NCC Special Entry Scheme in Officer cadre in Army

The NCC Special Entry Scheme 123rd Course (April 2026) offers a prestigious opportunity for unmarried male graduates, including wards of battle casualties of Army personnel, to join the Indian Army as Short Service Commissioned Officers. Candidates with a minimum of 50% marks in graduation and at least a ‘B’ grade in the NCC ‘C’ Certificate examination are eligible to apply. The entry carries 70 vacancies, with applicants required to be between 19 and 25 years of age as on 01 January 2026. The selection process involves shortlisting of applications, SSB interviews, medical examinations, preparation of merit lists, and final joining. Successful candidates will undergo a 49-week pre-commission training at the Officer Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, starting in April 2026, during which they will receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month. On successful completion of training, cadets will be commissioned as Lieutenants, drawing a salary package of approximately ₹17–18 lakh per annum, along with free medical cover and other allowances. This commission is offered initially for 10 years, extendable up to 14 years, with an option to seek permanent commission after 10 years of service. The scheme opens a pathway for young leaders to serve in all arms and services of the Indian Army, combining honour, responsibility, and a rewarding career in uniform.

Short Service Commission (NT) for Men (Including Wards of Battle Casualties of Army Person

About the Recruitment of Officer in Army

The NCC Special Entry Scheme 123rd Course (April 2026) provides an opportunity for unmarried male graduates with NCC certification to join the Indian Army as Short Service Commission (NT) Officers. This entry also includes wards of Battle Casualties of Army Personnel.

Eligibility Criteria for NCC Entry Officer

Educational Qualification

  • Minimum 50% aggregate in Graduation.
  • Minimum of ‘B’ Grade in ‘C’ Certificate Exam of NCC.

Age Limit

  • 19 to 25 years as on 01 Jan 2026.

Open Category

  • Unmarried Male (Graduates) only.

Vacancy Details

  • Total Vacancies: 70

Application Process

How to Apply

Application Window

  • 11 August 2025 to 10 September 2025

Selection Procedure

  • Application → Shortlisting → SSB Interview → Medical → Merit List → Joining Letter

Medical Standards

SSB Interview Dates

  • Tentatively First Week of November 2025.
  • Candidates can select SSB dates (15 days open in Nov/Dec 2025).

Training Details

  • Pre-Commission Training Academy: Officer Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
  • Duration: 49 weeks (from April 2026)
  • Stipend during Training: ₹56,100 per month

Commission & Service Terms

  • Rank after Training: Lieutenant
  • Salary on Commissioning: CTC approx. ₹17–18 Lakh per annum (Excluding free medical cover & one annual hometown travel).
  • Type of Commission: Short Service Commission (SSC)
  • Initial Engagement Period: 10 years
  • Maximum Engagement Period: 14 years

Option for Release

  • After 5 years, 10 years, or 14 years of service.

Option for Permanent Commission

  • Available after 10 years of service.

8. Service Arms for Commission

  • All Arms & Services of Indian Army

9. Benefits on Release

  • Benefits depend on length of service & terms at the time of release.

10. Key Dates to Remember

  • Application Start: 11 August 2025
  • Application Close: 10 September 2025
  • SSB Interview: Nov–Dec 2025
  • Course Commencement: April 2026

11. Summary Table

CategoryDetails
Type of EntryNCC Special Entry Scheme – 123rd Course (Apr 2026)
Open ForUnmarried Male (Graduates)
Educational Qualification50% Graduation + ‘B’ Grade in ‘C’ Certificate of NCC
Vacancies70
Age Limit19 to 25 years (as on 01 Jan 2026)
How to ApplyOnline at joinindianarmy.nic.in
Application Window11 Aug 2025 – 10 Sep 2025
Selection ProcessApplication → Shortlisting → SSB → Medical → Merit List → Joining Letter
SSB Interview DatesNov–Dec 2025
Training AcademyOTA, Chennai
Duration of Training49 weeks (from Apr 2026)
Stipend during Training₹56,100/month
Rank after TrainingLieutenant
Salary on Commissioning₹17–18 LPA (excluding perks)
Commission TypeShort Service Commission
Initial Engagement10 years
Maximum Engagement14 years
Permanent Commission OptionAfter 10 years of service
Service ArmsAll Arms & Services of IA
Release BenefitsAs per service rules

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