The Technical Graduate Course is specific to engineering graduates who wish to join the Indian Army. Candidates between 20 and 27 years of age can apply directly after graduation. There is no written exam; candidates are shortlisted based on their academic profile and called for an SSB interview followed by medicals. Training is conducted at IMA Dehradun, after which cadets are commissioned as officers with Permanent Commission.
This entry is meant for both male and female B.Tech graduates within the age group of 20–27 years. Like TGC, there is no written test; recruitment is through shortlisting based on academic merit followed by SSB and medical fitness tests. Training is imparted at OTA Chennai or OTA Gaya and candidates are commissioned as Short Service Commission officers, which is initially for 10 years and can be extended based on performance and requirement.
The UES scheme, though less frequent, is intended for final-year engineering students. Candidates aged between 18 and 24 years are interviewed during campus selections, and if successful, they are later called for SSB interviews. After clearing the SSB and medical boards, the selected candidates undergo pre-commission training at IMA, Dehradun, and are inducted as Permanent Commission officers.
The Indian Navy also offers direct entries without written exams into Short Service Commission and Technical branches, including Pilot, Observer, IT, Education, Logistics and Engineering. Each branch has specific eligibility criteria, usually requiring graduates or B.Tech holders. After shortlisting and clearing the SSB, cadets are trained at the INA Ezhimala before commissioning.