What is the SSC Tech entry?
The SSC Tech entry is a direct SSB route for engineering graduates to become officers in the Army. There is no written exam. Candidates are shortlisted from their engineering marks, then called for the SSB interview. After clearing SSB and medicals, they join OTA Chennai for training and get commissioned as Lieutenants with a Short Service Commission (generally 10 years, extendable). Because this path is technical, degrees in specific engineering streams are accepted.
The Indian Army SSC Tech scheme is released twice a year (for April and October courses). Notifications appear on joinindianarmy.nic.in. Seats vary by branch and by engineering stream.
Who can apply? (Eligibility, age, marital status)
Always check the latest notification for exact clauses. Below is the standard pattern you’ll see for the SSC Tech entry.
Nationality: Indian citizen (other categories as per government rules may apply).
Age limit: Usually 20–27 years as on the course start month/year (both dates inclusive).
Education: BE/BTech in a permitted discipline. Final-year students can apply if they can produce proof of passing by the date mentioned in the notification.
Marital status: Unmarried candidates (there may be specific relaxations for certain age brackets).
Marks: No fixed minimum across all notifications, but shortlisting is based on aggregate/semester marks submitted; higher marks get priority.
Gender: Both men and women are eligible; vacancies are notified separately.
The Indian Army SSC Tech notice always lists eligible streams (for example: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science/IT, Aeronautical, Automobile, Industrial/Production, etc.). You must match your degree name with the list.
How the selection works (step-by-step)
Apply online on joinindianarmy.nic.in for the SSC Tech entry during the application window.
Shortlisting by the Army: cut-offs are decided stream-wise based on your marks.
SSB interview (5-day process) at selection centres such as Prayagraj (Allahabad), Bhopal, Bengaluru, Kapurthala.
Medical examination (Army medical boards assess fitness).
Final merit list: based on SSB performance and medical status; no separate written exam marks are added.
Joining letter for OTA Chennai if your name is on the merit list within available vacancies.
This is why the Indian Army SSC Tech route is so popular: engineers can reach SSB directly without a preliminary written test.
Training, ranks, and pay
Academy: Officers Training Academy, Chennai
Training duration: About 49 weeks (varies per course)
Rank on commission: Lieutenant
Pay & benefits: Officers start in Pay Level 10 (basic pay starting from ₹56,100 per month, plus DA, Military Service Pay, and allowances as per rules).
Bond/service: Short Service Commission (typically 10 years, extendable to 14; options for permanent commission are limited and depend on policy at the time).
At OTA, cadets undergo military training, leadership tasks, physical conditioning, and field exercises. The SSC Tech entry candidates also do technical orientation so they can be posted to the right corps.
Branch/Corps allocation for engineers
Your degree stream influences allocation after training. Common postings in the Indian Army SSC Tech scheme include:
Corps of Engineers (Civil/Structural/Construction/Environmental)
Corps of EME (Mechanical, Automobile, Industrial/Production)
Corps of Signals (Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer/IT)
Air Defence, Artillery (Equipment support roles), Army Aviation (ground technical streams) — as per demand and policy
Final allocation depends on vacancies, merit, medical category, and Army requirements.
Documents you will need
For the SSC Tech entry, keep digital and physical copies ready:
10th/12th certificates (DOB proof and board marks)
All semester marksheets and degree/provisional degree (or final-year certificate if appearing)
ID proof, domicile/caste/EWS/NCC certificates if applicable
Engineering stream equivalence letter (if your degree title is slightly different but equivalent, as per university/AICTE)
Recent photographs
SSB call letter printout and travel tickets (for reimbursement rules in first attempt)
How to apply (quick walkthrough)
Visit joinindianarmy.nic.in.
Register/login and go to Officer Entry – Apply.
Select the running notification (e.g., SSC Tech entry Men/Women).
Fill your personal, academic, and aggregate marks details carefully.
Upload documents in the required format.
Submit and download your application.
Keep checking email/SMS for shortlisting and SSB dates.
For the Indian Army SSC Tech forms, accuracy in marks and stream selection is crucial. Wrong data can lead to rejection at document check.
SSB interview in simple words
SSB is a five-day assessment of your officer-like qualities (OLQs). For the SSC Tech entry, the SSB includes:
Day 1: Screening (OIR test + PP&DT).
Day 2: Psychology tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD).
Days 3–4: GTO tasks (group discussion, planning exercise, PGT, HGT, IOT, command task, lecturette, FGT).
Interview: Personal interview on Day 2–4 window.
Day 5: Conference and results.
Engineers should balance technical clarity with leadership and communication. The Indian Army SSC Tech board does ask about your projects, internships, and basic concepts, but they focus most on personality, responsibility, and problem-solving.
Cut-off trends and merit logic
Cut-offs for the SSC Tech entry change with application volume and vacancies. Typically:
Streams with high competition (like CSE, ECE, Mechanical) see higher cut-offs.
Final merit depends mainly on SSB performance. Even with a high percentage, you must perform well at SSB to make the Indian Army SSC Tech merit list.
Tip: Don’t obsess over cut-off rumours. Apply if you’re eligible; focus on a strong SSB attempt.
Medical standards (brief)
Height/weight within Army charts; eyesight and color vision standards vary by branch.
Past injuries/surgeries must be declared; carry medical papers.
Permanent tattoos allowed only in permitted areas as per policy.
Dental/ENT readiness matters (many candidates lose out on small, preventable issues).
Read the official medical appendix linked in the notification. For Indian Army SSC Tech candidates, temporary unfitness can be reviewed; permanent unfitness generally ends the attempt unless appeal is allowed.
Timeline you can expect
Notification released (twice a year).
Application window ~3–4 weeks.
Shortlisting email/SMS within a few weeks after closing.
SSB interview dates allotted in batches over 2–3 months.
Medicals right after SSB.
Merit list and joining according to course schedule at OTA.
Because the SSC Tech entry is cyclical, keep documents updated and track both men and women entries separately.
Common mistakes that cost selections
Wrong stream mapping (degree title doesn’t match eligible list).
Marks entry errors (rounded incorrectly, CGPA not converted as asked).
Late application or missing document uploads.
Rigid, mugged-up answers at SSB; lack of self-awareness.
Low physical stamina affecting outdoor tasks.
Ignoring basic current affairs and defence awareness.
Treat the Indian Army SSC Tech process like a project: plan deadlines, rehearse SSB tasks, and review your PIQ form thoroughly.
Smart prep plan for SSB (4 weeks)
Week 1: Foundation
Self-analysis (strengths, values, leadership examples).
Daily reading (newspaper + 30 minutes defence news).
Light fitness (run 2–3 km, push-ups, core).
Start WAT/SRT/TAT practice (quality over quantity).
Week 2: Communication & Teamwork
Two group discussions with friends/mentors every other day.
Prepare a 2-minute lecturette on 10 common topics.
Mock personal interview (record yourself).
Increase runs to 3–4 km; include short sprints.
Week 3: GTO Simulation
Practice PGT/HGT concepts: resource use, simple physics, clear commands.
Command task drills: think loud, plan fast, ensure team safety.
Projects/Internships review (for the SSC Tech entry, be ready with technical basics).
Week 4: Polish
Daily mixed psychology set (WAT/TAT/SRT).
Two full mock SSB days.
Gear check, documents, and travel rehearsal.
Taper workouts; maintain flexibility and sleep.
Simple PIQ and Interview tips
PIQ: Be truthful. Use STAR format (Situation-Task-Action-Result) to recall achievements.
Interview: Clear, short answers. Connect projects to Army utility (problem-solving, teamwork).
Hobbies: Keep them real; prepare talking points and outcomes learned.
Why Army via the SSC Tech entry? Link your technical mindset with service motivation and field adaptability.
FAQs
Q1: Is there any written exam in the SSC Tech entry?
No. Indian Army SSC Tech is a direct SSB pathway based on engineering marks shortlisting.
Q2: Can final-year students apply?
Yes, if you can produce proof of passing by the date stated in the notification.
Q3: What if my degree name is slightly different?
Check the eligible disciplines list. If equivalent, keep an official equivalence letter from university/AICTE.
Q4: How many attempts can I take?
No fixed attempt cap is announced; you must stay within the age limit and meet eligibility on each notification.
Q5: Do I choose my corps?
Preferences are asked but final allocation in the Indian Army SSC Tech system depends on vacancies, merit, and Army requirements.
