The Indian Army’s SSC Tech 65 (for men) and SSCW Tech 36 (for women) courses offer a golden opportunity to engineering graduates and widows of defence personnel. These prestigious short service commission (SSC) entries are scheduled to begin in October 2025, allowing selected candidates to serve in esteemed roles, directly contributing to the country’s defence infrastructure.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: eligibility, cut-off marks, vacancy details, selection process, training, and more.
Overview of SSC Tech & SSCW Tech
The SSC Technical Entry Scheme is designed to recruit technically skilled engineering graduates into the Indian Army:
| Course | For | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SSC Tech 65 | Men | For male engineering graduates |
| SSCW Tech 36 | Women | For female engineering graduates |
| Technical Entry (Widows) | Widows of Defence Personnel | For B.E./B.Tech holders |
| Non-Tech Entry (Widows) | Widows of Defence Personnel | For graduates in any stream |
These courses ensure candidates receive not just military training, but also develop the technical expertise required for today’s battlefield roles.
Objectives of the Course
- Skill Development: Build technical knowledge suited for modern defence roles.
- Leadership Training: Equip candidates for leading roles in military units.
- Service to the Nation: Embrace values, responsibility, and honour of the Indian Army.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit:
| Category | Age as of Oct 1, 2025 |
| SSC Tech (Men & Women) | 20 to 27 years |
| Widows of Defence Personnel | Up to 35 years |
Educational Qualifications:
| Category | Qualification Required |
| SSC Tech (Men & Women) | B.E./B.Tech or final year of Engineering |
| Widows – Technical Entry | B.E./B.Tech |
| Widows – Non-Technical Entry | Graduation in any discipline |
Vacancy Distribution
SSC Tech 65 (Men):
The total number of vacancies for men is 350, distributed across different engineering streams:
| Engineering Discipline | Vacancies |
| Civil | 60 |
| Computer Science | 72 |
| Mechanical | 60 |
| Electrical | 60 |
| Electronics | 60 |
| Miscellaneous | 60 |
| Total | 350 |
SSCW Tech 36 (Women):
For women candidates, the total number of vacancies is 29, distributed as follows:
| Engineering Discipline | Vacancies |
| Civil | 60 |
| Computer Science | 85 |
| Mechanical | 60 |
| Electrical | 75 |
| Electronics | 74 |
| Total | 29 |
Widows of Defence Personnel:
- Technical Entry: 1 Vacancy
- Non-Technical Entry: 1 Vacancy
Cut-Off Marks: Why They Matter
The Indian Army sets cut-off marks based on candidates’ academic performance up to the 6th semester. These marks determine who moves forward to the SSB interview stage.
- Cut-offs vary each year depending on the number of applicants and their scores.
- Candidates must meet or exceed these marks to be shortlisted.
Selection Process
The selection journey for SSC Tech 65 & SSCW Tech 36 involves several key stages:
1. Application Shortlisting
Candidates are shortlisted based on their engineering percentages. The Army reserves the right to change the cut-off depending on competition.
2. SSB Interview (5 Days)
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an SSB interview at designated centers:
- Allahabad
- Bhopal
- Bengaluru
- Jalandhar
This includes two stages:
- Stage 1: Screening (those who don’t pass are sent back the same day)
- Stage 2: Psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews
3. Medical Examination
Candidates who clear SSB go through a medical fitness test as per Army standards.
4. Final Merit List
Final selection depends on:
- Performance in SSB
- Number of available vacancies per stream
Training and Commissioning
Training Centre:
- Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Duration:
- 49 Weeks of intensive military and technical training
Commission:
- Candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants on completion.
- Government-sponsored training with no fees.
- Candidates are not allowed to marry during training.
Career Path & Promotion
Tenure:
- Initial term: 10 years
- Extendable by: 4 years
- Permanent Commission (PC) may be granted in the 10th year based on eligibility.
Promotion Timeline:
| Rank | Time in Service |
| Lieutenant | On Commissioning |
| Captain | After 2 Years |
| Major | After 6 Years |
| Lt. Colonel | After 13 Years |
Salary & Perks
| Rank | Pay Level | Monthly Salary (₹) |
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lt. Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
Additional Allowances:
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500/month
- Field Area Allowance: Based on location
- Children Education Allowance: ₹2,250/month
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply online through the official Indian Army website.
Steps to Apply:
- Register: Create an account with your details.
- Fill Application: Add academic and personal information.
- Upload Documents: Attach mark sheets, ID, and certificates.
- Submit: Ensure everything is correct and submit before the deadline.
Application Dates:
- Start Date: January 7, 2025
- End Date: February 5, 2025
Key Tips for Applicants
- Ensure you meet age and educational criteria.
- Maintain a high academic percentage to clear cut-offs.
- Stay updated with the official website for notifications.
- Prepare thoroughly for the SSB interview – it’s the key hurdle!
Final Thoughts
The SSC Tech 65 and SSCW Tech 36 entries offer more than just a job—they open doors to a life of honour, leadership, and service to the nation. Whether you’re an engineering graduate looking to contribute your skills, or a widow of a braveheart seeking to carry forward their legacy, these roles provide a rewarding and prestigious path.
If you’re eligible and driven by patriotism and purpose, this is your moment. Prepare well, stay determined, and step forward to join one of the finest armies in the world.