The Territorial Army (TA) offers a distinctive opportunity for individuals who wish to serve the country while continuing their civilian careers. This advertisement provides key information on the recruitment for Infantry and Home & Hearth Battalions within the TA. The recruitment drive is specifically aimed at candidates from Zone-1, which includes the Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, UT of Chandigarh, and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Selection Process
The Territorial Army ensures a transparent, merit-based recruitment process free from corruption or external influence. Candidates should be cautious and not fall prey to fraudulent agents promising recruitment assistance.
1. Recruitment Locations and Dates
The recruitment will take place at different locations across Zone-1. The table below shows the respective units, locations, and dates for recruitment:
| Unit | Location | District/State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102 Infantry Battalion (TA) | Kalka, Haryana | UT of Chandigarh and SAS Nagar (Punjab) | 28 Nov 2024 |
| 126 Infantry Battalion (TA) | Madhopur, Punjab | UT of Ladakh, UT of J&K, Pathankot District | 10 Nov 2024 |
| 156 Infantry Battalion (TA) | Ludhiana, Punjab | Various districts of Punjab | 29 Nov – 07 Dec 2024 |
| 105 Infantry Battalion (TA) | Delhi Cantonment, Delhi | NCT of Delhi, Haryana | 20 Nov – 29 Nov 2024 |
Candidates are required to report to the recruitment location by 2:00 AM. No entry will be allowed after 5:00 AM.
2. Available Vacancies
The recruitment process offers several vacancies across different categories. A summary of the available positions is provided below:
| Category | Vacancies | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Soldier (General Duty) | 515 | Infantry Battalions |
| Clerk | 239 | Home & Hearth Battalions |
| Cook | 17 | Various |
| Steward | 13 | Various |
| Washerman | 10 | Various |
| Artisan (Metallurgy) | 10 | Various |
| Artisan (Wood Work) | 10 | Various |
3. Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must adhere to the following eligibility criteria regarding age, educational qualifications, and physical fitness:
Educational Qualification
- Soldier (General Duty):
- Must have passed Class 10/Matric with 45% marks in aggregate and 33% in each subject.
- Clerk:
- Must have passed the 10+2/Intermediate examination with 60% marks in aggregate and 50% in each subject.
- English and Mathematics/Accounts/Bookkeeping must be passed with a minimum of 50% marks at the 12th level.
- Tradesmen:
- Must have passed Class 10 for all trades except Housekeeper and Mess Keeper.
- For Housekeeper and Mess Keeper, a Class 8 pass is required.
Age Limit
The age limit for all categories is between 18 and 42 years.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the following physical standards for recruitment:
| Measurement | General Category | Himalayan Region (Relaxation) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 160 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest | 77 cm (minimum) | No relaxation |
| Weight | Proportional to height & age | Proportional to height & age |
Physical Fitness Test
Candidates will be assessed through the following physical fitness tests:
1.6 km Run:
- Up to 5 minutes 30 seconds: 60 marks
- 5 minutes 31 seconds to 5 minutes 45 seconds: 48 marks
- 5 minutes 46 seconds to 6 minutes: 36 marks
Pull-Ups:
- 10 or more: 40 marks
- 9: 33 marks
- 8: 27 marks
- 7: 21 marks
Balance Test and 9-feet Ditch: Qualifying tests.
4. Required Documentation
Candidates must bring the following original documents along with attested photocopies:
- Educational Certificates: Class 10th or 12th mark sheets and certificates from recognized boards.
- Domicile Certificate: Issued by the Tehsildar or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) with the candidate’s photograph.
- Religion Certificate: For verification purposes.
- Character Certificate: Issued within the last six months by a Village Sarpanch, Municipal Corporation, or school authority.
- Relationship Certificate: For candidates applying under the category of sons of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, or war widows.
- Affidavit: Declaring the authenticity of all submitted documents.
- Photographs: Twenty recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
5. Written Examination
Candidates who pass the physical fitness test will be eligible for the written examination. The exam will be conducted bilingually (in English and Hindi) and will feature objective-type questions based on Class 10 standards for soldiers and tradesmen.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 20 | 40 |
| General Science | 15 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 15 | 30 |
For clerks, the subject distribution differs slightly, with a focus on English:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 10 | 20 |
| General Science | 10 | 20 |
| Mathematics and Computers | 15 | 30 |
| English | 25 | 50 |
Candidates must secure at least 32 marks in each section to qualify.
6. Key Points to Remember
- Voluntary Service: The Territorial Army is a part-time, voluntary organization. It does not guarantee permanent employment or pension benefits.
- Embodiment: The initial period of engagement is seven years, which may be extended based on organizational needs.
- Transparency: The recruitment process is free of any financial influence or corruption. Candidates must avoid falling into traps involving bribery or fraud.
- Tattoo Guidelines: Tattoos are permitted only under specific conditions, such as for tribal candidates, and must follow the provided guidelines.
Conclusion
The Territorial Army offers a unique chance to contribute to national defense while maintaining civilian employment. With vacancies in Infantry and Home & Hearth Battalions, eligible candidates are encouraged to participate in the upcoming recruitment rallies. Be sure to meet all eligibility requirements and prepare the necessary documentation to ensure smooth participation in the recruitment process.
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