Territorial Army – FAQs
Comprehensive FAQ Guide: Territorial Army (TA) Recruitment 2025
📄 SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
1. What is the Territorial Army (TA)?
The Territorial Army is a part-time, voluntary force that enables civilians to serve the nation in a military capacity without having to give up their regular civilian employment. It supplements the Indian Army during emergencies or when called upon for national service.
2. Is the TA a part of the Indian Army?
Yes. The TA operates under the Indian Army and comes under the Ministry of Defence.
3. Is TA service permanent or part-time?
TA service is part-time and not a full-time career. It is meant for those who are already employed or self-employed and want to contribute to national defense on a part-time basis.
4. What are the benefits of joining the TA?
- Opportunity to serve the nation
- Military training and exposure
- Respect and recognition in society
- Same pay and allowances as regular Army officers when embodied for duty
5. Are TA officers considered government employees?
Yes, during the period of embodiment (when called for training or duty), TA personnel receive the same pay, allowances, and service benefits as their regular counterparts.
👩🎓 SECTION 2: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
6. What is the age limit for TA?
Candidates must be between 18 and 42 years as of the last date of application.
7. What is the educational qualification required?
Candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university.
8. Can unemployed individuals apply?
No. Only gainfully employed individuals (including self-employed professionals) are eligible.
9. Are government employees eligible?
No. Candidates working with Central Government, State Government, PSUs, and Para-Military Forces are not eligible.
10. Can women apply for TA?
Yes. Female candidates are eligible to apply and are commissioned as officers upon selection.
11. What constitutes proof of gainful employment?
- Salary slips
- Income tax returns
- Business ownership documents
- Company registration/partnership deed (for self-employed)
📅 SECTION 3: APPLICATION & EXAMINATION PROCESS
12. How to apply for the Territorial Army?
Applications are to be submitted online on the official website: www.jointerritorialarmy.gov.in
13. What is the selection process for TA officers?
- Written Examination
- Preliminary Interview Board (PIB)
- SSB Interview (for successful PIB candidates)
- Medical Examination
14. What is the pattern of the TA written exam?
- Paper I: Reasoning (50 marks), Elementary Mathematics (50 marks)
- Paper II: General Knowledge (50 marks), English (50 marks)
Each paper is of 2 hours duration with 100 marks.
15. What is the syllabus for the written exam?
- Reasoning: Verbal and non-verbal logical reasoning
- Maths: Class 10-level arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration
- GK: Current affairs, history, geography, science, polity
- English: Comprehension, synonyms/antonyms, grammar, error correction
16. Is there any negative marking?
Yes. 0.33 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
17. What is the qualifying cut-off?
Candidates must score minimum 40% marks in each paper separately and 50% overall.
18. What is the PIB Interview?
The Preliminary Interview Board is conducted by an Army Selection Board. It evaluates the candidate’s personality, motivation, general awareness, and suitability for the TA.
19. What happens after PIB?
Shortlisted candidates are called for the SSB Interview followed by Medical Examination.
20. Is SSB interview mandatory for TA selection?
Yes. Final selection is based on performance in the SSB interview and medical fitness.
21. Can I apply multiple times?
Yes, you can apply again in future recruitment cycles if you meet the eligibility.
💼 SECTION 4: SERVICE CONDITIONS
22. What is the duration of training?
- One month of basic training in the first year of commission
- Two months of annual training camp every year
- Post-commission training at IMA/OTA as applicable
23. Is training compulsory?
Yes. Annual training is mandatory unless exempted under exceptional circumstances.
24. Where does the training take place?
Training is conducted at various training regiments and centers of the Indian Army.
25. Can TA officers be deployed in operations?
Yes. TA units have been deployed in Jammu & Kashmir, northeast regions, and during national disasters.
💰 SECTION 5: SALARY, RANKS & BENEFITS
26. What rank is given after clearing TA selection?
Candidates are commissioned as Lieutenant.
27. What is the pay scale?
- Lieutenant: Level 10 (Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500) + DA + allowances
- Pay is applicable only during periods of embodiment
28. Are there any benefits for TA personnel?
- Medical facilities (during training/duty)
- CSD (Canteen) access
- Accommodation (if available)
- Medals and gallantry awards eligibility
29. Is pension applicable in TA?
Only if the officer completes the required years of qualifying embodied service, which is rare for TA.
30. Can TA officers rise in ranks?
Yes. Promotions are as per Indian Army rules based on service, exams, and availability of vacancies.
❓ SECTION 6: MISCELLANEOUS QUERIES
31. What is the difference between TA and NCC?
NCC is a student/youth training organization. TA is an actual military reserve force of the Indian Army.
32. Can TA officers appear in civil services or other government exams?
Yes. Since it’s a part-time service, your civil career is unaffected.
33. How often is the TA exam conducted?
Usually once a year. Schedule may vary as per government notification.
34. Are TA officers eligible for military awards?
Yes. They are eligible for gallantry and service awards like Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, etc.
35. Can I convert my TA service to regular Army?
No. TA officers need to apply separately through regular entries.
36. Can I join TA if I was previously in the armed forces?
Ex-servicemen can join TA as Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) or Other Ranks based on eligibility.
37. How can I prepare for the TA written exam?
- Use books like Lucent’s GK, RS Aggarwal Reasoning, NCERT Maths, and Wren & Martin for English
- Solve previous year papers
- Practice time-bound mock tests
38. Are coaching institutes helpful?
Coaching may help for structured preparation, but many candidates clear the exam with self-study.
39. Can I be rejected in the medical even after clearing SSB?
Yes. Medical fitness is mandatory for final selection.
40. How do I check the official notification?
Visit the official website: https://www.jointerritorialarmy.gov.in regularly.
