Who is eligible to apply for the Territorial Army Officer exam?

Employed civilians — whether in government service, private employment, or self-employed — aged between 18 and 42 years who hold a graduate degree from a recognised university are eligible. They must also meet physical standards: minimum height of 157.5 cm for general category, chest measurement of 77–82 cm, and weight proportionate to height. Serving defence personnel or ex-servicemen are not eligible for the Territorial Army officer entry through this route.

What is the service commitment after selection in the Territorial Army?

Territorial Army officers are part-time soldiers who serve their country while continuing their civilian occupation. After selection and commissioning, officers are required to serve for a minimum of two months per year in training or operational duties. During wartime or national emergencies, TA officers can be embodied (called up) for full-time service alongside regular Army units. This unique dual-career model makes the TA attractive for patriotic civilians.

What is the structure of the TA written examination?

The written examination consists of two papers, each carrying 50 marks, conducted over 120 minutes total. Paper I covers Reasoning and Elementary Mathematics, while Paper II covers General Knowledge and English. Questions are objective (MCQ) in nature. Candidates must qualify the written test before being called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is the final stage of selection.

What happens at the Territorial Army SSB interview?

The SSB interview for TA is similar to the regular Army SSB but condensed into a shorter format. It assesses Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) through psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews. Candidates recommended by the SSB are then sent for a medical examination at a Military Hospital. Only medically fit candidates are finally placed on the merit list for commissioning.

What benefits do Territorial Army officers receive?

Territorial Army officers receive pay and allowances equivalent to regular Army officers during the period of embodied service. They are entitled to pension benefits after completing qualifying service, medical facilities at Military establishments, and Canteen Stores Department (CSD) privileges. Officers also receive the same rank and insignia as their regular Army counterparts, and distinguished service can lead to permanent absorption in the regular Army in special cases.

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TA Exam Preparation Guide

Territorial Army Directorate, Indian Army

Your Complete Preparation Guide for TA Exam 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.

DifficultyModerate

Total Marks100

Duration120 min

Start Practising Now →Free Mock Tests

Exam Overview

Mode

Written + SSB Interview

Frequency

Twice a year (April and September notifications)

Next Exam Date

September 2026

EEligibility Criteria

Employed civilians aged 18–42 years, graduate degree; physical standards: height 157.5 cm (general), chest 77–82 cm, weight proportionate to height

ANumber of Attempts

No restriction on number of attempts within age limit

Study Plan by Subject

Reasoning

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

Elementary Maths

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

General 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

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

Expert Preparation Tips

Focus on Class 10–12 level Maths including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry for the Elementary Mathematics section.

Read daily newspapers and monthly current affairs magazines for General Knowledge — focus on defence news, national events, and Indian history.

Practice SSB-style psychological tests including Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), and Situation Reaction Test (SRT).

Maintain physical fitness by running 2.4 km daily, as physical standards are verified at SSB and medical stages.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
Reasoning	13	25	30 min
Elementary Maths	13	25	30 min
General Knowledge	13	25	30 min
English	13	25	30 min
Total	50	100	120 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

July–August 2026

Next Exam Date

September 2026

Conducted By

Territorial Army Directorate, Indian Army

Frequently Asked Questions

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