Indian Army Announces NCC 59 Special Entry Scheme for 2026
The Indian Army is welcoming applications through the NCC 59 Notification, which details the Special Entry Scheme for the 59th course beginning in April 2026. This initiative offers a valuable opportunity for unmarried male and female candidates, as well as wards of battle casualties from Army personnel, to join the Indian Army as Short Service Commission (SSC) Officers.
This article provides an in-depth look at the NCC 59 Notification, covering eligibility requirements, application procedures, selection processes, and training obligations. This guide is intended to assist interested candidates in navigating this recruitment opportunity effectively.
Overview of the NCC 59 Notification
On August 11, 2025, the NCC 59 Notification was officially released. Importantly, there is no written test for this recruitment; instead, candidates are shortlisted based on their qualifications and eligibility mentioned in their applications.
Key Dates
| Service | Indian Army |
| Recruitment Name | 59th NCC Special Entry |
| Online Application (For Men) | 11th August 2025 to 10th September 2025 |
| Online Application (For Women) | 12th August 2025 to 11th September 2025 |
| Course Commencement | April 2026 |
| Official Website | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Application Process
Those interested in applying for the NCC 59 Special Entry Scheme should visit the official Indian Army recruitment website. The application involves filling out an online form with precise personal and educational information, attaching the required documents, and submitting the completed application before the closing date.
NCC 59 Notification
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Entry | NCC Special Entry Scheme – 59th Course (Apr 2026) Short Service Commission (NT) Men & Women (Including Ward of Battle Casualties of Army Personnel) |
| Open for | Unmarried Male & Unmarried Female (Graduates) |
| Education Qualification | Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Degree and Minimum of ‘B’ Grade in ‘C’ Certificate exam of NCC |
| Age | 19 to 25 Years as on 01 Jan 2026 |
| Medical Standards | As given on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Selection Process | Application > Shortlisting > SSB > Medical > Merit List > Joining Letter |
| Date for shortlisting for SSB | Tentatively First week of Nov 2025 |
| Likely Duration and dates for SSB | Five days SSB in Nov/Dec 2025 (Choice for SSB dates open for 15 days in Nov) |
| Pre Commission Training Academy | Officer Training Academy, Chennai |
| Duration of Training | 49 weeks from Apr 2026 |
| Stipend during Training | Rs 56,100 Per month |
| Rank after Training | Lieutenant |
| Salary on Commissioning | CTC approx. 17-18 Lac per annum (Excluding Free Medical cover & Travel to Home town once a year) |
| Type of Commission | Short Service Commission |
| Minimum Engagement Period | 10 Years |
| Maximum Engagement Period | 14 Years |
| Option for Release | First – After 05 Year of Service Second – After 10 Year of Service Third – After 14 Year of Service |
| Option for Permanent Commission | After 10 Years |
| Primary Arms / Service for Commission | All Arms & Services of IA |
| Release Benefits | Depending on service on release |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NCC 59 Special Entry Scheme, candidates must fulfill certain criteria. These requirements vary for different categories, including NCC 'C' Certificate holders and wards of battle casualties.
For NCC 'C' Certificate Holders
NCC Service: Candidates must have completed at least two years in the Senior Division/Wing of NCC and achieved a minimum 'B' grade in the 'C' Certificate examination.
Educational Qualification: Applicants should have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with at least 50% aggregate marks. Final-year students may apply if they have secured a minimum of 50% marks in the initial years of their degree program.
For Wards of Battle Casualties
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks is necessary. However, this group does not require the NCC 'C' Certificate.
Age Limit
Applicants should be aged between 19 to 25 years as of July 1, 2025. This means they must have been born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007, inclusive.
Selection Process
The selection process for the NCC 59 Special Entry Scheme is comprehensive, aiming to evaluate candidates' potential for becoming officers in the Indian Army. It includes various stages:
Initial Shortlisting
Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria will be shortlisted based on their academic records and NCC achievements. This initial selection filters the candidates for the subsequent stage.
SSB Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants will participate in a two-stage selection process conducted by the SSB (Services Selection Board):
-
Stage I:
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT)
-
Stage II:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interviews
Those who clear Stage II will proceed to a comprehensive medical examination to verify they meet the required health standards.
Merit List
A merit list will be generated based on candidates' SSB performance, medical assessments, and overall eligibility.
Training Details
Selected candidates will undergo an extensive training program at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. This training, lasting 49 weeks, is designed to prepare them for their roles as officers in the Indian Army.
Training Highlights
- Duration: 49 weeks
- Location: Officers Training Academy, Chennai
- Certification: Upon successful completion, graduates receive a Short Service Commission and a Postgraduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras.
Application Fee
One notable feature of the NCC 59 Special Entry Scheme is the absence of an application fee. This allows all interested candidates to apply without any financial constraints, broadening access to this recruitment process.
NCC 59 Vacancies
| Category | General Category | Wards of Battle Casualties | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCC Men | 63 | 7 | 70 |
| NCC Women | 5 | 1 | 6 |
How to Apply Online
The application process for the NCC 59 Special Entry Scheme is easy to navigate. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Official Website: Access the Indian Army’s recruitment portal at joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Select Officers Entry: Go to the ‘Officers Entry’ section.
- Choose NCC Special Entry Scheme: Select the link for the ‘NCC Special Entry Scheme 59th Course’.
- Complete the Application Form: Enter accurate personal and educational details in the online form.
- Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of necessary documents, including educational certificates, photographs, and NCC certificates.
- Review and Submit: Carefully check all the details, submit the application online, and print a copy for your records.
Conclusion
The NCC 59 Notification for the Special Entry Scheme offers a promising opportunity for those aspiring to serve as officers in the Indian Army. With no application fee and an efficient selection process, this recruitment drive seeks to attract capable candidates ready to take on the duties of military service.
Prospective candidates should confirm they meet all eligibility requirements, thoroughly prepare for the selection stages, and take advantage of this chance to serve the nation.
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