Hello everyone, this article is on SSB Interview registration 2024 and selection procedure/process. Defence aspirants who are willing to join in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force as Officers, appear for many examinations like National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services (CDS) and Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), every year. Except for NCC Special Entry Scheme, JAG Entry Scheme, and SSC Tech, each notification mentions the written examination is their first stage of the selection process. NCC Special Entry Scheme, JAG Entry Scheme, and SSC Tech don’t have the written examination but the SSB Interview will be very tough and competition will be more.

SSB means Services Selection Board it is an organization that assesses the candidates for becoming officers into the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The board evaluates the candidate for becoming an officer using a standard system which consists of personality, intelligence tests, and interviews. Services Selection Board (SSB) have a panel of assessors, who are officers in Indian Armed Forces and they were specialized as Psychologist, GTO and Interviewing Officer. SSB is a 5–6 days evaluation process.

SSB Centers in India: In total there are 13 Service Selection Boards across India, out of which 4 are for Indian Army, 4 are for Indian Air Force and 5 for Indian Navy respectively.

A. For Indian Army:

1.Selection Center East (SCE) Allahabad: (Uttar Pradesh)

• 11 SSB
• 14 SSB
• 18 SSB
• 19 SSB
• 34 SSB

2. Selection Center Central (SCC) Bhopal: (Madhya Pradesh)

• 20 SSB
• 21 SSB
• 22 SSB

3.Selection Center South (SCS) Bangalore: (Karnataka)

• 17 SSB
• 24 SSB

4.Training Centers/Institutes:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun (U.K) – Permanent Commission for Male
• Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai (TN) – Short Service Commission for both Male & Female
• Officers Training Academy (OTA) Gaya (BH)– Permanent Commission for TES & SCO Male Course
• National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla, Pune (MH)– Permanent Commission

B. For Indian Air Force:

• 1 AFSB Dehradun – (Uttarakhand)
• 2 AFSB Mysore – (Karnataka)
• 3 AFSB Gandhi Nagar – (Gujrat)
• 4 AFSB Varanasi – (Uttar Pradesh)
• Training Centers/Institutes:
  • Air Force Academy (AFA) Hyderabad (A.P)– Permanent/Short Commission for both Male & Female
  • National Defense Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla, Pune (MH)– Permanent Commission

C. For Indian Navy:

• NSB Coimbatore: (Tamilnadu)
• 12 SSB at SCS Bangalore: (Karnataka)
• 33 SSB at SCC Bhopal: (Madhya Pradesh)
• Training Centers/Institutes
  • Indian Naval Academy (INA) Ezhimala (Kerala) – Permanent/Short Commission for both Male & Female
  • National Defense Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla, Pune (MH)– Permanent Commission

SSB Interview Selection Procedure: The defence aspirants who have passed the written examination like NDA, NA, CDS and AFCAT, or who, in the case of the Territorial Army have been recommended by a Preliminary Interview Board (PIB), or, NCC special entry scheme candidates who have been asked to present to the Service Selection Board are allocated an SSB center to attend. It is a two-stage selection process and it is a 5–6 days evaluation process.

• Stage 1 consists of officer intelligence rating, picture perception, and description test.
• Stage 2 involves interview, group testing officer task, psychology test, and conference

SSB Interview Syllabus 2024

DAY – 0: On this day candidates should report at the railway station at 7 – 8 am and then they will be taken to SSB Center. On the same day, candidates are made to sit in the testing hall where they have to present their educational documents for verification and are allotted a number (called as Chest Number) by which they will be able to identify the candidates throughout the process. A briefing about the schedule, various tests, and general instructions are given.

DAY – 1: Screening test – Stage 1 : This includes a verbal and non-verbal intelligence test (About 50 questions each) and then a Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT). In this test, a picture, either hazy or clear is shown to the candidates for 30 seconds. Each candidate observes it and then, in the next one minute, must record the number of characters seen in the picture. In stage 2 of the PPDT, the candidates are given individual stories for revision. Then, in a group, each candidate must narrate his story in one minute. The group is then asked to create a common story involving each or their perceived picture stories.

NOTE : After the completion of these tests, unsuccessful candidates are dismissed. Other candidates are short-listed and forwarded to further rounds.

DAY – 2: Psychology test – Stage II

• A Thematic Appreciation Test (TAT) it is similar to the PPDT, but the picture shown is clear. Again the candidates are shown a picture for thirty seconds and then write a story in the next four minutes. Twelve such pictures are shown sequentially. The last picture is a blank slide inviting the candidates to write a story of their choice.
• In the Word Association Test, the candidates are shown sixty simple, everyday words in sequence. Each is shown for fifteen seconds. For each word, the candidates write the first thought that comes to mind in response to the word.
• The Situation Reaction Test in which a booklet of 60 situations is given in which responses are to be completed in 30 minutes and the Self-Description Test which consists of 5 questions asking about the candidate’s parent’s, teacher’s, friend’s and his own perception about himself.

DAYS 3 & 4: Group test by GTO (Group Testing Officer)

• On the third and fourth days, tasks are group discussion, group exercises, group tasks, individual tasks, group obstacle, command tasks will be performed.
• On day 2, 3 or 4 along with GTO, individual candidate interview is conducted by the interviewing officer. It is based on the personal information questionnaires filled by the candidates on day 1.

DAY 5: Conference and Results

• On day 5, all the officers will attend the conference, each candidate has a conversation with a panel of assessors. The assessors look for confidence and expression when speaking, a positive attitude in adversity and in life and honesty.
• The final results are announced.

Medical Examination: The recommended candidates remain for an intensive medical examination taking three to five days at a military hospital.

Watch the below video for complete SSB Medical Examination Details.

SSB Interview Registration Process: Applications will be accepted online only on website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. No offline applications will be accepted.

• Open the website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
• Click on Officers Entry ‘Apply/Login’ and then click ‘Registration’.
• Follow instructions for registration. Fill online Registration after reading instructions very carefully.
• After registration, your profile will open. Click on ‘Apply Online’ to process the application. A page ‘Officers Selection-Eligibility’ will open.
• Your registration details will confirm your eligibility to apply. Click on ‘Apply’ and a page ‘Application Form’ will open.
• Proceed with the application as per onscreen instructions. Read onscreen instructions carefully and click ‘Continue’ to fill details under various segments personal information, Communication details, Education details and details of previous SSB. ‘Save & Continue’ each time before you proceed to the next segment.
• After filling details of the last segment, you will move to a page ‘Summary of Information’ wherein you can check & edit entries you have made so far. Only after ascertaining’ the correctness of all your details click on ‘Submit’.
• After submitting click on ‘PDF’ and take out ‘two copies’ of the application form having the Roll Number and other details generated by the system.
• The second copy of the printout of online application is to be retained by the candidate for his reference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7OCkgR7PE

TYPES OF ENTRIES TO SSB INTERVIEW: As we mentioned earlier we have many options to attend SSB Interview. Candidates can attend after clearing written examinations of NDA, CDS, AFCAT. Here we will know what is the procedure for each entry.

A. NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY (NDA):

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the NDA entrance examination notification twice every year in the months of January and August as NDA – I and NDA – II, to admit the young blood into the armed forces. This is a national level entrance examination. This is their first step and gateway to serve the nation. NDA examination consists of 2 phases written exam and followed by SSB Interview. 

NDA ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

AGE LIMIT: Age limit is very important in the NDA notification. UPSC follows strict rules considering the dates. The dates given by UPSC for NDA are final. There will be no exemption.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION: It chooses the candidates who completed their 10+2 examination. Please find the below table for a clear view.

WING	QUALIFICATION
ARMY WING	10+2 / Equivalent
NAVAL WING	10+2 / Equivalent with Physics & Mathematics
AIR FORCE	10+2 / Equivalent with Physics & Mathematics

NOTE: Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.

NDA SELECTION PROCEDURE: To select the candidates UPSC follows 2 stages of the selection process. As this is a national level entrance examination the applications will be very high to imagine. So, they follow the below method to select the candidates:

• Written Examination
• SSB Interview
• Medical Test
• Document Verification
• Merit List

NDA WRITTEN TEST: To filter the candidates applied from the whole nation written test helps the conducting authority to filter the candidates easily. The exam will be conducted in Pen and Paper (offline) mode.

SUBJECT	DURATION	MARKS
Mathematics	2 Hrs & 30 Min	300
General Ability Test	2 Hrs & 30 Min	600
	Total	900

B. COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICE EXAMINATION (CDSE):

UPSC conducts this exam twice in a year in the months of June and October every year which is like a boon to the defence aspirants who are willing to join as Officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS:

Educational Qualifications: Candidates should be well known with the education qualifications before applying the examination.

ACADEMY	EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
INDIAN MILITARY ACADEMY	Graduation Degree
INDIAN NAVAL ACADEMY	B.E/B.Tech (10+2 with Physics & Maths)
AIR FORCE ACADEMY	B.E/B.Tech (10+2 with Physics &Maths)
OFFICERS’ TRAINING ACADEMY (MEN)	Graduation Degree
OFFICERS’ TRAINING ACADEMY (WOMEN)	Graduation Degree

AGE LIMITS: UPSC has kept some cut-off dates for the eligibility. So before applying to try to go through the full notification provided by UPSC.

• For IMA, INA : 19-24
• For Air Force Academy : 20-24
• OTA Men & Women : 19-25

CDS SELECTION PROCEDURE: CDS follows a three-stage recruitment process it consists of:

• Written Test
• SSB Interview
• Medical Examination
• Merit List

CDS Examination Pattern: UPSC follows a standard and very transparent manner to conduct the CDS examination. The written examination consists of the below subjects:

A) For Admission to Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy:

SUBJECT	DURATION	MAX. MARKS
ENGLISH	2 HOURS	100 M
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE	2 HOURS	100 M
ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS	2 HOURS	100 M

B) For Admission to Officers’ Training Academy:

SUBJECT	DURATION	MAX. MARKS
ENGLISH	2 HOURS	100 M
GERERAL KNOWLEDGE	2 HOURS	100 M

C. AIR FORCE COMMON ADMISSION TEST (AFCAT):

Candidates who are looking forward to joining the Indian Air Force as an officer can apply through AFCAT to join flying, technical and non-technical branches of Indian Air Force. AFCAT will be conducted twice every year in the months of February and August.

AFCAT Age Limits :

Flying Branch : 20 to 24 years

Educational Qualification:

• A graduate candidate with minimum 60% marks and must have scored minimum 60%marks in Maths and Physics in 10+2 in 12th standard.
• B.Tech/ B.E candidates who have scored minimum 60% marks and have scored 60% marks in maths and physics in 10+2 in 12th standard are also eligible for it.

Ground Duty Technical : 20 to 26 years

Educational Qualification – The candidate must have B.Tech/ B.E degree in notified streams as mentioned in the official notification of the IAF with minimum 60% marks and have scored minimum 60% marks in Physics and Maths in 10+2 standard are eligible for technical entry.

Ground Duty Non-Technical :20 to 26 years

Educational Qualification :

• Administration and Logistics – Graduation degree with minimum 60% marks or equivalent.
• Accounts – B.Com Degree with minimum 60% marks or equivalent.
• Education – Post graduate degree (MBA / MCA or MA / M Sc degree in English / Physics / Mathematics / Chemistry / Statistics / International relations / International Studies / Defence Studies / Psychology / Computer Science / IT /Management / Mass Communication / Journalism / Public Relation) with minimum 50% marks, along with minimum 60% marks in graduation.

AFCAT Exam Pattern :

The Air Force Common Admission Test will consist of 100 questions and each question will be of three marks. So total marks for all questions will be 300. As far as negative marking is concerned, there is one-third negative marking in AFCAT exam. For every wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted as penalty.

D. NCC SPECIAL ENTRY SCHEME:

Candidates who completed their ‘C’ Certificate Course with ‘A’ and ‘B’ Grades in the Certificate Exam of NCC are eligible to apply this notification. The applied candidates will be sent to SSB Interview without any written examination.

AGE LIMITS: For NCC candidates (including wards of Battle Casualties) 19 to 25 years. Date of birth acceptable is that entered in the Matriculation or an equivalent examination certificate.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION: Graduate with an aggregate of minimum 50% marks taking into account marks of all the years. Those studying in final year are also allowed to apply provided they have secured minimum 50% aggregate marks in the first two/three years of three/four years degree course respectively. Such students will need to secure overall aggregate of minimum 50% marks if selected in the interview.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: Candidates should keep in mind that they will appear the SSB Interview directly without written examination for this type of recruitment.

• SSB Interview
• Medical Examination
• Merit List

E. JAG ENTRY SCHEME :

Judge Advocate General (JAG) notification will be released twice every year in the months of Jan and July. JAG is a special entry scheme to recruit both men and women who completed their graduation in law (LLB). In this JAG special entry, there is no written examination. Candidates will be called up for the SSB interview directly, recommended candidates will get the joining instructions based on the JAG merit list to join the Officers Training Academy, Chennai as per the training schedule.

Eligibility Details:

• Nationality – The candidate must be a citizen of India.
• Age Limit – The candidate must be of the age between 21-27 years.
• Educational Qualification – The candidate must have scored 55% marks in LLB graduation degree (3 years professional after graduation or 5 years after 10+2) and the candidate must be eligible for registration with Bar Council of India/ State. Candidates who have studied in the college/ university which is not recognized by the Bar Council of India will not be accepted.

Training :

• The candidates who will get their names in the final merit list will be called for training in Officers Training Academy, Chennai.
• The training will last for 49 weeks and the cadets will be granted commission in the rank of lieutenant after the completion of the training.

F. SSC Tech Men and Women :

Unmarried male and female engineering graduates can apply for the SSC Tech entry. This is a direct SSB interview entry where you are not required to clear any written exam conducted every year in Jan and July months, candidates are shortlisted based on their engineering degree aggregate percentage till the pre-final year. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Age Limit:

• SSC(T) Men and SSC(T) Women:- 20 to 27 years
• SSCW(Non-Tech)(Non-UPSC)- For Widows of Defence Personnel who died in harness only. Max 35 years 

Educational Qualifications:

Candidates who have passed Engineering Degree course or are in the final year of Engineering course are eligible to apply. The candidates studying in the final year examination of Degree Course should be able to produce the Engineering Degree within 12 weeks from the date of commencement of training at OTA. Such candidates will be inducted on Additional Bond Basis for recovery of the cost of training at OTA as notified from time to time as well as stipend and pay & allowances paid, in case they fail to produce the requisite Degree Certificate within the specified time.

G. UNIVERSITY ENTRY SCHEME (UES) :

Short Service Commission (SSC) officers in Executive (IT) and Technical Branches of the Indian Navy under University Entry Scheme (UES).

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS:

Candidate should have B.E./B.Tech. Degree in the concerned subject and having 60% Marks in the degree or integrated course.

F. TECHNICAL ENTRY SCHEME (TES) :

Unmarried Male Candidates who have passed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (Hereinafter referred to as PCM) subjects and fulfill the eligibility conditions prescribed in the subsequent paragraphs, for the grant of Permanent Commission in the Army after four years of Basic Military Training and Technical Training. In the months of May and October, TES notifications will be released.

Age Limit: A candidate must not be below 16½ years and above 19½ years

Educational Qualification: Only those candidates who have passed 10+2 Examination or its equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 70% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from recognized education boards are eligible to apply for this entry. Eligibility condition for calculating PCM percentage of various state /central boards will be based on marks obtained in Class XII only.

Selection Procedure: Only shortlisted eligible candidates depending on the cutoff percentage will undergo SSB at one of the Selection Centres i.e, Allahabad (UP), Bhopal (MP), Bengaluru (Karnataka) or Kapurthala (Punjab) by Psychologist, Group Testing Officer and Interviewing Officer. Call Up letter for SSB interview will be issued by respective Selection Centres on candidate’s registered e-mail ID and SMS only

G. TERRITORIAL ARMY:

Gainfully employed young citizens for an opportunity of donning the uniform and serving the nation as Territorial Army Officers (Non-Departmental), based on the concept of enabling motivated young citizens to serve in a military environment without having to sacrifice their primary professions. You can serve the nation in two capacities – as a civilian and as a soldier.

Important Notes for TA:

• Nationality: Only citizens of India (male and female).
• Age Limits: 18 to 42 years on the date of application.
• Educational Qualifications: Graduate from any recognized university.
• Physical Standards: A candidate must be physically and medically fit in all respects.
• Employment: Gainfully Employed

SYLLABUS OF THE EXAMINATION:

TRAINING:

(a) One month of basic training in the first year of commission.

(b) Two months of annual training camp every year including the first year. (c) Three months Post Commissioning training within the first two years at IMA, Dehradun

IMPORTANT BOOKS FOR SSB INTERVIEW:

• SSB Interview eBook Pack
• Thematic Apperception Test – TAT
• Lecturette Topics Part-1 eBook [100 Topics]
• Word Association Test – WAT
• Situation Reaction Test – SRT
• Officers Intelligence Test – OIR

How Many Times Can You Go For SSB Interview?