How to Join the Territorial Army

Captain Rajpal Singh, TA Officer/ Additional Director, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)

Becoming a Commissioned officer in the Indian Territorial Army is a two step process. The first step involves PIB (Preliminary Interview Board) and  step two involves the SSB (Services Selection Board). To be more specific:

Basic Eligibility

• Graduate in any subject.
• 18-42 years of age.
• Only gainfully employed whether private or government or self employed. Members of police forces (Including CPOs) are not eligible.
• Indian Citizens.

Application Process

• Advertisement published in all major newspapers.
• Download application from Indian Army website. 
• Apply to respective commands as mentioned in advertisement.
• You will receive call-up for PIB only on the correctness of application.

Step One  PIB comprises a written examination of two papers. Papers one of English language (subjective: essay and comprehension) and paper two of general studies (multiple choice, may also include reasoning ability questions). Both the papers are of UPSC standard and aspiring candidates should study the basic fundamentals of all subjects. Candidates should aim at minimum 50 percent to qualify; there is no negative marking as yet. Successful candidates of both the written papers are required to appear before an interview board (with two military officers and a psychologist). Positive attitude, good communication skills, body language, truthfulness and convincing ability are the key to success. The panel would generally ask questions based on your background information and suitability for Officer's Like Qualities, which are:

• Effective Intelligence - Head
• Reasoning Ability - Head
• Organizational Ability - Head
• Power of Expression - Head
• Social Adaptability - Heart
• Cooperation - Heart
• Sense of Responsibility - Heart
• Initiative - Guts
• Self Confidence - Guts
• Speed of Decision - Guts
• Ability to Influence Group - Heart
• Liveliness - Heart
• Determination - Physical & Mental
• Courage - Physical & Mental
• Stamina - Physical & Mental

Result of written is declared within two to three days and successful candidates are required for interview in next two days. Final result of successful candidates after interview would be declared in a span of 15-20 days  though intimation letters. 

Note: All candidates appearing for PIB should carry along with them, all their certificates in original and copies duly attested by a commissioned officer, medical certificate, domicile certificate, PAN card, No-Objection certificate from employer/ affidavit in case of self employed, income certificate and pass port size photographs.

Step Two Successful candidates of PIB would receive their call-up letter for SSBs within two to four months after PIB and would be tested along with candidates of regular commission in the armed forces. There is virtually no difference in the testing procedures for TA Commission. Successful candidates of SSB would be retained for medical examination thereafter. Candidates who are declared recommended in the SSB will have to wait for another three to four months before they are being allotted an infantry battalion in respective zones. Candidates become officer, the day they join and that is the seniority date as well.

Training  All training activities are post commission in nature:

• 30 days of Basic Military Training at unit itself.
• 90 days of Advance Military Training at TA Training Center, Deolali.
• 90 days of training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradoon.
• Military courses based on willingness of candidates and suitability of service.
• 90 days of cross-military attachment with the regular army battalion based on willingness of candidates and suitability of service.

Service Conditions

• Minimum 30 days to a maximum 60 days Annual Training Camp every year at battalion. Waiver for two years can be granted by competent authorities based on willingness of candidates and suitability of service.
• Voluntary training attachments for military courses based on willingness of candidates and suitability of service. No duration specified.
• Compulsory military service during declared national emergencies.
• Secondment to regular army battalions for a period of five years based on willingness of candidates and suitability of service.
• TA officers with two years of regular service and if below 25 years of age; have an option of converting their TA Commission into regular Short Service Commission.
• TA officers can be placed on Special Unattached List for a maximum period of six years. Only 14 days every year is mandatory in that case. Strictly based on willingness of candidates and suitability of service.
• Seniority of TA officers is not affected on full time or part-time nature of service.
• Promotion: Captain in four years; Major in eight years; Lieutenant Colonel in 15 years; Colonel and beyond is based on selection. TA Officer can rise up to Major General as per books.
• No difference in pay and perks during service or training. Pay begins from Pay Band 3 of the Central Sixth Pay Commission.
• Commission is conferred by the President of India. Status of class one commissioned officer Group A.
• A TA officer can also apply for civil services examination while being in service and can serve in both the services together. A great opportunity which is never offered to regular officers.

For Ex Armed Forces Officers

• Age: 18-45 years.
• Apply through normal advertisement; no written exam; no SSB; interview at the army headquarters; medical test; verification of previous military service.
• Ex officers can get the ante-date seniority of previous military service, provided they refund the gratuity.

Note: Remember TA is a part-time military concept and do not offer any employment. One should be careful of this and it should never be considered as a back door entry for the regular army. 
Total time taken from filling the application and  joining is eight to ten months only. A very fair selection procedure, no recommendations whatsoever and no reservations for any caste or community. 

Some Important Links:

Indian Army Website: Territorial Army

http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp1PLT3C.aspx?MnId=r33D6bLT6Nc=&ParentID=PN872GmDUDM=&flag=p

To prepare for PIB written exam:

http://www.civilserviceindia.com/

To know more about SSB:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Services_Selection_Board

History of TA:

http://territorials.blogspot.com/2011/04/origin-of-indias-territorial-forces.html

All information compiled from open sources. The blog do not guarantee for correctness, however a great care has been taken in verifying the data.

(Published by the team of TERRITORIALS)