If you have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM), and appeared in Union Public Service Commission– (UPSC) / Joint Entrance Examination (Main) JEE (Mains) 2025, now is your chance to join the Indian Army through the prestigious 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES). Registrations for the 55th Course (TES-55) close on 13 November 2025 make sure you apply before 12 hours midnight deadline. According to official notifications, there are 90 vacancies (subject to change) for unmarried male candidates who meet the eligibility criteria.  

In this article, you’ll learn about eligibility, training, rank progression, salary and how to apply explained simply and clearly.

 

Who is eligible?

To apply for TES-55 and secure a Permanent Commission in the Indian Army, you must satisfy the following criteria:

Educational Requirements
You must have passed Class 12 (10+2) with PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) and have appeared in JEE (Main) 2025.  

Age & Marital Status
Only unmarried male candidates can apply. You must be at least 16½ years and no more than 19½ years old. For example, you must not be born before January 2, 2007 and not after January 1, 2010 (inclusive) for this exercise.
This age criterion aligns with previous entries (e.g., TES-54 gave 16½-19½ years)  

Vacancies
There are 90 vacancies for this course, though this number may change depending on training capacity at the Cadet Training Wings.  

Nationality & Other Criteria
You must be a citizen of India (or meet other standard categories such as subject of Nepal/Bhutan, etc) and satisfy the physical and medical standards as laid down by the Army.  

 

What the training & degree involve

Once selected, candidates will undergo a rigorous four-year training programme. On successful completion:

You will be awarded an engineering degree.  

You will be commissioned with a Permanent Commission in the rank of Lieutenant (Lt) in the Indian Army.  

During training:

For the first three years you’ll receive a fixed stipend of Rs 56,100 per month (equivalent to that given to NDA cadets) when you complete three years of training.  

The cost of training (about Rs 13,940) is borne by the State but will be recovered from you if you withdraw or resign voluntarily.

After completing four years of training and commissioning, you will start drawing pay as applicable to your rank.

 

Rank progression and salary structure

Here is a simplified view of how ranks and pay grow over time for officers entering via TES:

Lieutenant (Lt) – Level 10: Rs 56,100-1,77,500

Captain (Capt) – Level 10B: Rs 61,300-1,93,900

Major (Maj) – Level 11: Rs 69,400-2,07,200

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) – Level 12A: Rs 1,21,200-2,12,400

Colonel (Col) – Level 13: Rs 1,30,600-2,15,900

Brigadier (Brig) – Level 13A: Rs 1,39,600-2,17,600

Major General (Maj Gen) – Level 14: Rs 1,44,200-2,18,200

Lieutenant General (HAG Scale) – Level 15: Rs 1,82,200-2,24,100

Lieutenant General (HAG +) – Level 16: Rs 2,05,400-2,24,400

These pay bands reflect the structured career growth and incentives available to officers.

 

Selection process & how to apply

Selection Stages
Your journey will include:

Shortlisting on the basis of your Class 12 results (PCM) and JEE (Main) performance.  

Interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB), including tests of Officer Like Qualities (OLQ), group discussion, psychological tests etc.

Medical examination to ensure fitness for commissioning.

Final merit list and issue of joining letter.  

Application Link & Deadline
Visit the official website of the Indian Army (e.g., www.joinindianarmy.nic.in) and fill the online form. For TES-55, apply by 13 November 2025 (12 hours deadline).  

Tips for Applicants

Ensure you have your Class 12 marks of PCM and your JEE (Main) 2025 roll/score ready.

Check your date of birth carefully; it must fall within the required range.

Prepare physical fitness, and work on basic SSB interview traits (confidence, leadership, communication).

Read the official notification fully any mismatch can lead to rejection.

Apply early avoid last-minute server issues or incomplete forms.

 

Why this is a great opportunity

This TES route is one of the most direct ways for young aspirants to join the Indian Army as technical officers straight after Class 12. You earn an engineering degree, train to become a commissioned officer, and enjoy a structured career path with attractive salary and growth. For science-stream students who want both advanced education and service to the nation, this scheme is especially valuable.

 

Conclusion

If you are an unmarried male, aged between 16½ to 19½ years, have passed your Class 12 with PCM, and appeared in JEE (Main) 2025, this is your moment to apply for the TES-55 course and aim for a Permanent Commission in the Indian Army. With 90 vacancies and the deadline of 13 November 2025, act now. Follow the official website instructions, gather all required documents, and step confidently into a meaningful career of service and growth.

Good luck with your application and preparation for an exciting future in uniform!