The Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) under the Ministry of Defence has announced an upcoming recruitment drive for 2,615 Group C civilian vacancies. This comprehensive guide outlines everything prospective candidates need to know about post distributions, eligibility criteria, application procedures, salary structures, and the selection roadmap for the 2026 recruitment campaign.
Overview of AOC Group C Recruitment 2026
AOC handles crucial logistical and material support for the Indian Army. Candidates selected through this notification will be placed across diverse civilian roles spanning multiple operational units nationwide. Below is the quick summary table for the recruitment drive:
| Recruiting Organisation | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence |
| Recruitment | Group C Civilian Posts |
| Total Vacancies | 2,615 |
| Posts | Tradesman Mate, Fireman, JOA, MTS, Material Assistant |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | To Be Announced |
| Last Date to Apply | To Be Announced |
| Expected Admit Card | October 2026 |
| Expected Written Exam | November 2026 |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | aocrecruitment.gov.in |
Important Dates and Timeline
Please note that while previous timelines suggested an application window between 24 August and 23 September 2026, these dates are no longer valid. Revised application commencement announcements are expected soon. Keep track of the timeline below:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Begins | To be Announced |
| Last Date to Apply | To be Announced |
| Admit Card Release | October 2026 |
| Written Examination | November 2026 (Tentative) |
Vacancy Breakdown & Category Distributions
The total count of 2,615 vacancies is spread across five primary job categories. Tradesman Mate holds the highest proportion of openings, followed by Fireman and Multi-Tasking Staff.
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Tradesman Mate | 1,799 |
| Fireman | 520 |
| Junior Office Assistant (JOA) | 104 |
| Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) | 142 |
| Material Assistant | 50 |
| Total | 2,615 |
The breakdown across reservation categories for each post is detailed below:
| Post | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradesman Mate | 728 | 183 | 483 | 270 | 135 | 1,799 |
| Fireman | 210 | 52 | 140 | 78 | 40 | 520 |
| Junior Office Assistant | 42 | 10 | 28 | 16 | 8 | 104 |
| Multi-Tasking Staff | 58 | 14 | 38 | 21 | 11 | 142 |
| Material Assistant | 20 | 5 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 50 |
| Total | 1,058 | 264 | 703 | 393 | 197 | 2,615 |
Eligibility Criteria: Age Limits & Qualifications
Applicants must fulfill the designated age and qualification criteria specified for each post before completing their applications.
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Tradesman Mate | 18–25 Years |
| Fireman | 18–25 Years |
| Junior Office Assistant (JOA) | 18–27 Years |
| Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) | 18–27 Years |
| Material Assistant | 18–27 Years |
| Post | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Tradesman Mate | Matriculation/10th Pass from a recognized Board |
| Fireman | Matriculation/10th Pass from a recognized Board |
| Junior Office Assistant | 12th Pass with English Typing @ 35 wpm or Hindi Typing @ 30 wpm |
| Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) | Matriculation/10th Pass from a recognized Board |
| Material Assistant | Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized University |
Documents Required for Application
Keep the following documents prepared before initiating your online submission:
- Aadhaar Card / Valid ID Proof
- Educational Certificates
- Matriculation Certificate
- Recent Photograph
- Signature
- Caste Certificate
- EWS Certificate
- PwBD Certificate
- Ex-Serviceman Documents
- Other Required Certificates
Steps to Apply Online
When the application link becomes live on the portal, follow this procedural sequence to register your candidature:
- Go to the official AOC recruitment portal.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.
- Verify all details before submission.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation page for future reference.
Selection Procedure & Exam Pattern
The selection pipeline comprises a written test, physical standards/efficiency tests where applicable, a typing test for JOA candidates, document verification, and medical examinations. The written test features 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 total marks, timed over a duration of 120 minutes. Note that there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| Numerical Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| English Language | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards
| Event | Qualifying Standard |
|---|---|
| 1.6 km Run | Within 6 Minutes 30 Seconds |
| Beam (Pull-ups) | Minimum 6 Pull-ups |
| 9 Feet Ditch | Qualifying |
| Zig-Zag Balance | Qualifying |
Salary Structure
Selected candidates will receive compensation aligned with 7th Central Pay Commission guidelines depending on their assigned pay level:
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Tradesman Mate | Level 1 | ₹18,000 – ₹56,900 |
| Fireman | Level 2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Junior Office Assistant | Level 2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Multi-Tasking Staff | Level 1 | ₹18,000 – ₹56,900 |
| Material Assistant | Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |