What is the role of a Havildar Clerk/SKT in the Indian Army?

Havildar Clerks perform administrative duties in Army units and establishments — they handle correspondence, maintain service records, manage pay accounts, prepare military documentation, and support unit administration. Store Keeper Technical (SKT) personnel manage stores, ammunition depots, and technical inventories, maintaining accurate records of equipment and supplies. Both roles are Non-Commissioned Officer positions that are essential for the smooth functioning of Army units and involve significant responsibility and trust.

What is the height requirement for Army Clerk/SKT and why is it higher than other categories?

The minimum height requirement for Army Clerk/SKT is 162 cm, which is slightly higher than the 160 cm required for General Duty soldiers. This reflects the category's requirement for candidates from educational backgrounds (12th pass with good marks) who are expected to be in better overall physical condition. For candidates from hill states (J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gorkhas), North-Eastern states, and tribal areas, a height relaxation of 5 cm is typically provided.

What is the examination pattern for Army Clerk/SKT?

The Army Clerk/SKT written examination consists of 100 questions in 60 minutes covering four sections: General Studies (history, geography, polity, current affairs), Mathematics (Class 10–12 arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation), English (grammar, comprehension, usage), and Computer Knowledge (basic MS Office, internet, computer fundamentals). Candidates must achieve minimum qualifying marks in each section and the overall aggregate. Negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer applies.

Why is there a minimum 50% in English for Army Clerk/SKT?

Army Clerk/SKT candidates must score at least 50% in English in their 12th board examination specifically because the role involves drafting official military correspondence, preparing service documents, and communicating with officers — all activities that require functional English proficiency. This is a stricter English requirement compared to other Army soldier entries. Additionally, the written examination includes an English section that must be cleared independently, reinforcing that language ability is a job requirement.

What is the career progression for Army Clerk/SKT soldiers?

Army Clerks join as Sepoys (Class IV equivalent) and are promoted to Naik, Havildar, Naib Subedar, Subedar, and Subedar Major over their career. Outstanding Clerks can appear for departmental officer entry examinations and be commissioned as officers through the Army Cadet College (ACC) entry route. They are entitled to full Army service benefits including accommodation, medical care, ECHS post-retirement, pension, and children's education grants. Retirement typically occurs at 35–40 years of age depending on rank.

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Army Havildar Clerk Preparation Guide

Indian Army Recruiting Organisation

Your Complete Preparation Guide for Army Havildar Clerk 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.

DifficultyModerate

Total Marks100

Duration60 min

Start Practising Now →Free Mock Tests

Exam Overview

Mode

Written + Physical Fitness Test + Medical

Frequency

Annual / as per vacancy

Next Exam Date

As per Army notification 2026

EEligibility Criteria

Age 17.5–23 years; 10+2 in any stream with minimum 60% aggregate in all subjects and 50% in English; physical: height 162 cm (male), chest 77–82 cm, weight 50 kg minimum

ANumber of Attempts

As per Army notification within age limit

Study Plan by Subject

General Studies

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Mathematics

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

English

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Computer Knowledge

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Expert Preparation Tips

Focus on Class 12 English grammar and comprehension — the 50% English board requirement means language skills are essential.

Learn basic MS Office skills: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint operations including formatting, formulas, and basic data management.

Revise Class 10–12 Maths especially data interpretation, percentages, and profit-loss for the Mathematics section.

Height requirement of 162 cm is higher than other categories — verify your height and chest measurements before applying.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
General Studies	25	25	15 min
Mathematics	25	25	15 min
English	25	25	15 min
Computer Knowledge	25	25	15 min
Total	100	100	60 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

As per Army notification 2026

Next Exam Date

As per Army notification 2026

Conducted By

Indian Army Recruiting Organisation

Frequently Asked Questions

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