Corps of Signals: The Army’s Communication Backbone

When people think of the Indian Army, they think of tanks, fighter jets, and soldiers on the battlefield. But behind the scenes are the people who keep them all connected—the Corps of Signals. They are the ones who facilitate battlefield communication, be it through radio, satellite, or cyber channels. Without them, the best plans would not work.

Where It All Began
The Corps of Signals didn’t exist earlier. Communication in the olden days was left to independent army units and it was chaotic. Orders came too late, messages got lost, and even signals got intercepted by the enemy sometimes. That is why, in 1911, the British Indian Army formed the Corps of Signals to conduct military communication in a structured manner.

Since then, they’ve been part of all major wars:

1947-48: Supported Indian soldiers in opening vital communication lines in Kashmir.
1962: Fought in extreme Himalayan weather during the Sino-Indian War.
1965 & 1971: Enabled secure communication that gave India an edge over Pakistan.
1999 Kargil War: Played a major role in intercepting enemy communications and keeping Indian forces in line.
What Do They Actually Do?
Okay, so what exactly does the Corps of Signals do? A lot more than radios for sure! Here’s a short overview of their main tasks:

Cyber Warfare & Hacking Defense – They protect India’s military networks against hackers and foreign spies.
Satellite Communication – They control like GSAT-7, India’s own military satellite.
Battlefield Communication – From encrypted radios to fiber-optic communications and drones, they facilitate smooth and effective communication in the field of battle.
Artificial Intelligence & Data Warfare – AI-driven surveillance, cyber defense and computerized military operations are their new frontiers.
How to Join the Corps of Signals
All are not welcome. Officers and men here need to be tech savvy, on their toes, and problem solvers. Training is at MCTE (Military College of Telecommunication Engineering) in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.

The recruitment is through NDA, CDS, TGC, SSC Tech, and ACC, where only the best performers go through.

The Future of Warfare & Signals Corps
War is changing. No more bullets and bombs—now it’s cyber attacks, drones, and electronic warfare. The Corps of Signals is adapting rapidly:

Electronic Warfare Systems – Jamming enemy signals and securing India’s networks.
AI-Powered Surveillance – Using artificial intelligence for defence intelligence.
Drone-Based Battlefield Support – Enabling real-time reconnaissance and coordination.
As everything goes digital, the Signals Corps is India’s front line defense in cyberspace.

Why Their Motto Matters
Their motto, “Teevra Chaukas” (Swift and Alert), speaks volumes. Quickness and alertness are the very essence of their work, and their symbol of Mercury with wings represents wisdom, quick thinking, and adaptability.

Final Thoughts
The Corps of Signals does not always get the limelight, but without them, the Army would never be able to function. From the white-topped mountains of Kargil to clandestine cyber warfare, these soldiers keep India’s defense networked and safe. With modern warfare on the move, their job is only growing—and they’re more than capable of the task.