Territorial Army Recruitment 2026: The Composite Ecological Battalion of the Territorial Army (39 Gorkha Rifles) has issued a recruitment notification. This drive aims to fill a total of 74 vacancies, including posts for Junior Commissioned Officer (GD), Soldier General Duty, Clerk, Chef, Housekeeper, Washerman, Steward, Dresser, and Tailor.
According to the notification, an All-India recruitment rally will be conducted by the 137 CETF Bn (TA), 39 Gorkha Rifles. Eligible ex-servicemen (pensioners) and former female employees of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and State Forest Departments will have the opportunity to participate. The recruitment rally will be held from November 16 to November 21, 2026, at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh).
Territorial Army Recruitment 2026: Key Details
Total Vacancies: 74
Recruitment Rally Start Date: November 16, 2026
End Date: November 21, 2026
Recruitment Venue: Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Recruiting Unit: 137 CETF Bn (TA), 39 Gorkha Rifles
Which posts are being recruited?
This recruitment drive covers various positions, primarily including:
Junior Commissioned Officer (GD)
Soldier General Duty
Soldier Clerk
Soldier Chef (Community)
Housekeeper
Washerman
Steward
Dresser
Tailor and other tradesman posts
Eligibility for Territorial Army Recruitment
- Age Limit
Candidates are required to enlist within five years of their date of retirement. According to the notification, the maximum age limit is 55 years for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and 50 years for Other Ranks (OR).
- Medical Category
Candidates must fall under the SHAPE-1 medical category.
- Character Certificate
Candidates must possess a certificate indicating ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ character. The ‘Exemplary’ or ‘Very Good’ category has been specified for this requirement.
- Educational and Service Qualifications
Eligible pensioner ex-servicemen who are Indian citizens may apply for this recruitment. Additionally, for former employees of the MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments, a minimum of 20 years of service experience in the respective department is required. Candidates must fulfill the conditions specified in the notification for their respective posts.
Physical Standards: Height, Weight, and Chest
Height:
Standards specified in the notification will apply to Gorkha, Garhwali, and Assamese candidates.
For former employees of the MoEF&CC and State Forest Departments, the minimum height requirement is 150 cm.
Weight:
Male candidates: Minimum 50 kg
Female candidates: Minimum 42 kg
Chest Measurement:
Normal chest measurement for male candidates: 81.2 cm
Minimum expansion: 5 cm
Standards regarding chest expansion for female candidates will apply as per the notification.
Candidates from Northeast India, as well as Gorkha, Assamese, and Garhwali candidates, may be granted relaxation in physical standards as per the prescribed rules.
What does the physical test entail?
Male candidates must undergo a physical test. This includes the following activities:
One-mile run
Pull-ups
9-foot ditch jump
Balancing beam walk
Candidates who successfully pass the physical test will proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
Trade-specific proficiency test
Candidates will be required to take a proficiency test relevant to their specific post. This will involve an assessment of their trade-related skills and work experience. The proficiency of ex-servicemen and eligible former Forest Department employees will be evaluated based on their respective trades.
What documents are required for the recruitment rally?
Candidates participating in the recruitment process must carry the following documents:
Original Discharge Book
Original Pension Payment Order (PPO)
Original Aadhaar Card
Passport-sized color photographs
Character Certificate
Original educational certificates
Original experience certificates
Medical certificate
Candidates are advised to check the instructions regarding documents and the number of copies required, as specified in the notification, before visiting the recruitment venue.
Medical Test and Interview
Candidates who successfully clear the physical test will undergo a medical examination. Subsequently, eligible candidates will be interviewed by a board of officials. Final selection will be based on the prescribed eligibility criteria and performance across all stages of the recruitment process.
What will be the salary and allowances?
Selected personnel will receive a basic salary commensurate with their post, along with applicable service allowances as per regulations. The notification states that annual salary increments are not applicable. Additionally, benefits such as Children’s Education Allowance, House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), Traveling Allowance, and other facilities may be provided subject to eligibility and applicable rules.
Pension, Gratuity, and Medical Facilities
Pension-related benefits for ex-servicemen and eligible former employees, based on their previous service, will continue in accordance with applicable rules. It has been clarified that no additional pension or gratuity benefits will accrue based on the tenure of the new appointment.
Furthermore, personnel appointed to the CETF Battalion will be provided with canteen and medical facilities as per regulations.
Important Advice: Before attending the recruitment rally, please verify the post-wise eligibility criteria, age limits, physical standards, required documents, and rally-related instructions as detailed in the official notification.
