The Territorial Army (TA) continues to offer a unique opportunity for ex-servicemen and eligible candidates who wish to serve the nation in a part-time yet highly respectable military role.The 137 Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF) Battalion (Territorial Army) 39 Gorkha Rifles has announced a recruitment rally for 2026. This specific drive is primarily targeted at Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and former employees of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) or State Forest Departments.
This recruitment is especially important because it not only provides employment but also allows candidates to contribute to ecological conservation projects under government initiatives. If you’re looking for a disciplined career with honor and purpose, this recruitment drive deserves your attention.
In this blog, you’ll find complete details including vacancies, dates, eligibility, salary, selection process, and step-by-step application guidance, along with practical preparation tips.
The recruitment rally is being conducted for 137 CETF Battalion (Territorial Army), 39 Gorkha Rifles. The rally is specifically open for:
- Ex-servicemen (pension holders)
- Ex-women employees (Forest Department & MoEF&CC)
- Eligible Indian candidates meeting required criteria
The rally will be held at multiple locations, and candidates must report physically for screening and tests.
Key Highlights
The key highlights for the 137 Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF) Battalion (Territorial Army) 39 Gorkha Rifles recruitment rally for 2026 are summarized below.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | 137 CETF Battalion (TA) 39 Gorkha Rifles |
| Total Vacancies | 161 Posts (Includes JCO GD, Soldier GD, Clerk, and Tradesmen) |
| Recruitment Type | Physical Recruitment Rally (In-person attendance required) |
| Target Group | Pension-holding Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & former employees of MoEF&CC/State Forest Depts (20+ yrs service) |
| Rally Dates | May 05 – May 23, 2026 (Phased by location) |
| Key Locations | Bengdubi (WB), Varanasi (UP), and Dehradun (UK) |
| Reporting Time | 07:00 AM at all venues |
| Age Limit | 18 – 45 years (varies slightly by specific trade) |
| Primary Selection | Physical Fitness Test (PFT), Proficiency/Trade Test, Medical, & Interview |
| Salary/Pay | Rank-based basic pay + DA, HRA, and Education Allowance (no additional pension/gratuity for this tenure) |
Vacancy Breakdown by Post
The 137 Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF) Battalion (Territorial Army) 39 Gorkha Rifles has a total of 161 vacancies released for the 2026 recruitment rally. These positions are specifically for pension-holding Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and former employees of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) or State Forest Departments.
| Post Name | Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| JCO (General Duty) | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 07 |
| Soldier (General Duty) | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 143 |
| Soldier Clerk (SD) | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 03 |
| Chef Community | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 01 |
| Tailor | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 02 |
| Housekeeper | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 02 |
| Washerman | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 02 |
| Dresser | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 01 |
| Total | 161 |
Important Dates & Rally Schedule
The recruitment rally will be conducted at three different locations:
| Event / Phase | Rally Dates (2026) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | April 18, 2026 | – |
| Recruitment Rally – Phase 1 | May 05 – May 08 | Bengdubi (West Bengal) |
| Recruitment Rally – Phase 2 | May 13 – May 16 | Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) |
| Recruitment Rally – Phase 3 | May 20 – May 23 | Dehradun (Uttarakhand) |
| Reporting Time | 07:00 AM | All venues (Daily) |
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet the required eligibility conditions:
1. Service Requirement
Must be an Ex-serviceman (Pension holder) OR
Ex-women employee of Forest Department / MoEF&CC
2. Time Since Retirement
Enrollment should be within 5 years of retirement
3. Medical Category
Must be SHAPE-1 (highest medical fitness category)
4. Character
Must have Exemplary / Very Good character certificate
Physical & Medical Standards
Height Requirements:
General: 160 cm.
Relaxation: 152 cm for Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Assamese, and candidates from the North East/Hill areas.
Weight/Chest: Weight must be proportionate to height and age; minimum chest measurement of 77 cm with a 5 cm expansion.
Relaxation in height and weight is applicable for candidates from North-East and hilly regions
Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Candidates must pass the following:
- 1 Mile Run
- Pull-ups
- 9 Feet Ditch
- Zig-Zag Balance
This stage is qualifying but extremely important.
Educational Qualification
The qualification depends on the post:
- Soldier GD: Minimum basic education + military background
- Clerk: Higher educational qualification required (usually 10+2 or equivalent)
- Trades (Chef, Tailor, etc.): Relevant experience or trade knowledge
Since this recruitment is for ex-servicemen, experience matters more than fresh academic degrees
Age Limit
JCOs: Up to 55 years
Other Ranks (OR): Up to 50 years
Age is calculated based on official records and retirement details.
Age Relaxation
There is no separate relaxation mentioned, but:
- Ex-servicemen are already given extended age eligibility
- Special consideration may be given based on experience and service record
Salary/Pay Structure
The salary for personnel in the 137 CETF (Territorial Army) 39 Gorkha Rifles is equivalent to the regular Indian Army pay scales for their respective ranks during their period of active duty (embodiment).
Estimated Salary (As per 7th CPC)
Since these roles are primarily for Ex-Servicemen (ESM), the pay is calculated based on the rank held at the time of recruitment.
| Rank / Category | Pay Level | Basic Pay Range (₹) | Military Service Pay (MSP) (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JCO (General Duty) | Level 6A – 8 | ₹41,800 – ₹1,51,100 | ₹15,500 |
| Soldier Clerk (SD) | Level 3 – 5 | ₹21,700 – ₹92,300 | ₹5,200 |
| Soldier (GD) | Level 3 | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 | ₹5,200 |
| Tradesmen (Chef, Tailor, etc.) | Level 1 – 2 | ₹18,000 – ₹63,200 | ₹5,200 |
Key Components & Allowances
- Active Duty Pay: Personnel are paid only for the number of days they are “embodied” or called for duty/training.
- Allowances: During active service, you are eligible for Dearness Allowance (DA), Field Area Allowance (approx. ₹6,780), and Transport Allowance.
- Ecological Task Force (ETF) Benefits: As part of the ETF, personnel often receive specific perks related to their environmental work.
- Free Facilities: Includes free rations, medical facilities for self and family, and CSD (Canteen) benefits while on duty.
Application Fee
No Application Fee
The recruitment rally is completely free of cost
Important Warning:
Do NOT pay money to anyone claiming to guarantee selection. This recruitment is transparent and merit-based.
Selection Process
The selection process for the 39 Gorkha Rifles (TA) Rally 2026 is conducted in a single, continuous drive at the rally site. Since this is primarily for Ex-Servicemen (ESM), the focus is on verifying previous service records and ensuring current physical fitness.
Here is the stage-by-stage breakdown:
Stage 1: Initial Reporting & Document Screening
- Reporting: Candidates must arrive at the venue (Bengdubi, Varanasi, or Dehradun) by 07:00 AM.
- Verification: Officials check your Discharge Book, PPO (Pension Payment Order), and Educational Certificates. Only those with “Exemplary” or “Very Good” character ratings in their previous service proceed.
Stage 2: Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
This is a qualifying round. Standards are often slightly relaxed for ESM compared to fresh recruits, but you must still pass the following:
- 1.6 km Run: To be completed within a specific time bracket (usually under 6-8 minutes depending on age).
- Pull-ups: Minimum of 6 to 10 (scoring varies based on count).
- 9-Foot Ditch: A “jump over” test to check agility.
- Zig-Zag Balance: Walking across a narrow beam to test coordination.
Stage 3: Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
Candidates who pass the run and exercises are measured for:
- Height: Minimum 160 cm (152 cm for Gorkhas/Hill tribes).
- Chest: 77 cm with a minimum 5 cm expansion.
- Weight: Proportionate to height as per Army medical charts.
Stage 4: Proficiency / Trade Test
- For Soldier GD, this involves a general assessment of military knowledge.
- For Tradesmen (Chef, Tailor, Washerman, etc.), you will be asked to perform a practical task related to your trade to prove your skill level.
Stage 5: Medical Examination
- Conducted by Army Medical Officers.
- Candidates must be in medical category SHAPE-1.
- They check for vision, hearing, physical deformities, and overall health to ensure you are fit for active duty.
Stage 6: Interview & Final Merit List
- A board of officers conducts a brief interview to assess the candidate’s suitability for the Ecological Task Force (ETF).
- The Final Merit List is prepared based on the combined performance in the physical tests, trade tests, and interview.
How to Apply ?
Applying for the Territorial Army 137 CETF (39 Gorkha Rifles) recruitment rally is a direct, offline process. Unlike the civilian officer entry, there is no online registration required for this specific JCO and Soldier rally.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Identify Your Rally Venue:
Select the location nearest to you from the three scheduled venues: Bengdubi (May 05–08), Varanasi (May 13–16), or Dehradun (May 20–23). - Verify Eligibility:
Ensure you meet the specific criteria for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) or former Forest Department employees. You must be in the SHAPE-1 medical category and have an “Exemplary” or “Very Good” character rating from your previous service. - Gather Required Documents:
You must carry the following original documents along with two self-attested photocopies of each:- Service Documents: Discharge Book and Pension Payment Order (PPO).
- Educational Certificates: 10th and 12th marksheets and passing certificates.
- Personal Identity: Aadhaar Card and PAN Card.
- Certificates: Domicile/Nativity certificate, Caste certificate (if applicable), and a Character Certificate (not more than six months old).
- Photographs: At least 20 copies of recent passport-sized color photographs.
- Report to the Venue:
Report directly to the rally site at 07:00 AM on the first day of the scheduled dates for that location. There is no prior appointment or online form to submit. - Participate in Screening:
Upon arrival, your documents will be screened first. If cleared, you will immediately proceed to the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and subsequent selection stages.
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE | CLICK HERE |
| OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION PDF | CLICK HERE |
| WHAT’S APP LINK | CLICK HERE |
| TELEGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| FACEBOOK LINK | CLICK HERE |
| INSTAGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| MORE UPDATES | CLICK HERE |
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