Eligibility Criteria for the Technical Graduate Course (TGC) in the Indian Army
The Technical Graduate Course (TGC) in the Indian Army is a specialized training program designed for graduates with engineering degrees. This article outlines the comprehensive eligibility criteria, ensuring candidates can understand and prepare for the process.
Important Eligibility Information for TGC
For a comprehensive understanding of the eligibility requirements for the TGC, it is essential to review the official Indian Army recruitment website for the most up-to-date information. Here, we provide a detailed look at the key eligibility criteria.
1. Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India. This is a fundamental requirement for any position within the Indian Army.
2. Age Limit
Candidates must be between the ages of 20 to 27 years at the time of joining the course. This age range is flexible depending on the specific course and year of birth as follows:
Engineering Graduates: 20 to 27 years, born between 02 Jan 87 and 01 Jan 94. Army Education Corps (AEC): 23 to 27 years, born between 02 Jan 87 and 01 Jan 91.3. Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess a recognized engineering degree. The acceptable engineering discipline branches include:
Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electronics and Communication Engineering Computer Science Engineering Information Technology Other specific branches as specified in the official notification.In addition to the above, the candidate must meet certain academic prerequisites:
Final year engineering students can apply if they: Graduates who will join with the degree certificate within 12 weeks from the commencement date. Candidates studying the final year of a degree course and not already possess the degree certificate must be able to produce the Engineering Degree within 12 weeks from the date of commencement of training at IMA. Such candidates will be inducted on an Additional Bond Basis for recovery of the cost of training, stipend, and allowances.It is crucial that the minimum educational qualification for induction into TGC is a degree in the specified engineering branch. To become eligible, final year engineering students must complete all formalities including viva voce, etc., for the award of the degree before the commencement of the course, or their candidature may be cancelled.
4. Physical Standards
Candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards as set by the Indian Army. These include:
Height and Weight: The minimum acceptable height and weight for men is 157.5 cm with correlated weight. Certain allowances are made for candidates from specific regions such as North East and hilly areas, Lakshadweep, and Gorkhas, Nepalese, Assamese, and Garhwalis, where height can be relaxed by 5 cm and weight by the same measure. Visual Standards: The minimum acceptable visual acuity for distant vision is 6/6, with a permissible worse of 6/18. Myopia should not exceed minus 3.5 including astigmation. Radial Keratotomy or Lasik surgery to improve visual acuity will disqualify a candidate permanently. The use of Lasik surgery for reflective error is also not acceptable. Permanent Body Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearm, the reverse side of the palm, and the back dorsal side of the hand. Tattoos on any other part of the body will disqualify the candidate. Physical Health: Prospective candidates must be in good physical and mental health, free from any disability. It is recommended to keep oneself physically fit to avoid injury during rigorous physical training at the Indian Military Academy.Candidates are advised to meet the following physical fitness standards before joining the IM:
Run 2.4 km in 15 minutes. Perform 13 push-ups. Perform 25 sit-ups. Perform 6 chin-ups. Climb a rope of 3-4 meters.Selection Process
Candidates are selected based on their academic performance and must undergo an SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. Additional criteria include the candidate not having any backlog in their engineering degree at the time of applying and being unmarried at the time of joining the course.
For the most accurate and detailed information, it is recommended to check the official Indian Army recruitment website or the latest notification for the TGC as criteria may vary slightly with each course announcement.