The Indian Army has officially released the notification for the NCC Special Entry 125th Course 2026 for unmarried female graduates under the Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) entry for the April 2027 batch.
Through this recruitment drive, the Indian Army invites applications from eligible women candidates, including NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders and Wards of Battle Casualties. A total of 6 vacancies are available, and candidates will be selected through direct SSB Interview without any written examination.
Interested applicants can submit their online applications from July 21, 2026, to August 21, 2026, through the official Indian Army website. This article provides complete details regarding eligibility criteria, age limit, NCC requirements, selection process, training at OTA Chennai, salary structure, and application procedure.
Indian Army NCC Special Entry 125th Course (Women) – April 2027 Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Army — Directorate General of Recruiting |
| Entry Name | NCC Special Entry Scheme — 125th Course (April 2027), SSCW (NCC)-125 |
| Commission Type | Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) — Women, including Wards of Battle Casualties |
| Open For | Unmarried Female Graduates |
| Total Vacancies | 06 (05 General + 01 Wards of Battle Casualties) |
| Age Limit | 19 to 25 Years as on 1 January 2027 |
| Online Application Start | 21 July 2026, 1500 Hrs |
| Online Application Last Date | 21 August 2026, 1500 Hrs |
| Written Exam | Not Required — Direct Shortlisting to SSB |
| Pre-Commission Training Academy | Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai |
| Training Duration | 49 Weeks from April 2027 |
| Stipend During Training | ₹56,100 per month |
| Rank After Training | Lieutenant |
| Salary on Commissioning | CTC approx. ₹17-18 Lakh per annum |
| Official Website | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Indian Army NCC Special Entry 125th Course (Women) – Complete Overview
The Indian Army has invited online applications from unmarried women (including Wards of Battle Casualties of Indian Army Personnel) for the grant of Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) under the NCC Special Entry — 125th Course, commencing in April 2027. This is one of the most sought-after entries for NCC cadets, as eligible NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders skip the written examination entirely and go directly through a shortlisting process straight to the SSB Interview.
A total of 6 vacancies have been notified — 5 under the General Category and 1 reserved exclusively for Wards of Battle Casualties of Army personnel. Selected candidates will train at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, for 49 weeks starting April 2027, and will be commissioned as Lieutenant upon successful completion.
Important: Candidates can appear for only ONE Services Selection Board (SSB) interview — either as a CDSE candidate for SSCW(NT)-125 Course, OR for NCC (Special) Entry-125 Course (Women). An undertaking to this effect must be given under the declaration section of the online application.
Indian Army Important Dates – NCC Special Entry 125th Course 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | 10 July 2026 |
| Online Application Opens (Women) | 21 July 2026, 1500 Hrs |
| Online Application Closes | 21 August 2026, 1500 Hrs |
| Shortlisting for SSB (Based on Bonus Marks) | Tentatively first week of September 2026 |
| SSB Centre & Date Selection Window | Open for 14 days in September 2026 |
| Likely SSB Duration & Dates | Maximum 5 days, in November/December 2026 |
| Course Commencement at OTA Chennai | April 2027 |
Indian Army Eligibility Criteria – NCC ‘C’ Certificate Holders
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India, or subject of Nepal, or a person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka or specified East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India (eligibility certificate from GoI required for the latter two categories, except Gorkha subjects of Nepal) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried women only |
| Age Limit | 19 to 25 years as on 1 January 2027 (born not earlier than 2 January 2002 and not later than 1 January 2008, both dates inclusive) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent from a recognized university. Final-year students may also apply, provided they complete their degree before the course begins |
| NCC Service | Minimum 2/3 years (as applicable) of service in the Senior Division/Wing of NCC |
| NCC ‘C’ Certificate Grading | Minimum ‘B’ Grade in the NCC ‘C’ Certificate exam is mandatory. Candidates without an NCC ‘C’ Certificate (or only a Provisional NCC ‘C’ Certificate) on the date of application are not eligible. A Provisional NCC ‘C’ Certificate must be converted to a full certificate before appearing at the SSB — provisional certificates are not accepted at the SSB |
Indian Army Eligibility – Wards of Battle Casualties of Army Personnel
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Candidates | Unmarried daughters (including legally adopted) of Army personnel classified as: killed in action, died of wounds/injuries (other than self-inflicted), wounded/injured (other than self-inflicted), or missing and presumed dead |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate Degree from a recognized university (final-year students also eligible under the same conditions as above) |
| NCC ‘C’ Certificate | NOT required for Wards of Battle Casualties |
| Additional Documents Required | Battle Casualty certificate number issued by Manpower (Policy & Planning) Directorate; copy of Regimental Records Part II Order classifying the injury as a ‘Battle Casualty’; Relationship Certificate issued by Manpower (Policy & Planning) Directorate |
Note: Battle casualty certificates issued by Record Offices are valid for casualties prior to September 2013. For casualties after September 2013, the certificate must be issued by the Adjutant General’s Branch, Manpower (Policy & Planning)-5(D) .
Indian Army Selection Process 2026-27
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Online Application submission |
| Step 2 | Shortlisting of applications for SSB based on Bonus Marks (out of 100) |
| Step 3 | Candidate selects SSB Centre & date (first-come-first-served basis) |
| Step 4 | SSB Interview — 2-stage process over up to 5 days at Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, or Jalandhar |
| Step 5 | Medical Examination for candidates recommended after Stage II |
| Step 6 | Final Merit List preparation |
| Step 7 | Joining Letter for Pre-Commission Training at OTA, Chennai |
Note: Mere qualifying at the SSB does not confirm final selection — the Merit List is based purely on marks obtained at the SSB Interview. In case of a tie, the older candidate ranks higher; if age is also equal, higher marks in the qualifying (graduation) exam decide the rank. Higher educational qualification or past performance play no role in merit ranking.
Indian Army How Shortlisting for SSB Works – Bonus Marks Explained
Shortlisting for the SSB is done by awarding bonus marks out of a maximum of 100, based on NCC ‘C’ Certificate performance and graduation marks. This is a critical part of the process since it decides who even gets an SSB call — here’s exactly how it’s calculated:
| Component | Bonus Marks |
|---|---|
| NCC ‘C’ Certificate — ‘A’ Grade | 50 Marks |
| NCC ‘C’ Certificate — ‘B’ Grade | 25 Marks |
| Graduation — up to 60% | Nil |
| Graduation — 60.00% to 64.99% | 05 Marks |
| Graduation — 65.00% to 69.99% | 10 Marks |
| Graduation — 70.00% to 74.99% | 20 Marks |
| Graduation — 75.00% to 79.99% | 30 Marks |
| Graduation — 80.00% to 84.99% | 40 Marks |
| Graduation — 85.00% to 100% | 50 Marks |
Example: A candidate with 78% in Graduation and ‘B’ Grade in NCC ‘C’ Certificate gets 30 + 25 = 55 Bonus Marks. A candidate with 72% in Graduation and ‘A’ Grade gets 20 + 50 = 70 Bonus Marks. After bonus marks are awarded, a merit list is prepared, and candidates are called for SSB as per the vacancy-to-call-up ratio decided by the Directorate General of Recruiting.
Indian Army Minimum Physical Standards Before Joining OTA
| Activity | Minimum Standard (Women) |
|---|---|
| 2.4 Km Run | 13 Minutes |
| Push-Ups | 15 |
| Pull-Ups | 02 |
| Sit-Ups | 25 |
| Squats | Two sets of 30 repetitions |
| Lunges | Two sets of 10 repetitions |
| Swimming | Basic swimming fundamentals required |
Indian Army Salary, Stipend & Pay Structure
| Rank | Pay Level (₹) |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant (On Commission) | Level 10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain (After 2 years) | Level 10B: ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major (After 6 years) | Level 11: ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (After 13 years) | Level 12A: ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel (TS) (After 26 years) | Level 13: ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
Indian Army Other Key Pay Components:
| Allowance | Amount |
|---|---|
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500/month fixed (Lieutenant to Brigadier) |
| Stipend During Training (OTA) | ₹56,100/month |
| Dress Allowance | ₹20,000/year |
| Transport Allowance (TPTA) | ₹7,200 + DA (higher TPTA cities) / ₹3,600 + DA (other places), per month |
| Children Education Allowance (CEA) | ₹2,250/month per child (for two eldest children) |
| Hostel Subsidy | ₹6,750/month per child (for two eldest children) |
Note: Field Area, Siachen, Flying, Special Forces and other hardship-based allowances also apply depending on rank and posting — full details are in the official notification. All allowance rates increase automatically by 25% each time DA rises by 50%.
Indian Army Terms & Conditions of Service
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tenure | 10 years, extendable by a further 4 years subject to eligibility and suitability |
| Permanent Commission (PC) Option | May be considered in the 10th year of service, subject to eligibility |
| Release Options | After the 5th year, 10th year, or 14th year of service |
| Probation Period | 6 months from the date of commission |
| Reserve Liability | Officers released before completing their contractual tenure carry a reserve liability of 5 years + 2 years on a voluntary basis, or up to age 37 (whichever is earlier) |
| Seniority | No Ante-Date Seniority is granted under this scheme |
| Termination | Commission may be terminated for misconduct, unsatisfactory service, medical unfitness, if services are no longer required, or failure to qualify in a prescribed test/course |
| Marriage During Training | Candidates cannot marry during training at OTA — marrying during training leads to discharge and recovery of all training costs incurred by the Government |
Indian Army How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official website – joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Click on ‘Officer Entry Application/Login’ , then ‘Registration’ (skip this step if already registered)
- Fill the online registration form carefully after reading the instructions
- After registering, click ‘Apply Online’ under the Dashboard, and go to the ‘Officers Selection – Eligibility’ page
- Click ‘Apply’ against Short Service Commission NCC Special Entry Course
- Fill in personal information, communication details, education details, and previous SSB details (if any)
- Use ‘Save & Continue’ at each segment, and verify the summary page carefully before clicking ‘Submit’
- Take two printouts of the application with your Roll Number, 30 minutes after the online application closes on the last day
Important: No changes can be made to the application after it closes. CGPA/Grades must be converted to marks as per your university’s formula before filling the form — any discrepancy found later leads to cancellation of candidature.
Indian Army Documents to Carry (Original + Self-Attested Copy) for SSB
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Signed printout of the application with self-attested photograph | Mandatory |
| Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate & Marksheet | Proof of DOB, name & parents’ names |
| 12th Class Certificate & Marksheet | Mandatory |
| Graduation Degree/Provisional Degree | Provisional Degree must not be older than 6 months as on 1 April 2027 |
| Marksheets of all years/semesters | Mandatory |
| NCC ‘C’ Certificate | Issued on or before the date of online application submission |
| CGPA-to-percentage conversion certificate | From the university, where applicable |
| For final-year candidates: Certificate from Principal/Head of Institution | Confirming final-year status and expected result declaration by 1 April 2027 |
| For Wards of Battle Casualties: Battle Casualty certificate, Regimental Records Part II Order copy, and Relationship Certificate | In addition to the above |
Note: DigiLocker certificates are NOT accepted in place of original certificates. If a school/college issues only e-certificates via DigiLocker, a certificate confirming this must be obtained from the institution, along with an authenticated colour printout of the e-certificate.
Indian Army Other Important Benefits & Facilities
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Graduate Diploma | All candidates who complete OTA training successfully are awarded a ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies’ by the University of Madras |
| Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF) | Cadets are insured for ₹1.25 Crore from the time they start receiving stipend; monthly AGIF subscription of ₹12,500 is payable in advance |
| Disability Benefit | Up to ₹25 lakh for 100% disability (invalided out by Medical Board), proportionately reduced to ₹5 lakh for 20% disability; below 20%, only an Ex-Gratia Grant of ₹50,000 applies |
| Travelling Allowance | AC 3-Tier train fare (or bus fare with reservation-cum-sleeper charges) to and fro for candidates appearing at SSB for the first time for a particular commission type |
| Training Cost | Entirely government-funded, unless a candidate is withdrawn for personal reasons (not medical), in which case training cost of ₹20,482/week (as of 2026) must be refunded |
Important Notes Before You Apply
- Candidates must have never been debarred from appearing in any UPSC examination
- Candidates must have never been arrested or convicted by a criminal court, or involved in any ongoing case
- Candidates withdrawn from NDA/IMA/OTA/Naval Academy/Air Force Academy or any Service Training Academy on disciplinary grounds are not eligible to apply
- Only one online application is allowed per candidate — multiple applications lead to cancellation of candidature
- Candidates serving in the Indian Armed Forces must inform their Commanding Officer in writing about applying, and carry a countersigned application to the SSB
- In case of any discrepancy between the English and Hindi versions of the notification, the English version prevails
Indian Army Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (NCC Special Entry-125, Women) | Click Here (Active 21 July – 21 August 2026) |
| Download Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website (Join Indian Army) | Click Here |
| Jobweb.in – Latest Jobs & Updates | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Subscribe on YouTube | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Indian Army NCC Special Entry 125th Course (Women)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for the NCC Special Entry 125th Course (Women)?
Ans. The online application window is open from July 21, 2026, 1500 Hrs, to August 21, 2026, 1500 Hrs.
Q2. How many vacancies are there for women in this course?
Ans. A total of 6 vacancies — 5 under the General Category and 1 reserved for Wards of Battle Casualties of Army personnel.
Q3. Is there a written examination for this entry?
Ans. No. Eligible NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders are shortlisted directly for the SSB Interview based on bonus marks — there is no written exam.
Q4. What is the age limit for this course?
Ans. Candidates must be 19 to 25 years old as on January 1, 2027 (born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2008, both dates inclusive).
Q5. What NCC ‘C’ Certificate grade is required?
Ans. A minimum of ‘B’ Grade in the NCC ‘C’ Certificate exam is mandatory. A Provisional NCC ‘C’ Certificate is not accepted at the SSB — a full certificate is required.
Q6. How are candidates shortlisted for the SSB?
Ans. Through bonus marks out of 100 — up to 50 marks for NCC ‘C’ Certificate performance (A Grade = 50, B Grade = 25) and up to 50 marks based on graduation percentage.
Q7. Can I apply for both SSCW(NT)-125 and NCC (Special) Entry-125 in the same cycle?
Ans. No. Candidates can appear for only ONE SSB interview — either as a CDSE candidate for SSCW(NT)-125, or for NCC (Special) Entry-125. An undertaking to this effect must be given in the online application.
Q8. What is the stipend during training, and the salary after commissioning?
Ans. Candidates receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month during the 49-week training at OTA, Chennai. On commissioning as Lieutenant, the approximate CTC is ₹17-18 lakh per annum, excluding free medical cover and one annual home town travel benefit.
Q9. Where will the training be conducted, and for how long?
Ans. Training is conducted at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, for a duration of 49 weeks starting April 2027.
Q10. Is NCC ‘C’ Certificate required for Wards of Battle Casualties?
Ans. No. Wards of Battle Casualties of Army personnel are exempt from the NCC ‘C’ Certificate requirement, though they must submit specific Battle Casualty documentation instead.
Q11. What happens if I marry during training at OTA?
Ans. Candidates are not permitted to marry during training. If a candidate marries while under training, they will be discharged and required to refund all training expenses incurred by the Government.
Q12. Where can I apply and find the official notification?
Ans. Applications are accepted only online at joinindianarmy.nic.in, where the detailed course notification is also published.