Top 6 Direct Entries for SSB Interview in 2025

Many people aspire to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces, but not everyone is willing to take written tests like the AFCAT, CDS, or NDA. Thankfully, candidates can appear for the SSB interview without taking a written exam thanks to the SSB Interview Direct Entry schemes. These entries are primarily based on educational qualifications, NCC certification, or technical expertise. The eligibility, application procedure, and selection criteria for the top six direct ent schemes for the SSB interview in 2025 will all be covered in this article.

What is an SSB Direct Entry?

Candidates who are selected through an SSB Direct Entry process are shortlisted for the SSB interview without taking a written test.

✔ Technical or academic qualifications (Engineering, Law, NCC, etc.)
✔ NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders
✔ Final-year students of eligible courses

Candidates who are chosen from these entries go straight to the five-day SSB interview, after which they undergo a medical examination before enrolling in the Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), or Indian Military Academy (IMA).

6 Direct Entries for SSB Interview

1. Technical Graduate Course (TGC) Entry

📌 For: Indian Army (Permanent Commission)
📌 Eligibility:

• Gender: Male candidates only
• Age: 20 to 27 years
• Educational Qualification: BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering disciplines

📌 Selection Process:

• No written exam – Candidates are shortlisted based on their engineering marks.
• Shortlisted candidates attend the SSB interview, followed by a medical test.
• If selected, training is conducted at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.

📌 Application Timeline: Opens twice a year (January & June).

2. Short Service Commission (SSC) Technical Entry

📌 For: Indian Army (Short Service Commission)
📌 Eligibility:

• Gender: Male and Female candidates
• Age: 20 to 27 years
• Educational Qualification: BE/B.Tech graduates

📌 Selection Process:

• Candidates are shortlisted based on engineering marks.
• Selected candidates undergo SSB interview and medical exam.
• Training is conducted at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.

📌 Application Timeline: January and July every year.

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3. NCC Special Entry

📌 For: Indian Army (Short Service Commission)
📌 Eligibility:

• Gender: Male and Female candidates
• Age: 19 to 25 years
• Educational Qualification: Graduate with at least 50% marks and an NCC ‘C’ Certificate

📌 Selection Process:

• Direct SSB call for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders (No written exam).
• Selected candidates undergo training at OTA, Chennai.

📌 Application Timeline: Opens twice a year (January & July).

4. Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry

📌 For: Indian Army (Short Service Commission – Legal Branch)
📌 Eligibility:

• Gender: Male and Female candidates
• Age: 21 to 27 years
• Educational Qualification: LLB degree with minimum 55% marks (Registered with Bar Council of India)

📌 Selection Process:

• Candidates are directly called for SSB interviews based on their LLB marks.
• Training is conducted at OTA, Chennai.

📌 Application Timeline: January and July every year.

5. University Entry Scheme (UES)

📌 For: Indian Army (Permanent Commission – Technical Branch)
📌 Eligibility:

• Gender: Male candidates only
• Age: 18 to 24 years
• Educational Qualification: Pre-final year Engineering students

📌 Selection Process:

• Indian Army conducts campus selections in colleges.
• Shortlisted candidates attend the SSB interview.
• Training is at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.

📌 Application Timeline: Opens in August/September every year.

6. Indian Navy SSC Officer Entry

📌 For: Indian Navy (Short Service Commission – Various Branches)
📌 Eligibility:

• Gender: Male and Female candidates
• Age: 19 to 25 years (varies by branch)
• Educational Qualification: BE/B.Tech in relevant fields

📌 Selection Process:

• Candidates are shortlisted based on engineering marks.
• Selected candidates undergo SSB interview and medical exam.
• Training is conducted at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), located in Ezhimala.

📌 Application Timeline: Twice a year (February & August).

How to Prepare for SSB Direct Entry?

✔ Stay informed by following notifications on official websites (joinindiannavy.gov.in, joinindianarmy.nic.in).

✔ Get ready for the SSB interview by practising group discussions, psychological tests, and in-person interviews.
✔ Work on fitness – a medical test is a crucial part of selection.

Conclusion

Candidates have a great chance to enlist in the Indian Armed Forces without taking a written test through these six direct entry programs. Take the first step towards a fulfilling military career by getting ready for the SSB interview if you meet the eligibility requirements.

🎯 Remain prepared, stay focused, and serve your country! 🚀

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