located in geographical areas and operated from the regional Command HQ of the Indian Army during emergencies, or if needed, in order to augment or add on to the regular Army capabilities.

Age Limit & Eligibility for Territorial Army

To become a member of the TA, there are specific conditions that must be satisfied. The most significant of these requirements are:

• Nationality – Must be a Citizen of India.

• Age – The Territorial Army age limit must be either 18 to 42 years of age when applying to the TA.

• Education – For officer entry (for civilian candidates), must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited University.

• Employment – All civilian candidates applying to TA must currently be employed in either a Government Department, Public Sector Undertaking, Private Sector Employment, Self-Employed or own a company, etc. The TA will not be considered a primary employer but rather a part-time position.

• Physical and Mental – As with any force, there are set physical standards that need to be met; as well as all candidates needing to pass a complete medical evaluation; this requirement is needed for becoming a member of the Territorial Army.

Additionally, regular members of the Armed Forces or certain qualifying members from Paramilitary or other Defence Forces are typically not eligible to join the TA in a Civilian capacity.

How to Apply for Territorial Army

To apply to become a TA member, you must complete the following steps:

• Look out for official Territorial Army notification from the Ministry of Defence or from the TA website.

• You must meet the eligibility requirements (e.g. age, education, employment, medical & physical standards).

• When submitting your application, you will typically pay an application fee.

Those candidates that the TA will shortlist will be called for an interview & selection by the ASB, and all applicants must pass a medical examination and meet document verification standards. 

An individual is given a TA commission upon selection – most commonly with the rank of Lieutenant, which is the first commissioned rank for officers in the Territorial Army.

The Training for TA is done on a part-time basis: i.e. through regular training (first) and monthly training camps every year, allowing civilian candidates to pursue their civilian career and simultaneously serve their nation in the TA.

At Trishul Defence Academy, we are committed to providing support to our aspirants as they track TA notifications, complete their applications and prepare for selection and interview while balancing their civilian commitments and defence career ambitions.

What is Territorial Army Salary and Benefits

One frequently asked question is what is Territorial Army salary is and whether or not it is worthwhile to join. TA officers who have been mobilised for active duty training will receive the same basic pay, allowances, and other entitlements as Regular Army Soldiers, in accordance with the Basic Pay Structures established under the 7th Pay Commission.

For instance, the Lieutenant who is currently on active duty receives Basic Pay under Level 10 as per the 7th Pay Commission, in addition to Military Service Pay.

As the Soldier moves up through the ranks of the Army from Lieutenant to Captain to Major, to Lieutenant Colonel, etc., he/she will be compensated according to the appropriate level of the pay matrix.

Beyond just the Basic Pay, most TA Soldiers/officers will be eligible for all the same benefits provided by allowances, free medical attention at Base Military Treatment Facilities (MTF), access to Central Supply Depots (CSD) and many more similar privileges while they are mobilised and serving on active duty. 

Role and Territorial Army Duties

The TA is a multi-functional agency providing military and civil support, with many different missions. The main missions include:

• To Free up Regular Army Forces from Static Missions so Regular Army Forces Can Focus on Operational Missions

• To Provide Internal Security Support and Disaster Relief During Natural Disasters, Emergencies and/Or Civil Crises

• To Protect Critical Infrastructure and Provide Supply Route Security During Increased Security Levels
• To Supplement the Army with Additional Manpower During Mobilization, War and External/Internal Threats. The TA is available to add to the Regular Army Manpower in Emergency Situations.
• To Facilitate Civil-Military Integration and The Contribution of Citizens From Different Communities to The Defence of The Country Without Sacrificing Their Civilian Lives.

The Dual Missions of Providing Defence Support and Civilian Assistance Make The Territorial Army An Important Part of India’s Defence Architecture.

Can I Join Territorial Army After 12th?

Young aspirants frequently ask the same question: Can I join TA after Class 12?

The simple answer is that NO, you must complete your graduation from an accredited university to be eligible for entry as an officer. The Territorial Army has been specifically designed for those who are employed, i.e., working at another job, whilst being a volunteer at the TA. Therefore, this structure of the organisation keeps the Territorial Army being “part-time volunteers” in place. 

Where Are Territorial Army Officers Trained?

Territorial Army officers complete all of their training in accordance with the same guidelines as Regular Army officers: Initial Training, Post Commissioning Training and Annual Training Camps are all a part of the commitment required by the Territorial Army. The entire training process has been created to prepare Territorial Army personnel who are ready to serve whenever needed. This training will also permit TA personnel to function within their regular army units at the time of mobilisation.

Do Territorial Army Go to War?

In the past, TA personnel were mobilised in major wars and many other combat operations throughout history. 

As a Reserve Force, TA’s availability for actual operations is dependent upon two factors: demand and risk. However, in instances where the nation is facing civil disorder and unrest or other threats from outside its borders, TA personnel may also be employed similarly to Regular Force units. 

Therefore, individuals who wish to join TA should understand that by doing so, they may be called to fill the role of a regular soldier – a role that entails obligations for commitment, physical fitness, and morning readiness.

Territorial Army Benefits & Why It Appeals

For the majority of working citizens or university grads at this time period, TA presents a unique opportunity to strike a perfect balance:

• Serving the country part-time: while continuing their civilian career and carrying out their military obligations as part of the Reserve Force.

• Financial benefits during embodied service: Pay, allowances and benefits; Medical facilities and Canteen facilities.

• Status of Uniformed Service: Opportunity to serve in the Defence, assist in times of natural disasters and national emergencies, and provide humanitarian assistance in a time of war.

• Civic-Military Integration: Offers an opportunity for people from all walks of life to serve with the Armed Forces and provide assistance during times of need.

• Flexibility: Because TA personnel do not serve full-time, you may work in your regular job while fulfilling your obligation to serve our Nation as the Reserve Force.

At Trishul Defence Academy, we embrace this concept of Service With Flexibility and help Aspirants with Balancing their Professional Lives with their Defence Aspirations.

Conclusion

The Territorial Army is a way to connect service to the nation with a civilian lifestyle; an opportunity for graduates and working professionals to help in protecting their country while at the same time fulfilling their obligations to their career. Young men and women interested in pursuing a career in the military would be able to support their nation through the TA without giving up their regular jobs.

Trishul Defence Academy will encourage and guide young people seeking to join the TA so they can serve in this role and help them prepare for eligibility checks, application processes, and preparations.

If you aspire to be part of the TA, begin preparing early and maintain an active spirit of service in any way.

FAQs

Q1. Can I join Territorial Army after 12th?

No. To join TA as an officer, you will need to hold a degree or equivalent qualification. Joining as a TA officer cannot be done straight after completing your schooling (12th grade), as per the officer recruitment guidelines.

Q2. What is the Territorial Army age limit?

The age limit for application to the Territorial Army is 18 to 42 years, generally.

Q3. Where are Territorial Army officers trained?

Territorial Army officers are trained at various Regimental Centres and Training Establishments across India. They undergo military and leadership training to prepare for active duty when required.

Q4. Does Territorial Army get pension?

Officers in the TA are eligible to receive pensions or long-term benefits based on how long they serve as full-time active duty members. Therefore, meeting the requirements for either of these benefits will result in an additional benefit only if an officer has been mobilised.

Q5. What are the duties of Territorial Army?

A Territorial Army officer may be called upon to assist with the support of the regular Army, the protection of key installations or critical infrastructures, and to aid/collaborate with local civil authorities during natural disasters (and when a state of emergency is declared or when there are war-related situations) before the Territorial Army may be deployed.

Q6. What are Territorial Army benefits?

During the period an officer serves as a TA member, they receive the same pay, allowances, and benefits as their reg. TA counterparts. This includes access to the same medical care, access to the same stores and CSD facilities, and other service allowances dependent on where one is stationed.