Common Mistakes to Avoid in TGC 142 Application and SSB Interview

The Technical Graduate Course (TGC 142) is a golden opportunity for engineering educators to join the Indian Army. However, thousands of applications each year are rejected either because of basic errors in the application or poor performance in the SSB interview.

Whether you just start your application for TGC 142 or prepare your SSB request, you can avoid normal errors and improve your chances of choice.

Allow the TGC 142 process through the candidates for top errors and how to avoid them, from filling out the online service form.

TGC 142 Application Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Personal Details

• Providing an incorrect name, date of birth, or contact information can lead to rejection.
• Your details must match exactly with your matriculation certificate.

Tip: Double-check all entries before final submission. Keep all your academic documents nearby while filling out the form.

2. Wrong Engineering Stream Selection

• Many candidates select the wrong stream from the dropdown (e.g., Mechanical instead of Production).
• TGC applications are strictly evaluated based on degree discipline.

Tip: Refer to your official degree certificate and cross-check with the stream code mentioned in the TGC notification.

3. Uploading Blurred or Improper Documents

• Fuzzy or improperly scanned documents (like photos, signatures, and marksheets) can lead to application rejection.

Tip: Use high-resolution scans and ensure size/format matches the required specifications (JPEG, PNG under 100 KB usually).

4. Incomplete Educational Details

• Some candidates skip entering all semesters’ marks or leave fields blank.
• Incomplete or inconsistent academic data leads to rejection at the document verification stage.

Tip: Fill marks of all semesters and calculate the aggregate accurately as per your university norms.

5. Not Saving or Downloading the Application Form

• Candidates who don’t save a copy of the submitted form may face trouble at the SSB, where a hard copy is required.

Tip: Always download and print your application form and keep extra copies.

TGC 142 SSB Interview Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overconfidence or Fake Personality Display

• Candidates try to act like “ideal officers” and fake responses in SD, TAT, and SRT.
• Assessors are experienced and can spot unauthentic behaviour instantly.

Tip: Be yourself. Showcase your true strengths and work on your real weaknesses.

2. Lack of Knowledge About TGC Entry

• Some candidates don’t even know what TGC is, what engineers do in the Army, or their specific role.

Tip: Research about your role as a Technical Officer, Corps of Engineers, EME, Signals, etc., before the interview.

3. Weak PIQ Form

• The Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) is critical. Incomplete or vague answers lead to weak interview sessions.

Tip: Practice filling PIQ forms multiple times. Be specific, especially in hobbies, responsibilities, and achievements.

4. Poor Psychological Test Preparation

• Candidates leave psychological tests to chance or focus only on GTO tasks and interviews.
• These tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD) play a major role in selection.

Tip: Practice timed responses with positive, action-oriented thoughts. Stay natural and realistic.

5. Ignoring Group Tasks in GTO

• Being silent, overly aggressive, or dismissive in group discussions, GPE, and PGT tasks is a red flag.

Tip: Show team spirit. Speak with logic, involve the group, and contribute to solutions without dominating.

6. Lack of Physical Fitness

• Tasks like the obstacle course require basic stamina and agility. Many candidates fail due to poor fitness.

Tip: Train at least 2–3 months before SSB – run daily, do push-ups, and practice balance/coordination drills.

7. Unprepared for Personal Interview

• Candidates struggle to answer simple questions about academics, personal life, hobbies, or defence-related topics.

Tip: Prepare answers around your background, motivation to join the army, technical knowledge, and current affairs.

8. Not Knowing the 15 OLQs

• Every test in SSB is designed to test Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs). Ignoring them can lead to inconsistent performance.

Tip: Read about the 15 OLQs. Understand where you stand and plan how to reflect them in tests naturally.

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Bonus Tips for TGC 142 Success

• Maintain a clean, ironed appearance and neat haircut.
• Be punctual and respectful during all five days.
• Stay positive even if tasks don’t go your way.
• Network and learn from your fellow candidates.
• Read daily newspapers and stay updated on defense news.

Conclusion: Preparation and Awareness – TGC 142 Success

Most rejections in TGC 142 happen not because candidates aren’t smart, but because they ignore basic details and fail to understand what the Army looks for.

From filling your application form with precision to preparing for the SSB with honesty and discipline, your attention to small things reflects your suitability as a future officer.

Avoiding these general errors can be your first step toward a successful recommendation.

FAQs for Common Mistakes to Avoid in TGC 142 Application and SSB Interview