1. Introduction

For many engineering graduates in Andhra Pradesh, defence jobs appear attractive when state-level recruitments are delayed, irregular, or highly limited. The Indian Army SSC Technical (Men) entry is one such option that regularly surfaces in this phase of uncertainty.

This is not an APPSC or Andhra Pradesh state government job. It is an All-India central defence recruitment, and that distinction matters. Still, for a specific category of AP aspirants, this notification deserves serious consideration-provided they understand the nature, risks, and long-term implications of a Short Service Commission.

This article is written to help AP candidates decide intelligently, not emotionally.

2. Key Recruitment Details (Only Verified Information)

  • Recruiting Authority: Indian Army
  • Entry: Short Service Commission (Technical) - 67th Course (Men)
  • Total Vacancies: 350 (tentative, subject to change)
  • Course Commencement: October 2026
  • Training Location: Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya, Bihar
  • Training Duration: 49 weeks
  • Application Mode: Online only
  • Application Dates:
    • Start: 07 January 2026 (1500 hrs)
    • Last Date: 05 February 2026 (1500 hrs)
  • Written Exam: Not conducted
  • Selection Mode: Shortlisting + SSB Interview + Medical Examination

Any detail not mentioned above is not available in the official notification.

3. Eligibility Explained for Andhra Pradesh Candidates

Educational Qualification (Practical Interpretation)

  • B.E./B.Tech in only the engineering streams explicitly notified by the Army.
  • Degree must be from a UGC/AICTE-recognised Indian institution.
  • Final-year students are eligible, but must:
    • Pass the degree by 01 October 2026
    • Submit all proof within stipulated timelines.
  • Foreign degree holders are not eligible.

⚠️ AP-specific caution:
Many AP private universities issue degrees with slightly altered stream nomenclature. Even a minor mismatch between your degree certificate and the notified stream name can lead to direct rejection. Do not assume equivalence.

Age Limit (No State Relaxation)

  • 20 to 27 years (born between 01 Oct 1999 and 30 Sep 2006)
  • No age relaxation for SC/ST/BC candidates
  • Matriculation certificate date of birth is final

This is a hard cutoff, unlike APPSC or state department recruitments.

Local Status / Domicile

  • No Andhra Pradesh local status benefit
  • Selection is purely All-India merit-based
  • State reservations do not apply

AP candidates must compete nationally.

4. Who Should Apply - And Who Should Not

You SHOULD apply if:

  • You are an unmarried male engineering graduate from AP
  • You are physically fit and comfortable with a military lifestyle
  • You are not dependent on state-level reservations
  • You are open to:
    • Posting anywhere in India or abroad
    • A fixed-tenure career (initially 10 years)
  • You see defence service as a calling, not a backup

You SHOULD NOT apply if:

  • You are waiting specifically for APPSC Group-I/II/III or department jobs
  • You need job security beyond SSC tenure
  • You are not mentally prepared for:
    • SSB psychological testing
    • Medical rejection risk
    • Long separation from family
  • You are applying only because vacancies look high

This entry is not a safety net.

5. Application Process - AP Candidate Pitfalls to Avoid

Online Application Steps (Brief)

  • Register and apply through joinindianarmy.nic.in
  • Submit only one application
  • No correction window after submission

Common AP Mistakes Seen Every Year

  • Name, father’s name, or DOB mismatch with SSC certificate
  • Wrong CGPA-to-percentage conversion
  • Uploading Digilocker certificates (not accepted at SSB)
  • Assuming caste certificates matter (they do not here)
  • Applying with non-notified engineering streams

One mistake = permanent rejection. No appeal.

6. Selection Process & What to Expect Next

  • Shortlisting: Based on engineering marks (stream-wise cut-off)
  • SSB Interview: 5 days (April-June 2026)
  • Medical Examination: Mandatory, strict standards
  • Final Merit List: Based on SSB marks + medical fitness

⚠️ Important Reality Check:
Clearing SSB does not guarantee joining. Final induction depends on merit rank within stream vacancies.

7. Salary, Job Role & Career Reality

During Training

  • Stipend: ₹56,100 per month

After Commissioning

  • Rank: Lieutenant
  • Pay Level: Level-10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500) + allowances

Career Nature

  • Initial tenure: 10 years
  • Extension: Possible up to 14 years
  • Permanent Commission: Considered only later, not guaranteed

This is not equivalent to a permanent AP government post.

8. Preparation Strategy (SSB-Focused, Not Exam-Focused)

This is not an APPSC-style exam.

Focus areas:

  • Officer-like personality development
  • Logical reasoning & clarity of thought
  • Psychological tests (TAT, WAT, SRT)
  • Physical fitness (start early, not after shortlisting)
  • Awareness of current affairs (defence + national)

Coaching may help, but self-awareness matters more.

9. Pros & Cons - Honest Assessment

Pros

  • Officer rank at a young age
  • Respect, structured life, leadership exposure
  • Competitive pay during service
  • No written exam pressure

Cons

  • No job guarantee beyond SSC tenure
  • High rejection rate at medical stage
  • No state reservation advantage
  • Family and location instability

This trade-off must be consciously accepted.

10. Applicant Checklist (Before You Apply)

  • Confirm exact engineering stream eligibility
  • Verify age strictly from SSC certificate
  • Ensure unmarried status throughout training
  • Prepare all semester marksheets
  • Start physical conditioning immediately
  • Accept SSC nature mentally before clicking “Apply”

11. Conclusion - Advice to Andhra Pradesh Aspirants

This recruitment is valuable but not universal.

For AP engineering graduates who:

  • Are tired of waiting for uncertain state notifications
  • Want a challenging, disciplined career
  • Can accept risk and temporary tenure

This is worth serious effort.

For others chasing stable, long-term AP government service, this may distract more than help.

Apply with clarity, not desperation.

12. FAQs (Common AP Aspirant Doubts)

Q. Does Andhra Pradesh local status help here?
No. There is no domicile or state quota.

Q. Is there any reservation for SC/ST/BC candidates?
No reservation applies in SSC Technical entry.

Q. Can I apply while preparing for APPSC exams?
Yes, but be aware that SSB preparation is time- and mindset-intensive.

Q. Is Permanent Commission guaranteed later?
No. It is conditional and competitive.

Q. Can final-year AP students apply?
Yes, if they meet the degree completion deadline.