The Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) under the Ministry of Defence has announced recruitment for Group C civilian posts in 2026, covering Tradesman Mate, Fireman, Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Junior Office Assistant (JOA), and Material Assistant (MA). A total of around 2,615 vacancies have been notified, with applications expected from late August to late September 2026. The written examination forms the first and most important stage for all posts.
This guide provides the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, selection process, physical standards, and preparation tips based on the latest available information for the 2026 cycle.
The AOC syllabus tests candidates on General Intelligence & Reasoning, Numerical Aptitude, General English/English Language & Comprehension, and General Awareness. The difficulty level varies by post: Matric (10th) standard for Tradesman Mate, Fireman, and MTS; 10+2 standard for JOA; and Graduate level for Material Assistant. Questions are objective (multiple-choice) and bilingual (English and Hindi), except for the English section. Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for each wrong answer.
Understanding the exact topics and weightage helps candidates prioritise high-scoring areas such as reasoning and numerical aptitude. Clear knowledge of the syllabus also supports focused preparation for post-specific stages like Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for Tradesman Mate and Fireman, or Typing Test for JOA. Success in the written exam is essential for shortlisting to subsequent stages and final selection.
Most recent reports for the 2026 cycle indicate a common pattern of 100 questions for 100 marks in 2 hours for several posts, though earlier cycles used 150 marks. Candidates should confirm the exact pattern from the official notification on aocrecruitment.gov.in.
Typical Written Exam Pattern (commonly reported for 2026):
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| Numerical Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| General English | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 2 hours (extra time for visually handicapped candidates). Mode: Offline (OMR-based). Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer.
Note on variations by pay level (from previous detailed notifications):
| Subject | Topics |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analysis Arithmetic number series Arithmetical reasoning Blood Relations Coding and decoding Decision making Discrimination Figural classification Judgment Non-verbal series Observation Problem-solving Relationship concepts Similarities and differences Syllogistic reasoning Space visualization Spatial orientation Statement conclusion Visual memory |
| Subjects | Topics |
| Numerical Aptitude | Averages Complementary angles Decimals Degree and Radian Measures Discount Fractions Frequency polygon Graphs of Linear Equations Heights and Distances Interest Mixture and Alligation Partnership Business Percentage Quadrilaterals Ratio & Proportion Regular Polygons Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square base Right Circular Cone Right Circular Cylinder Right Prism School Algebra Similarity of triangles Sphere Square roots Standard Identities Time & Work Time and distance Trigonometric ratio Triangle Triangle and its various kinds of centres Relationships between numbers Profit and Loss |
| Subjects | Topics |
| General Awareness | Books and Authors Current Affairs Important Days Important Schemes India and its neighboring countries especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy & Scientific Research People in News Portfolio Science Sports Static GK |
| Subjects | Topics |
| English | Active Passive Cloze test Error Spotting Fill in the Blanks Idioms and Phrases One word Substitution Reading Comprehension Sentence Correction Sentence Improvement Sentence Rearrangement Spellings Correction Synonyms-Antonyms |
This section tests both verbal and non-verbal reasoning ability. Key topics include:
Focuses on basic arithmetic and quantitative skills at the relevant educational level:
Tests vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension:
Covers current events and static knowledge:
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning Questions of both verbal and non-verbal type, testing analytical ability, abstract ideas, symbols, and relationships. Key topics:
2. Numerical Aptitude Focuses on basic arithmetic and number sense (matriculation/10th standard level). Key topics:
3. General Awareness Tests awareness of the environment and its application to society, current events, and everyday observation (scientific aspects). Key topics:
4. English Language Tests basic understanding of English, vocabulary, grammar, and usage. Key topics:
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning Analogies and differences, space visualization, problem-solving, analysis, judgement, decision making, visual memory, discriminating observation, relationship concepts, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, non-verbal series, coding-decoding, blood relations, directions, classification, Venn diagrams, abstract ideas/symbols and their relationships, arithmetical computation, and other analytical functions.
2. Numerical Aptitude Number systems, computation of whole numbers, decimals, fractions and relationships between numbers, fundamental arithmetical operations, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, use of tables and graphs, mensuration, time and distance, ratio and time, time and work.
3. General English Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms and their correct usage, spot the error, fill in the blanks, spelling/detecting misspelt words, idioms & phrases, one-word substitution, improvement of sentences, active/passive voice, direct/indirect narration, shuffling of sentence parts/sentences in a passage, cloze passage, and comprehension passage.
4. General Awareness India and its neighbouring countries (especially history, culture, geography, economic scene, general policy including the Indian Constitution, and scientific research), current events, everyday observations and experiences in their scientific aspects, sports, and national/international defence-related news.
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning Verbal and non-verbal questions testing abstract ideas, symbols, relationships, and analytical ability. Topics include: Analogies and differences, space visualization, problem-solving/analysis, judgement, decision making, visual memory, discriminating observation, relationship concepts, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, non-verbal series, coding-decoding, blood relations, etc.
2. Numerical Aptitude Number systems, computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions and relationships between numbers, fundamental arithmetical operations, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, use of tables and graphs, mensuration, time and distance, ratio and time, time and work.
3. General Awareness Questions on general awareness of the environment and its application to society; current events; everyday observations and scientific aspects expected of educated persons. Focus on India and neighbouring countries: Sports, History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy (including Indian Constitution), and Scientific Research.
4. English Language & Comprehension Spot the error, fill in the blanks, synonyms/antonyms, spelling/detecting misspelt words, idioms & phrases, one-word substitution, improvement of sentences, active/passive voice, direct/indirect narration, shuffling of sentence parts/sentences in a passage, cloze passage, and comprehension passage.
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning Questions of both verbal and non-verbal type testing analytical and logical abilities:
2. Numerical Aptitude Basic arithmetic and quantitative topics (generally Class 10 level):
3. General English Tests understanding of the language, vocabulary, and grammar:
4. General Awareness Tests knowledge of the environment, current events, and everyday observations (especially scientific aspects):
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning Verbal and non-verbal questions testing analytical ability:
2. Numerical Aptitude Matriculation-level arithmetic:
3. General Awareness Questions on the environment, current events, and everyday scientific observations expected of an educated person:
4. English Language Testing understanding of English, vocabulary, and grammar:
Qualifying standards typically include:
Exact timings and events are confirmed in the detailed advertisement. Height, chest, and weight standards apply for Fireman.
Age limits generally range from 18–25/27 years with relaxations for reserved categories as per government norms. Always verify exact criteria in the official notification.
The Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) Physical Endurance Test includes a running event for eligible Tradesman and other physical posts. For AOC Tradesman recruitment, candidates generally have to complete a 1.5 km run within 6 minutes. Female candidates are allowed 8 minutes 26 seconds, while eligible Ex-Servicemen receive age-based relaxation in the running time. The test also includes carrying a 50 kg weight for 200 metres within the prescribed time. Candidates should regularly practice running, sprint intervals and endurance exercises to meet the required standard comfortably.
Is the syllabus the same for all posts?
Core subjects are similar, but mark distribution and difficulty level differ by educational standard (Matric / 10+2 / Graduate).
Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
When will the exact 2026 syllabus be confirmed?
The detailed notification (expected around mid-to-late August 2026) will provide the definitive pattern and any updates. The topics listed above are based on consistent previous patterns and current reports.
Where can I find official updates?
Visit aocrecruitment.gov.in regularly for notifications, admit cards, and results.
These Group C posts suit candidates seeking stable central government jobs with the Indian Army’s Ordnance Corps. Selected candidates receive pay as per the 7th CPC (Pay Level 1 to 5 depending on the post), allowances, medical facilities, and opportunities for career progression within the organisation.
Army AOC (Army Ordnance Corps) की भर्ती में पद के अनुसार पेपर के कुल अंक अलग-अलग हो सकते हैं। सामान्यतः AOC के Tradesman Mate और Fireman पदों के लिए ऑनलाइन लिखित परीक्षा 150 अंकों की होती है। परीक्षा में General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language और Numerical Aptitude जैसे विषय शामिल होते हैं। प्रत्येक विषय से लगभग 25 प्रश्न पूछे जा सकते हैं और कुल 150 प्रश्न होते हैं। परीक्षा की अवधि सामान्यतः 2 घंटे रहती है। लिखित परीक्षा के बाद पद के अनुसार Physical/Trade Test भी आयोजित किया जाता है। भर्ती की आधिकारिक अधिसूचना में अंतिम पैटर्न अवश्य देखें।
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