The Indian Army has opened applications for the 67th Short Service Commission (SSC) Technical Course 2026, inviting engineering graduates and widows of defence personnel to become commissioned officers. This entry is one of the Army’s most important technical recruitment pathways, blending military leadership with engineering expertise.
Applications are open from 7 January to 5 February 2026 for eligible candidates.
What Is the SSC Technical Entry?
The Short Service Commission (Technical) entry allows engineering graduates to join the Indian Army as commissioned officers responsible for technical, engineering, and operational systems. These officers serve in roles involving:
- Weapon and communication systems
- Military vehicles and equipment
- Infrastructure and field engineering
- Maintenance and battlefield technology support
After training, selected candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants.
Who Can Apply
The 67th SSC Technical Course 2026 has three major applicant categories:
1) SSC (Tech) Men
For unmarried male engineering graduates.
2) SSC (Tech) Women
For unmarried female engineering graduates.
3) SSC (W) for Widows of Defence Personnel
This special entry is for widows of:
- Soldiers who died in war
- Soldiers who died in harness while in service
This category includes:
- SSC (W) Tech: for engineering graduates
- SSC (W) Non-Tech: for non-technical graduates
This ensures that families who have already made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation are given a pathway to continue serving in uniform.
Educational Qualification
- B.E. / B.Tech degree in an approved engineering stream
- Final-year engineering students may apply if they can produce their degree before joining
Engineering branches include Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, and allied fields.
Age Criteria
Candidates must be between 20 and 27 years as of 1 October 2026.
Widows applying under the special entry have age relaxations as per Army rules.
Selection Process
All candidates go through a three-stage selection system:
1) Shortlisting
Applications are screened based on:
- Educational qualification
- Age
- Eligibility criteria
2) SSB Interview
Shortlisted candidates attend the Service Selection Board (SSB), where they are assessed on:
- Leadership and teamwork
- Psychological suitability
- Communication and decision-making
- Officer-like qualities
3) Medical Examination
Candidates who clear SSB must pass a military medical fitness test.
Training After Selection
Selected candidates undergo training at the
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
The training includes:
- Military leadership
- Weapons and tactics
- Physical and mental conditioning
- Field operations
- Technical application in military environments
After completing training, cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.
Life After Commissioning
SSC Technical officers serve in:
- Armoured units
- Engineering and signals units
- Technical maintenance and field support formations
- Operational headquarters
They play a crucial role in ensuring that India’s military equipment, communications, and battlefield systems function reliably in peace and war.
Important Dates
- Applications open: 7 January 2026
- Last date to apply: 5 February 2026
All applications are submitted online through the official Indian Army recruitment portal.
Why This Entry Matters
The SSC Technical Course is more than just a job opportunity. It represents:
- India’s push toward technology-driven warfare
- Recognition of sacrifice through the Widows’ Entry
- A pathway for young engineers to become leaders in uniform
It blends engineering skill, national service, and leadership into one of the most respected careers in the country.
Closing Thought
From battlefield technology to humanitarian missions, SSC Technical officers form the backbone of the Indian Army’s modern operational capability. Whether entering as a young engineer or as the widow of a fallen soldier, the 67th SSC Technical Course 2026 offers a chance to serve India with purpose, honour, and pride.