SSB Interview Attempts – How Many Times Can You Attend an SSB interview?

Candidates hoping to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force must pass the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Nonetheless, “How many times can I appear for the SSB interview?” is a frequently asked question by candidates. Because different entries have different eligibility requirements and limits of SSB Interview attempts, the answer varies depending on the entry scheme. While some have limited attempts depending on the type of exam, others have unlimited attempts until the age limit is reached.

This article will discuss:

✅ Number of attempts allowed for different SSB entries
✅ Age limits and eligibility criteria for each entry
✅ Tips to maximize your chances of selection in limited attempts

Let’s break it down!

What is the SSB Interview?

📌 The SSB interview is a five-day selection process designed to test a candidate’s Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs). It includes:

✔ Screening Test (Day 1): OIR Test & PPDT
✔ Psychological Tests (Day 2): TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT
✔ GTO Tasks (Days 3 & 4): Group Discussions, Individual Obstacles, Command Task
✔ Personal Interview (Any Day between Day 2 to 4)
✔ Conference Round (Day 5)

Candidates must clear the SSB to get recommended for final selection.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed in SSB?

📌 The number of SSB attempts depends on the entry scheme and the age limit for that entry. Some entries allow unlimited attempts until the age limit is reached, while others have fixed attempts.

Let’s explore the SSB attempt limits for different entries.

SSB Interview Attempt Limits for Different Entries

1. NDA SSB Interview Attempts

📌 Entry: National Defence Academy (NDA)
📌 Age Limit: 16.5 – 19.5 years
📌 Total Attempts: Maximum 2 (one for NDA 1 and one for NDA 2)

✅ If you are eligible for both NDA 1 and NDA 2 in the same year, you can appear for SSB twice.

2. CDS SSB Interview

📌 Entry: Combined Defence Services (CDS)
📌 Age Limit:

• IMA: 19-24 years
• INA: 19-24 years
• AFA: 20-24 years
• OTA: 19-25 years
  📌 Total Attempts: Unlimited (Until Age Limit)

✅ You can appear for CDS twice a year until you cross the age limit.

3. AFCAT SSB Attempts

📌 Entry: Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
📌 Age Limit:

• Flying Branch: 20-24 years
• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20-26 years
  📌 Total Attempts: Unlimited (Until Age Limit)

✅ AFCAT is conducted twice a year, so you can attempt multiple times within the age limit.

4. TES (Technical Entry Scheme) SSB Interview

📌 Entry: Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
📌 Age Limit: 16.5 – 19.5 years
📌 Total Attempts: Maximum 2

✅ You can apply twice, once after Class 12, and again before crossing the age limit.

5. TGC (Technical Graduate Course) SSB Interview

📌 Entry: Technical Graduate Course (TGC)
📌 Age Limit: 20 – 27 years
📌 Total Attempts: Unlimited (Until Age Limit)

✅ You can apply multiple times until you cross the age limit.

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6. NCC Special Entry SSB

📌 Entry: NCC ‘C’ Certificate Special Entry
📌 Age Limit: 19 – 25 years
📌 Total Attempts: Unlimited (Until Age Limit)

✅ Direct SSB entry without a written exam.

7. INET & Navy SSC SSB Interview attempts

📌 Entry: Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET) / Short Service Commission (SSC)
📌 Age Limit: 19 – 25 years
📌 Total Attempts: Unlimited (Until Age Limit)

✅ Candidates can appear multiple times if they meet the eligibility criteria.

8. JAG Entry SSB Interview attempts

📌 Entry: Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry
📌 Age Limit: 21 – 27 years
📌 Total Attempts: Unlimited (Until Age Limit)

✅ Law graduates can apply multiple times if they remain within the age limit.

How to Maximize Your Chances in Limited SSB Attempts?

✔ Start preparing early – Work on OLQs and communication skills.
✔ Practice group discussions & public speaking.
✔ Stay fit – Physical endurance is crucial for GTO tasks.
✔ Give your best shot in every attempt – Learn from failures and improve.

Conclusion

The number of SSB attempts depends on the entry scheme and age limit. While some entries allow only 2 attempts (NDA, TES), others have unlimited attempts until you reach the age limit.

🎯 To fulfil your goal of becoming an officer, make every effort matter, take lessons from past errors, and plan ahead!

FAQs for SSB Interview Attempts: How Many Times Can You Attend an SSB interview?