From Class 12 to Army Officer: Why the 10+2 TES is India’s Best-Kept Career Secret
.jpg)
What is the 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES)?
The 10+2
Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is one of the most prestigious and
lesser-known opportunities offered by the Indian Army for young,
ambitious, and determined unmarried male candidates who have completed their Class
12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with minimum 60% marks and
appeared in JEE Mains 2025. Unlike other career options that demand
graduation or competitive exams like NDA or CDS, TES offers direct entry into
the Indian Army right after Class 12, without the need to appear for
UPSC written examinations. ONLINE
APPLICATION FOR 10+2 TES WILL OPEN ON 14 OCT 2025 AT 1200 HRS AND WILL CLOSE ON
13 NOV 2025 AT 1200 HRS.
This scheme
is a direct route to become a Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army,
making it one of the best-kept career secrets in India for science
stream students.
Why TES is an Exceptional Opportunity for 12th Pass
PCM Students
The TES of Indian Army is not
just a job opportunity—it’s a leadership transformation program designed to
create technically proficient officers for the Indian Army. Candidates selected
through this scheme are trained not only in military tactics and warfare but
also in engineering and technology, making them combat-ready
technocrats.
Here’s why TES stands out:
- Direct Entry After
12th: No
UPSC written test is required, selection through JEE Mains 2025 cut off.
- Free Engineering
Degree: Fully
sponsored engineering degree from reputed military colleges.
- Officer Rank on
Commissioning: Join
as a Lieutenant after training.
- Permanent Commission: Long-term career in
the armed forces.
- Financial Independence: Pay, perks, and
allowances start during training.
- Prestige and Respect: An officer’s life in
the Indian Army is highly respected and revered across society.
Eligibility Criteria & Vacancies for 10+2 TES
Entry
To apply for the 10+2 TES,
candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of
India.
- Educational
Qualification:
Passed 10+2 with minimum 60% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and
Mathematics (PCM).
- JEE (Mains) 2025 Mandatory: Appearing in JEE
Main 2025 exam is compulsory.
- Age Limit: Candidates age must be
between 16.5 to 19.5 years. The candidate should not be born before 02 Jan 2007
and not after 01 Jan 2010 (both days inclusive).
- Gender: Only male
candidates are eligible as of now.
Candidates meeting these
criteria can apply online through the official Join Indian Army website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in during
the notification period.
Vacancies: 90 (Ninety), The Vacancies are provisional for 10+2
TES and can be changed depending on the training capacity at the Cadets
Training Wings (CTWs) for this course. The vacancies are subject to
increase/decrease keeping the organizational requirement at that point of time.
Selection Procedure of TES: How It Works
The selection process for TES is streamlined, rigorous, and merit-based, ensuring only the best and most committed candidates are chosen:
Online
Application: Submit
detailed information and marks online.
Candidates have to submit the following documents along
with the Application Form: -
·
Class 10th certificate
and mark sheet in original showing date of birth (DOB).
·
Class 12th pass
certificate and mark sheet in original.
·
ID proof in
original.
·
Copy of result of
JEE (Mains) 2025.
Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on JEE
Main 2025 score (Cut off will be fixed by Army HQ).
SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a five-day
Services Selection Board (SSB) interview at one of the Selection Centres i.e, Prayagraj (UP), Bhopal (MP), Bengaluru
(Karnataka) or Jalandhar (Punjab), which tests psychological, physical, and
leadership capabilities.
Medical Examination: Only medically fit candidates are considered.
Final Merit
List: Based on SSB performance
and medical fitness.
There will be no written
test for TES—selection is purely based on JEE Mains 2025 score and
personality evaluation through the SSB process.
Training and Education: Engineering Degree +
Military Training = Dual Advantage
Training: Total training for candidates after selection will be of
4 years at under mentioned Pre-Commissioned Training Academies (PCTA). Details
are as under: -
Phase-I: Integrated Basic Military Training & Engineering
Training at Cadets Training Wings located at CME Pune, MCTE Mhow, MCEME Secunderabad
for three years.
Phase-II: Integrated Basic Military Training & Engineering
Training for one year at IMA, Dehradun.
Award of Degree: The candidates will be awarded Engineering degree after
successful completion of 04 (four) years training.
Type of
Commission: On successful completion
of 4 years of the course, cadets will be granted Permanent Commission in the
Army in the rank of Lieutenant (Lt.).
Life After TES: Career Growth, Ranks & Perks
Graduates of the TES scheme
enjoy structured career growth, unparalleled perks, and an opportunity
to serve the nation with pride:
Rank Structure:
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
Perks and Benefits:
- Attractive Pay Package (starting pay ~
₹56,100 + allowances)
- Free Medical Facilities (for self and
dependents)
- Subsidized Housing and
Ration
- Education allowance &
Hostel Subsidy for 2 Children
- Pension and Canteen Benefits
- Higher Qualification Incentive
- Adventure Sports,
Foreign Postings, and UN Missions
- Life Insurance
Officers also have the
opportunity to pursue post-graduate education and higher qualification
courses throughout their career.
How TES Compares to NDA and Other Entry Routes
|
Feature |
TES |
NDA |
CDS |
|
Eligibility |
After 12th (PCM) |
After 12th (Any stream) |
After Graduation |
|
JEE Main Required |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Engineering Degree |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Entry Type |
Direct SSB |
UPSC + SSB |
UPSC + SSB |
|
Permanent Commission |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Written Exam |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
TES is
uniquely positioned for engineering aspirants who want to serve in the Indian Army. It provides
an early start, technical education, and officer status
all bundled in one prestigious opportunity.
Challenges and Expectations: Is TES Right for You?
TES is not just an academic
course—it’s a lifestyle commitment. Candidates are expected to uphold
the highest standards of:
- Discipline
- Physical Fitness
- Mental Robustness
- Leadership
- Commitment to National
Service
It is ideal for students who
are technically inclined, have a passion for defence services,
and aspire to lead a life of purpose, honour and service.
Tips for Cracking the TES SSB Interview
Getting shortlisted is only
the beginning. To clear the SSB interview, candidates should:
- Work on Communication
Skills
- Improve General
Awareness
- Practice Psychological
Tests
- Engage in Physical
Fitness Routines
- Participate in Group
Activities
- Develop Officer-Like
Qualities (OLQs) such
as responsibility, teamwork, initiative, and decision-making.
Taking guidance from ex-SSB
mentors, mock interviews, and joining SSB coaching academies
can significantly improve your chances of success.
Conclusion: TES – India’s Best-Kept Military Career
Secret
The 10+2 Technical Entry
Scheme is not just an alternate career—it’s a prestigious gateway to
one of the most respected uniforms in the world. With free education, elite
military training, rapid career growth, and lifelong benefits, TES is India’s
hidden gem for Class 12 PCM students.
If you're looking for a
career that offers honour, engineering excellence, and a chance to serve the
nation, then the TES is the path for you. It’s time to look beyond
traditional choices and consider one of the most transformational career
opportunities that India has to offer.
|
ALSO READ |
|
|
Just Passed 12th? Here’s How to Kickstart a High Paying
Design Career! |
|
|
Top 7 Law Career Paths You Can Pursue Right After 12th – Number
3 Will Surprise You! |
|
|
UCEED 2026 Notification OUT Now! Dates,
Eligibility & Major Changes You Must Know |
|
|
CLAT 2026: The Ultimate Game Plan to Crack It on Your First
Attempt! |
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
