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Dreaming of making a career in the defense forces? For this, any youth has the option of joining the Indian Army as well as the Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces, but if we talk about career options in the Indian Army, then the Territorial Army (TA) and Regular Army are prominent. Let us know in this episode what the difference is between the Regular Army and the Territorial Army. How is the recruitment process of both conducted? What is the eligibility? Let us know..

What is Regular Army

The army completely dedicated to the country is called the Regular Army. In the Regular Army, the appointments of soldiers and officers are for a fixed number of years, which is called their service period. During this time, the posting of soldiers and officers keeps happening in normal areas, including the border. In this, soldiers and officers have to work according to the trade.

Territorial Army helps the Regular Army.
The Territorial Army is a part-time, volunteer force, which helps the Regular Army in emergencies, natural disasters, internal security operations, and administrative work during peacetime. Territorial Army personnel are trained soldiers but are not required to serve continuously. Most continue to hold their civilian jobs and are called up when required.

Eligibility and recruitment process
The Regular Army has a very systematic recruitment process, which includes entrance exams like NDA and CDS conducted by the UPSC. Depending on the entry scheme, candidates can join as commissioned officers or through technical and non-technical routes. The selection process includes a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical examination, and detailed background checks.

Recruitment in the Territorial Army is open to salaried and self-employed persons aged 18 to 42 years. In 2025, the selection process includes a written exam conducted by the Indian Army, followed by Preliminary Interview Board (PIB) and SSB interviews for officer-level entries.

Career progression and postings
Regular Army officers have fixed ranks, promotion avenues, and pension benefits based on years of service and performance. They are deployed throughout the country and in some cases to overseas missions. The career is structured and involves extensive training in military tactics, leadership, and operations.

Territorial Army officers may advance in rank based on their involvement and years of service, but their advancement is generally slow and does not follow the same long career structure as the Regular Army. TA personnel may be deployed during national emergencies or operations such as counter-terrorism operations, disaster relief, or ceremonial duties, but they are not usually deployed to forward combat roles permanently.

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