Indian Army Launches NCC 124 Special Entry Scheme for October 2026 Course
The Indian Army has announced the NCC 124 Notification, detailing the Special Entry Scheme for the 124th course, which will begin in October 2026. This opportunity is open for unmarried male and female candidates, as well as the wards of battle casualties from Army personnel, to join as Short Service Commission (SSC) Officers.
The NCC 124 Notification has been officially released, presenting a unique recruitment process that does not require a written examination. Instead, candidates will be selected based on qualifications and eligibility indicated in their applications.
| Service | Indian Army |
| Recruitment Name | 124th NCC Special Entry |
| Online Application (For Men) | 12th February 2026 to 16th March 2026 |
| Online Application (For Women) | 13th February 2026 to 16th March 2026 |
| Course Commencement | October 2026 |
| Official Website | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Interested individuals can apply for the NCC 124 Special Entry Scheme via the official Indian Army recruitment portal. The application process involves filling out the online form with accurate personal and educational details, uploading necessary documents, and submitting the application before the deadline.
NCC 124 Notification
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Entry | NCC Special Entry Scheme – 124th Course (October 2026) Short Service Commission (NT) Men & Women (Including Ward of Battle Casualties of Army Personnel) |
| Open for | Unmarried Male & Unmarried Female (Graduates) |
| Education Qualification | Graduation Degree and Minimum of ‘B’ Grade in ‘C’ Certificate exam of NCC |
| Age | 19 to 25 Years as on 01 July 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 May 2026 |
| Likely Duration and dates for SSB | Five days SSB in May/June 2026 (Choice for SSB dates open for 15 days in April) |
| Pre Commission Training Academy | Officer Training Academy, Chennai |
| Duration of Training | 49 weeks from Oct 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 qualify for the NCC 124 Special Entry Scheme, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements. These criteria vary for different candidate categories, including NCC 'C' Certificate holders and wards of battle casualties.
NCC Service: Candidates must have served in the Senior Division/Wing of NCC for at least two years and obtained a minimum 'B' grade in the 'C' Certificate examination.
Educational Qualification: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university, with final-year students eligible to apply.
For Wards of Battle Casualties
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is required, with no requirement for the NCC 'C' Certificate.
Age Limit
Eligibility requires candidates to be aged between 19 and 25 years as of July 1, 2026, meaning they should have been born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2007, inclusive.
Selection Process
The selection process for the NCC 124 Special Entry Scheme is comprehensive, assessing candidates' potential to serve as officers. The process includes multiple stages:
Eligible candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic achievements and NCC credentials, advancing to the Services Selection Board (SSB) selection process.
-
Stage I:
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT)
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Stage II:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interviews
Candidates who clear Stage II will undergo a comprehensive medical examination to verify they meet the medical standards required.
Merit List
A merit list will be finalized based on performance in the SSB, medical fitness, and adherence to eligibility criteria.
Training Details
Selected candidates will receive training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. This training spans 49 weeks and prepares individuals for officer roles in the Indian Army.
- Duration: 49 weeks
- Location: Officers Training Academy, Chennai
- Certification: Graduates will earn a Short Service Commission and a Postgraduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras upon completion.
Application Fee
The NCC 124 Special Entry Scheme requires no application fee, ensuring that the recruitment process remains financially accessible to all interested candidates.
NCC 124 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 124 Special Entry Scheme is straightforward. The following steps guide applicants through the process:
- Visit the Official Website: Access the Indian Army recruitment portal at joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Select Officers Entry: Navigate to the ‘Officers Entry’ section.
- Choose NCC Special Entry Scheme: Locate and select the link for the ‘NCC Special Entry Scheme 124th Course’.
- Complete the Application Form: Accurately fill in the online form with personal and educational information.
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of required documents, including educational certificates, photographs, and NCC certificates.
- Review and Submit: Verify all data, submit the application, and print a copy for personal records.
Conclusion
The NCC 124 Notification represents a valuable opportunity for young individuals aiming to join the Indian Army as officers. With no application fee and a clear selection process, the initiative seeks to attract capable candidates ready to take on the responsibilities of military service.
Candidates should ensure they meet the required criteria, prepare thoroughly for the selection stages, and take advantage of this chance to contribute to national defense.
