Territorial Army 137 CETF Battalion Rally: Key Highlights
Recruiting Unit: 137 Composite Ecological Task Force Battalion (TA), 39 Gorkha Rifles
Total Vacancies: 74 Posts (JCO GD, Soldier GD, Clerk SD & Tradesmen)
Rally Window: 16 November 2026 to 21 November 2026
Reporting Schedule: 7:00 AM sharp on 16 November 2026
Rally Venue: Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Important Clarification: This recruitment rally is strictly an in-person screening drive. The official notification does not prescribe any online application portal or postal submission of application forms. Candidates must report directly to the rally ground in Prayagraj with all original documents.
The 137 Composite Ecological Task Force Battalion (Territorial Army), 39 Gorkha Rifles has officially published a recruitment rally notice in the weekly Employment News edition dated 10–16 October 2026. This recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 74 vacancies across Junior Commissioned Officer (GD), Soldier (General Duty), Soldier (Clerk SD), and various technical tradesman categories.
This recruitment opportunity is conducted on an All-India basis, but participation is strictly restricted to eligible pension-holding ex-servicemen and eligible former women employees of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) or State Forest Departments meeting the prescribed length of service. It is not open to general civilian candidates.
Eligible aspirants must note that the recruitment will be conducted through an in-person screening rally from 16 November 2026 to 21 November 2026 at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj (UP). All prospective candidates are required to report at 7:00 AM on 16 November 2026.
Quick Overview: Territorial Army Recruitment Rally 2026
| Recruiting Organization | 137 Composite Ecological Task Force Battalion (TA), 39 Gorkha Rifles |
| Recruitment Notification | Territorial Army Recruitment Rally 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 74 Posts |
| Posts Advertised | Junior Commissioned Officer (GD) and Eight Soldier/Tradesman Trades |
| Eligible Categories | Pension-holding Ex-Servicemen & Specified Former Women Employees (MoEF&CC / State Forest Dept) |
| Rally Dates | 16 November 2026 to 21 November 2026 |
| Reporting Schedule | 7:00 AM on 16 November 2026 |
| Rally Venue | Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh |
| Mode of Selection | In-person Rally (Screening, Physical Tests, Trade/Proficiency Test, Interview & Medical Exam) |
| Application Form | No separate online/offline application form; Direct rally attendance with required documents |
| Application Fee | Free of Charge (₹0 / No Fee) |
| Official Source | Employment News (10–16 October 2026 Issue) / territorialarmy.in |
Territorial Army 137 CETF Battalion Post-Wise Vacancy Details
The official notice published in Employment News delineates a total of 74 vacancies distributed across nine designated military and trade appointments. The exact post-wise vacancy count is summarized below:
| S. No. | Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Junior Commissioned Officer (GD) | 4 |
| 2 | Soldier/General Duty | 61 |
| 3 | Soldier/Clerk (SD) | 2 |
| 4 | Soldier/Chef Community | 1 |
| 5 | Soldier/Housekeeper | 1 |
| 6 | Soldier/Washerman | 1 |
| 7 | Soldier/Dresser | 2 |
| 8 | Soldier/Tailor | 1 |
| 9 | Soldier/Steward | 1 |
| Total Vacancies | 74 | |
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Attend the Rally?
The Territorial Army 137 CETF Battalion recruitment rally is designed specifically for experienced personnel to undertake specialized ecological restoration and environmental tasks. As outlined in the recruitment notice, entry is strictly confined to the following qualified applicant streams:
Category 1: Ex-Servicemen (Military Pensioners)
Must be ex-servicemen of the Indian Armed Forces who are pension holders only. Non-pensioners or personnel discharged without pension entitlement are not eligible to attend under this category.
Category 2: Former Women Employees (MoEF&CC / State Forest Dept)
Eligible ex-women employees, including premature retirees, of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) or State Forest Departments with a mandatory minimum of 20 years of qualifying service in either department.
Crucial Enrolment Rule from the Notice:
Eligible candidates must be enrolled within five years from their date of retirement. Candidates whose retirement date exceeds five years at the time of enrolment are not eligible.
Medical Category and Character Requirements
Given the demanding field conditions of the Ecological Task Force, the recruitment notification prescribes rigorous physical health and conduct standards:
- Medical Category: Candidates must be in SHAPE-1 medical category at the time of discharge and must satisfy the SHAPE-1 standard during the medical evaluation conducted by the Medical Officer at the rally site.
- Character Evaluation: The military or departmental service character recorded in the candidate's discharge certificate must be Exemplary or Very Good. Candidates with adverse or substandard conduct records will not be considered.
Age and Service Tenure Limits
The notification defines maximum upper age limits based on rank and designation up to which enrolled personnel are permitted to serve:
Applies to JCO (GD) appointments within the Battalion.
Applies to Soldier (GD), Soldier (Clerk SD), and all Tradesmen posts.
Note: These caps represent the maximum service age within the CETF Battalion and are conditioned on enrolment occurring within 5 years of original retirement.
Physical Standards (PST Measurements)
Candidates appearing at the rally must conform to the physical standards delineated in the recruitment notice:
| Parameter | Prescribed Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height (Male Candidates) | 160 cm |
| Height for Gorkhas, Garhwalis and Assamese | 152 cm |
| Height for Eligible Ex-Women Employees | 150 cm |
| Minimum Weight (Male Candidates) | 50 kg |
| Minimum Weight (Female Candidates) | 42 kg |
| Chest Measurement (Male Candidates) | 82 cm with a minimum 5 cm expansion |
| Chest Requirement (Female Candidates) | Minimum chest expansion of 5 cm |
Physical Standard Relaxation for Women Candidates:
The notice states that eligible ex-women employees originating from North-Eastern and recognized hill regions (including groups such as Gorkhas, Assamese, and Garhwalis) receive a relaxation of 5 cm in height along with corresponding proportionate weight adjustments.
Physical and Proficiency Tests at the Rally
Screening includes comprehensive testing tailored to military readiness and ecological operational requirements:
1. Physical Efficiency Tests for Male Candidates
2. Trade and Proficiency Assessments
- Trade Test for Tradesmen: Candidates applying for tradesman roles (Soldier Chef Community, Housekeeper, Washerman, Dresser, Tailor, and Steward) will be evaluated through practical trade tests corresponding to their specific trade skills.
- Proficiency Test for Ex-Women Candidates: Eligible ex-women candidates will be assessed through a dedicated proficiency test focusing on practical knowledge in afforestation, nursery development, and plantation management.
Selection Process
Recruitment is executed directly by the Board of Officers through a structured sequence at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium:
Reporting & Initial Screening
Verification of primary eligibility, identity credentials, and physical reporting at the venue.
Physical Standard & Efficiency Tests
Measurement of height, weight, and chest; completion of physical tests (one-mile run, pull-ups, ditch, balance).
Proficiency / Trade Tests
Practical trade evaluation for tradesmen and afforestation/nursery management assessment for ex-women candidates.
Interview by Board of Officers
Candidates qualifying the physical and skill tests will be formally interviewed by the presiding Board of Officers.
Medical Examination
Rigorous medical inspection to confirm SHAPE-1 standard by authorized military medical authorities.
Mandatory Documents Checklist for the Rally
Candidates must carry all original certificates and documents when reporting to the rally ground. Photocopies alone will not suffice for verification:
- ✓ Original Discharge Book: Army/Navy/Air Force service discharge book detailing service tenure, trades, and medical category.
- ✓ Original Pension Payment Order (PPO): Valid PPO document confirming grant of service pension.
- ✓ Photographs: Eight (8) recent passport-size colored photographs.
- ✓ Character Certificate: Issued by the Village Sarpanch or local Police Authority.
- ✓ Educational Certificates: Original matriculation / 10th pass / secondary and higher educational qualification certificates and marksheets.
- ✓ Domicile Certificate: Domicile / Permanent Residence Certificate issued by the competent revenue authority.
Practical Advice: Carefully examine all certificates before travelling to ensure that names, dates of birth, and service numbers match across all records without discrepancies.
Important Dates and Rally Venue
| Notice Published In | Employment News (10–16 October 2026 Issue) |
| Rally Commencement Date | 16 November 2026 |
| Rally Conclusion Date | 21 November 2026 |
| Mandatory Reporting Time | 7:00 AM sharp on 16 November 2026 |
| Rally Venue | Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh |
How to Attend the Territorial Army Recruitment Rally
Follow these sequential steps to ensure orderly participation in the recruitment rally:
- Verify Your Eligibility: Confirm that you hold a valid military service pension (for ex-servicemen) or have completed a minimum of 20 years of qualifying service in MoEF&CC or a State Forest Department (for ex-women employees).
- Check Service-Age Conditions: Ensure that your retirement date falls within the past five years and that you are under 55 years of age (for JCO) or under 50 years of age (for Other Ranks).
- Assemble Original Documents: Collate your original Discharge Book, PPO, Domicile Certificate, Education Certificates, Sarpanch/Police Character Certificate, and 8 passport photos.
- Arrange Travel to Prayagraj: Plan your itinerary to reach Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh in advance of the reporting day.
- Report at 7:00 AM on 16 November 2026: Present yourself at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj at the scheduled reporting time.
- Participate in Screening & Tests: Adhere to all administrative directives from the recruiting staff during document screening, physical tests, trade evaluation, interview, and medical checks.
Pay, Allowances and Service Benefits
Remuneration for personnel enrolled in the 137 CETF Battalion is governed by established Territorial Army service regulations:
- Basic Pay: Admissible according to the relevant rank and military trade held upon enrolment.
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Paid at prevailing Central Government rates as applicable.
- Other Allowances: House Rent Allowance (HRA), Children Education Allowance (CEA), Hill Compensatory Allowance, and Road Mileage Allowance may be admissible subject to fulfilling statutory conditions.
- Canteen and Medical Facilities: Personnel are entitled to canteen facilities and medical services as provided under unit service conditions.
- No Annual Increment: The notice specifies that annual increments are not admissible under the stated CETF terms.
Enrolment Period and Nature of Employment
Candidates must understand the specific terms of engagement governing the Ecological Task Force:
Enrolment Tenure: Initial enrolment is for a period of two (2) years from the date of enrolment. The service may be extended one year at a time, subject to satisfactory performance, physical suitability, and continued sanction of the ecological project by the Ministry.
Voluntary & Part-Time Nature: The Territorial Army is an auxiliary organization where service is essentially voluntary and part-time. Engagement does not promise or guarantee permanent civil or military government employment.
Pension Protection: Service rendered within the CETF Battalion does not confer any separate pension, increment, or gratuity under the stated terms. Crucially, the pension already earned and drawn from prior service remains completely unaffected.
Important Instructions and Candidate Warnings
Strict Directives from the Recruitment Notice
- Free Recruitment: The recruitment rally is completely free. Beware of touts or middlemen. Paying or attempting to pay bribes will lead to immediate disqualification and legal action.
- Authenticity of Documents: Tampering, overwriting, or producing forged certificates is a criminal offense and will result in instant cancellation of candidature and criminal prosecution.
- Electronic Gadgets: Mobile phones and recording electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the rally stadium.
- Injury Disclaimer: Rally authorities will not be responsible for any injury or accident sustained during the physical screening tests.
- Messing & Boarding: No accommodation, travel allowance, or food will be provided by the authorities during the rally period. Candidates must make their own arrangements.
Recruitment Helpdesk Contact Numbers
For verified recruitment-related queries, candidates may contact the recruiting battalion at the telephone numbers published in the official notice:
Please use these contact numbers strictly for genuine administrative clarifications concerning the recruitment rally.
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