What is the Army Technical Graduate Course (TGC) entry?

The Technical Graduate Course (TGC) is an entry route for engineering graduates to join the Indian Army as Permanent Commission (PC) officers in the Corps of Engineers, Signals, EME (Electrical and Mechanical Engineers), and other technical arms. Unlike CDS, TGC has no written examination — candidates are directly shortlisted based on their engineering degree, final year marks, and notified stream eligibility, and are called for SSB interview. Selected candidates undergo 49 weeks of training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai or Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.

Which engineering streams are eligible for Army TGC?

The Indian Army notifies specific engineering streams for each TGC batch, typically including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Information Technology, Chemical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, and Architecture. The eligible streams vary slightly between batches. Candidates must hold a full-time BE/B.Tech degree (or equivalent) in one of the notified streams from a recognised university.

What is the SSB interview process for TGC?

The SSB (Service Selection Board) for TGC is a comprehensive 5-day selection process. Day 1 is screening (OIR test and PPDT) — candidates not cleared are sent home. Days 2–4 for screened candidates involve Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT), Group Testing Officer Tasks (GD, GPE, HW, PGT, FGT, CT, IO, Command Task), and a Personal Interview. Day 5 involves a Conference. The SSB assesses 15 Officer Like Qualities and only candidates who demonstrate sufficient OLQs are "recommended."

What are the physical standards for Army TGC?

Physical standards for TGC include minimum height of 157.5 cm for male candidates, weight proportionate to height (minimum 50 kg), and chest measurement of 77–82 cm with 5 cm expansion. Eyesight must be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye, correctable to 6/6 with glasses; myopia not exceeding -3.5 with astigmatism of -1.5. Candidates undergo a thorough medical examination at a Military Hospital after SSB recommendation.

What are the service conditions after TGC commissioning?

TGC officers are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army with Permanent Commission, meaning they can serve until retirement (up to age 54–58 depending on rank). They receive full officer pay under the 7th Pay Commission, Military Service Pay, various allowances, accommodation, and full pension benefits. Technical officers in the Corps of Engineers and EME often get additional technical qualifications, deputation opportunities, and can apply for higher studies sponsorship through the Army.

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Army TGC Entry Preparation Guide

Indian Army / UPSC (for notification)

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

DifficultyHard

Total Marks900

Duration300 min

Start Practising Now →Free Mock Tests

Exam Overview

Mode

SSB Interview + Medical (no written test)

Frequency

Twice a year (January and July courses)

Next Exam Date

January 2027 (TGC 141)

EEligibility Criteria

Age 20–27 years; BE/B.Tech in Army-notified engineering disciplines; physical: height 157.5 cm, weight 50 kg minimum, eyesight 6/6 or correctable

ANumber of Attempts

Multiple attempts within age limit

Study Plan by Subject

Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating + Picture Perception

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

Stage II: Psychological Tests

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

Stage II: Group Tasks

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

Stage II: Personal Interview

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

Read newspapers daily and build strong awareness of national security, defence technology, and current affairs for the SSB personal interview.

Practise TAT (Thematic Apperception Test) stories daily — write 12–15 stories in 60 minutes with positive, proactive themes.

Work on physical fitness, especially the Command Task and outdoor Group Tasks that demand stamina, leadership, and quick thinking.

Study your engineering discipline thoroughly — technical officers are questioned on their engineering background during the personal interview.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating + Picture Perception	—	225	75 min
Stage II: Psychological Tests	—	225	75 min
Stage II: Group Tasks	—	225	75 min
Stage II: Personal Interview	—	225	75 min
Total	—	900	300 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

August–September 2026

Next Exam Date

January 2027 (TGC 141)

Conducted By

Indian Army / UPSC (for notification)

Frequently Asked Questions

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