Latest news with #TerritorialArmy
Time of India
21-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Territorial Army vs Regular Army: Understanding the right career path in 2025
In 2025, defence career aspirants in India are increasingly exploring multiple entry points into the armed forces. Among the most commonly compared options are the Territorial Army (TA) and the Regular Army. While both serve under the Indian Army 's structure and uphold the same code of discipline and honour, their roles, commitments, and eligibility frameworks are distinct. Understanding the differences is essential for making an informed, long-term career decision. Structural and operational differences The Regular Army is the standing, full-time military force responsible for national defence, border security, and strategic operations both during peacetime and conflict. It demands complete professional commitment, with recruits undergoing rigorous training at institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), or National Defence Academy (NDA). Service in the Regular Army is typically a full-time career, involving frequent transfers, postings in high-risk zones, and long stretches away from family. In contrast, the Territorial Army is a part-time voluntary force that supports the Regular Army during emergencies, natural disasters, internal security operations, and peacetime administrative tasks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo TA personnel are trained soldiers, but they are not required to serve continuously. Most continue with their civilian professions and are called up for service as needed. This model is designed to leverage the capabilities of trained citizens without requiring a full-time commitment. Eligibility and recruitment The Regular Army has a structured recruitment process, including entry-level exams such as NDA and Combined Defence Services (CDS) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Depending on the entry scheme, candidates may join as commissioned officers or through technical and non-technical routes. The selection process includes a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical examinations, and detailed background checks. Territorial Army recruitment, on the other hand, is open to employed professionals and self-employed individuals aged 18 to 42 years. In 2025, the selection process involves a written exam conducted by the Indian Army, followed by a preliminary interview board (PIB) and SSB interview for officer-level entries. The requirement of being "gainfully employed" distinguishes TA recruitment, as it aims to enlist citizens who can contribute without leaving their primary careers. Career progression and deployment Officers in the Regular Army have defined ranks, promotion pathways, and pension benefits based on years of service and performance. They are posted across the country and, in some cases, in foreign missions. The career is structured, hierarchical, and comes with extensive training in military tactics, leadership, and operations. Territorial Army officers may rise in ranks based on their engagement and years of service, but their progression is generally slower and does not offer the same long-term career structure. TA personnel may be deployed during national emergencies or operations such as counter-insurgency, disaster relief, or ceremonial duties, but they are not typically posted in forward combat roles on a permanent basis. Which path aligns better with career goals? The Regular Army is ideal for those seeking a lifelong commitment to military service, complete with structured progression, leadership responsibilities, and immersion in operational defence roles. The TA, however, suits individuals who wish to serve the nation while continuing civilian careers, especially in fields like law, medicine, administration, or corporate leadership. Both offer the chance to serve the country with honour. The right choice depends on one's long-term professional goals, lifestyle priorities, and willingness to adapt to a military framework full-time or part-time. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
NDTV
21-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
How To Join Territorial Army Like MS Dhoni, Sachin Pilot, Anurag Thakur
If you've ever dreamt of serving the nation in uniform without leaving your current job, the Territorial Army (TA) might be the ideal path. Known as the "citizen's army," the TA allows professionals, politicians, sportspersons, and civilians to serve in the military while continuing their regular careers. Famous Faces In The Territorial Army Several well-known Indians have been part of the TA over the years: MS Dhoni was conferred the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) in 2011 with the 106 TA Battalion (Para) of the Parachute Regiment. Kapil Dev received the same honorary rank in 2008 with the 150 TA (Infantry) Battalion of the Punjab Regiment. Sachin Pilot, a Member of Parliament, became the first sitting MP to be commissioned as a regular officer in the TA with the rank of Lieutenant. Anurag Thakur joined as a Lieutenant in 2016 and was later promoted to Captain. Abhinav Bindra was inducted as Lieutenant Colonel in a TA battalion of the Sikh Regiment in 2011. These honorary appointments recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation in their respective fields. What Is The Territorial Army? The Territorial Army is part of the Regular Indian Army. It is designed for citizens who wish to serve the nation while continuing their civilian jobs. TA personnel support the military during natural disasters, national emergencies, and in essential services. With around 50,000 personnel, the TA includes both Departmental Units (such as Railways, ONGC, IOC) and Non-Departmental Units (like Infantry and Ecological Battalions, Engineer Regiments). TA units have participated in major military operations including the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, as well as Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka) and Operation Rakshak (Punjab and J&K). They have also assisted during natural calamities like the Latur earthquake, Uttarkashi floods, and the Odisha Super Cyclone. In addition, the Eco Task Forces under the TA have planted more than 6.65 crore trees across 66,000 hectares, helping to restore degraded and hilly areas. How To Join The Territorial Army There are various ways to become part of the TA: Honorary Commission Individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the country in fields such as sports, public service, or the arts may be conferred honorary ranks by the President of India, as seen with personalities like MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev. This is a ceremonial role that recognizes national service and distinction. Join as a Jawan / JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer) Eligibility • Age: 18 to 42 years • Education: Minimum Class 10 (Matriculation); exceptions may apply in some cases Application Process Candidates must report to a TA unit or Recruiting Office on scheduled dates. The process includes a physical test, medical board, and police verification. Notifications are usually published in newspapers and on the official Indian Army website. Join as a Commissioned Officer (For Civilians) Eligibility Criteria • Nationality: Indian (male or female) • Age: 18 to 42 years (as of 10 June 2025) • Education: Graduate from a recognized university • Physical Standards: Must be medically and physically fit • Employment: Should be gainfully employed in government, public, private sector, or self-employed Selection Process This entry is through a written exam, followed by a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical examination, and document verification. Admit cards are issued provisionally, and final eligibility is checked only after clearing the exam. Important Tips for Aspiring Candidates • Regularly check the Indian Army website for recruitment notifications • Prepare well for written and physical tests • Keep all required documents (educational, medical, employment) in order • Understand that field training and military discipline are part of the role • Be mentally prepared for temporary deployments when needed Joining the Territorial Army offers a rare opportunity to contribute to national service while continuing your professional career. Whether you are a civilian, a working professional, or someone admired for national achievements, the TA opens the door to serve the country in uniform - just like MS Dhoni, Sachin Pilot, and many others.
Mint
17-07-2025
- General
- Mint
Territorial Army Admit Card 2025 OUT: Steps to download, exam date, website and more
Territorial Army Admit Card 2025: The Territorial Army on Thursday has released the admit card for Officer Entrance Exam on its official website, reported All the registered candidates can get the Territorial Army admit card by visiting the official website Apart from this, the Territorial Army will also send details of email and SMS alerts to the candidates. Step 1: Open the official website Step 2: Click on the link Territorial Army Admit Card 2025 on the homepage. Step 3: Provide the required credentials link. Step 4: Click on the link. Step 5: Get your hall ticket in a new window. Step 6: Please keep the printout of the same for future reference. The Territorial Army exam is scheduled to take place on 20 July via online mode. Once the candidates' application forms are found correct and are declared successful in the online entrance exam, they will be detailed for intelligence and personality tests at the Service Selection Board. Step 1: Written Examination (Computer-Based Test – CBT) Step 2: Preliminary Interview Board (PIB) Step 3: Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview Step 4: Medical Examination
Malay Mail
17-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Defence minister: Health issues, university offers behind 30pc absentee rate in PLKN 3.0
KOTA TINGGI, July 17 — Around 30 per cent of participants from the first two series of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 failed to report for training due to various reasons, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the main reasons cited were health issues and offers to pursue higher education. 'So far, each series of PLKN 3.0 has recorded an absentee rate of about 10 to 15 per cent, mostly due to valid reasons such as illness or having just offered a university placement. He said this to reporters after attending the opening ceremony of the Kembara Lestari Kota Tinggi with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) at Felda Lok Heng Barat here today. Mohamed Khaled said PLKN 3.0 is still in the trial phase, with full implementation expected to begin next year. The programme, which maintains a 45-day training period, has received positive feedback from participants, particularly on the military training elements, which were deemed effective in instilling discipline and building identity. 'Participants from the previous two series gave good feedback and requested that the military training content be improved,' he said. PLKN 3.0 Series 1/2025 was held at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Kuala Lumpur for 45 days, from Jan 12 to Feb 25. Series 2/2025 ran from May 11 to June 24, while Series 3 will take place from Sept 7 to Oct 21 at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp and the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Pekan, Pahang. — Bernama
India.com
10-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
From Terrorist To Army Captain: Meet Indian ‘James Bond' Who Helped Eliminate 300 Terrorists
Far from the stereotypical spy movie hero, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat — once a militant — went on to become one of the Indian Army's most valuable undercover agents and later, a decorated army officer. His story, filled with danger, redemption, and sacrifice, resembles a real-life thriller that spans decades of Kashmir's insurgency. Now 56, Mushtaq walks quietly in the garden of his home in Pulwama, South Kashmir — a man once feared and revered, known by many names: James Bond, Romeo, and Ishfaq. Once a militant trained in Pakistan, he later switched sides, becoming a covert operative for the Indian Army and helping eliminate over 300 terrorists during his 36 years as an armed man. From Insurgent to Informant Mushtaq was born in Zawsoo, a small village in Pulwama. He joined militancy in the late 1980s, during the peak of violence in the Kashmir Valley. Coming from a Congress-supporting family, he was targeted and ostracized by pro-Azadi elements. With the state administration collapsed and security forces absent, he picked up arms, believing that it was the only way to protect himself and his family. In 1989, he crossed into Pakistan and trained with Afghan warlords. He even fought alongside the Taliban against Ahmad Shah Massoud's Northern Alliance in Afghanistan. By late 1990, Mushtaq had returned to Kashmir as a member of the Jamaat-backed Hizbul Mujahideen. But his experience in Pakistan left him disillusioned. 'I saw how Pakistan used Kashmir's freedom narrative for its own political agenda. That's when I decided to change course,' he said. In 1994, he began secretly working for the Indian Army. Living Among Enemies, Working for the Nation Mushtaq operated deep undercover. Living among militants, he became a critical asset for Indian security forces. He is said to have brought over 100 active militants into the Army's fold as informants. His most significant contribution came when he crossed the border into Pakistan four times to gather crucial intelligence, including early warnings of the 1999 Kargil infiltration — information that helped change the course of the war. 'I never picked up a weapon against the army after 1994. My job was intelligence — to prevent bloodshed by providing actionable information,' he said. Mushtaq claims his efforts directly contributed to the elimination of over 300 terrorists and the deradicalization of over 500 youths. Many were guided toward education or recruited into the Territorial Army. From Undercover Agent to Army Captain In 1999, his cover was blown. Instead of abandoning him, the Indian Army inducted him into the 162nd Battalion of the Territorial Army. In recognition of his service, the President of India directly commissioned him as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), and he eventually rose to the rank of Captain before retiring in 2021. He built a unit of reformed militants who became known as the "James Bond Group" in Pulwama-Shopian. This unit conducted numerous successful anti-terror operations, helping stabilize the region. Despite repeated threats, Mushtaq chose not to leave India. 'I was attacked twice, shot in the legs, my house was burnt twice, and my uncle was killed. But I never gave up,' he says. His children — two sons and a daughter — had to change schools 16 times due to security threats. Today, his daughter is a doctor, one son lives in Canada, and the other lives with him in Kashmir. Though his son in Canada urges him to move abroad, Mushtaq refuses. 'My fight isn't over. I want to stop this cycle of radicalism and separatism. I want to help young people find a better path,' he says. Struggles with the System Despite his immense contribution, Mushtaq has a grievance. He says the intelligence wing of Jammu and Kashmir still lists him and his associates as former militants, not patriots. 'Our children ask, are we traitors or patriots? This confusion must end,' he says. Mushtaq's story is now part of a book titled 'The Bravehearts', chronicling his transformation from a militant to a soldier. It's a powerful tale of redemption, courage, and national service. By going public, he knows he is risking retaliation from terrorist groups. But for him, the motive is clear: 'I want to inspire others. I want to show that no matter where you come from, you can choose to serve your country.'
