The Territorial Army (TA) provides a remarkable opportunity for civilians to serve their country while continuing with their civilian occupations. The upcoming recruitment for Infantry and Home & Hearth (H&H) Battalions in Zone-1 is eagerly awaited. This recruitment drive spans several states and union territories (UTs) such as Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Delhi, offering various vacancies across different trades. Let’s delve into the key details of the Territorial Army recruitment, including the battalions involved, eligibility criteria, physical standards, and other essential aspects.
Recruitment Details for Territorial Army Infantry and Home & Hearth Battalions
The Territorial Army recruitment will be conducted for eight Infantry Battalions and two H&H Battalions at four key locations in Zone-1. Below are the battalions and their respective locations:
| Battalion | Location | Recruitment Period | Area Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 126 Inf Bn (TA) JAK RIF | Madhopur, Punjab | 10th to 23rd November 2024 | UT of Ladakh, UT of J&K, and Pathankot District of Punjab |
| 152 Inf Bn (TA) SIKH | Ludhiana, Punjab | To be announced | Rest of Punjab |
| 102 Inf Bn (TA) PUNJAB | Kalka, Haryana | 28th November to 11th December 2024 | Himachal Pradesh, UT of Chandigarh, Panchkula District, SAS Nagar |
| 105 Inf Bn (TA) RAJRIF | New Delhi | To be announced | NCT Delhi and other Haryana districts except Panchkula |
Each battalion caters to specific regions, providing equal opportunities for eligible candidates in these areas to join the Territorial Army.
Vacancies Available in Territorial Army Recruitment
A total of 1,084 vacancies are available across various trades, with the majority of them being for Soldier General Duty (GD). Below is a breakdown of key vacancies:
| Post | Infantry Battalions | 157 Inf Bn (H&H) SIKH | 158 Inf Bn (H&H) SIKH LI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soldier (GD) | 515 | 239 | 260 |
| Clerk | 28 | – | – |
| Chef and Cook | Multiple positions | – | – |
| Artisans & Housekeeping | Openings in skilled trades like woodwork, metallurgy, etc. | – | – |
These vacancies provide ample opportunities for both general soldiers and skilled tradesmen.
Eligibility Criteria for Territorial Army Recruitment
To participate in Territorial Army recruitment, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including age limits and educational qualifications.
| Post | Educational Qualification | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Soldier (GD) | Class 10th pass with 45% aggregate and 33% in each subject | 18-42 years |
| Clerk | 10+2 pass with 60% aggregate and 50% in each subject; English & Maths/Accounts mandatory | 18-42 years |
| Tradesmen (Non-Housekeeper & Mess Keeper) | Class 10th pass with 33% in each subject | 18-42 years |
| Tradesmen (Housekeeper & Mess Keeper) | Class 8th pass with 33% in each subject | 18-42 years |
Candidates must also meet age criteria, being between 18 and 42 years old on the day of recruitment.
Physical Standards and Fitness Requirements
Physical fitness is an essential requirement in Territorial Army recruitment. Below are the minimum physical standards:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | 160 cm (157 cm for Eastern Himalayan region candidates) |
| Chest | 82 cm (77 cm unexpanded) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age |
Physical Fitness Test
Candidates will also have to undergo a fitness test, which includes a 1-mile run. Timings and marks vary by age group:
| Age Group | Run Time (60 Marks) | Run Time (40 Marks) |
|---|---|---|
| 18-30 years | Up to 5 min 30 sec | 5 min 31 sec to 5 min 45 sec |
| 31-42 years | Up to 6 min 15 sec | 6 min 16 sec to 6 min 30 sec |
Failure to meet these times will result in disqualification from further stages of recruitment.
Additional Eligibility Criteria for Territorial Army Recruitment
Candidates must also ensure that they fulfill the following additional requirements:
- Must be a resident of the zone designated for recruitment.
- Government employees must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.
- Candidates should not be a member of the Armed Forces, Reserve Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), or State Police.
- Candidates should not have more than one living wife and must have a clean legal record.
Tattoo Policy
Tattoos are permitted under strict guidelines. Permanent body tattoos are allowed only on the inner forearms or the reverse side of the hand. Tribal candidates are allowed tattoos based on their customs, provided they present relevant certificates.
Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity with Territorial Army
The Territorial Army recruitment for Infantry and H&H Battalions in Zone-1 provides a unique opportunity for citizens from Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Delhi to serve their country while maintaining their civilian careers. With over 1,000 vacancies across various trades, this recruitment drive offers something for everyone, from soldiers to skilled artisans.
Prepare thoroughly, meet the eligibility requirements, and take your chance to serve in the prestigious Territorial Army. Don’t miss this golden opportunity!
