The Indian Army has released notifications for multiple posts, including Religious Teacher JCO, JCO (Catering), Havildar (Surveyor Automated Cartographer), Havildar (Education), Agniveer GD, and Soldier Technical Nursing Assistant. This guide provides a detailed overview of the recruitment process, including exam pattern, selection stages, physical requirements, and important instructions to help candidates prepare effectively.
Also see CISF Constable Tradesman
Selection Process for Indian Army Recruitment 2025-26
The recruitment process consists of multiple stages to assess candidates’ academic knowledge, physical fitness, and medical standards. Below is the general structure followed across different posts:
1. Registration and Online Application
Candidates must register on the Join Indian Army portal (joinindianarmy.nic.in) and submit their applications before the deadline.
2. Online Common Entrance Examination (CEE)
Candidates will appear for an online multiple-choice question (MCQ)-based test. The marking scheme is as follows:
- Full marks for correct answers
- No marks deducted for unattempted questions
- All answered questions (even those marked for review) will be considered for evaluation
3. Physical Fitness Test (PFT) & Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo physical tests such as running, pull-ups, high jumps, and balance tests. These tests assess the candidate’s stamina, strength, and endurance.
4. Medical Examination
Candidates qualifying for the physical test will undergo a detailed medical examination to ensure they meet the Army’s health and fitness standards.
5. Personal Interview & Skill Test (For JCO & Havildar Posts)
Certain posts like Religious Teacher JCO, JCO (Catering), and Havildar (Education) require candidates to appear for an interview and/or a skill test based on the nature of the role.
6. Final Merit List & Call for Training
Candidates who successfully clear all stages will be ranked based on their performance in the written exam, physical tests, and interviews. The final selection list will be published on the Join Indian Army website, and selected candidates will receive call letters for training.
Paper Pattern for Online Examination (CEE)
Each post has a different exam structure. Below is an overview of the Common Entrance Examination (CEE) pattern:
| Post | Paper | Max Marks | Questions | Marks per Question | Negative Marking | Duration |
| Religious Teacher JCO | General Awareness | 100 | 50 | 2 | No | 1 Hour |
| Religious-Specific Paper | 100 | 50 | 2 | No | 1 Hour | |
| JCO Catering | Catering Paper | 100 | 100 | 1 | No | 2 Hours |
| Havildar (SAC) | Mathematics | 100 | 50 | 2 | No | 2 Hours |
| Physics & Chemistry | 100 | 50 | 2 | No | 2 Hours | |
| Havildar (Education) | General Awareness, English, Math, Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 1 | No | 1 Hour |
| Subject-Specific Paper | 100 | 100 | 1 | No | 2 Hours |
Minimum Passing Criteria: Candidates must secure 40% marks in each paper to qualify.
Physical Fitness Test (PFT) & Measurement Test (PMT)
The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) is a crucial stage that determines a candidate’s ability to handle the physical demands of the Army.
1.6 Km Running Test (For Men)
- Group I: 5 min 30 sec (60 Marks)
- Group II: 5 min 45 sec (48 Marks)
Pull-Ups on Beam (For Men)
| Pull-Ups | Marks |
| 10+ | 40 |
| 9 | 33 |
| 8 | 27 |
| 7 | 21 |
| 6 | 16 |
Additional Physical Tests
- 9 Feet Ditch Jump – Must qualify
- Zigzag Balance Test – Must qualify
Physical Eligibility (Height & Chest)
| Region | Height (CM) | Chest (CM) |
| General | 160 | 77 |
| Gorkhas & Ladakhi Region | 157 | 77 |
| Western Himalayan | 163 | 77 |
| Western Plains | 170 | 77 |
| Eastern Himalayan | 160 | 77 |
| Central & Southern Plains | 166 | 77 |
For Agniveer (Women Military Police), the required height is 162 CM.
Medical Standards for Indian Army Recruitment
Candidates must meet the medical standards set by the Indian Army:
✅ Robust physique & mental health
✅ Minimum 5 cm chest expansion
✅ Normal hearing & vision (without color blindness)
✅ 14 dental points with healthy gums
✅ No deformities, hydrocele, varicose veins, or piles
Documents Required for Recruitment Rally
Candidates must bring the following original documents with two self-attested photocopies:
✅ Admit Card (Printed copy)
✅ 20 Passport-size photographs (recent, with white background)
✅ Educational Certificates & Mark Sheets (Class 10th, 12th, Graduation, Diploma)
✅ Domicile Certificate (Issued by Tehsildar/District Magistrate)
✅ Caste Certificate (If applicable)
✅ Character Certificate (Issued within the last 6 months)
✅ PAN Card & Aadhar Card
✅ Police Verification Certificate
✅ Relationship Certificate (For sons of servicemen/ex-servicemen)
✅ Affidavit on ₹10 Non-Judicial Stamp Paper
⚠️ Important: Incomplete applications or missing documents will result in disqualification.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Register only once on the official website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Ensure active email & mobile number for communication.
- Upload a recent photograph (Mismatch with ID photo may lead to rejection).
- Choose five exam center preferences (final allotment depends on availability).
- Admit Card download available before the exam.
- No electronic devices allowed in the exam hall.
- Exam center gates close 30 minutes before the test.
Final Words: Prepare Well for the Indian Army Recruitment 2025-26!
This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for candidates to join the Indian Army and serve the nation. If you meet the eligibility criteria, start your preparation today! Follow the official notifications, practice for the written test, train for the physical fitness test, and stay updated on the recruitment process.