The Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has announced a major civilian recruitment drive for 2,615 Group ‘C’ posts under Advertisement Reference AOC/CRC/2026/AUG. This recruitment presents a significant opportunity for job seekers across India, with positions available for candidates holding qualifications ranging from Class 10 (Matriculation) to a Bachelor’s Degree.
The positions advertised include essential administrative, logistics, and operational support roles, such as Tradesman Mate, Fireman, Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Junior Office Assistant (JOA), and Material Assistant.
Important Dates and Schedule
Candidates planning to apply for the AOC Group ‘C’ recruitment should take note of the timeline published in the official Employment News notification:
| Event | Tentative Date / Timeline |
| Notification Publication | August 15–21, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | August 24, 2026 |
| Online Application Closing Date | September 23, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Admit Card Issuance | October 2026 |
| Written Examination | November 2026 |
Vacancy Breakdown
A total of 2,615 tentative vacancies have been distributed across five main Group ‘C’ civilian categories:
Category-Wise Distribution Table
| Post Name | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total Vacancies | Pay Level |
| Tradesman Mate | 728 | 183 | 483 | 270 | 135 | 1,799 | Level 1 (₹18,000 – ₹56,900) |
| Fireman | 210 | 52 | 140 | 78 | 40 | 520 | Level 2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200) |
| Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) | 58 | 14 | 38 | 21 | 11 | 142 | Level 1 (₹18,000 – ₹56,900) |
| Junior Office Assistant (JOA) | 42 | 10 | 28 | 16 | 8 | 104 | Level 2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200) |
| Material Assistant | 20 | 5 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 50 | Level 5 (₹29,200 – ₹92,300) |
| Total | 1,058 | 264 | 703 | 393 | 197 | 2,615 | — |
Note: The number of vacancies is tentative and subject to administrative revision by the department.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for Army AOC Group ‘C’ recruitment, applicants must meet the educational and age requirements as of the application closing date.
1. Educational Qualifications
- Tradesman Mate: Class 10 (Matriculation) pass from a recognized Board.
- Fireman: Class 10 (Matriculation) pass from a recognized Board.
- Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS): Class 10 (Matriculation) pass from a recognized Board.
- Junior Office Assistant (JOA): Class 12 (Higher Secondary) pass from a recognized Board/University, along with a typing proficiency of 35 wpm in English OR 30 wpm in Hindi on a computer.
- Material Assistant: Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University (or Diploma in Material Management/Engineering where applicable).
2. Age Limit
- Tradesman Mate, Fireman, and MTS: 18 to 25 years.
- Junior Office Assistant & Material Assistant: 18 to 27 years.
Age Relaxation: Upper age relaxation is provided according to Government of India norms:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC / ST: 5 years
- PwBD / Ex-Servicemen: As per central government regulations.
Selection Process
The AOC recruitment process evaluates candidates through multiple standardized stages to determine physical capabilities, technical aptitude, and administrative competence.
Stage 1: Physical Test / Skill Test (Qualifying)
- Tradesman Mate & Fireman: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT), including running, weight carrying, and endurance trials.
- Junior Office Assistant (JOA): Computer typing speed test in English (35 w.p.m.) or Hindi (30 w.p.m.).
- MTS and Material Assistant posts proceed directly to the written exam, unless specific skill tests are designated.
- Stage 2: Written Examination
- The core selection relies on an objective multiple-choice written exam. The exam structure covers four major sections:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Numerical Aptitude (Elementary Mathematics)
- General English & Comprehension
- General Awareness & Current Affairs
- Stage 3: Document Verification
- Candidates who clear the written examination and qualifying tests are called to verify their original educational certificates, category/caste certificates, photo identification, and age proof.
- Stage 4: Medical Examination
- A final medical review ensures candidates are physically and medically fit to discharge their respective duties in army ordnance establishments across the country.
- How to Apply
- Visit the official portal at aocrecruitment.gov.in.
- Complete the initial registration using a valid email address and phone number.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and post preferences.
- Upload scanned copies of the required photograph, signature, and identity documents.
- Review the details carefully and submit the application before September 23, 2026. Keep a printed copy for future reference.