Indian Army NCC Special Entry 124 Course (Oct 2026) for Women – Complete Notification, Eligibility, Salary, and Selection Process
The Indian Army NCC Special Entry 124 Course (October 2026) for women offers a prestigious opportunity to join the Indian Army as a Short Service Commission (SSC) Officer (Non-Technical). This entry is exclusively designed for unmarried female NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders, including wards of battle casualties of Army personnel.
We present here a complete, structured, and detailed guide covering eligibility criteria, age limit, vacancies, selection process, training details, salary structure, allowances, service conditions, and career growth under this highly competitive entry scheme.
Overview of NCC Special Entry 124 Course (Women) – October 2026
- Entry Type: NCC Special Entry Scheme
- Course: 124th Course (October 2026)
- Commission Type: Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) – Women
- Training Academy: Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
- Training Duration: 49 Weeks
- Rank on Commissioning: Lieutenant
This entry allows candidates to bypass the written examination and directly appear for the SSB Interview, making it one of the most sought-after routes to become a commissioned officer.
Vacancy Details for Women – NCC Special Entry 124
- Total Vacancies: 06
- 05 for General Category (NCC Women)
- 01 for Wards of Battle Casualties of Army Personnel
Vacancies are notified based on operational and administrative requirements of the Indian Army. Selection is strictly merit-based.
Eligibility Criteria for NCC Special Entry 124 (Women)
Nationality
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India, OR
- A subject of Nepal, OR
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India (with Government of India eligibility certificate, if applicable).
Age Limit
- 19 to 25 years as on 01 July 2026
- Born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive)
Age relaxation is not applicable beyond notified conditions.
Educational Qualification
For NCC ‘C’ Certificate Holders:
- Graduate Degree from a recognized university.
- Minimum ‘B’ Grade in NCC ‘C’ Certificate Examination.
- Must have served minimum 2–3 years in NCC Senior Division/Wing.
Final-year students may apply provided they complete graduation before course commencement.
For Wards of Battle Casualties:
- Graduation from a recognized university.
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate is not mandatory.
Selection Process – Step-by-Step Procedure
The selection process for NCC Special Entry 124 Course (Women) includes:
- Online Application Submission
- Shortlisting Based on Graduation Percentage
- SSB Interview (5 Days)
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
- Joining Letter Issuance
There is no written examination, making performance in SSB crucial.
Shortlisting for SSB is conducted in May 2026 (First Week) based on graduation marks.
SSB Interview Details
The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is a comprehensive 5-day evaluation process that tests:
- Officer Like Qualities (OLQs)
- Leadership potential
- Psychological robustness
- Communication skills
- Decision-making ability
Candidates must appear for only one SSB – either through CDSE or NCC Special Entry, not both.
Medical Standards
Candidates must meet strict Indian Army medical standards. Medical fitness includes:
- Height-weight proportion
- Vision standards
- No permanent physical deformity
- Overall physical and mental fitness
Complete medical standards are available on the official recruitment portal.
Training at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Selected candidates undergo 49 weeks of rigorous pre-commission training at:
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
During training:
- Candidates receive ₹56,100 per month (Stipend)
- Training expenses are borne by the Government
- Marriage during training is strictly prohibited
Successful completion awards a Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies.
Physical Fitness Standards Before Joining OTA
Minimum required physical standards:
- 2.4 km run – 13 minutes
- 15 push-ups
- 25 sit-ups
- 30 squats (2 sets)
- 10 lunges (2 sets)
- Basic swimming knowledge
Maintaining peak physical condition significantly improves training performance.
Commission, Service Tenure & Permanent Commission Option
Initial Service Duration
- 10 years Short Service Commission
- Extendable by 4 additional years
Permanent Commission
Eligible officers may opt for Permanent Commission after 10 years, subject to selection and service conditions.
Release Options
- After 5 years
- After 10 years
- After 14 years
Salary Structure After Commissioning
Upon commissioning as Lieutenant, officers receive:
Pay Level 10
- ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month
Military Service Pay (MSP)
- ₹15,500 per month (up to Brigadier rank)
Annual CTC and Benefits
The approximate CTC ranges between ₹17–18 lakhs per annum, excluding:
- Free medical cover
- Annual home travel allowance
- Pension and gratuity benefits
- Field area allowances
Allowances and Perks
Officers are entitled to numerous allowances based on posting location:
- Field Area Allowance
- High Altitude Allowance
- Siachen Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Children Education Allowance (₹2,250 per child per month)
- Hostel Subsidy
- Uniform Allowance (₹20,000 per year)
- Ration Facilities
- Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF) – ₹1.25 Crore Cover
These benefits significantly enhance overall compensation.
Promotion Structure in Indian Army
Promotions are based on years of service and selection criteria:
- Lieutenant – On Commission
- Captain – After 2 years
- Major – After 6 years
- Lieutenant Colonel – After 13 years
- Further promotions up to General Rank based on merit and selection
Career progression in the Indian Army offers unmatched leadership growth.
Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF) Benefits
- Insurance Cover: ₹1.25 Crore
- Disability compensation up to ₹25 Lakhs
- Financial security for families
This ensures long-term stability and protection.
Why NCC Special Entry 124 is a Golden Opportunity
- Direct SSB entry without written exam
- Leadership career in Indian Army
- High salary with government perks
- Opportunity for Permanent Commission
- Nation-building career with honor and prestige
For women aspiring to serve the nation, this entry provides a structured, respected, and financially rewarding pathway.
Important Application Dates
- Application Start: 13 February 2026 (1500 hrs)
- Application End: 16 March 2026 (1500 hrs)
Applications must be submitted online through the official recruitment portal.
Frequently Asked Questions For Army NCC Women 2026
2️⃣ Is there any written exam for NCC Special Entry?
No, candidates are shortlisted based on graduation marks and directly called for SSB Interview.
3️⃣ What is the age limit for NCC Special Entry 2026?
Candidates must be between 19 to 25 years as on 01 July 2026.
4️⃣ How many vacancies are available for women?
There are 6 vacancies including wards of battle casualties.
5️⃣ What is the salary after joining Indian Army as Lieutenant?
The starting salary is ₹56,100 per month plus Military Service Pay and allowances.
6️⃣ Where will the training be conducted?
Training will be conducted at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
7️⃣ What is the duration of training?
The training duration is 49 weeks.
8️⃣ Can final year students apply?
Yes, final year students can apply if they complete graduation before course commencement.
9️⃣ Is Permanent Commission available for women officers?
Yes, officers can apply for Permanent Commission after completing 10 years of service.
🔟 What is the selection process?
Shortlisting → SSB Interview → Medical Examination → Final Merit List.
1️⃣1️⃣ Is NCC ‘C’ Certificate mandatory?
Yes, except for wards of battle casualties.
1️⃣2️⃣ What physical standards are required?
Candidates must meet Army medical standards and clear basic physical fitness requirements.
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Conclusion
The Indian Army NCC Special Entry 124 Course (October 2026) for Women stands as a premier gateway to a distinguished military career. With structured training at OTA Chennai, competitive salary, comprehensive allowances, and long-term growth opportunities, this entry remains one of the most prestigious defense recruitment pathways in India.
Eligible candidates should prepare early for SSB Interview, maintain physical fitness, and ensure documentation readiness to secure selection in the final merit list.
