Important Difference Between Territorial Army and Regular Army

Introduction

India’s defence structure includes different military forces, each with different roles and responsibilities. Of these, the usual army and territorial army (take) stand out as crucial components. While the two are integrated parts of national security, they vary greatly in terms of structure, commitment and function. Understanding these differences is important for individuals to serve the nation and be interested in India’s military campaigns.

Overview of the Regular Army

Structure and Function

The common army is India’s primary land-based military force, which is responsible for the security of sovereignty and regional integrity in the country. It works under the Ministry of Defence and is structured in different regiments and corps, and specialises in each different match and support roles. The regular army is always on active service, ready to respond to any threat, both internal and external.

Recruitment and Training

Recruitment of the regular army is carried out through various recruiting schemes, including National Defence Academy (NDA), Joint Defence Services (CDS) and direct recruitment rallies. Candidates undergo strict selection processes including written examination, physical fitness test and interview. When selected, recruitment receives extensive training in premier institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA), which focuses on physical fitness, arms trafficking, strategy and management.

Overview of the Territorial Army

Purpose and Composition

Territorial Army (TA) acts as a part-time voluntary reserve force that supports the regular army during emergencies and national crises. TA was established in accordance with the Regional Army Act of 1948, and allows citizens to serve the nation without leaving their primary businesses. This includes department units (eg railway, oil and natural gas companies) and non-division units (eg pedestrian battalion).

Recruitment and Training

Qualification for TA requires candidates to be hired or self-planned as an age group between the ages of 18 and 42. The selection process includes a written examination, interview and medical examination. The selected candidates undergo 30 days of preliminary training, followed by a two-month training camp. The training focuses on basic military skills, discipline and physical form, preparing them for support roles during deployment.

---

Download the Mobile App of Target Defence Academy

How to Join the TA (2025): Selection Process and Benefits

---

Key Differences Between Regular and Territorial Army

Commitment and Service Nature

• Regular army: Full-time obligation with frequent service soldiers, often incorporating away from family transfer and longer periods.
• Territorial Army: Part-Time Service allows individuals to balance civilian careers with military duties, which usually involve a two-month service annually.

Recruitment and Eligibility

• Regular army: Opened to both working and unemployed, which is separated along the age limit based on admission plans.
• Territorial Army: Candidates in the age group between the ages of 18 and 42 must be employed or self-employed.

Training and Deployment

• Regular Army: Comprehensive training programs spread over several months, along with placement in various fields, including border areas and international assignments.
• Territorial Army: 30 days of preliminary training, after annual training camps, mainly with emergencies, natural disasters and deployment under internal security tasks.

Pay and Benefits

• Regular Army: Full-time salary with additional benefits such as housing, medical care, and pensions.
• Territorial Army: Paid for periods of active service, with benefits applicable during deployments; pension benefits are subject to specific conditions.

Career Progression

• Regular Army: Structured promotion system with defined timelines and opportunities for specialisation and leadership roles.
• Territorial Army: Limited career progression, with promotions based on service duration and performance, subject to the availability of positions.

Operational Responsibilities

• Regular army: Actively engaged in fighter operations, border security and peace campaigns, both at the national and international level.
• Territorial Army: Without regular participation in active competition, emergency, internal security operations and disaster relief efforts, supports the regular army.

Conclusion

Regular and Territorial forces play additional roles in India’s defence system. While the general army is a complete-time force engaged in active war and defence campaigns, the TA Territorial Army provides a platform to contribute to national security on a part-time basis. Knowing the difference between these forces allows people to balance their responsibilities in their personal and professional lives by making a well-informed decision on the desire to serve the country.

FAQs