Talpiot Programתוכנית תלפיות
How to get into the Talpiot Program, and what its training looks like
An elite program of the Defense Ministry and the Air Force that gives its cadets a degree in physics, mathematics or computer science while they serve.
Profile 72+about 36 monthsMen and womenDark grey
The Talpiot Program asks for a medical profile of 72 and up.
The medical profile runs from 21 to 97.
- Open to
- Men and women
- Medical profile
- 72 and up
- Training
- about 36 months
- Where it serves
- A closed base at the Hebrew University's Givat Ram campus, Jerusalem.
The three years combine basic training to Rifleman 04 at the paratroopers' base, studies at the Hebrew University's Givat Ram campus and the officers' course at Bahad 1. In the second year the cadets build the "David's Tower" project.
Candidates come from a science or technology track with 5 units of mathematics and English and high army scores. Profile 72 is asked for; a candidate with 64 may write to the program to check.
The way into the Talpiot Program runs through 3 steps.
- 1An online stage that locates candidates.
- 2A paper-and-pencil test of mathematics, logic and physics or physical intuition.
- 3A two-day series with an overnight stay, officer tests and interviews.
Training at the Talpiot Program lasts about 36 months.
- Basic training, the degree at the Hebrew University and the officers' course
Preparing for this unit means preparing for tests, not for the field.
The way in runs through the first call-up's scores, Yom HaMa'a and the preferences questionnaire, so a good night's sleep before the tests and a careful questionnaire count more than fitness.
The full guide to preparing: profile, Dapar, Yom Sayarot and a training routine
The role has its own page on the IDF's site for future soldiers.
- Talpiot programOther units
Units to read about alongside the Talpiot Program.
Unit 8200יחידה 8200The Military Intelligence Directorate's signals intelligence unit, also known as the central collection unit.Men and women
IDF Pilot Courseקורס טיסThree years at the Air Force's flight school at Hatzerim, near Beersheba, that turn out pilots, navigators and other aircrew in six professions.Profile 97+about 36 monthsMen and womenDark grey- Naval Officers Courseקורס חובליםThe Navy's officers' course: two and a half years that end with the rank of lieutenant, a first degree and the naval officer's pin.Profile 82+about 30 monthsMen and womenDark blue
Frequently asked questions
What does the Talpiot Program ask for?
The IDF's page asks for a profile of 72 and up.
How do you get into the Talpiot Program?
An online stage that locates candidates. A paper-and-pencil test of mathematics, logic and physics or physical intuition. A two-day series with an overnight stay, officer tests and interviews.
How long is training at the Talpiot Program?
About 36 months: Basic training, the degree at the Hebrew University and the officers' course.
Can women serve in the Talpiot Program?
Yes. The IDF's page opens the role to men and women.
This page was written from the IDF's pages for future soldiers, read on 6 November 2026.
- The IDF's page for the role: Talpiot program
- Try-outs
- The medical profile
- What Yom HaMa'a is
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
- IDF Spokesperson's Unit photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Israel Defense Forces, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons