The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is a critical stage in the recruitment process for aspiring officers in the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Conducted over five days, the SSB evaluates candidates on psychological, physical, and leadership attributes through a series of tests, including screening, psychological assessments, group tasks, and personal interviews. Clearing the written exams like NDA, CDS, or AFCAT is just the first step; the SSB is where your overall suitability for a career in defense is assessed.
One of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of preparing for the SSB is ensuring you have all the required documents. Missing even a single document can lead to immediate disqualification, delays, or denial of entry to the selection center. These documents verify your eligibility, identity, educational qualifications, and other credentials. The requirements are largely similar across the Army, Navy (where it’s sometimes called NSB – Navy Selection Board), and Air Force (AFSB – Air Force Selection Board), but there may be slight variations based on the entry scheme (e.g., NDA, TES, CDS) or specific force. Always cross-check your call-up letter for any center-specific instructions, as requirements can evolve.
In this article, we’ll break down the importance of these documents, provide a comprehensive checklist, and offer tips to avoid common pitfalls. This information is compiled from reliable sources, including official guidelines and defense preparation platforms.
Why Are These Documents So Important?
Documents serve multiple purposes during the SSB:
- Verification of Eligibility: They confirm your age, educational qualifications, and identity, ensuring you meet the entry criteria.
- Administrative Processing: Items like the call letter and photos are used for registration, boarding, and official records.
- Special Considerations: Certificates for NCC, sports, or other achievements can highlight extracurricular strengths, potentially influencing your assessment.
- Risk and Liability: Forms like the risk certificate protect the board from legal claims in case of accidents during physical tests.
- Reimbursement and Logistics: Proof of travel (e.g., tickets) may be needed for claiming allowances.
Failing to bring originals or attested copies can result in being sent back home without reimbursement for travel expenses. For instance, without the original matriculation certificate as age proof, you won’t be allowed to proceed.
Comprehensive Checklist of Documents Required for SSB Interview
The following checklist is divided into mandatory documents (common to most entries), additional documents (based on specific situations or entries), and personal items (essential for the stay at the selection center). Aim to carry originals along with at least 2-3 attested photocopies of each. Attestation should be done by a Class-I Gazetted Officer or the issuing authority.
Mandatory Documents for All Candidates
- SSB Call-Up Letter/Admit Card
Print the email/SMS version from the official website (e.g., joinindianarmy.nic.in for Army). It includes your reporting details, roll number, and center. Bring multiple copies as it’s checked at entry. - Proof of Identity with Photograph
Any government-issued photo ID such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving License, Passport, or UPSC Admit Card. The name must match your application form. For NDA/10+2 TES candidates, a certificate with photo issued by your school/college principal is also acceptable. - Educational Certificates and Mark Sheets
- Original Matriculation (10th) Certificate and Mark Sheet (for age proof) + attested copies.
- Original Higher Secondary (12th) Certificate and Mark Sheet + attested copies.
- For graduates: Original/Provisional Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets of all semesters/years + photocopies.
Note: Statements of marks or alternative date-of-birth proofs are not accepted in place of originals.
- Passport-Size Photographs
20 copies of recent color passport-size photos (unstamped/unattested) with a white background. Wear a white shirt (not a coat) in the photos. Bring the negatives/digital files if possible. - Risk Certificate
A signed certificate (by parent/guardian for minors) acknowledging the risks involved in physical tests and waiving claims for compensation in case of injury. Format is usually provided in the call letter or as per Appendix ‘D’ in official guidelines. Mandatory for NDA and TES entries. - No Claim Certificate
Signed by parent/guardian, certifying no compensation claims will be made for injuries during the SSB process.
Additional Documents Based on Specific Situations
- For Final Year Students or Result-Awaited Candidates
- Certificate from the college principal stating you are in the final year and the expected date of result declaration (format as per Appendix ‘A’ or ‘B’ in guidelines).
- If certificates are submitted to another institution for higher studies, bring a bonafide certificate + certified true copies (format as per Appendix ‘C’).
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate
Original + one attested copy (for Army/Navy/Air Force Wing) if applying under NCC reserved vacancies. This can give you an edge in the interview. - Sports/Extracurricular Certificates
Certified copies of achievements in NCC, games, sports, or other activities, authenticated by a competent authority. These are optional but recommended to showcase leadership. - Character Certificate
Issued by your school/college principal or a government official, not older than six months. This verifies your conduct and is sometimes required. - Medical Fitness Certificate
Issued by a government-authorized doctor, confirming you’re fit for the SSB. Not always mandatory but advisable, especially post-COVID; some centers may require a negative COVID-19 test report. - Previous Candidature Certificate
If you’ve appeared for SSB before, a certificate detailing previous attempts. - Travelling Allowance Form
For reimbursement of travel expenses (if eligible). Bring original tickets or proofs. - PIQ (Personal Information Questionnaire) Form
Filled in advance as per the format in your call letter. This is used during the interview. - Identification Form
A standard form with personal details, often provided in the call letter.
Variations by Armed Force or Entry
- Indian Army (including Territorial Army): Emphasizes risk and no-claim certificates; NCC certificates for reserved slots.
- Indian Navy: Similar to Army, but check for navy-specific forms on joinindiannavy.gov.in. For entries like SSC, additional technical certificates may be needed.
- Indian Air Force (AFSB): Focus on educational proofs; flying branch candidates may need additional medical docs.
- NDA/10+2 TES: Mandatory risk certificate and principal-issued ID.
- CDS/AFCAT: Graduation proofs are crucial; final-year certificates if applicable.
Personal Items to Carry (Not Documents, But Essential)
While not “documents,” these are often listed in checklists for a smooth stay:
- Formal attire: Dark trousers, light shirt, tie (optional), shoes.
- Sports wear: White shorts/T-shirt, track suit, sports shoes, white socks (for GTO tests).
- Winter wear (seasonal).
- Writing materials: Pens, pencils, paper.
- Toiletries, lock & key.
- Change of address form if needed (Appendix ‘E’ format).
Tips for SSB Document Preparation
- Organize in Folders: Use a waterproof file with labeled sections for originals, copies, and forms.
- Attestation: Get photocopies attested well in advance.
- Digital Copies: Scan everything and save on your phone/pen drive as backup.
- Check Call Letter: It often includes specimen formats for certificates.
- Arrive Early: Reporting time is strict; documents are verified on Day 0 or 1.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t bring fakes or expired IDs. If you’re a repeater, disclose previous attempts honestly.
- Post-SSB: If recommended, submit attested degree copies to the relevant directorate (e.g., IHQ MoD for Army).
By preparing this checklist in advance, you’ll focus on performing your best during the SSB rather than scrambling for paperwork. Remember, the SSB is not just about documents—it’s about demonstrating officer-like qualities. Good luck! For the latest updates, visit official websites like joinindianarmy.nic.in, joinindiannavy.gov.in, or careerindianairforce.cdac.in.
Sir I’m working in a company,they bought my all educational marksheet.can I take a photo copy of all marksheet,when i’m going for an ssb at that time.pls let me known sir.
are digilocker documents valid for ssb
i also would klike to ask whether Photograph to be taken alongwith Negative ,,,,since nowadays all photo are mostly digital copy,where will one find the old camera with negative copy?
Sir, i am going to appear my 6th Semester in the Month of Oct 2015 and graduation result would be out by Nov last…so will i be able to appear in SSB for OTA which might be held in the month of Aug/Jul/Sep…please help me out
Sir, I am selected in tgc 121 ssb allahabad but I am very upset because I have done very little mistake in filling of application form. Mistake is , my marks originally pcm ,50,53,72. But I fill 51,52,72. But aggregate is same , 58.33.
Also in filling semester marks ,
1st sem – 673
4th sem – 734
But actual marks are 676, 741.
But I have above the cutoff marks.
So please suggest me what I can do, ALSO tell me relexation for fresher can mistakes tolerable? And
Will accept my application at time of ssb take by the officer . I have no mistake in DOB. ANY BODY PLEASE GIVE RESPONSE immediately.
I have pursued my graduation from open university and I got degree In one year what should I do?
sir i had been unable to download my afcat call letter. But still i wanna attend its ssb. Suggest me what to do..please reply asap ’cause my ssb is on 3rd of nov. 2104 i.e. comming monday…
Sir,
I cleared AFCAT 1 2014 and have my SSB interview on 18th August. I have completed my B.E. in June 2014. The final semester results were declared on 25th June and the revaluation results were declared on 5th August. I do not have the mark sheet of 8th semester issued by the university and the degree certificate will be issued after September. I was a final year student when I applied for AFCAT 1 2014 and cleared it. Is the provisional degree certificate issued by the college principal acceptable? Or is it compulsory for me to take provisional degree certificate issued by the university only?
Also, I have recent passport sized photos taken against white background in black clothes. Is it acceptable?
Please reply as soon as possible.
Sir, I have passed from school and appearing for TES SSB. No such certificate for id proof has been issued to me from school… Is aadhaar card not valid? What proof of identity can i take?
Sir,
I am in 7 semester, having CGPA 7.4, but i have one back paper in my 2nd semester,
Am i eligible in AFCAT exam?
kindly reply soon sir.
If i have lost my afcat original admit card, but have the call letter, then what is the procedure for rectifying this error.
Sir,
I am a B.com Graduate. I passed out in 2012. I ve my ssb on 31st dec. I have all the documents except my degree certificate. I ve filled the form & I hope i get my certificate before ssb. In case I dont get my certificate before 31st dec,will I b allowed to appear for ssb interview???
i have to go to ssb bt dont have original marksheets of 7th sem however i have marksheet of 8th sem as well as provisional degree and got appedix a stating that original marksheet will be available till last week of same month so will they permit me?
pls reply soon?
hye i am vishal my father name is wrongly written in cbse board now i am applying for nda. i have filed application for the correction of same but it hadnt recieved yet.can anyone tell me that is there any issue over it when i go for the ssb interview
sir,i am a student of 12th class. I am so anxious to join n.d.a. will you plz tell me which is best to pay me…….cds,naval academy,or air force….
sir, with MA degree at economics can i apply for Direct SSB For Army educational Crops ?? And sir my date of birth is 02/02/91 which right now 22 years approximately few months where for AEC the entry D.O.B is 23 years so sire can i apply now or should i go on for better preparation till my age complete 23 years sir help me to come out from this confusion..
i have selected for TGC-117, i have SSB interview on may 14th 2013.
i have 64.4% upto my 3rd yr when i have applied,later in 4th yr 1st semester i have a backlog.
so should i take the marksheets only upto 3rd yr or upto 4th yr 1st sem (original marks sheet not yet came. only internet print is available)
i have submitted my 10th and Diploma in college, if i bring a certificate from principle stating that he will pass out by july 2013 is enough or should i bring in addition any thing.
should i bring both risk and no clam letter ?
Sir, i am a final year student … my ssb for afcat entry is cleared . joining is in july .. please tell me that provisional degree will be enough for joining academy because the degree is issued only after 6 months of results …
Hi Deepak, Need not to worry. You can go ahead with Provisional Degree also.
However, There is also a provision that if you don’t have submitted the qualifying degree by 15 Jun 13,the following procedure will be applicable for issue of Joining Instructions
(JI):-
(a) Eligible candidates in the Selection List, who have not
produced the requisite proof of acquiring the qualifying degree by
15 Jun 13 but are confident of doing so, may seek entry on
ADDITIONAL BOND BASIS. The authority letter to this effect,
Joining Instructions (BOND BASIS) would be dispatched to the
address available on record.
(b) Such candidates would be provisionally inducted for training
on submission of an additional Bond and submission of demand
draft of Rs.103560.00 (Rupees One Lakh three thousand five
hundred and sixty only) in favour of Commandant, Air Force
Academy, payable at Secunderabad. Specimen copy of the Bond
will be available on the Instruction Booklet uploaded on website in Jun 13.
(c) The Additional Bond and Demand Draft are NOT (R) NOT to
be sent to Air HQ. They are to be carried along by the candidate
and handed over at the time of reporting at Air Force Academy.
6. Candidates joining on ‘Additional BOND BASIS’ will be required to
produce the Original/ Provisional Degree Certificate and original mark
statements of all semesters/ years, latest by 09 Sep 13 to the Training
Wing Adjutant, Air Force Academy. On production of the proof of
meeting all the eligibility criteria, the deposit of Rs. 103560/- would be
refunded in full. In case of failure to do so by 09 Sep 13, the training will
be terminated and the cost of training would be adjusted against the
amount deposited with Air Force Academy.
hello sir there are a lot of students who are asking about their backlogs problems. i am also having the same problem. please sir reply about this soon……
that’s not a problem….how many backlogs you can have…but remember one thing…in final tera you need to clear all you back log and then apply for ssb interviews
Hi, Do we need to provide qualifying/passing certificate or marksheets will be enough?
Actually my X and XII passing certificates got stolen, I do have the marksheets… What should I do, Please help
I have completed my degree with 58% from IGNOU. I have applied to appear for exam in June 13 improve my %. As such, will I be allow to appear for SSB in April before improving my%?. Anyone please kindly advice me. Thank you.
The SSB which is scheduled to be in April, this is basically for the Course which is going to commence in July this year. The basic criteria of AFCAT is 60 % aggregate and this too should be attained before joining the Academy. However, if you appear in June TEE, the result will be declared only after July i.e. after commencement of course. So, it will be helpful only for the course commencing in Jan 14.
sir, is certificate of passing equivalent to a degree certificate? i have a certificate of passing which states the degree and the percentage..is that acceptable?
What documents are required for absentee batch??
frnz..i do not have upsc admit card but i have identity proof so will it create any problem in ssb?? i mean admit card is imp?
hello,ATUL & DEBAYAN,you guys have already faced the SSB i hope,plz suggest me if u have faced any problems due to your backlogs,cause my condition is almost similar & have my SSB’S in FEB-1OTH in ALLHABAD…..
so,plz share………..
same with me. im starting on 11 jan. so plz reply as soon as possible
hello LOKESH,have you faced the SSB? THEN PLZ SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE N SOLVE MY QUERY IF POSSIBLE…..
sir,i have got the call letter for ssb interview for ssc(eng)branch.i hav an B.S. marine engineering degree which is an 4 year engineering course , equal to B.E and B.TECH degrees.will my B.S degree be valid for consideration?.
sir i had a backlog in 4th sem,now i wrote in 6th sem.but did not receive my result.im going to ssb in allahabad.i have taken a letter from my principal stating that i have completed the bsc course,for the backlog paper i will write in so and so month and my result will be announced in so and so month.
will that bw valid
its urgent plz reply
sir,currently i have backlog of 8 sem. but complted the college in 2011.do i need to have letter from as i m ex student.my result will anounce on 15 march.and interviews of TGC 117 will be in march?
sir I do not have my 10th class passing certificate.
is my 10th class mark sheet acceptable in support of my date of birth?
please help.
Sir,
I have to go for SSB under UES-22 in Bhopal. I want to know that i have to bring my marksheets upto which semester, now i am in seventh semester and have marksheets for six semesters. My another query is that i have one back in my fifth semester, what should i do.
kindly reply soon …
Sir i have problem in my date of birth..
Actually i have 25/05/1991 in SSC marksheet and
27/05/1991 in transfer certificate…
I have to attend AFSB interview in nov or dec.
Sir please tell me whether they need both these certificates for the verification of date of birth…..
Please sir please help me out for this…..
i will be highly obliged..thank u…
transfer certificate is not needed in any case. you must have all your mark sheets of X,XII and GRAD in correct form.DON’T WORRY BE CONFIDENT. but also correct your TC it is an essential document for further education and many other purposes. NO WORRIES HERE. ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR AFSB.
sir i want to know in personal interview if i have any achievments in sports and scouts and any other academics can i bring them?????
sir i want to know in personal interview if i have any achievments in sports and scouts and any other academics can i bring them?????
No you needn’t want to show any of your certificates to IO.
i have mine ssb on 25th july at allahabad…….. i had a query that my 8th sem result was declared but mark sheet was not come yet and i dont have my provisional degree… so what i have to do…. can i go for the interview or not…….?? is their any rejection if i dont have my all certificates…….??
please help………its urgent…..
You can take online marksheet ( attested), also one application from college mentioning about your marksheets, as mentioned by Srigowari above. You will not face any problem.
sir i do not have admit card but i have identity proof so will it create any problem in ssb?? in NDA
Hello Max,u can apply with what ever marks cards ur having in ur hand and take a copy from ur collage saying that ur results are awaited… u can apply easily and u will get the call to.All the best!!!
i hv cleared my sem 8 engg with 73 percentage.my results were out on 19 july 2012 . i have applied for ssc executive branch online.and i also now my score of sem 8.now remains the posting part.problem is that i dont have marksheet of sem 8 as of now and deadline is 31 july.shall i send post with only 7 sems marksheet or shall i write a letter with the post citing this problem?? i can reproduce sem 8 later if they ask…
help help plzzz