Talpiot programתוכנית תלפיות
What the Talpiot program role asks for, and what it holds
Talpiot is a Defense Ministry program run together with the Air Force that trains future research, technology and leadership figures for the defense establishment.
RearProfile 72+Men and womenDark grey
The role asks for a medical profile of 72 and up.
The medical profile runs from 21 to 97.
- Kind of role
- Rear
- Open to
- Men and women
- Medical profile
- 72 and up
- Try-out
- Not needed
- Training place
- the School of Command and Leadership
This is what the work of the role holds.
Cadets in the program follow a multi-year track that combines security and leadership training with academic studies. They earn a degree in physics, mathematics or computer science and are exposed to research, development and technology in the defense establishment.
Leadership training builds command, decision making and the ability to lead people in complex situations. During a series of visits to IDF units and branches, cadets learn about the operational, technological and systemic challenges of the defense establishment.
Beyond the degree, cadets develop advanced thinking and applied skills. In year 2 of the program, teams build technology projects in the Migdal David project.
This is how the IDF's page sets out the way into the role.
- 1Screening: an online stage with personality and professional questionnaires and a check of the candidate's data.
- 2Paper and pencil: tests in mathematics, logic and physics, or physical intuition for those who did not study physics in high school. A preparation module is available for this stage.
- 3Selection series: professional and personality tests and group dynamics, over 2 days with an overnight stay.
- 4Officer screening tests and interviews, held close to the time the answers are given.
This is how the training for the role runs.
The training lasts 3 years. It includes basic training at level 04 at the Paratroopers training base, studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, an officers' course at Bahad 1 and other courses.
Where it trainsthe School of Command and Leadership
This is what service in the role looks like.
The 3 years of training take place on a closed base at the School of Command and Leadership, the Hebrew University and the Givat Ram campus in Jerusalem.
The role also asks for a few more things.
- The program is for high school students who completed a science or technology major.
- 5 study units in mathematics and in English.
- High military data scores.
After the role, the IDF's page names these paths.
- Graduates serve in a wide range of roles in the defense establishment.
- Graduates lead technology and research projects and join special units and research and development bodies.
- Graduates can also go on to other roles in the defense establishment, such as pilot or other operational roles.
The Talpiot program role belongs to these units in the guide.
More roles to read about in the same branch.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Talpiot program role ask for?
The role asks for a medical profile of 72 and up.
Who can serve as Talpiot program?
The role is open to men and women.
Is there a try-out for Talpiot program?
The IDF's page sets out the selection this way. Screening: an online stage with personality and professional questionnaires and a check of the candidate's data. Paper and pencil: tests in mathematics, logic and physics, or physical intuition for those who did not study physics in high school. A preparation module is available for this stage. Selection series: professional and personality tests and group dynamics, over 2 days with an overnight stay. Officer screening tests and interviews, held close to the time the answers are given.
What does the training for Talpiot program hold?
The training lasts 3 years. It includes basic training at level 04 at the Paratroopers training base, studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, an officers' course at Bahad 1 and other courses.
This page was written from the IDF's pages for future soldiers, read on 6 November 2026.
- The role's page on the IDF's site: Talpiot program
The requirements and screenings change from time to time, and the IDF's page for each role is the one that counts.
Photo credits
- IDF Spokesperson's Unit photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons