Army SSC Tech 66: Complete Guide, Eligibility, Application Process & Career Prospects

Last Updated: July 26, 2025 at 4:06 pm

The Indian Army has announced the much-awaited Army SSC Tech 66 notification for engineering graduates seeking commissioned officer positions. This Short Service Commission (Technical) course scheduled to commence in April 2026 offers exceptional career opportunities for unmarried male engineers who wish to serve the nation whilst building a prestigious military career.

For aspiring defence professionals, the Army SSC Tech 66 course represents a gateway to leadership roles in the Indian Army’s technical branches. With 350 vacancies across various engineering streams, this notification has generated significant interest among engineering graduates. Let’s explore everything you need to know about this exciting opportunity.

Overview of Army SSC Tech 66 Course

The Army SSC Tech 66 programme is specifically designed for unmarried male engineering graduates who wish to contribute their technical expertise to India’s defence forces. The 66th batch will begin training at the Pre-Commissioning Training Academy (PCTA) in April 2026.

Selected candidates will undergo comprehensive military training for 49 weeks, after which they’ll be commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army. This Army SSC Tech 66 course offers an excellent blend of technical challenges and military leadership opportunities.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirements

• Age Limit: 20 to 27 years as on 1st April 2026
• Birth Date Range: Candidates must be born between 1st April 1999 and 31st March 2006 (both dates inclusive)
• Important Note: Only the date of birth mentioned in matriculation/secondary school examination certificate will be accepted

Educational Qualifications

To be eligible for the Army SSC Tech 66 course, candidates must meet specific academic requirements:

1. Completed Engineering Degree: Graduates who have already passed their engineering degree examination
2. Final Year Students: Those currently studying in their final year of engineering can also apply, subject to specific conditions
3. University Recognition: The degree must be from universities/institutions recognised by Central or State Legislature acts

Special Conditions for Final Year Students

Final year engineering students should note these critical requirements:

• Must submit proof of passing their degree examination by 1st April 2026
• Engineering degree certificate must be produced within 12 weeks of joining PCTA
• Final semester/year examinations scheduled after 1st April 2026 make candidates ineligible
• Cumulative percentage up to 6th semester/3rd year must meet the approved cut-off

Nationality Requirements

Candidates must be:

• Citizens of India, or
• Subjects of Nepal, or
• Persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with intention of permanent settlement in India

Engineering Streams and Vacancy Distribution

The Indian Army has specified 350 tentative vacancies across various engineering disciplines:

Major Engineering Streams

Civil Engineering (75 Vacancies)

• Civil Engineering
• Civil Environmental Engineering
• Construction Engineering
• Architecture Engineering
• Building Construction Technology

Computer Science & IT (60 Vacancies)

• Computer Science & Engineering
• Information Technology
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• Data Science & Engineering
• Cyber Security Engineering

Electrical Engineering (33 Vacancies)

• Electrical Engineering
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Power System Engineering

Electronics & Communication (64 Vacancies)

• Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Electronics & Instrumentation
• Telecommunication Engineering
• Microelectronics & Microwave Engineering

Mechanical Engineering (101 Vacancies)

• Mechanical Engineering
• Production Engineering
• Automobile Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering

Miscellaneous Streams (17 Vacancies)

• Bio-Medical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Food Technology
• Agriculture Engineering

Application Process and Important Dates

Key Timeline

• Application Opens: 24th July 2025 at 1500 hours
• Application Closes: 22nd August 2025 at 1500 hours
• Course Commencement: April 2026

How to Apply

1. Online Application Only: Visit the official Indian Army recruitment website
2. Registration: Click on ‘Officer Entry Application/Login’ then ‘Registration’
3. Form Filling: Complete all sections carefully including personal information, communication details, and educational qualifications
4. Document Upload: Ensure all required documents are properly uploaded
5. Final Submission: Click ‘Submit’ after verifying all details

Required Documents for SSB Interview

Candidates must carry these documents to the Selection Centre:

• Signed printout of online application with photograph
• Matriculation/Secondary School certificates and marksheets
• 12th class certificates and marksheets
• Engineering degree/provisional degree
• All semester/year marksheets
• CGPA to marks conversion certificate
• Cumulative percentage certificate (for final year students)
• Civil verification documents

Selection Procedure

Stage 1: Application Shortlisting

The Indian Army reserves the right to shortlist applications based on vacancy-to-call-up ratios for each engineering stream. Cut-offs will be applied to cumulative percentage of marks obtained by candidates.

Stage 2: Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview

Shortlisted candidates will appear for SSB interviews at one of four centres:

• Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh)
• Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
• Bengaluru (Karnataka)
• Jalandhar Cantt (Punjab)

The Army SSC Tech 66 selection process includes:

• Two-stage selection: Stage 1 screening followed by Stage 2 detailed assessment
• Duration: Five days for successful Stage 1 candidates
• Assessment Areas: Psychological tests, group testing, and personal interviews

Stage 3: Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by SSB will undergo comprehensive medical examination as per Indian Army medical standards. The medical board proceedings are confidential and strictly follow established protocols.

Learn More: Indian Army Medical Standards for Officers Entry

Training Details

Training Duration and Location

• Duration: 49 weeks at Pre-Commissioning Training Academy (PCTA)
• Training Cost: Entirely borne by the Government
• Academic Recognition: Award of ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies’

Training Restrictions

• Marriage is strictly prohibited during training period
• Candidates cannot live with parents/guardians
• All training expenses are government-funded

Training Withdrawal Consequences

If withdrawn for personal reasons (excluding medical grounds), candidates must refund training costs at ₹16,260 per week (as per 2023 rates).

Commission Details and Service Conditions

Type of Commission

• Initial Rank: Lieutenant (on probation)
• Confirmation: After successful completion of training
• Ante-date Seniority: One year from commission date for engineering graduates

Service Tenure

• Standard Tenure: 10 years with option for early release after 5 years
• Extension Possibility: Additional 4 years based on merit and organisational requirements
• Permanent Commission: Consideration in 10th year of service subject to eligibility

Special Release Provisions

• Early release after 5 years (subject to Army HQ approval)
• Officers undergoing specialised courses must complete full 14-year tenure
• Extended tenure officers can seek release for civil employment, higher education, or business

Salary Structure and Benefits

Pay Scale (7th Pay Commission)

• Lieutenant: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level-10)
• Captain: ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 (Level-10B)
• Major: ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 (Level-11)
• Lieutenant Colonel: ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 (Level-12A)

Additional Allowances

• Military Service Pay: ₹15,500 per month (fixed)
• Training Stipend: ₹56,100 per month during PCTA training
• Technical Allowance: ₹3,000-₹4,500 per month
• Para Reserve Allowance: ₹3,281 per month
• Dearness Allowance: As applicable to civilian personnel

Field Area Allowances

Officers posted to field areas receive risk and hardship allowances ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹53,125 based on posting location and risk category.

Other Benefits

• Transport Allowance: ₹3,600-₹7,200 per month (plus DA)
• Children Education Allowance: ₹2,812.50 per month per child (maximum 2 children)
• Hostel Subsidy: ₹8,437.50 per month per child
• Dress Allowance: ₹25,000 per year
• Ration in Kind: Available in peace and field areas

Physical Fitness Standards

All Army SSC Tech 66 candidates must meet these minimum physical standards before joining the training academy:

Activity	Minimum Standard
2.4 Km Run	10 minutes 30 seconds
Push-ups	40 repetitions
Pull-ups	6 repetitions
Sit-ups	30 repetitions
Squats	Two sets of 30 repetitions
Lunges	Two sets of 10 repetitions
Swimming	Basic fundamentals required

Fitness Preparation: Complete Physical Fitness Guide for Defence Aspirants

Insurance Coverage

Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF)

• Coverage Amount: ₹1.25 crore
• Monthly Premium: ₹12,500
• Disability Benefits: ₹5-25 lakhs based on disability percentage
• Ex-gratia Grant: ₹50,000 for disability below 20%

Merit List and Final Selection

Merit lists are prepared stream-wise based on SSB interview marks. In case of tie-breaking:

1. Older candidate gets preference
2. If age is also same, higher degree percentage prevails
3. Higher educational qualifications don’t provide additional advantage

Important Guidelines and Restrictions

Application Guidelines

• Only one application per candidate is permitted
• Multiple applications lead to candidature cancellation
• No changes allowed after application closure
• CGPA must be converted to marks as per university formula

Service Restrictions

Upon joining, personal restrictions apply as per Article 33 of the Indian Constitution and Army Act provisions.

Disqualification Criteria

Candidates are ineligible if they have:

• Been debarred from UPSC examinations
• Criminal court convictions or arrests
• Previous withdrawal from service academies on disciplinary grounds

Career Prospects After Commission

Technical Specialisation Opportunities

SSC Tech officers can specialise in various technical fields including:

• Advanced engineering courses
• Management programmes
• International training opportunities
• Research and development projects

Promotion Timeline

The structured promotion system ensures career growth:

• Captain: After 2 years of service
• Major: After 6 years of service
• Lieutenant Colonel: After 13 years of service
• Colonel and Above: Selection-based promotions

Post-Service Opportunities

The technical expertise and leadership experience gained during military service opens doors to:

• Senior management positions in private sector
• Government technical roles
• Entrepreneurship opportunities
• International career prospects

Tips for Successful Application

Documentation Checklist

• Ensure all certificates match exactly with online application details
• Verify CGPA to percentage conversion accuracy
• Maintain consistency in name spelling across all documents
• Keep all original documents ready for SSB verification

Preparation Strategy

• Start physical fitness training well in advance
• Familiarise yourself with SSB interview patterns
• Practice group discussions and leadership tasks
• Stay updated with current affairs and defence-related topics

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t submit multiple applications
• Avoid last-minute application submission
• Don’t ignore document verification requirements
• Never provide false information in applications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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• Agniveer vs Regular Army: Benefits, Risks & Career Guide

Conclusion

The Army SSC Tech 66 course represents an exceptional opportunity for engineering graduates to combine their technical expertise with military leadership. With competitive compensation, comprehensive training, and excellent career prospects, this course offers a rewarding path for those seeking to serve the nation.

The application window is limited, so interested candidates should prepare their documents and apply early. Success in this competitive selection process requires thorough preparation, physical fitness, and genuine commitment to military service.

For the latest updates and detailed information, candidates should regularly visit the official Indian Army recruitment portal and utilise the feedback/query option for specific clarifications.

Download Official Notification PDF – Click here!

Remember, serving in the Indian Army is not just a career choice—it’s a calling to serve the nation with honour, integrity, and dedication. The Army SSC Tech 66 programme provides the perfect platform to contribute your technical skills towards India’s defence while building a fulfilling and prestigious career.

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