NCC Special Entry Scheme 123rd Course (Apr 2026) – Complete Guide for Aspirants

The Indian Army has released the notification for NCC Special Entry Scheme – 123rd Course (Men/Women), commencing in April 2026 at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. This entry offers a golden opportunity to NCC cadets and wards of battle casualties to join the Army as Short Service Commissioned (SSC) Officers.

This blog will give you a clear overview of the eligibility, service conditions, benefits, and the entire selection procedure step by step.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality: Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal, or persons of Indian origin settled in India from select countries.

Age Limit: 19 to 25 years as on 01 Jan 2026 (born between 02 Jan 2001 and 01 Jan 2007, both dates inclusive).

Educational Qualification: Graduation with at least 50% aggregate.

NCC Requirement: Minimum ‘B’ Grade in NCC ‘C’ Certificate and at least 2–3 years of service in Senior Division/Wing of NCC.

For Wards of Battle Casualties: Graduation required but NCC ‘C’ Certificate not mandatory.

Vacancies

Total Vacancies: 70

General Category (NCC candidates) – 63

Wards of Battle Casualties – 07

Training & Commission

Training Academy: Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai

Training Duration: 49 weeks (approx. 11 months)

Stipend during training: ₹56,100 per month

Rank on Commissioning: Lieutenant

Initial Engagement: 10 years (extendable up to 14 years)

Option for Permanent Commission: Available after 10 years of service

Pay & Benefits

Pay on Commissioning: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10, Pay Matrix)

CTC Approx: ₹17–18 lakhs per annum (excluding free medical cover, ration, and other allowances).

Allowances: Dearness Allowance, Military Service Pay (₹15,500), Field Area allowances, Flying/Para/Special Forces allowances as applicable.

Insurance Cover (AGIF): ₹1.25 Crore during training.

Selection Procedure (Step by Step)

The selection process for NCC Special Entry is highly competitive and involves multiple stages:

1. Online Application & Documentation

Applications must be submitted online at joinindianarmy.nic.in.

Self-attested documents (graduation certificates, NCC certificates, marksheets, etc.) must be carried to the SSB.

For wards of battle casualties, proof of casualty and relationship certificates are required.

2. Shortlisting of Applications

Candidates are shortlisted based on bonus marks:

NCC ‘C’ Certificate:

Grade A – 50 Marks

Grade B – 25 Marks

Graduation Marks:

60–64.99% – 5 Marks

65–69.99% – 10 Marks

70–74.99% – 20 Marks

75–79.99% – 30 Marks

80–84.99% – 40 Marks

85–100% – 50 Marks

👉 Example: A candidate with 72% in Graduation + NCC ‘A’ Grade = 20 + 50 = 70 bonus marks.

Based on these marks, merit is prepared and candidates are shortlisted for SSB.

3. SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)

Centers: Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Jalandhar.

Duration: 5 days.

Stages:

Stage I (Screening) – OIR Test + PP&DT (Picture Perception & Discussion Test). Candidates who fail are sent home the same day.

Stage II – For screened-in candidates, detailed tests include:

Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD)

Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks (Group Discussions, Group Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Tasks, Command Task, etc.)

Personal Interview

Conference (final board assessment)

👉 Only recommended candidates move to the next stage.

4. Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a medical exam at Army hospitals.

Standards include vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, BMI, etc.

5. Merit List

A final merit list is prepared based on SSB marks only.

If marks tie → older candidate is ranked higher.

If age and marks tie → higher graduation percentage is considered.

Candidates in merit + medically fit → receive joining letters for OTA.

Life at OTA & Beyond

Pre-Commission Training: Strict physical regime (running, push-ups, swimming, squats, weapon handling).

Post Training: Commissioned as Lieutenant.

Career Progression:

Captain (2 years), Major (6 years), Lt Col (13 years), further promotions based on selection and service.

Exit Options:

After 5 years (with Army HQ approval)

After 10 or 14 years (mandatory release unless granted Permanent Commission).

Conclusion

The NCC Special Entry 123rd Course (Apr 2026) is a unique opportunity for NCC cadets and wards of battle casualties to serve the nation as Army Officers. With 70 vacancies and a structured selection process, aspirants must focus on building their personality, awareness, and fitness for the SSB.
This entry not only rewards your NCC journey but also opens the door to a challenging and honourable military career.

Last Date to Apply: 12/09/2025.