Joining the Territorial Army (TA) offers a unique opportunity to serve the nation as part of a part-time, volunteer force, supporting regular armed forces in times of need. The Territorial Army recruitment process is designed to be transparent, fair, and strictly on merit. As part of the recruitment drive for eight Infantry Battalions and two Home and Hearth (H&H) Battalions, candidates from Zone-1 states and Union Territories (UTs) – which include Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Delhi – are encouraged to apply. If you’re interested to join the Territorial Army, here’s all you need to know about the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, schedule, and more.
Recruitment Schedule for Infantry & Home and Hearth Battalions
Candidates interested to join the Territorial Army can find below the recruitment schedule for various units across different locations. Reporting time is strictly from 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM.
| S/No | Conducting Unit | Location | Dates | State/UT and Districts Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | 126 Inf Bn (TA) JAK RIF | Madhopur, Punjab | 10 Nov – 23 Nov 2024 | UT of Ladakh, UT of J&K, Pathankot (Punjab) |
| (b) | 152 Inf Bn (TA) SIKH | Ludhiana, Punjab | Various dates (see details below) | Various districts in Punjab |
| (c) | 102 Inf Bn (TA) PUNJAB | Kalka, Haryana | 28 Nov – 11 Dec 2024 | Himachal Pradesh, UT of Chandigarh, SAS Nagar (Punjab), Panchkula (Haryana) |
| (d) | 105 Inf Bn (TA) RAJRIF | New Delhi | 11 Dec 2024 | NCT Delhi, various districts in Haryana |
Infantry & Home and Hearth Battalion Vacancies
If you aspire to join the Territorial Army, there are multiple vacancies across various trades. The following table details the available vacancies across Infantry Battalions and Home & Hearth Battalions.
| Category | Infantry Battalions | 157 Inf Bn (H&H) SIKH | 156 Inf Bn (H&H) SIKH LI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soldier (General Duty) | 515 | 239 | 260 |
| Clerk | 17 | 5 | 6 |
| Chef | 16 | 17 | 14 |
| Cook (Mess) | 10 | 1 | 1 |
| Chef Special | 10 | – | – |
| Artisan (Metal/Wood work) | 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Dresser | – | 5 | – |
| House Keeper | 13 | – | – |
| Washerman | 10 | – | – |
Eligibility Criteria to Join the Territorial Army
Join the Territorial Army with the required eligibility criteria based on age, educational qualifications, physical standards, and residency requirements.
1. Age and Residency Requirements
- Age: Candidates should be between 18 to 42 years as of the recruitment date.
- Residency: Candidates must belong to the respective Zone-1 states or UTs.
2. Educational Qualifications
- Soldier (General Duty): 10th pass with 45% aggregate and 33% in each subject.
- Soldier (Clerk): 10+2 pass with 60% aggregate and minimum 50% in each subject; mandatory 50% in English and Math/Bookkeeping.
- Soldier Tradesmen: For most trades, 10th pass with 33% in each subject; Housekeepers and Mess Keepers need an 8th pass with 33%.
| Category | Qualification Requirements |
|---|---|
| Soldier (General Duty) | 10th/Matric pass, 45% aggregate, 33% each subject |
| Soldier (Clerk) | 10+2 with 60% aggregate, 50% in English and Maths/Bookkeeping |
| Tradesmen | 10th pass for most trades; Housekeepers/Mess Keepers require 8th pass, 33% each |
Physical Standards
To join the Territorial Army, candidates must meet certain physical standards:
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Height | 160 cms for most candidates; special allowances for certain regions |
| Chest (Unexpanded) | 77 cms for Infantry & H&H Battalion positions |
| Chest (Expanded) | 82 cms |
Examination Pattern
The selection process involves physical tests, medical examinations, and written examinations based on the specific trade. The written exam consists of multiple subjects and has varying requirements depending on the role, with no negative marking.
| Subject | Soldier General Duty | Soldier Clerk | Tradesmen (10th Pass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 20 questions, 40 marks | 10 questions, 20 marks | 20 questions, 40 marks |
| General Science | 15 questions, 30 marks | 10 questions, 20 marks | 15 questions, 30 marks |
| Mathematics | 15 questions, 30 marks | 15 questions, 30 marks | 15 questions, 30 marks |
| Computer Science | – | 05 questions, 10 marks | – |
| General English | – | 25 questions, 50 marks | – |
| Total Marks | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Passing Marks | 32 for GD/Tradesmen, 140 for Clerk |
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates who wish to join the Territorial Army should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Report on Time: Recruitment rally sites open at 2:00 AM, with no entry allowed after 5:00 AM.
- Required Documents:
- Birth Certificate: Either a birth certificate issued by the registrar or a 10th-grade certificate with a date of birth.
- Education Certificates: Original certificates along with two sets of photocopies.
- No Bribes: The recruitment process is fair, transparent, and strictly merit-based. Avoid any intermediaries offering help in exchange for bribes.
Area-Wise Schedule for Recruitment
Below is the detailed area-wise recruitment schedule to join the Territorial Army.
| Date | Location | Unit | Districts Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Nov 2024 | Madhopur | 126 Inf Bn (TA) | Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Samba, and others |
| 10 Nov 2024 | Ludhiana | 152 Inf Bn (TA) | Amritsar, Kapurthala, Patiala, Fazilka, and more |
| 28 Nov 2024 | Kalka | 102 Inf Bn (TA) | Chamba, Kangra, Una, Solan, and other districts in Himachal |
| 11 Dec 2024 | Delhi Cantonment | 105 Inf Bn (TA) | Rohtak, Jhajjar, Gurugram, Faridabad, NCT Delhi, and nearby areas |
Join the Territorial Army: A Path to Serve the Nation
The Territorial Army recruitment drive is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about serving the country alongside their civilian careers. The join the Territorial Army program offers flexible service that allows citizens to contribute to national security while maintaining their regular professions. If you’re ready to answer the call, this recruitment drive is your chance to step up and be part of this honorable force.
