For many Ex-Servicemen, securing a suitable government job after retirement and beginning a meaningful second innings is becoming increasingly challenging. At a time when employment opportunities for veterans are limited, the 129 Infantry Battalion (TA) Ecological JAK LI has announced a recruitment rally for Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Women Employees of MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments. The rally will be conducted at Samba, Jammu & Kashmir, from 15 June 2026 to 20 June 2026, offering eligible candidates an opportunity to continue serving the nation while building a stable post-retirement career.
This recruitment drive offers a valuable opportunity for retired defence personnel and eligible former women forest department employees to continue serving the nation through the Territorial Army.
Highlights of Territorial Army Recruitment Rally 2026
The recruitment rally is being organized by the 129 Infantry Battalion (TA) Ecological JAK LI. The rally will be conducted at Samba, Jammu & Kashmir, near Military Hospital, from 15 June 2026 to 20 June 2026.
The recruitment is open to Ex-Servicemen (Army, Navy and Air Force Pensioners) and Ex-Women Employees of MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments. Vacancies are available in two categories: Soldier (General Duty) and Clerk.
Eligible candidates are required to report at the rally venue at 0500 hours on their designated date, while Ex-Women Employees must report at 0700 hours on 17 June 2026. Entry to the rally venue will remain open only until 1000 hours, after which no candidate will be permitted to enter.
This recruitment drive offers a valuable opportunity for veterans and eligible former forest department employees to continue serving the nation through the Territorial Army’s ecological and environmental conservation initiatives.
Vacancy Details
The recruitment rally aims to fill the following vacancies:
1. Soldier (General Duty)
Total Vacancies: 07
Open to:
Ex-Servicemen (Pension holders only) from Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Ex-Women Employees (including premature retirees) of MoEF & CC and State Forest Departments.
Eligibility restricted to candidates from UT of Jammu & Kashmir and UT of Ladakh.
2. Clerk
Total Vacancies: 02
Open to:
Ex-Servicemen.
Ex-Women Employees of MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments.
Recruitment on All India Basis.
Rally Schedule and Reporting Dates
Candidates must report at the venue according to the district-wise schedule.
Reporting on 15 June 2026 (0500 Hrs)
Eligible candidates from:
Kathua
Jammu
Rajouri
Poonch
Anantnag
Budgam
Ganderbal
Kulgam
Pulwama
Reasi
Kargil
Leh
Reporting on 16 June 2026 (0500 Hrs)
Eligible candidates from:
Samba
Udhampur
Srinagar
Baramulla
Bandipora
Doda
Kishtwar
Kupwara
Ramban
Shopian
Clerical Trade Candidates
Eligible candidates for the Clerk Trade from all other States of India are also required to report on 16 June 2026 at 0500 Hrs.
Ex-Women Employees
Ex-Women Employees of MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments are required to report on:
17 June 2026
0700 Hrs
Eligibility Criteria for Ex-Servicemen
To participate in the recruitment rally, Ex-Servicemen must fulfill the following conditions:
Service Requirements
Must be a pension-holding Ex-Serviceman of Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Eligible up to the rank of Havildar.
Must have retired after 15 June 2021.
Medical Standards
Should be in SHAPE-1 Medical Category.
Character Requirement
Character assessment should be: Exemplary, or Very Good
Eligibility Criteria for Ex-Women Employees
Former women employees of MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments can also apply subject to the following conditions:
Service Conditions
Minimum 20 years of service in the respective department.
Includes premature retirees.
Retirement Condition
Must have retired after 15 June 2021.
Medical Standards
Must be in SHAPE-1 Medical Category.
Character Requirement Character grading should be: Exemplary, or Very Good
What is the Ecological Territorial Army?
The Ecological Task Force units of the Territorial Army are unique formations tasked with:
Environmental conservation.
Afforestation and reforestation projects.
Soil and water conservation.
Restoration of degraded forest areas.
Ecological protection in sensitive regions.
These units effectively combine military discipline with environmental protection efforts and have played a significant role in greening initiatives across India.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates attending the rally should ensure:
Reporting strictly as per scheduled dates.
Arrival before the entry closure time of 1000 Hrs.
Carrying all original service and identity documents.
Possession of discharge book/PPO and other supporting certificates.
Compliance with medical fitness standards before reporting.
Failure to report on the designated date and time may result in disqualification from participation.
Why This Recruitment is Important for Veterans
This Territorial Army recruitment rally provides retired defence personnel an opportunity to:
Continue contributing to national service.
Remain associated with military traditions and discipline.
Participate in ecological and environmental conservation projects.
Utilize their military experience in nation-building activities.
The inclusion of eligible Ex-Women Employees from Forest Departments also reflects the growing role of experienced environmental professionals in the Ecological Territorial Army.
Conclusion
The 129 Infantry Battalion (TA) Ecological JAK LI Recruitment Rally 2026 is a significant opportunity for eligible Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Women Employees of MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments. With vacancies available for Soldier (GD) and Clerk trades, interested candidates should carefully review the eligibility conditions and report on the specified dates at Samba, Jammu & Kashmir.
Eligible veterans and former forest department employees are advised to prepare their documents in advance and attend the rally as per the prescribed schedule.