During a recent visit to the HAL Helicopter Complex in Bangalore, an Army Commander was briefed on the significant advancements and strategies towards achieving ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in aviation, particularly in helicopter manufacturing.
The briefing covered the ongoing projects including the Dhruv and Rudra advanced light helicopters, the Prachand Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), and developments in flight simulators.
This visit underscores the commitment of the Indian military and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to enhance indigenous capabilities in the aerospace sector.
The focus on self-reliance aims not only to bolster the national defense infrastructure but also to reduce dependency on foreign technology and foster innovation within the country.
The Army Commander’s engagement with HAL highlights the strategic importance of homegrown projects in strengthening India’s defense readiness and technological prowess in aviation.
Update: One more jawan has succumbed to his injuries. Total death toll in Kathua terror attack rises to 5. Counter terrorist operations still going on in the area.
Four Indian Army personnel were killed in action and six others were injured in a terrorist ambush on Monday in the remote Machedi area of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack occurred around 3:30 pm when the army vehicle, part of a routine patrol along the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road near Badnota village, was targeted with grenades and gunfire by terrorists.
According to officials, the security forces engaged in retaliation, but the attackers managed to flee into the nearby forests. An intermittent exchange of fire continued as reinforcements were deployed to the area to pursue the terrorists, who are believed to have recently infiltrated from across the border.
This incident marks the second major attack in Kathua district within the last four weeks, following a confrontation on June 12 and 13 that resulted in the deaths of two terrorists and a CRPF jawan. Additionally, this attack follows closely on the heels of a June 26 encounter in Doda district’s Gandoh area, which left three foreign terrorists dead.
The recent spike in terrorist activities in Jammu has been attributed to efforts by Pakistani handlers to revive terrorism in the region and disrupt its peace. This includes a June 9 attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple in Reasi district, which resulted in nine deaths and 41 injuries. The escalating violence has raised concerns about security in the region, prompting increased military and police actions to neutralize the threat.
The Indian Army employs a meticulous selection process for candidates aspiring to join the Officer’s Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai through the Short Service Commission Technical (SSC Tech) Entry. The details of the cut off percentages for SSC Tech 63 (for men) and SSCW Tech 34 (for women) courses slated for October 2024 reveal stringent criteria designed to select highly qualified individuals. Below, we explore the significance of these cut offs in the broader context of recruitment and training at OTA.
SSC Tech 63 Cut Off Marks
For SSC Tech 63, the Indian Army delineates cut off marks based on the academic achievements of candidates in various engineering streams. Here are the critical aspects:
Passed Candidates: Evaluates cumulative marks percentage up to the final semester/year.
Appearing Candidates: Considers cumulative percentage up to different semesters depending on the engineering stream.
Engineering Streams and Their Respective Cut Offs:
Civil: 60%
Computer Science: 76%
Electrical: 63%
Electronics: 60%
Mechanical: 60%
Miscellaneous Engineering Streams: 60%
These percentages are pivotal for assessing candidates who have completed or are nearing the completion of their degrees.
SSCW Tech 34 Cut Off Marks
For the SSCW Tech 34, targeting female engineering graduates, the cut off marks not only reflect the required academic standards but also specify the number of vacancies in each stream, indicative of the demand and focus areas within the military:
Vacancies and Required Cut Offs:
Civil: 7 vacancies, 74% cut off
Computer Science: 4 vacancies, 86% cut off
Electrical: 3 vacancies, 80% cut off
Electronics: 6 vacancies, 79% cut off
Mechanical: 9 vacancies, 60% cut off
The high cut offs in streams such as Computer Science and Electronics highlight the technical prowess sought by the Indian Army in its officers.
Conclusion
The cut off percentages for SSC Tech 63 and SSCW Tech 34 are crucial for shortlisting candidates for further selection stages, which include SSB interviews and medical examinations, ultimately leading to training at OTA Chennai. These thresholds ensure that only the most capable and proficient candidates are considered, aligning with the Indian Army’s high standards of excellence and technical expertise required for the diverse challenges faced in military operations.
The Indian Army has released the cut off marks for the Technical Graduate Course (TGC-140), slated to begin in January 2025 at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. This announcement is crucial for engineering and architecture graduates aiming to join the Indian Army through this prestigious entry.
Overview of TGC 140 Entry
The TGC-140 entry allows engineering graduates to appear before the Service Selection Boards (SSB) without undergoing any entrance examination. This direct approach is designed to streamline the selection process, focusing purely on academic excellence and personal interviews.
Eligibility and Cut Off Details
Candidates are shortlisted based on their cumulative grade point average (GPA) up to specific semesters, depending on their field of study:
Engineering degree courses: Candidates need to have their cumulative marks percentage up to the 6th semester.
M.Sc in notified stream (such as Computer Science): Marks up to the 2nd semester are considered.
Architecture degree courses: Marks up to the 8th semester are evaluated.
TGC 140 Cut off Marks
Engineering Stream
Cut Off Percentage
Civil
75%
Computer Science
84%
Electrical
79%
Electronics
80%
Mechanical
80%
Miscellaneous Engg Streams
73%
TGC 140 SSB Dates
Shortlisted candidates are invited to book their SSB interview slots on a first-come, first-serve basis through the candidate portal. SSB interviews for TGC-140 are scheduled between July and September 2024 and will take place at the following locations: Prayagraj, Bangalore, Jalandhar, and Bhopal.
Important Dates
Date Selection Deadline: Candidates must select their preferred SSB interview dates by 1700 hours on July 5, 2024.
This selection process highlights the Indian Army’s commitment to recruiting highly skilled individuals based on merit and academic achievements. Candidates looking to join the Indian Army through the TGC-140 entry are advised to prepare thoroughly for their SSB interviews and make timely decisions regarding their date selections.
The Indian Army has released the cut-off marks for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) 52. Candidates who have achieved a minimum of 60% in their PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) cumulative score have been shortlisted for the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview. Additionally, candidates must have a CRL (Common Rank List) rank above 200,000 to qualify for the shortlist. The SSB Interviews will take place at four locations: Prayagraj (Allahabad), Bangalore, Bhopal, and Jalandhar.
Overview of TES
The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) is a prestigious entry route for candidates who have completed their 10+2 education. Successful candidates of the TES entry are granted Permanent Commission in the Indian Army. The training duration for TES candidates is four years, and the TES 52 course is expected to commence in January 2025 with approximately 90 vacancies available.
Training of TES Candidates
The TES training program spans four years and is divided into two phases:
Phase I: Integrated Basic Military Training and Engineering Training at one of the following institutions: College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) in Mhow, or Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) in Secunderabad. This phase lasts for three years.
Phase II: Integrated Basic Military Training and Engineering Training for one year at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun or another designated Pre Commission Training Academy (PCTA).
Upon successful completion of the four-year training program, candidates are awarded an Engineering degree. However, no ante date seniority is granted based on this degree.
Selection Procedure
The selection process for TES candidates involves a two-stage selection procedure at the SSB:
Stage I: Candidates who pass Stage I will proceed to Stage II, while those who do not will be sent back on the same day.
Stage II: Candidates who clear this stage will undergo a five-day interview process, followed by a medical examination.
Candidates who are recommended by the SSB and declared medically fit will receive a Joining Letter for training based on their merit and the availability of vacancies, provided they meet all eligibility criteria.
Tips for SSB Interview Preparation
Due to the high number of candidates appearing for SSB in technical entries, the competition is intense. To enhance your chances of success, especially in Stage I, aim to score 90% in the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and present an exceptional story with an outstanding narration. For Stage II, which includes Psychology, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, and the Personal Interview, consistent practice using specially curated SSB workbooks can be beneficial. Daily practice will increase your chances of donning the olive greens.
Conclusion
The TES 52 cut-off marks have set a high standard for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army through this prestigious entry route. With rigorous training and a stringent selection process, TES candidates can look forward to a rewarding career in the Indian Army, starting with their training in January 2025.
National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from India are currently participating in a prestigious youth exchange program in the United Kingdom, serving as ambassadors of Indian culture and heritage.
This exchange program, a regular initiative organized by the NCC, provides a significant opportunity for cadets to broaden their perspectives and showcase the richness of India’s cultural diversity on an international platform.
The program aims to foster mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the youth of India and the UK, allowing participants to engage in educational and cultural activities that highlight their traditions and values.
Through this immersive experience, NCC cadets not only represent their country but also gain invaluable insights into global cultures, enhancing their development as global citizens.
This initiative underscores the NCC’s commitment to developing the leadership and social skills of its cadets through international exposure, preparing them to contribute positively both at home and abroad.
The youth exchange program plays a crucial role in promoting cultural diplomacy and international friendship, aligning with broader efforts to enhance global cooperation and understanding.
Cadets from the 1 Telangana Air Squadron of the Hyderabad Group have taken a proactive approach to both aviation training and environmental conservation.
During a recent activity, the cadets not only gained valuable hands-on experience by flying microlight aircraft but also engaged in environmental stewardship by clearing vegetation around the hangar and taxiway.
This dual-focus initiative allowed the cadets to enhance their practical aviation skills while contributing positively to the maintenance and safety of their training environment.
By removing overgrowth and potential hazards from the airfield areas, they have ensured a safer operating space for current and future flying activities.
The involvement in such diverse tasks highlights the NCC’s commitment to providing its cadets with a well-rounded training program that emphasizes skill development in various disciplines, including environmental responsibility.
This experience prepares the cadets not just as aviators but as conscientious citizens who contribute to their communities in multiple ways.
Shri Milind Deora, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, recently visited the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command (WNC) where he engaged with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCINC) and other naval officers.
During his visit, he was comprehensively briefed on the national maritime interests, the various challenges faced in the region, and the efforts of the Indian Navy to bolster maritime security.
The Hon’ble MP also toured a naval ship and a submarine, gaining firsthand insight into the operational capabilities and the strategic roles of these assets.
This visit highlighted the Navy’s advanced technological and operational readiness and provided a closer look at the day-to-day activities that ensure the security of India’s maritime borders.
Shri Deora expressed his appreciation for the Indian Navy’s pivotal role in national security. He specifically noted the significant strides the Navy has made towards becoming ‘Aatmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) through indigenization and innovation in defense technologies.
This push towards self-reliance not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to the broader national objective of reducing dependency on foreign military technology.
The visit underscores the ongoing collaboration between Indian naval forces and legislative authorities to strengthen the country’s maritime security framework, ensuring a robust defense posture in the Indian Ocean Region.
Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, recently visited the Nyukmadung War Memorial to pay respects to the heroes of the 1962 war, whose courage and sacrifices remain a source of national pride. During his visit, the Chief Minister also inspected the ongoing construction of a new cultural and heritage museum at the site.
This museum is expected to enhance the tourism sector significantly and is a joint initiative between the 16th Madras Regiment, the 46th Infantry Brigade, and the Indian Institute of Heritage (IIH).
The museum aims to document the pivotal events and heroic acts of the 1962 war and will also display local cultural and historical artifacts that showcase the rich heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister Khandu has recommended that the museum’s collection include items from all tribes of Arunachal to ensure a comprehensive portrayal of the state’s diversity.
Additionally, the museum will feature exhibits on local heroes who supported the army during the war, preserving and honoring their invaluable contributions.
Chief Minister Khandu commended the collaborative efforts of the 16th Madras Regiment, the 46th Infantry Brigade, and the IIH in bringing this project to fruition, highlighting its importance in remembering the past and educating future generations.
Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, Commander, presided over an Interactive Orientation Programme focused on the Ministry of Defence’s Indigenisation Schemes, held in Delhi on July 5, 2024. The event aimed to underscore the significance of these schemes in propelling the Indian Navy towards self-reliance by the year 2047.
During the programme, Vice Admiral Deshmukh highlighted the critical role of these indigenisation initiatives in enhancing the operational capabilities and independence of the Indian Navy. He emphasized the need to increase the adoption of these schemes to accelerate the Navy’s journey towards ‘AatmaNirbharta’ (self-reliance).
A key feature of the event was the release of the ‘Indian Navy Indigenisation Compendium of Procedures’ (INICOP). This guiding document outlines the strategies and procedures integral to the Ministry of Defence’s Indigenisation Schemes, providing a structured framework for their implementation.
The orientation programme not only served to educate and encourage stakeholders about the benefits of indigenisation but also reinforced the Navy’s commitment to integrating and leveraging domestic resources to bolster national defense capabilities.
