The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is a highly sought-after route for class 12 (10+2) students in India (with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) to join the Indian Army as engineering officers. Through TES, cadets receive integrated military training and an engineering education, leading to a permanent commission. There is no written exam for TES; selection is primarily based on academic credentials (12th PCM + JEE Main), SSB interview, and medical fitness.
The most recent notification is TES-55, for course starting in July 2026.

🧭 Selection Process

Application & Shortlisting
- Candidates apply online via the official Join Indian Army portal.
- Shortlisting is done on the basis of 12th class (PCM) marks and JEE Main rank / percentile.
- A cut-off may be applied depending on JEE Main common rank list (CRL) and board marks.
SSB Interview
- Shortlisted candidates are called for a 5-day SSB interview at various selection center
- The SSB has two stages:
  - Stage I: Intelligence test + Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
  - Stage II (over 4 days): Psychological tests (WAT, TAT, SRT, etc.), Group Tests (planning, discussion), personal interview, GTO tasks.
Medical Examination
- Candidates who clear the SSB are medically examined by a Board of Service Medical Officers.
- For candidates who apply both for TES and NDA, there's a shared medical procedure (if recommended for one, the medical can count for both in some cases).
Merit List & Final Selection
- The merit list is based solely on SSB interview marks. Academic marks, prior achievements (NCC, etc.) do not contribute.
- Based on vacancies and medical fitness, joining letters are issued.

📘 Exam (Training) Pattern

Unlike many other competitive exams, TES does not have a traditional written “prelims” or “mains” exam. Instead, selection relies on SSB + academics. However, there is a training structure. Based on the TES-54 notification: DDE

Phase	Duration / Description
Pre-Commission Training	4 years total: • 3 years at Cadets Training Wing (CTW) for integrated military & engineering training • 1 year at Indian Military Academy (IMA) or a Pre-Commission Training Academy (PCTA)
Post-Selection Commissioning	After training, cadets are commissioned as officers in technical branches of Indian Army.

Note: There is no negative marking in any written exam because TES selection doesn't involve a written test.

✅ Detailed Syllabus (Section-wise)

Since TES selection is based on SSB interview and academic performance, there is no fixed “exam syllabus” like in written tests. However, for preparation, aspirants should focus on:

Technical / Academic Background
- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics topics from Class 11–12.
- JEE Main level understanding helps because JEE Main rank is used for shortlisting.
SSB Interview Topics
- Psychological Tests: You should prepare for Word Association Test (WAT), Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), etc.
- Group Tasks: Leadership, decision-making, group discussion, planning exercises.
- Personal Interview: Expect technical questions (basic PCM), current affairs, motivation, career aspirations.
- GTO (Group Testing Officer) Tasks: Physical / group tasks, discussion, planning, teamwork.

🏁 Final Selection & Merit Weightage

SSB Interview Marks: 100% weightage for final merit list. DDE
Medical Fitness: Must be declared fit; unfit candidates are dropped. DDE
Vacancies: For TES-55, there are ~90 provisional seats.

💡 Practical Preparation Tips for TES

Academic Excellence
- Maintain strong PCM marks in 10+2.
- Prepare for JEE Main seriously; aim for a good CRL / percentile.
- Revise class 11–12 PCM topics thoroughly — particularly those frequently asked in interviews or SSB technical rounds.
SSB Interview Prep
- Practice PPDT (Picture Perception and Discussion) regularly.
- Solve WAT, TAT, SRT tests to build speed in psychological rounds.
- Participate in group discussions and mock GTO tasks to improve teamwork & leadership skills.
- Prepare for personal interview: be ready to talk about technical subjects, why you want TES, your long-term goals, etc.
Physical Fitness
- Though TES selection is technical, having basic physical fitness helps in the SSB group tasks.
- Practice running, group physical tasks, communication drills.
Medical Readiness
- Be aware of medical standards for SSB / Army entry.
- Keep all required medical / academic certificates ready (Class 10, 12 mark sheets, ID proof, photographs).
Time Management
- Create a realistic schedule that balances board exam preparation, JEE Main prep, and SSB practice.
- Join a good SSB coaching or use trusted books / workbooks for psychological test practice.
Mindset & Motivation
- Develop a disciplined mindset; military entries rely heavily on attitude, leadership, and mental stamina.
- Read success stories of TES / NDA / SSB to stay motivated.

🔗 Useful Resource Links

TES-54 Notification (PDF) — Official detailed notification. DDE
TES-53 Notification (PDF) — Eligibility, selection, age criteria, etc.
Indian Army TES Entry Overview — Selection process, eligibility, SSB details.
Common candidate procedure for TES & NDA (medical) — Guidelines from Army.

TES Entry - Technical Entry Scheme ...

🛡️ Introduction to TES – Technical Entry Scheme