For engineering graduates in India, the corporate world is not the only path to a fulfilling career. There exists a parallel universe where your technical knowledge powers the nation’s defense, where “deadlines” are life-and-death situations, and where your “office” could be a high-altitude bunker or a state-of-the-art radar station.
The Indian Army Short Service Commission (SSC) Technical entry is that gateway.
The Indian Army has officially released the notification for the 67th SSC Tech (Men) and 38th SSC Tech (Women) courses commencing in October 2026. This is a “Direct Entry” scheme, meaning there is no written exam like CDS or NDA. Your engineering marks are your ticket to the interview.
This article serves as a comprehensive dossier on the recruitment process, breaking down vacancies, eligibility, the rigorous SSB interview, and how to convert this opportunity into a commissioned rank.
1. Understanding the Role: What is “SSC Tech”?
The Short Service Commission (SSC) is designed for those who want to serve in the Army as a Commissioned Officer for a limited period, with the option to continue permanently.
- Tenure: You serve for an initial period of 10 years. This is extendable by 4 years (10+4).
- Permanent Commission (PC): Towards the end of your tenure, you can opt for a Permanent Commission based on your performance and vacancies, allowing you to serve until retirement.
- The Job: You will join technical arms like the Corps of Signals (handling military communications), Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) (maintaining weapons and vehicles), or the Corps of Engineers (building bridges, helipads, and infrastructure in combat zones).
2. The Vacancy Breakdown (Oct 2026 Course)
The 2026 notification announces approximately 379 vacancies, keeping the intake high for men and selective for women.
| Category | Course Name | Vacancies (Approx) |
| Men | 67th SSC (Tech) Men | 350 |
| Women | 38th SSC (Tech) Women | 29 |
| Widows | Widows of Defence Personnel | 02 |
| Total | 381 |
Stream-Wise Distribution:
The bulk of vacancies are usually for Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Science engineers. Specialized streams like Aeronautical, Avionics, and Opto-Electronics also have limited seats.
Note: You can only apply for ONE stream corresponding to your engineering degree.
3. Eligibility Criteria: The Checkpoints
The Army is unforgiving regarding eligibility. Even a single day’s difference in age or a missing document leads to rejection.
A. Age Limit (As on 01 October 2026)
- Minimum: 20 Years
- Maximum: 27 Years
- Birth Date Range: You must be born between 02 October 1999 and 01 October 2006 (both dates inclusive).
- For Widows of Defence Personnel: Max age is 35 years.
B. Educational Qualification
- B.E. / B.Tech: Candidates who have passed the Engineering Degree or are in the final year of the Engineering Degree course.
- Final Year Clause: Final year students must be able to produce the provisional degree certificate by 01 October 2026. If you have backlogs that delay your result beyond this date, you are not eligible.
C. Marital Status
- Candidates must be Unmarried. Marriage is not permitted during the training period either.
4. Important Dates
The application windows for Men and Women differ slightly.
| Event | Men (67th Course) | Women (38th Course) |
| Application Start | 07 January 2026 | 06 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 05 February 2026 | 04 February 2026 |
| SSB Interviews | April – June 2026 | May – July 2026 |
| Course Commences | October 2026 at OTA Chennai |
5. The Selection Process: No Written Exam
This entry is unique because it bypasses the written exam stage entirely.
Stage 1: Shortlisting of Applications
The Army sets a “Cut-off Percentage” for each engineering stream based on the aggregate marks up to the 6th semester (for final year students) or 8th semester (for graduates).
- Example: If the Cut-off for Mechanical is 72%, and you have 71.9%, you will not be called.
- Reality Check: Cut-offs for Civil and Mechanical are usually lower (60-70%), while Computer Science and Electrical can soar above 75-80%.
Stage 2: The SSB Interview (The Real Test)
Shortlisted candidates are called to one of the Selection Centres (Allahabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, or Jalandhar) for a 5-day interview.
- Day 1 (Screening): OIR Test (Reasoning) + PPDT (Picture Perception). Approx 60-70% of candidates are “Screened Out” here and sent home.
- Days 2-4 (Psychology & GTO): Psych tests to analyze your subconscious, followed by Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks where you solve physical obstacles as a team.
- Day 5 (Conference): Final result.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Recommended candidates undergo a week-long medical checkup. Issues like Knock Knees, Flat Foot, or Colour Blindness can lead to rejection.
6. Training and Commissioning
If you clear the Merit List, you pack your bags for the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
- Duration: 49 Weeks.
- Stipend: You receive ₹56,100 per month during the training period.
- The Grind: OTA training is legendary for its toughness. It transforms a civilian techie into a combat leader. You will learn weapon handling, map reading, jungle warfare, and platoon command.
Commissioning:
Upon successful completion, you are commissioned as a Lieutenant.
- Salary: Level 10 Pay Matrix (Starting Gross Salary approx ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month, including Military Service Pay and DA).
- Antedate Seniority: Since you are a technical graduate, you get 2 years of seniority for promotion purposes (though not for pay).
7. Strategy: How to Crack the “Direct Entry”
Since there is no written exam, your preparation should be entirely focused on the SSB Interview.
- Understand the “OLQs”: The SSB looks for 15 Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) such as Effective Intelligence, Liveliness, Courage, and Cooperation. You cannot fake these; you must cultivate them.
- Current Affairs: As a tech graduate, you are expected to know about modern warfare technology (Drones, AI in Military, Cyber Warfare). Read about India’s defense deals and geopolitical issues.
- Physical Fitness: You don’t need to be an athlete, but you must have endurance. Start running 3-5 km daily. If you are overweight, lose it before the medicals.
- Technical Knowledge: In the personal interview, the interviewing officer will ask you engineering questions. “How does a 4-stroke engine work?” or “Explain the principle of Radar.” Brush up on your final year project.
8. Conclusion: A Badge of Honor
The SSC Tech entry is not just a job application; it is a challenge. It asks if you have the mettle to lead men into battle using both your rifle and your technical acumen.
For the 379 candidates who eventually make it to OTA Chennai in October 2026, life will never be ordinary again. You will not just be an engineer; you will be a Soldier-Engineer, a rare breed responsible for the safety of a billion people.