137 CETF Battalion Recruitment 2026: The 137 Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF) Battalion of the Territorial Army, associated with 39 Gorkha Rifles, has announced a recruitment rally for 74 posts. The recruitment is intended for eligible ex-servicemen who are pension holders and eligible former employees of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and State Forest Departments, including premature retirees.
The recruitment rally is scheduled from 16 November 2026 to 21 November 2026. According to the notice, candidates are required to report for physical screening and interview at 7:00 AM on 16 November 2026 at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
This article explains the vacancy details, eligibility criteria, age limits, physical standards, required documents, pay and allowances, and other important conditions for candidates planning to participate in the 137 CETF Battalion Recruitment Rally 2026.
137 CETF Battalion Recruitment 2026: Overview
- Organisation: 137 Composite Ecological Task Force Battalion (Territorial Army)
- Regiment: 39 Gorkha Rifles
- Recruitment: Recruitment Rally 2026
- Total vacancies: 74
- Eligible categories: Eligible ex-servicemen pension holders and specified former MoEF&CC/State Forest Department employees
- Recruitment location: Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Reporting time: 7:00 AM on 16 November 2026, as stated in the notice
- Rally period: 16 November to 21 November 2026
- Medical category: SHAPE-1
- Nature of employment: Temporary and part-time, subject to government sanction and organisational requirements
- Official notice reference: CBC 10622/11/0058/2627
1. Vacancy Details: Post-Wise Distribution
The recruitment notice mentions a total of 74 vacancies across nine categories.
| Sl. No. | Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Junior Commissioned Officer (General Duty) | 4 |
| 2 | Soldier / General Duty | 61 |
| 3 | Soldier / Cook (SD) | 2 |
| 4 | Soldier / Chef Community | 1 |
| 5 | Soldier / Housekeeper | 1 |
| 6 | Soldier / Washerman | 1 |
| 7 | Soldier / Dresser | 2 |
| 8 | Soldier / Tailor | 1 |
| 9 | Soldier / Steward | 1 |
| Total | 74 |
The largest number of vacancies is for Soldier/General Duty, with 61 posts. Candidates interested in trade-specific positions should check the relevant trade requirements and assessment procedures before attending the rally.
2. Who Can Apply for 137 CETF Recruitment 2026?
The notification identifies two broad categories of eligible candidates.
A. Ex-servicemen
Eligible ex-servicemen must be pension holders and satisfy the prescribed service, medical, character and physical requirements.
The notice specifies that candidates should be enrolled within five years from the date of retirement. Therefore, applicants must carefully check their retirement date against this condition.
B. Former MoEF&CC and State Forest Department employees
Eligible former employees, including premature retirees, of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and State Forest Departments may also apply, subject to the conditions specified in the notice.
The notice specifies a minimum of 20 years of service in MoEF&CC or a State Forest Department for this category.
Important: Eligibility is not automatic merely because a person is an ex-serviceman or a former forest department employee. The prescribed conditions for the relevant category must be fulfilled.
3. Age Limit and Service Conditions
The recruitment notice mentions the following age and service limits:
- Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs): May serve up to 65 years of age, subject to applicable conditions.
- Other Ranks (OR): May serve up to 50 years of age.
- Enrolment period: The notice states that enrolment should take place within five years from the date of retirement.
There is an important distinction between the maximum age for service and the conditions governing initial enrolment. Candidates should confirm their eligibility with the recruiting authorities, particularly where the retirement date, present age or rank may affect their eligibility.
Rank on enrolment
The notice also provides specific conditions concerning the rank in which different categories will be enrolled:
- Retired Junior Commissioned Officers will be enrolled as Sepoys.
- Eligible former JCOs and Class II or equivalent former women employees of MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments will be enrolled in the rank of Naib Subedar.
- Promotion to Subedar in the case of JCOs and Havildar in the case of OR may be granted subject to fulfilment of the prescribed terms and conditions.
Candidates should obtain clarification from the recruiting authority if the rank applicable to their category is unclear.
4. Medical and Character Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements mentioned in the notification:
Medical category: SHAPE-1.
Character: Exemplary or Very Good.
Candidates who do not satisfy the required medical or character standards may not be eligible for enrolment.
The recruitment process includes physical screening, and candidates who qualify in the physical tests will be interviewed by a Board of Officers. Candidates must also undergo medical examination as prescribed.
5. Physical Standards for 137 CETF Recruitment
The notification specifies the following physical standards.
Height
- General requirement: 160 cm.
- Gorkhas, Garhwalis and Assamese candidates: 152 cm.
- Eligible former women employees of MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments: 150 cm.
The notice also mentions a relaxation of 5 cm in height and corresponding weight for women from the North-East and hill areas, including Gorkhas, Assamese and Garhwalis.
Weight
- Male candidates: Minimum 50 kg.
- Female candidates: Minimum 42 kg.
Chest measurement
For male candidates:
- Chest measurement: 82 cm.
- Minimum chest expansion: 5 cm.
For women, the notice mentions a 5 cm expansion requirement in its physical standards section. Candidates should confirm the precise measurement procedure with the recruiting authority.
Applicants should verify all physical standards applicable to their category before travelling to the recruitment venue.
6. Physical Test and Trade Proficiency Test
Physical test for male candidates
The physical parameters specified in the notice include:
- One-mile run.
- Pull-ups.
- E/87 ditch.
- Zig-zag balance beam.
Candidates should prepare for these activities in advance. They should also maintain their fitness and ensure that they are medically fit to participate.
Trade proficiency test
The notification provides for proficiency testing for candidates applying for tradesman posts.
For tradesmen, the test will assess the relevant trade skills.
For ex-servicemen, the proficiency test will include matters related to afforestation and nursery management.
Candidates applying for Cook, Chef Community, Housekeeper, Washerman, Dresser, Tailor or Steward positions should confirm the specific assessment requirements for their chosen trade.
7. Documents Required for the Recruitment Rally
Candidates should prepare the original documents specified in the notice and confirm whether additional documents or photocopies are required.
The listed documents are:
- Original Discharge Book.
- Original Pension Payment Order (PPO).
- Nine recent colour passport-size photographs.
- Character Certificate issued by the Village Sarpanch or Police Authority.
- Educational Certificate.
- Domicile Certificate.
Document verification tips
Before attending the rally:
- Check that your name, date of birth and other particulars are consistent across your documents.
- Carry the original documents in a safe folder.
- Keep photocopies available as a precaution, while confirming the actual submission requirements.
- Ensure that certificates are genuine and have not been altered.
- Contact the recruiting authorities if any essential document is missing or contains an error.
The notice specifically warns that overwriting or tampering with certificates and documents is not acceptable. Submission of fake documents or false information can result in cancellation of selection and termination of service, apart from possible legal consequences.
8. Pay and Dearness Allowance
According to the notification, enrolled personnel will be entitled to the basic pay applicable to the rank and service group in which they are employed in the unit.
Dearness Allowance (DA) will also be admissible as applicable from time to time.
However, the recruitment notice does not provide a specific consolidated monthly salary figure. Actual pay will depend on the applicable rank, service group and admissible allowances.
The notice also states that no annual increment will be admissible.
Candidates should not rely on unofficial salary figures circulating on social media. They should obtain confirmation of the applicable pay scale and current DA rates from the recruiting authorities.
9. Other Allowances
The notification mentions that the following allowances may be admissible, subject to the applicable rules and conditions:
- Children Education Allowance.
- Hill Compensatory Allowance.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA).
- Road Mileage Allowance.
These benefits should not be treated as universally payable in every case. Their admissibility will depend on the relevant rules, the individual’s circumstances and the applicable conditions.
10. Will Ex-servicemen Receive Pension, Increment and Gratuity?
This is an important point for defence pensioners and former government employees considering the recruitment.
The notification states that no pension, increment or gratuity will be admissible for the service rendered in the CETF Battalion.
It further specifies that pension entitlement earned from previous service will remain unaltered and will be ignored while fixing pay and allowances for the CETF engagement.
In practical terms, eligible pensioners should distinguish between:
- Pension entitlement arising from their previous qualifying service.
- Pay and allowances for their new CETF engagement.
- Pension, increment and gratuity relating to the new engagement, which the notice says will not be admissible.
Candidates should obtain written clarification from the recruiting authority regarding the treatment of their existing pension and any service-specific implications before accepting enrolment.
11. Duration of Engagement and Nature of Employment
The CETF engagement is not advertised as a permanent government job.
The notice specifies that:
- The initial period of enrolment will be two years from the date of enrolment.
- The period may be extended by one year at a time.
- Extension will depend on satisfactory performance, suitability for continued service and continuation of the project by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
- Unsuitable or undesirable personnel may be discharged from service.
The notification also states that the Territorial Army is a voluntary organisation and that the employment is temporary and essentially part-time.
Candidates must understand that selection does not guarantee permanent employment or indefinite continuation of service. Continued engagement depends on the applicable conditions and the continuation of the project.
12. Canteen and Medical Facilities
The notification states that personnel enrolled in the CETF Battalion (Territorial Army) will be entitled to canteen and medical facilities as applicable to personnel of other units.
Candidates should confirm the precise entitlement and access procedures with the recruiting authorities at the time of enrolment.
13. Recruitment Rally Date, Venue and Reporting Time
The notice provides the following recruitment details:
- Recruitment rally period: 16 November 2026 to 21 November 2026.
- Screening and interview reporting: 7:00 AM on 16 November 2026.
- Venue: Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Candidates should plan their travel accordingly and verify the reporting arrangements before departure.
The notice does not establish that accommodation will be provided. Candidates must make their own arrangements for lodging and meals.
14. Contact Numbers for Enquiries
The recruitment notice lists the following contact numbers:
- Landline: 0532-241904
- Mobile: 7309877687
Candidates may use these numbers to seek clarification regarding eligibility, documents, physical standards, reporting arrangements and other recruitment-related matters.
Applicants should verify the contact details and availability of the recruiting office before relying on them.
15. Important Instructions for Candidates
The notification includes several important warnings.
Recruitment is free of charge
No payment is required for recruitment. Candidates must not pay money to agents, middlemen or anyone promising selection.
The notice warns that selection may be cancelled if a candidate is found to have paid a bribe.
Do not submit false documents
Overwriting or tampering with certificates is not acceptable. Producing fake documents or providing false information can result in cancellation of selection and termination of service, regardless of the period already served.
Do not bring mobile phones to the rally site
The notice expressly states that mobile phones will not be permitted at the recruitment rally site. Candidates should make appropriate arrangements before entering the venue.
No accommodation will be provided
The notice states that messing and accommodation will not be provided during the recruitment rally. Candidates should plan their stay and food arrangements independently.
Physical safety
The authorities state that they will not be responsible for accidents or injuries sustained by candidates during the recruitment rally. Candidates should participate responsibly and follow the instructions of the officials conducting the tests.
16. Preparation Checklist for Ex-servicemen
Before leaving for Prayagraj, eligible candidates should:
- Verify that they belong to one of the eligible categories.
- Check the retirement-date condition and applicable age limit.
- Confirm their medical category and character requirements.
- Review the prescribed height, weight and chest standards.
- Prepare for the physical test and any applicable trade proficiency test.
- Keep their Discharge Book and PPO ready.
- Carry the prescribed photographs, character certificate, educational certificate and domicile certificate.
- Confirm reporting arrangements and travel plans.
- Arrange accommodation and meals independently.
- Avoid agents or anyone demanding money for selection.
Candidates should rely on the recruitment notice and clarifications from the recruiting authorities rather than unverified social media posts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available in 137 CETF Battalion Recruitment 2026?
The notification mentions 74 vacancies across nine categories, including 61 Soldier/General Duty posts and four Junior Commissioned Officer posts.
2. What are the recruitment rally dates?
The rally is scheduled from 16 November 2026 to 21 November 2026. The notice specifies 7:00 AM reporting on 16 November 2026 for physical screening and interview.
3. Where will the recruitment rally take place?
The venue is Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
4. Can defence pensioners apply?
Eligible ex-servicemen who are pension holders may apply, subject to the prescribed retirement-date, age, medical, character and other conditions.
5. Can former Forest Department employees apply?
The notice includes eligible former employees, including premature retirees, of MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments. The specified category requires a minimum of 20 years of service in the relevant department.
6. What is the medical category required?
The notification specifies SHAPE-1.
7. What is the maximum age for JCOs and Other Ranks?
The notice states that JCOs can serve up to 65 years and Other Ranks up to 50 years, subject to applicable conditions. Candidates should confirm the age applicable to initial enrolment.
8. Will pensioners receive pension and gratuity for their CETF service?
The notice states that pension, increment and gratuity will not be admissible for the service rendered in the CETF Battalion. It also states that pension earned through previous service will remain unaltered and will be ignored in fixing pay and allowances.
9. Is the CETF job permanent?
No. The notice describes the engagement as temporary and essentially part-time. The initial enrolment period is two years, with possible one-year extensions subject to performance, suitability and continuation of the project.
10. Is any recruitment fee payable?
No. The notification states that recruitment is free of charge. Candidates should not pay any agent or intermediary for selection.
11. Will accommodation be provided during the rally?
No. The notice states that messing and accommodation will not be provided during the recruitment rally.
12. What is the contact number for recruitment enquiries?
The notice lists 0532-241904 and 7309877687. Candidates should verify these details before contacting the recruiting office.
Conclusion
The 137 CETF Battalion Recruitment Rally 2026 offers an opportunity for eligible ex-servicemen and specified former MoEF&CC and State Forest Department employees to serve in ecological and afforestation-related work under the Territorial Army framework.
With 74 vacancies, including 61 Soldier/General Duty posts, the recruitment may be relevant to eligible veterans seeking a further period of service.
Before applying, candidates should carefully check the retirement-date condition, age limits, medical category, physical standards, documents, pay provisions and temporary nature of the engagement. They should also remember that recruitment is free and that no permanent employment is promised.
Important disclaimer: This article is based on the recruitment notice reproduced in the supplied image and is intended for informational purposes. Candidates should verify the complete official notification and all applicable eligibility conditions with the recruiting authorities before travelling or making any decision.
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