SCO Entry in Indian Army 2026: Eligibility, Selection Process & Salary

The Indian Army SCO Entry 2026 offers a unique and prestigious opportunity for serving soldiers to become commissioned officers. SCO stands for Special Commissioned Officers entry and is specifically designed for experienced personnel from the Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and Other Ranks (OR) categories. This entry allows deserving soldiers to transition into the officer cadre and serve the nation in a leadership role.

Unlike civilian entries such as NDA or CDS, SCO Entry for JCOs and OR is an internal pathway that rewards service experience, discipline, and merit. Every year, the Indian Army releases the Indian Army SCO notification 2026 to invite applications from eligible serving personnel.

Here, we explained everything you need to know about SCO Entry eligibility criteria, selection process, salary, training, vacancies, and long-term career growth.

Also Check, ACC Entry in the Indian Army
                    PCSL Entry in the Indian Army     

What is SCO Entry in Indian Army?

The Special Commissioned Officers (SCO) Entry is a permanent commission scheme for serving JCOs, NCOs, and OR (excluding religious teachers and personnel from AMC/ADC). Selected candidates are commissioned as officers after completing training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.

The main aim of the SCO Entry is:

• To utilize the operational experience of soldiers
  
  

• To promote deserving personnel to the officer rank
  
  

• To strengthen leadership within the Army
  
  

After selection and training, candidates receive Permanent Commission, making this one of the most secure and respected career routes in the Indian Army.

Indian Army SCO Notification 2026

The Indian Army SCO notification 2026 is expected to be released in two cycles: January 2026 and July 2026. The notification includes all comprehensive information about the recruitment process, such as eligibility, application procedure, selection criteria, etc. Applications are submitted through the unit channels and not via open online forms like NDA or CDS.

SCO Entry Eligibility Criteria

The SCO Entry eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that only experienced and capable personnel are selected for officer training. The eligibility criteria include various components as explained below:

1. Nationality

• Must be an Indian citizen
  
  

2. Service Category

Eligible personnel include:

• JCOs
  
  

• NCOs
  
  

• Other Ranks (excluding religious teachers)
  
  

This is strictly an internal entry for serving Army personnel.

SCO Entry Age Limit

As per current norms, the SCO Entry age limit is:

• Minimum age: 30 years
  
  

• Maximum age: 35 years
  
  

Age is calculated on the date mentioned in the official notification. No relaxation is usually granted beyond the prescribed limit.

SCO Entry Educational Qualification

The SCO Entry educational qualification is:

• Class 12 (10+2) pass from a recognized board, Or
  
  

• Diploma (minimum 1 year duration) after Matric
  
  

Candidates must have passed their qualifying exam from a recognized school, board, or institution.

SCO Entry Vacancy 2026

The SCO Entry vacancy 2026 is limited and varies every year depending on Army requirements. Vacancies are distributed among different arms and services, such as:

• Infantry
  
  

• Artillery
  
  

• Engineers
  
  

• Signals
  
  

• Service Corps
  
  

Because vacancies are few, competition is high, and only the most deserving candidates are shortlisted.

How to Apply for SCO Entry in Indian Army

The application process for SCO Entry in Indian Army is conducted through official Army channels:

1. Eligible candidates apply through their Unit/Formation.
   
   

2. Documents are verified at the unit level.
   
   

3. Applications are forwarded to the Army Headquarters.
   
   

4. Shortlisted candidates receive SSB interview call letters.

There is no online application portal for this entry. All paperwork must be completed accurately and within the deadlines mentioned in the notification.

SCO Entry Selection Process

The SCO Entry selection process is conducted through the Services Selection Board (SSB).

It consists of the following stages:

Stage 1 - Screening

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test
  
  

• Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)

Candidates who clear Stage 1 proceed to Stage 2.

Stage 2 - Psychological Tests

Includes:

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
  
  

• Word Association Test (WAT)
  
  

• Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
  
  

• Self Description Test (SDT)

These tests assess personality traits and leadership qualities.

Stage 3 - GTO Tasks

• Group discussions
  
  

• Group planning exercise
  
  

• Progressive group task
  
  

• Individual obstacles
  
  

• Command task
  
  

• Final group task

Stage 4 - Personal Interview

The Interviewing Officer evaluates:

• Service record
  
  

• Motivation
  
  

• Leadership potential
  
  

• Knowledge of the Army and current affairs

Stage 5 - Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a detailed medical test.

Stage 6 - Merit List

Final selection depends on:

• SSB performance
  
  

• Medical fitness
  
  

• Vacancy availability

This entire process is called the SCO Entry SSB interview process.

SCO Entry Training Details

After selection, candidates undergo training in two phases:

Phase 1 - Communication Skills Capsule

• 8 weeks at AEC Centre & College, Pachmarhi

Phase 2 - Officer Training

• 1 year training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
  
  

The SCO Entry training details focus on:

• Military leadership
  
  

• Weapon handling
  
  

• Tactics
  
  

• Physical fitness
  
  

• Administration
  
  

• Communication
  
  

After successful completion, candidates are commissioned as officers.

SCO Entry Salary and Pay Scale

The SCO Entry salary and pay scale are based on the rank at commissioning.

Typically, candidates are commissioned as Lieutenant.

Pay Structure (as per 7th Pay Commission):

• Basic Pay: ₹56,100
  
  

• Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500
  
  

• DA, HRA, TA (as applicable)

Approximate monthly salary:
₹70,000 – ₹80,000 per month (initial)

Note: With promotions, salary increases significantly. Also, this is just an estimated salary. Always check the official website to know the exact pay.

SCO Entry Promotion to Officer

The most important benefit of this entry is SCO Entry promotion to officer rank.

Selected candidates become:

• Commissioned Officers
  
  

• Eligible for command appointments
  
  

• Entitled to officer privileges.

They can rise through ranks such as:

• Lieutenant
  
  

• Captain
  
  

• Major
  
  

• Lieutenant Colonel

Promotion depends on:

• Performance
  
  

• Service record
  
  

• Medical fitness
  
  

• Vacancies

SCO Army Entry Benefits

Some major SCO Army Entry benefits include:

• Permanent Commission
  
  

• Respect and authority of the officer rank.
  
  

• Higher pay and allowances
  
  

• Family accommodation
  
  

• Free medical facilities
  
  

• Pension benefits
  
  

• Canteen privileges
  
  

• Education benefits for children
  
  

• Leadership roles
  
  

This entry transforms both career and lifestyle.

SCO Entry Career Growth

The SCO Entry career growth is strong and stable. Officers commissioned through SCO can:

• Lead troops
  
  

• Serve in operational areas
  
  

• Attend promotion courses
  
  

• Hold administrative and command posts

With a good service record, officers can reach:

• Lieutenant Colonel

• Colonel

They also become eligible for:

• Deputation
  
  

• UN missions
  
  

• Staff appointments

Why Choose Indian Army SCO Entry 2026?

The Indian Army SCO Entry 2026 is ideal for those who:

• Want to grow beyond JCO/OR rank
  
  

• Aspire to lead soldiers
  
  

• Seek long-term career security
  
  

• Wish to serve the nation as officers
  
  

It rewards discipline, experience, and dedication with responsibility and honour.

Important Points to Remember for SCO Entry

• Only serving personnel can apply.
  
  

• Limited vacancies.
  
  

• High competition.
  
  

• Strong service record required.
  
  

• SSB preparation is crucial.
  
  

• Medical fitness is mandatory.