The Territorial Army is a unique “Citizen’s Army” designed for people who are already settled in their careers but have a burning desire to serve the nation in uniform.
Contents
1. Eligibility Criteria (Can You Apply?)
To apply as a Civilian Candidate (the route Saee Jadhav took), you must fulfill the following:
- Gender: Both Male and Female candidates are eligible.
- Age Limit: 18 to 42 years (on the date of application). This is one of the few entries with such a generous age bracket.
- Education: Must be a Graduate from any recognized university.
- Employment: You must be “Gainfully Employed.” This means you should have a steady income from a job, business, or professional practice.
- Note: Serving members of the Regular Army/Navy/Air Force/Police/GREF are not eligible.
Breaking Barriers: Meet Saee Jadhav, the First Woman TA Officer to Graduate from IMA Dehradun
2. The Selection Process (The 4-Step Climb)
The selection is rigorous and designed to find leaders with military aptitude.
| Stage | Activity | Details |
| Stage 1 | Written Exam | Objective test covering Maths, Reasoning, GK, and English. |
| Stage 2 | PIB Interview | Candidates who pass the written exam are interviewed by the Preliminary Interview Board. |
| Stage 3 | SSB Interview | A 5-day psychological and personality test at Service Selection Centers. |
| Stage 4 | Medical Board | Final medical fitness check at a Military Hospital. |
3. Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The written exam is usually divided into two papers (conducted on the same day):
- Paper I: Reasoning (50 Marks) & Elementary Mathematics (50 Marks).
- Paper II: General Knowledge (50 Marks) & English (50 Marks).
- Duration: 2 hours for each paper.
- Standard: The difficulty level is similar to the CDS or SSC CGL exams.
4. Important Dates for 2025-26
Based on current cycles, aspirants should watch for the following timeline:
- Notification Release: Usually around May/June.
- Application Window: May 12 – June 10 (Tentative for the 2025 cycle).
- Written Exam Date: Often scheduled in July or December.
Pro-Tip for Women Aspirants: Like Saee Jadhav, you may find only one or two vacancies for women. This means your goal isn’t just to pass, but to top the merit list.
5. Training After Selection
Once selected, you don’t just go to the border immediately. You undergo:
- One month of basic training in the first year.
- Two months of annual training every year.
- Post-Commissioning Training: This includes the prestigious training at IMA Dehradun, where Saee Jadhav made history.