NCC Special Entry SSB Selection Process, Check Interview Process

NCC Special Entry SSB Selection Process is an opportunity for National Cadet Corps (NCC) ‘C’ certificate holders to join the Indian Army as Short Service Commissioned (SSC) officers. This entry is open for both unmarried male and female candidates, including the wards of battle casualties of Army personnel. The selection process is highly competitive and consists of multiple stages, including application shortlisting, the SSB interview, medical examination, and the final merit list.

This page provides an in-depth explanation of the NCC Special Entry SSB Selection Process and the eligibility criteria, application procedure, and other essential details.

NCC Special Entry SSB Selection Process Overview

The NCC Special Entry SSB Selection Process consists of multiple stages, including application, shortlisting, the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical examination, merit list preparation, and final training. The process is designed to select candidates with leadership potential, strong decision-making skills, and physical and mental resilience.

Stages of NCC Special Entry SSB Selection Process

The NCC Special Entry SSB Selection Process consists of multiple stages, including application, shortlisting, the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical examination, merit list preparation, and final training.

1. Application and Shortlisting

• Candidates must apply online through the official website of the Indian Army: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.

• The Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) shortlists candidates based on their academic performance and NCC achievements.

• Shortlisted candidates receive an SSB call letter via email.

2. SSB Interview Process

The SSB Interview is the most crucial stage of the NCC Special Entry SSB Selection Process. It is a five-day process conducted at Prayagraj (UP), Bhopal (MP), Bengaluru (Karnataka), and Jalandhar (Punjab).

Day 1: Screening Test

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test (Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning)

• Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)

• Candidates who pass the screening test move to the next stage, while others are sent back the same day.

Day 2: Psychological Tests

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) – Candidates write stories based on shown images.

• Word Association Test (WAT) – Candidates react to words by forming sentences.

• Situation Reaction Test (SRT) – Candidates provide responses to given situations.

• Self-Description Test (SDT) – Candidates describe themselves based on personal and external perspectives.

Day 3 & 4: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

• Group Discussion (GD)

• Group Planning Exercise (GPE)

• Progressive Group Task (PGT)

• Half Group Task (HGT)

• Command Task (CT)

• Individual Obstacles (IO)

• Final Group Task (FGT)

Day 5: Personal Interview & Conference

• Candidates undergo a Personal Interview with senior officers.

• The SSB Board Conference is the final assessment stage, where all assessors decide on the recommendation status of candidates.

3. Medical Examination

• Candidates recommended by the SSB Board must undergo a comprehensive medical examination at designated military hospitals.

• Candidates declared the medically fit move to the next stage.

4. Merit List and Final Selection

• The final merit list is prepared based on SSB interview performance and medical fitness.

• Candidates ranked higher are issued joining letters for training.

Training at Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai

• Selected candidates undergo 49 weeks of training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.

• During training, cadets receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month.

• After completing training, cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army.

• They serve under the Short Service Commission (SSC) for 10 years, with an option to extend up to 14 years.

• After 10 years, officers can opt for a Permanent Commission based on performance.

Eligibility Criteria for NCC Special Entry

Before applying for the NCC Special Entry SSB Selection Process, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria:

1. Nationality

Candidates must be:

• A citizen of India, or

• A subject of Nepal, or

• A person of Indian origin who migrated from select countries to permanently settle in India.

2. Age Limit

• Candidates must be between 19 to 25 years as of July 1, 2025.

3. Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.

• Candidates in their final year can apply, provided they score at least 50% aggregate marks in their degree course.

4. NCC Service Requirement

• Should have served at least two/three years in the Senior Division/Wing of NCC.

• Must have obtained a minimum ‘B’ grade in the NCC ‘C’ certificate examination.

• Provisional ‘C’ certificates are not accepted.

5. Additional Criteria for Wards of Battle Casualties

Forwards of battle casualties, the NCC ‘C’ certificate requirement is waived. However, they must provide supporting documents such as the Battle Casualty Certificate and Relationship Certificate issued by appropriate authorities.

Salary and Career Progression

After successful commissioning, officers in the Indian Army receive competitive salaries and allowances. The salary structure follows the 7th Pay Commission, and officers are entitled to multiple benefits such as Military Service Pay (MSP), dearness allowance, high-altitude allowance, and field area allowances. 

Below is the rank-wise salary structure for officers selected through the NCC Special Entry SSB Selection Process:

Additional benefits include Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month, free medical coverage, accommodation, travel benefits, and post-retirement pension schemes.

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