Indian Army TGC-145 Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 30 Posts
Technical Graduate Course (TGC-145) July 2027: Engineering graduates can apply for a Permanent Commission through the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, without appearing for a written examination.
The Indian Army TGC-145 Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for 30 Technical Graduate Course vacancies for the July 2027 course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. The entry is for unmarried male engineering graduates, including eligible final-year engineering students, in the engineering disciplines notified by the Army. Applications are being submitted online through the Join Indian Army portal from 30 September 2026 to 29 October 2026 up to 3:00 PM. (Free Job Alert)
A key attraction of the TGC-145 entry is that there is no written examination. Eligible applications are shortlisted using engineering-degree marks, after which shortlisted candidates are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, followed by medical examination and final merit. The course is scheduled to begin in July 2027, and successful candidates receive a Permanent Commission in the Indian Army. (Campus Reality)
For engineering graduates looking for Indian Army officer recruitment 2026, TGC-145 notification, Army TGC 145 apply online, Army officer entry for engineers, B.Tech jobs in defence, Permanent Commission through TGC, this complete guide explains eligibility, engineering streams, vacancies, age limit, salary, selection process, SSB, training, documents and the application procedure.
Indian Army TGC-145 Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Army |
| Entry | Technical Graduate Course (TGC-145) |
| Course Number | TGC-145 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Training Academy | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun |
| Total Vacancies | 30 |
| Entry Type | Officer Entry |
| Commission | Permanent Commission |
| Eligible Candidates | Unmarried Male Engineering Graduates |
| Qualification | B.E./B.Tech in notified engineering streams |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible subject to prescribed conditions |
| Age Limit | 20–27 years |
| Age Cut-off | 1 July 2027 |
| Application Start | 30 September 2026, 3:00 PM |
| Last Date | 29 October 2026, 3:00 PM |
| Application Fee | Nil |
| Selection | Shortlisting → SSB → Medical → Merit |
| Written Exam | No |
| Official Portal | Join Indian Army |
Current recruitment sources identify the advertisement as EN 26/97 (CBC 10601/11/0029/2627) and report the 30 vacancies, application dates and officer-entry structure. (Karmasandhan)
INDIAN ARMY TGC-145 RECRUITMENT 2026
30 Officer Vacancies
Permanent Commission
Age: 20–27 Years
No Written Exam
SSB Interview
Apply Online: 30 Sep – 29 Oct 2026
IMA Dehradun – July 2027
B.E./B.Tech Engineering Graduates
Indian Army TGC 145 Recruitment 2026 30 Engineering Officer Posts
What Is Indian Army TGC-145?
The Technical Graduate Course, commonly called TGC, is an officer-entry route for engineering graduates who want to join the Indian Army in technical branches.
For TGC-145, the training is scheduled to commence in July 2027 at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. Candidates who successfully complete the prescribed training are commissioned into the Indian Army with a Permanent Commission. (JobCo)
This is different from a regular civilian engineering job recruitment. The candidate is not simply being appointed as a technical employee. TGC is an officer-entry pathway, involving military training, SSB assessment, medical fitness requirements and subsequent commissioning.
Another major difference is that TGC does not use a separate written competitive examination like CDS or many other recruitment examinations. Shortlisting is based primarily on engineering academic performance, followed by the SSB process. (SSBCrack)
Indian Army TGC-145 Vacancy 2026 – 30 Posts
The current TGC-145 recruitment contains:
30 tentative vacancies
The public recruitment information identifies six broad engineering groups:
| Engineering Stream | Indicative Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Civil | 8 |
| Computer Science | 6 |
| Electrical | 2 |
| Electronics | 6 |
| Mechanical | 6 |
| Miscellaneous Engineering Streams | 2 |
| Total | 30 |
The above split is reported in current TGC-145 recruitment coverage. Because TGC vacancies are tentative and the Army can adjust vacancies according to organisational requirements, applicants should verify the final stream-wise allocation in the notification shown on the Join Indian Army portal before submitting their form. (JobCo)
Engineering areas covered
The broad categories include areas such as:
Civil: Civil Engineering and notified equivalent streams.
Computer Science: Computer Science & Engineering, Computer Technology, Information Technology and other equivalent branches where listed.
Electrical: Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Electronics and notified equivalents.
Electronics: Electronics & Communication, Telecommunication, Electronics & Instrumentation and related branches where notified.
Mechanical: Mechanical, Production, Automobile, Industrial/Manufacturing, Aeronautical, Aerospace and allied notified streams.
Miscellaneous: A range of specialist branches such as Architecture, Biotechnology, Metallurgy, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Mining, Textile, Plastic Technology, Transportation Engineering and other streams depending on the official list.
Because engineering branch nomenclature can differ from university to university, a candidate should never assume that a similar-sounding branch will automatically be accepted. The exact equivalent-stream list in the Army notification should be treated as decisive. (Ind Govt Jobs)
Who Can Apply for TGC-145 Recruitment 2026?
The TGC-145 entry is specifically designed for:
Unmarried Male Engineering Candidates
Current recruitment information consistently states that the TGC-145 window is open to unmarried male engineering graduates. Women candidates are not included in this particular TGC-145 entry; separate Army technical entries are notified for women when applicable. (Campus Reality)
The main eligibility conditions can be understood through four questions:
Are you unmarried?
Are you male?
Do you have the required engineering qualification/are you eligible as a final-year student?
Are you within the prescribed age range?
All applicable conditions need to be satisfied.
Educational Qualification for Indian Army TGC-145
Candidates must have a B.E. or B.Tech degree in a notified engineering discipline.
The Army's TGC system is very particular about the engineering branch. The degree must fall under the engineering streams accepted in the notification. (JobCo)
Final-Year Engineering Students
Eligible final-year B.E./B.Tech students can also apply, subject to the conditions specified by the Army.
This is useful for students currently studying in the final year who are expecting to complete their engineering degree before the course commences.
However, applicants should not interpret “final year eligible” as meaning that the degree can remain incomplete indefinitely. The prescribed deadline for passing the degree and submitting proof must be satisfied. (Manjummelech Church)
Important Branch-Matching Rule
Suppose a student has a B.Tech in Computer Engineering, while the application portal lists specific eligible Computer Science/IT branches.
The candidate should first verify whether Computer Engineering is explicitly included as an equivalent stream.
This is much safer than assuming that all computer-related degrees are automatically interchangeable.
TGC-145 Age Limit 2026
The age requirement is:
20 to 27 years
The age is calculated as on:
1 July 2027
Current recruitment information consistently reports this age range for TGC-145. (SarkariForms)
Some current summaries also give a precise date-of-birth range, but because engineering-entry notifications can contain detailed wording and inclusive date conditions, applicants should use the age clause in the official Army notification to determine their exact eligibility rather than calculating it from a secondary website alone.
Is age relaxation available?
TGC-145 is a specialised officer-entry scheme. Current recruitment coverage does not indicate a general category-based age relaxation beyond the prescribed age bracket. (Sarkari Sewa)
Candidates outside the notified age range should therefore not assume that SC/ST/OBC/EWS status creates an additional TGC age concession.
TGC-145 Application Dates 2026
The online application window is:
Start Date: 30 September 2026 at 3:00 PM
Last Date: 29 October 2026 at 3:00 PM
This is important because the closing time is 3:00 PM, not midnight. (SarkariForms)
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| Notification | September 2026 |
| Application Opens | 30 September 2026 – 3:00 PM |
| Last Date | 29 October 2026 – 3:00 PM |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Training Location | IMA, Dehradun |
Applicants should complete the form well before 3 PM on the closing day.
Indian Army TGC-145 Application Fee
Application Fee: Nil
Current TGC-145 recruitment sources report no application fee for any category. (Study For Dreams)
That means eligible candidates do not need to pay a separate online examination fee while submitting the TGC-145 application.
Applicants should still use only the official Indian Army portal because fraudulent websites can sometimes advertise fake payment requirements.
TGC-145 Selection Process 2026
One of the most searched questions about TGC is:
“Is there a written exam?”
For TGC-145:
No written examination is prescribed.
The selection route consists broadly of:
Application Shortlisting
↓
SSB Interview
↓
Medical Examination
↓
Final Merit
↓
IMA Training
Current TGC-145 information reports that applications are shortlisted using engineering academic performance and then candidates are called for SSB. (Campus Reality)
Stage 1 – Application Shortlisting
The Indian Army shortlists candidates based on their engineering degree marks/aggregate percentage.
The Army fixes a stream-wise cutoff depending on the number and quality of applications received and the vacancies available. Therefore, merely meeting the minimum educational requirement does not guarantee an SSB call. (Scoreclever)
Why engineering marks matter
A candidate with a strong engineering academic record may clear the initial shortlisting stage, while another candidate with the same branch but a different academic percentage may not be called in that cycle.
The cutoff is not something applicants should guess in advance. It can vary between courses.
Stage 2 – SSB Interview
Candidates shortlisted for TGC-145 are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) process.
Current sources report SSB centres such as:
Prayagraj
Bhopal
Bengaluru
Jalandhar
(SSBCrack)
The SSB process is generally conducted over multiple days and assesses candidates through different activities designed to evaluate suitability for commissioned officer responsibilities.
Current TGC-145 summaries describe the process as involving screening, psychological testing, group tasks, personal interview and conference. (NaukriNotify)
Candidates should therefore understand that SSB preparation is very different from ordinary multiple-choice examination preparation.
What Happens in SSB?
The commonly described structure includes:
Stage I – Screening
Candidates undergo initial screening that includes:
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
Picture Perception and Discussion-related assessment
Candidates who clear screening proceed to the next stage. (NaukriNotify)
Stage II – Detailed Assessment
This may include:
Psychological tests
Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks
Personal interview
Final conference
(Agrijob)
The exact scheduling and activities can depend on the official SSB instructions issued to the candidate.
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo the prescribed military medical examination.
Medical fitness is an essential part of final selection. A candidate who performs well at SSB but does not satisfy the required military medical standards cannot simply be commissioned on the basis of SSB performance alone. (Campus Reality)
Candidates should therefore read the relevant Army medical standards and take genuine care of fitness well before the SSB stage.
Stage 4 – Final Merit List
After SSB recommendation and medical fitness, the final merit is prepared subject to:
Vacancies
SSB performance
Medical fitness
Stream-wise requirements
Applicable documentation
Current TGC-145 sources describe the final merit process as being based on SSB performance, subject to medical fitness and available vacancies. (Scoreclever)
TGC-145 Training at IMA Dehradun
The TGC-145 course is scheduled to commence in:
July 2027
at:
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
Current recruitment sources describe the training as approximately one year, with one source specifying a 49-week course. (SSBCrack)
During this period, candidates undergo military and officer training designed to prepare them for commissioning into the Indian Army.
This is considerably different from a normal classroom-based engineering placement. Candidates should be prepared for discipline, physical training, military instruction, leadership development and a structured academy environment.
TGC-145 Rank After Training
Successful candidates are commissioned into the Indian Army as:
Lieutenant
The entry provides a Permanent Commission, making TGC different from Short Service Commission technical entries. (Campus Reality)
The Permanent Commission terminology is important for applicants who are comparing TGC with other Army technical entries.
Indian Army TGC-145 Salary 2026–27
Current TGC-145 recruitment sources report the commissioned officer pay as:
Pay Level 10
₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
In addition, Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month is reported for officers, along with applicable allowances. (NaukriNotify)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Basic Pay Range | ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay | ₹15,500/month |
| Other Allowances | As applicable |
Some current TGC-145 recruitment sources also report ₹56,100 per month as the training stipend during the academy course. Because training pay details can be governed by the detailed terms of appointment, applicants should verify the exact stipend wording in the official notification/call-up documentation. (SSBCrack)
Is TGC-145 a Permanent Army Job?
Yes, the entry leads to Permanent Commission after successful completion of training and fulfilment of the prescribed conditions.
This is one of the major differences between TGC and SSC Tech.
TGC is a Permanent Commission officer-entry scheme, while SSC Tech is a Short Service Commission route when separately notified. (Campus Reality)
Candidates comparing the two should therefore read the service terms rather than selecting an entry based only on the salary figure.
Can Female Candidates Apply for TGC-145?
No.
Current TGC-145 recruitment information specifies unmarried male engineering graduates for this course. Female engineering graduates can look for separate technical entries that the Indian Army announces for women, such as SSCW (Technical), when applicable. (Campus Reality)
Can Final-Year B.Tech Students Apply?
Yes, eligible final-year engineering students can apply subject to the conditions in the notification.
The important point is that final-year eligibility comes with a deadline for completing the degree and producing the required proof. (Manjummelech Church)
For example, a final-year Mechanical Engineering student graduating in 2027 can review TGC-145 eligibility and apply if all the prescribed conditions relating to completion of the degree are satisfied.
The student should maintain:
All semester marksheets → final-year result → degree/provisional certificate
in an organised manner.
TGC-145 Engineering Streams – Why the Exact Branch Matters
A common mistake among engineering students is assuming:
“My branch is related to Mechanical, so it should be accepted.”
That is not a safe assumption.
The Army publishes an exact list of engineering branches and equivalents. Current TGC-145 summaries show broad groups covering Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical and miscellaneous disciplines, but the exact accepted nomenclature should be checked from the official notification. (JobCo)
Practical advice
Write down your exact degree title as it appears on your university marksheet:
B.Tech ______ Engineering
Then compare that exact wording with the official Army stream list.
Do not rely on the name used by a coaching institute or YouTube video.
How to Apply for Indian Army TGC-145 Recruitment 2026?
Applications are submitted online through the Join Indian Army recruitment portal.
Step 1 – Visit the official Army website
Open the official Join Indian Army portal. (OBCRights Jobs)
Join Indian Army Official Portal
Step 2 – Select Officer Entry
Go to the Officer Entry Apply/Login section.
Step 3 – Register or Log In
New users should complete registration. Existing users can log in using their credentials.
Step 4 – Open TGC-145
From the dashboard, select:
Technical Graduate Course (TGC-145)
Step 5 – Fill Personal Details
Enter:
Name
Date of birth
Father's/mother's details as required
Address
Mobile number
Email
Other personal information
Step 6 – Enter Engineering Details
Provide:
Engineering branch
University
Year of passing
Semester marks
Aggregate/percentage
Final-year status, if applicable
Step 7 – Add SSB Information
Where the form asks for previous SSB information, candidates should provide accurate details.
Step 8 – Upload Documents
Upload the documents/images required by the application portal.
Step 9 – Preview the Application
Check the complete form carefully.
Pay particular attention to:
Engineering branch name
Semester marks
Aggregate percentage
Date of birth
Final-year status
Step 10 – Submit the Form
Submit the application before:
29 October 2026, 3:00 PM
Step 11 – Save the Application
Download or print the submitted application for future reference.
TGC-145 Application
Visit Join Indian Army
↓
Officer Entry Apply/Login
↓
Register / Login
↓
Select TGC-145
↓
Enter Personal Details
↓
Enter Engineering Details
↓
Upload Documents
↓
Preview
↓
Submit
↓
Save Application
Suggested ALT text:Indian Army TGC 145 online application process 2026
Documents to Keep Ready
Candidates should prepare a document folder before completing the form.
Academic Documents
Class 10 certificate
Class 10 marksheet
B.E./B.Tech semester marksheets
Degree certificate, where available
Final-year documents, where applicable
Identity Documents
Aadhaar or other accepted identity document
Passport-size photograph
Signature, where required
Additional Records
Previous SSB details, if applicable
Any document specifically requested in the online application
Final-year undertaking/proof where applicable
One of the safest practices is to maintain both scanned copies and original documents in a single folder.
Is There Any Written Examination in TGC-145?
No.
This deserves a separate section because candidates frequently confuse TGC with CDS, AFCAT or other entrance examinations.
The TGC-145 process is described as:
Engineering academic shortlisting → SSB → Medical → Merit
rather than:
Written exam → SSB
Therefore, candidates should spend preparation time differently.
There is no need to prepare for a conventional TGC written paper, but this does not mean that selection is easy or automatic. The SSB stage itself is comprehensive.
How Should Engineering Students Prepare for TGC-145?
Since there is no written examination, preparation should focus on three areas.
1. Academic Record
Your engineering marks are important for initial shortlisting. Keep your semester records organised and calculate your aggregate correctly according to your university's system.
2. SSB Preparation
Learn the structure of:
Screening
Psychological testing
GTO activities
Personal interview
Conference
Do not try to memorise “perfect answers”. Instead, work on communication, reasoning, teamwork, awareness and the ability to express your experiences clearly.
3. Physical Fitness
Army officer training and medical requirements demand adequate fitness.
A sensible routine can include:
Running + strength training + mobility + sports/activity + adequate recovery
Candidates should build fitness progressively rather than attempting extreme workouts immediately before SSB.
A Relatable Example for Engineering Students
Consider a fictional candidate named Rahul, a B.Tech Mechanical Engineering student from Odisha.
Rahul sees the TGC-145 notification and notices:
30 vacancies
B.Tech eligibility
Age 20–27
No written examination
Permanent Commission
Instead of immediately filling the form, he first checks whether his exact Mechanical Engineering degree title appears in the accepted stream list.
He then calculates his engineering aggregate, gathers all semester marksheets, creates his Join Indian Army account and begins SSB preparation.
This fictional example illustrates an important point: the right first step is eligibility verification, not blindly submitting the form.
TGC-145 and Other Army Entries – Don't Mix Them Up
Engineering graduates may see several Army entries advertised around the same period.
TGC is different from:
CDS – a UPSC examination involving a written stage.
SSC Tech – Short Service Commission technical entry for men/women when separately notified.
TES – Technical Entry Scheme for eligible 10+2 candidates.
TGC – Technical Graduate Course for engineering graduates, with selection through shortlisting and SSB rather than a separate written examination.
Current TGC-145 coverage specifically describes it as a Permanent Commission technical officer entry for unmarried male engineering graduates. (Campus Reality)
Important Things Candidates Should Remember
The deadline is 3 PM
The application does not remain open until midnight.
The course starts in July 2027
Selected candidates train at IMA, Dehradun. (JobCo)
No application fee
Current sources report zero application fee. (Study For Dreams)
No written exam
Selection goes through shortlisting, SSB, medical and merit. (SSBCrack)
Only unmarried male candidates
This specific TGC-145 entry is not open to women candidates. (Campus Reality)
Branch matching is critical
Not every engineering branch is automatically accepted.
Vacancies are tentative
The Army can alter vacancies according to organisational requirements. (Campus Reality)
“Am I Eligible?” Checklist
You can convert this section into an interactive HTML checklist on Blogger.
☐ I am an unmarried male candidate
☐ My age will be 20–27 years as on 1 July 2027
☐ I have or am pursuing a B.E./B.Tech in a notified stream
☐ My exact engineering branch matches the Army's accepted list
☐ My engineering marks are ready for shortlisting
☐ I can produce the required academic documents
☐ I understand that there is no written examination
☐ I am prepared for SSB
☐ I can meet the prescribed medical standards
If any essential box remains unchecked, read the official notification before submitting the application.
Common Mistakes in TGC-145 Application
Mistake 1: Using a similar branch instead of the notified branch
Degree nomenclature matters.
Mistake 2: Entering wrong engineering aggregate
Shortlisting depends on engineering academic performance, so marks should be entered exactly as required. (Scoreclever)
Mistake 3: Waiting until 3 PM on 29 October
The portal closes at 3:00 PM, not 11:59 PM. (SarkariForms)
Mistake 4: Assuming there is a written exam
There is no separate written examination under TGC-145. (Campus Reality)
Mistake 5: Preparing for SSB only after receiving the call letter
SSB preparation is better started well in advance.
Mistake 6: Applying through unofficial websites
Use the Join Indian Army portal only.
Mistake 7: Confusing TGC with SSC Tech
TGC-145 is a Permanent Commission technical entry, not the same entry as SSC Tech. (Ind Govt Jobs)
TGC-145 Career Journey
B.E./B.Tech
↓
TGC-145 Application
↓
Academic Shortlisting
↓
SSB Interview
↓
Medical
↓
Final Merit
↓
IMA Dehradun
↓
Commission as Lieutenant
↓
Permanent Commission
Indian Army TGC 145 career journey from engineering graduate to Lieutenant
Frequently Asked Questions – Indian Army TGC-145 Recruitment 2026
What is Indian Army TGC-145?
TGC-145 is the 145th Technical Graduate Course, an officer-entry route for eligible engineering graduates, with the course scheduled to commence in July 2027 at IMA Dehradun. (JobCo)
How many vacancies are available?
There are 30 tentative vacancies across notified engineering streams. (Campus Reality)
What is the age limit for TGC-145?
The age limit is 20 to 27 years as on 1 July 2027. (SarkariForms)
Who can apply?
The current TGC-145 entry is for unmarried male engineering graduates and eligible final-year engineering students. (Campus Reality)
Can B.E./B.Tech final-year students apply?
Yes, subject to the prescribed final-year and degree-completion conditions. (Manjummelech Church)
Is there a written exam?
No. The selection process begins with academic shortlisting and then proceeds to SSB, medical and merit. (Campus Reality)
What is the application fee?
There is no application fee according to current TGC-145 recruitment information. (Study For Dreams)
What is the last date to apply?
The last date is 29 October 2026 at 3:00 PM. (SarkariForms)
Where is TGC training conducted?
Training is conducted at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, commencing in July 2027 for this course. (Campus Reality)
What rank do candidates receive after training?
Successful candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants. (Study For Dreams)
What is the salary after commissioning?
Current recruitment sources report Pay Level 10: ₹56,100–₹1,77,500, plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500/month and applicable allowances. (NaukriNotify)
Is TGC Permanent Commission?
Yes. TGC-145 is described as an officer entry leading to Permanent Commission, subject to successful completion of training and all applicable conditions. (Campus Reality)
Can women apply for TGC-145?
No. The current TGC-145 notification is for unmarried male engineering candidates. (NaukriNotify)
Important Links – Indian Army TGC-145 Recruitment 2026
Join Indian Army Official Website
Open Join Indian Army Official Portal
TGC-145 Application
The TGC-145 application is available through the Officer Entry Apply/Login section of the Join Indian Army portal during the notified application period. (OBCRights Jobs)
Notification
Candidates should download the TGC-145 notification/advertisement EN 26/97 from the official Army portal and verify the exact engineering-equivalence list and final instructions before submission. (Karmasandhan)
Final Words
The Indian Army TGC-145 Recruitment 2026 is an officer-entry opportunity for eligible engineering graduates, with 30 tentative vacancies for the July 2027 Technical Graduate Course at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. The entry is for unmarried male engineering candidates, with an age limit of 20–27 years as on 1 July 2027. (Campus Reality)
The recruitment is particularly notable because there is no written examination. Candidates are shortlisted using their engineering academic performance and then proceed to the SSB interview, medical examination and final merit process. (Scoreclever)
The online application window runs from 30 September 2026 at 3:00 PM to 29 October 2026 at 3:00 PM, and the application fee is Nil. (SarkariForms)
After successful training and fulfilment of all applicable requirements, candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants under Permanent Commission. Current sources report Pay Level 10 with ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 basic-pay range and ₹15,500 Military Service Pay, plus applicable allowances. (NaukriNotify)
For an engineering graduate, however, the first step should not be the application itself. First verify your exact engineering branch, age, marital-status requirement, final-year eligibility and academic marks against the official TGC-145 notification. The Army's exact equivalent-stream list should be treated as final where a candidate's degree title is uncertain.
Application Start: 30 September 2026, 3:00 PM
Last Date: 29 October 2026, 3:00 PM
Vacancies: 30
Application Fee: Nil
Course: July 2027
Training: IMA Dehradun
Commission: Permanent
Official Portal: Join Indian Army (Campus Reality)
Engineering students preparing for TGC should begin SSB preparation alongside document preparation rather than waiting for the shortlist.
