Territorial Army (TA) is the second line of defence after the Regular Indian Army. Through this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Territorial Army, covering the Territorial Army Eligibility criteria, salary structure, selection process, online application procedure, and its rich historical background.
The present role of the this force is to assist the regular army with static duties and contribute in the regional strategy while dealing with natural disasters and maintenance of requisite.
Presently, the Territorial Army has approximately 43, 000 active personnel. And aspiring candidates can join the Territorial Army as Commissioned Officers and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO). Even Anurag Thakur the Union minister gets into Territorial Army as Lieutenant.
What is Territorial Army?
The Territorial Army is the Indian Army’s reserve force. Since there is always a shortage in Army, Civilians who volunteer to serve in the military but are unable to work in the regular Army owing to civil job obligations get this unique opportunity.
The Act of 1948 created the Territorial Army
These are the following excerpts from the act:
(1) There shall be raised and maintained in the manner hereinafter provided an army to be designated the Territorial Army.
(2) The Central Government may constitute such number of units of the Territorial Army as it thinks fit and may disband or reconstitute any unit so constituted.
The Territorial Army Act 1948
They contain battalions from every regiment in the Indian Army, including the Para Special Forces battalion. They have taken part in every operation and battle in Independent India.
In a world where security and preparedness are of paramount importance, the TA plays a significant role in bolstering a nation’s defense forces.
This unique force offers civilians the opportunity to serve their country while maintaining their civilian professions.
What are the roles and duties of the Territorial Army?
The Indian army’s second line of defence, behind the Regular Army; TA is not a profession, occupation, or source of employment.
It is exclusively for those who are already working or self-employed in major civilian professions. In fact, gainful work or self-employment in a civil profession is a requirement for getting into the TA.
TA is a branch of the Indian Army with the role is to relieve the Regular Army of static duties. Also to help the civil administration in dealing with natural disasters. Maintaining essential services in situations where the life of the communities is under threat.
The Territorial Army has approximately 40,000 first-line troops (and 160,000 second-line troops) made up of departmental TA units like railway, IOC, ONGC, telecommunication, and General Hospital, as well as non-departmental Territorial Army units like infantry battalions and ecological battalions affiliated with various infantry regiments.
Territorial Army Eligibility
Territorial Army Eligibility For Gainfully Employed Candidates:
Gainfully employed individuals who meet the eligibility criteria can apply in response to advertisements published in leading national newspapers and the Employment News in June-July and December-January each year.
| Eligibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18-42 Years |
| Qualification | Graduation from Recognised University |
| Martial Status | Unmarried/Married |
| Likely Dates of SSB | May-June and August-September |
| Traning Academy | One Month Training |
| Duration of Training | At Conduct Territorial Army(TA) |
| Vacancies Per Course | Notified by Line Directorate (Twice in A Year) |
| Tentative Month of Notification | Notified by TA Directorate |
Applications will be sent to the respective Territorial Army (TA) Group Headquarters. After the initial application processing, eligible candidates are invited for Preliminary Interview Boards that will be conducted at the respective TA Group Headquarters (Pune, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Lucknow).
Those selected proceed to undergo the SSB Interview, Medical Board assessment, and Police Verification. The President of India grants commissions to successful candidates.
Territorial Army Eligibility For Ex-Defence Service Officers:
Ex-Defence service officers have the opportunity to join the TA. They should apply directly to the Additional Directorate General of Territorial Army and appear before the Board of Officers presided over by the Additional Director General of Territorial Army in New Delhi.
Candidates are to must pass the Medical Board evaluation before being proceeding to the commission in the TA.
All such officers get credit for their previous service upon joining the Territorial Army.
Territorial Army Eligibility Non-Departmental postings
Conditions of Eligibility:
- Nationality: Only citizens of India.
- Age Limits: 18 to 42 years.
- Educational Qualifications: Graduation from a recognized university.
- Employment: Must be gainfully in employement.
Recruitment Process for Civilian Candidates:
Civilian candidates who meet the above eligibility criteria can apply online through the Indian Army website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in in response to advertisements published in leading national newspapers and the Employment News.
These advertisements are typically available on the Indian Army website www.indianarmy.nic.in in May-June each year.
Candidates with correctly filled application forms will be called for a screening process, which includes a written exam and by an interview (only for those who pass the written exam).
Preliminary Interview Board (PIB) conducts screening at the respective Territorial Army Group Headquarters.
Successful candidates will then undergo further evaluations at a Service Selection Board (SSB), followed by a Medical Board assessment and Police Verification for final selection.
Ex-Service Officers Selection Process:
Ex-Service Officers who meet the eligibility criteria can apply in response to advertisements published in leading national newspapers, the Employment News, and the Indian Army website www.indianarmy.nic.in in December every year.
Ex-Service Officers with correctly filled application forms will go for an interview and will be screened by the Army Headquarters Selection Board (ASB) held at the Additional Directorate General Territorial Army.
Recommended Ex-Service Officers will undergo a Medical Examination at the Armed Forces Clinic in New Delhi, followed by Police Verification for final selection. Like other officers, they get credit for their previous service upon joining the Territorial Army.
Territorial Army Eligibility for Departmental Postings
Conditions of Eligibility:
- Age Limits: 18 to 42 years for all positions except medical officer (18 to 45 years for medical officer).
- Educational Qualifications: Graduation with an appropriate technical qualification.
- Employment: Employment in Indian Railway, IOCL, HPCL, BPCL, ONGC.
Selection Process:
Applicants should submit their applications through their Head of Department (HoD) to the respective TA Group Headquarters.
Those found suitable by a Board of Officers will proceed to undergo a Medical Board evaluation at the nearest Military Hospital.
The final selection process involves going through the TA Directorate and the Ministry of Defence.
Please note that all candidates should follow the application and recruitment process outlined above in English.
Territorial Army Salary Structure
Following the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission, there has been a significant increase in Territorial Army Salary.
The Territorial Army salary competitive to other govt. jobs but lesser salary than corporate sectors.
Territorial army salary comes with numerous hidden perks that cannot be easily quantified when calculating remuneration. In fact, there are approximately 61 different facilities, benefits, and allowances that apply to Army personnel in general.
Other Benefits and Perks not listed in salary
some of these benefits, which are not in measure solely in territorial army salary terms of cash and remain unaffected by inflation, include the following for which is the starting rank:
- Starting Pay: Rs 15,600 to Rs 39,100 per month
- Grade Pay: Rs 5,400
- Military Service Pay: Rs 6,000
- Kit Maintenance Allowance: Rs 400 per month
- Transport Allowance: Rs 1,600 to Rs 3,200 per month
- Field Area Allowance: 25% of Basic Pay, Rs 6,780 per month
- Counter Insurgency Allowance: Rs 6,300 per month
- High Altitude/Uncongenial Climate Allowance: Rs 5,600 per month
- Siachen Allowance: Rs 14,000 per month
- Flying Pay: Rs 9,000 per month
- Parachute Pay: Rs 1,200 per month
- Special Forces Allowance: Rs 9,000 per month
- Gallantry Awards
- Technical Pay
- Life-Long Pension
- Qualification Pay/Grant for Service Courses: Rs 6,000 to Rs 20,000 per month
- Outfit Allowance (Renewed Every Three Years): Rs 14,000 (Initial) & Rs 3,000
- Entitled Rations
- Annual Leave (Two Months) & Casual Leave (20 Days)
- 50% Concession on Air Travel
- Free Train Travel Once a Year and Subsidy for Other Journeys (LTC)
- Free Medical Coverage for Self and Family in Well-Equipped Military Hospitals
- Subsidized Housing in Clean Cantonments Nationwide
- Canteen Facilities for Subsidized Purchase of Items, Including Cars and Air Conditioners
- Insurance Cover of Rs 15 Lakhs at Subsidized Premiums
- Group Housing Schemes in Cities, Including Metros
- Low-Interest Loans
- Separated Family Accommodation in Preferred Stations
- Encashment of Leave for Up to 300 Days at Last Pay Drawn
- Study Leave for Up to 2 Years with Full Pay and All Benefits
- Opportunities for Foreign Postings
These extensive benefits contribute significantly in territorial army salary. And to the overall remuneration package for Army officers and enhance their quality of life.
Territorial Army Selection Process
The selection process for candidates whose application is legit and accurate go through Preliminary Interview Board by the relevant TA Group Headquarters for screening.
Successful candidates are next evaluated before a Service Selection Board (SSB). This is identical to the SSB for any other entry. After the SSB selection candidates go through Medical Board for ultimate approval.
Syllabus for Exam, No of Questions & Marks
| Serial No. | Paper | Subject | No of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | Reasoning and elementary Mathematics | 50+50 | 100 |
| 2 | II | General Knowledge and English | 50+50 | 100 |
Time: Maximum time for each paper is 02 hrs and will be conducted in two sessions from 10:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs and 14:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs.
Type of Exam: Objective (OMR Answer Sheet will be used).
Qualifying Marks: The candidates will have to score a minimum of 40% marks in each paper separately and have an overall average of 50% to qualify.
Penalty for Wrong Answers: There will be a penalty to impose for wrong answers marked by a candidate as under:-
- There will be four possible answers to every question. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate. And half of the mark assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
- If a candidate gives more than one answer. Then the board treats it as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers happens to be correct. The penalty will impose as above.
- There will be no penalty for questions not attempted.
For Ex-Service Officers Only
- Ex-Service Officers of three services as a candidate should send their application along with enclosures as mentioned in the application form to Addl Directorate General TA, Integrated HQ of MoD (Army), ‘L’ Block, New Delhi-01.
- The candidates go through screening by an Army HQ Selection Board (ASB) held at Addl Dte Gen TA Army HQ, ‘L’ Block, New Delhi, later by a Medical Board for successful candidates.
Territorial Army Apply online
The online application procedure to join TA, you can conveniently apply online through a streamlined process. This approach not only saves time but also ensures easy access for aspiring candidates. Applying online for the TA provides a user-friendly platform. Allowing you to submit your application from the comfort of your home or office.
By this online application procedure, you can access the latest information, updates, and notifications regarding recruitment opportunities. This ensures that you stay well-informed about crucial dates, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
The Territorial Army website, www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, serves as the primary platform for online application procedure. It provides comprehensive details about the application process, and candidates can easily navigate through the website to complete their applications.
Overall, applying online for the Territorial Army ensures a smooth and efficient process for candidates aspiring to serve their nation as part of this esteemed organization. Stay updated, apply online, and take the first step towards an exciting and fulfilling career with the Territorial Army. You can bookmark ⭐ this post from TIH for further news and updates.
Historical Background Of Territorial Army
The Indian Defence Force Act was promulgated in 1917 and it made conscription (compulsory military service) mandatory for all Europeans permanently residing in British India between the ages of 16 and 50.
The Indian Defence Force incorporated the Europeans and Indians in separate sections, i.e. the British and the Indian sections. While Indians joined the force as volunteers, the Europeans were conscripted. The major reason to establish this force was to release regular troops from garrison duties during the First World War.
Later in the year 1920, the Britishers raise the Territorial Army. It had two wings, ‘The Auxiliary Force’ for Europeans & Anglo-Indians and ‘The Indian Territorial Force’ for Indian Volunteers.
Territorial Army Act was passed in 1948 and TA was raised after it was formally inaugurated by the first Indian Governor General Shri C Rajagopalachari on 09 Oct 1949, which is celebrated every year as the Prime Minister’s TA Day Parade.
The Territorial Army initially had various types of units such as armoured regiments, infantry battalions, air defence, medical regiments, engineer field park companies, signal regiments, Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) workshops, coast batteries, Army Service Corps GT Coy, ASC Compo Pl, and AMC field ambulances.
By 1972 these units were either disbanded or converted into Regular Army units with the exception of infantry battalions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Life in TA is on similar lines with regular Indian Army officers. They enjoy same pay and allowances as that of a regular serving officers.. TA officers also can become ADCs to President of India and governors just as regular officers.
You can serve as part-time or full time. You get training for 3-6 months at IMA Dehradun as a commissioned officer rank of Lieutenant and then assigned to units for orientation training.
Salary is given only for the period of embodiment that is 02-03 Months a Year.
The Territorial Army is a part-time idea that requires two months of training per year and does not offer a full-time job.
No. You can not. The basic requirement of TA is that you have to be gainfully in employment in civil. TA is not a full-time career. However, it may be possible for you to get embodied every year.
Territorial Army is a branch of the Regular Army, and its current role is to relieve the Regular Army of static duties, assist civil administration in dealing with natural disasters, and maintain essential services in situations where community life is jeopardized or the country’s security is jeopardized, and to provide units for the Regular Army as and when required.
