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If you’ve always dreamt of wearing the Olive Green dress and serving the country with your technical capabilities, then the TES Entry in Indian Army may be for you. Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is an opportunity for young minds who have completed their schooling with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), and want to join the Indian Army as Technical Officers through Permanent Commission.
This route does not involve writing a test, which is different to writing the NDA exam. Admission is solely based on your XII board marks in PCM and the JEE (Mains) along with the subsequent SSB Interview process.
Sounds exciting, right? Let’s understand how the Indian Army 10+2 TES works, what eligibility criteria is involved, and how to do your preparation effectively under the Trishul Defence Academy.
Understanding the TES Entry Scheme
The TES entry in Army does take place twice a year, and usually in the month of January and July under the Indian Army. Under this scheme, eligible candidates will undergo professional and military training for a total of four years and end with receiving a Permanent Commission into the Indian Army as a Lieutenant.
In contrast to other entry routes like NDA or CDS, the TES Entry Scheme does not include an examination testing general knowledge or general utility via a written paper. The TES looks for students who are academically good in science and who have already demonstrated their analytical ability via the JEE (Mains) examination.
TES Entry Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, you must fulfill the TES Entry eligibility requirements set by the Indian Army:
| Criteria | Details |
| Gender & Marital Status | Only unmarried male candidates |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 passed with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) |
| Minimum Marks Required | 60% aggregate in PCM |
| Additional Requirement | Must have appeared in JEE (Mains) |
| Age Limit | 16½ to 19½ years |
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
The TES entry age limit ensures that students can apply immediately after Class 12. So you must be between 16 ½ to 19 ½ .
NDA vs TES Entry – What’s the Difference?
NDA and TES both eventually lead to an officer or commissioned career in the Indian Army, but the process to get there is completely different for each. The NDA route is open to candidates regardless of the stream, and includes a written exam conducted by the UPSC, while Technical Graduate Entry in indian army is strictly for technical aspirants.
Lets look at a quick comparison between NDA Vs TES Entry:
| Feature | NDA | Army 10+2 TES |
| Conducted By | UPSC | Indian Army |
| Written Exam | Yes | No |
| Educational Stream | Any stream | PCM only |
| JEE (Mains) | Not required | Mandatory |
| Gender Eligibility | Male & Female | Male only |
| Type of Training | Tri-Service (Army, Navy, Air Force) | Army (Technical) |
| Entry Type | NDA Exam | Technical Entry Scheme |
If you’re a student in science who enjoys problem solving, mechanics, or technology, then TES is made for you. It is an opportunity for you to enter a position where your knowledge of engineering is used to contribute directly to national defence.
TES Entry Training Period and Structure
TheTES Entry training period is four years divided into two phases:
Phase I – Technical and Academic Training (3 Years)
Cadets complete an engineering education at one of the following Cadets Training Wings (CTWs) based on their branch assigned:
| Cadets Training Wing | Parent Arm | Engineering Stream | Location |
| College of Military Engineering (CME) | Corps of Engineers | Civil & Mechanical Engineering | Pune |
| Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) | Corps of Signals | IT & Telecom Engineering | Mhow |
| Military College of Electronics & Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) | Corps of EME | Electronics & Mechanical Engineering | Secunderabad |
Phase II – Pre-Commission Military Training (1 Year)
Once the engineering phase is complete, cadets are then sent to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun to complete a year of focused military training. After completing this course of training, cadets receive an Engineering Degree and graduate as Lieutenants.
This is where the change happens from being a civilian student to being an actual leader of men.
Career Path and Future Scope
Once commissioned, officers of TES will then join their respective arms which can range from Engineers, Signals, or EME based on their specialization. They will be involved with the design, maintenance, and operation of advanced military technology and infrastructure.
Officers of TES will also enjoy the same rank, pay, and prestige of officers of NDA; it is apparent that technical graduate entry in the Indian Army is rewarding.
If you’re wondering “is TES entry a permanent commission?” The answer is yes. A TES officer serves the nation as a full career without any benefits prior restriction, promotions, assignments for higher studies, or assignment in foreign land.
How to Apply for TES Entry
The application process for the Army TES is simple:
- Visit the official website “Join Indian Army.”
- During the open application period for TES entry, register, and apply for TES entry, filling out the application form provided.
- You will then include your academic qualifications and the JEE (Mains) roll number into the application and the application will be ready for submission.
- Short-listed candidates will receive an SSB call letter for further procedure.
- Final merit will be decided based on SSB and fitness, and the final merit is based on grades or on SSB performance and the vacancies available in the TES entry course.
How Many Seats in TES Entry is Available
The TES entry in the Indian Army is done usually two times each year in India but only offers around 90 seats per course. The ratios of applicants to positions is unknown, but it is extremely competitive. Preparing and building your profile prior to submission is essential for a successful application.
Final Thoughts
The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is perhaps the best route for science students to start their military careers early. The TES brings together the discipline of engineering and the honor of wearing a uniform; it is a path few of us are fortunate enough to walk.
Join Trishul Defence Academy today to take the first leap towards your dream uniform. With TDA’s legacy of excellence, mentorship, and measurable path to becoming an officer starts here.
FAQ’S:
1.How to apply for TES Entry in the Indian Army?
Apply online at joinindianarmy.nic.in, whenever notifications are issued in January and July. Candidates must register their 12th PCM and JEE (Mains) details. The shortlisting for SSB is purely based on academic merit and on the JEE scores.
2.Is TES Entry a Permanent Commission in the Indian Army?
Yes, the TES has a Permanent Commission. After 4 years of service (3 years of engineering + 1-year service in IMA, Dehradun), the trainees are commissioned as Lieutenants and continue as officers for life.
3.How many times is the TES Exam conducted in a year?
TES Entry takes place twice a year in January and July. Each new cycle invites 10+2 (PCM) candidates with proper JEE (Mains) scores to undergo the SSB selection process.
4.Can TES Entry join Infantry in the Indian Army?
No. The TES officers are only commissioned from the technical branch of Engineering, Signals, and EME in the army, and cannot join Infantry. The officers are inducted into roles that are technical and military engineering focused.
5.How many seats are there in TES Entry?
Generally speaking, the slots are around 85-90 seats per each course. The selection for TES is highly competitive based on JEE (Mains) rank, A academic qualification, and performance at the SSB.
6.What is the medical standard required for TES Entry in the Indian Army?
Candidates should fulfil the medical standards as listed by the Indian Army to be fit for service, in terms of health, both physical and mental. Candidates must have average-vision which can be without or with glasses, and must not have any effective physical disabilities. Candidates have to undergo medical tests at a military designated hospital after being selected by the SSB.
7.Is JEE Mains required for TES Entry?
Yes, for TES Entry, it is compulsory to appear in JEE (Mains). The Indian Army assesses the JEE (Mains) scores and marks in 12th PCM to shortlist candidates for the SSB interview.
8.What is the training period for TES Entry candidates?
The overall training duration is 4 years, 3 years for Engineering Training at one of the Cadet Training Wings (CME MCC, MCTE or MCEME) and 1 Year for Military Training at Indian Military Academy (IMA). Dehradun.
9.What is the SSB interview process for TES Entry?
The TES candidates are also put through a 5-day SSB interview which utilizes various tests, group discussions and personal interviews, to evaluate the candidate’s intelligence, personality, leadership and psychological fitness. Recommended candidates are then taken for a medical evaluation.
