Nationality The candidate must be: (i) a citizen of India, or (ii) a subject of Nepal, or (iii) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or specified East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) and Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India, provided a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India (not required for Gorkha subjects of Nepal). Age Limit 19 to 25 years as on 01 January 2027 (born not earlier than 02 January 2002 and not later than 01 January 2008, both dates inclusive). The date of birth recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate at the time of application will be treated as final; no subsequent change request will be entertained. Educational Qualification and NCC Criteria (For NCC 'C' Certificate Holders) Minimum qualification: a Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized university. Final-year candidates may apply, provided they complete their degree before the course begins; the aggregate percentage from the first two/three years of the degree course will be considered for shortlisting. Minimum two/three years of service (as applicable) in the Senior Division/Wing of NCC. Minimum 'B' Grade in the NCC 'C' Certificate exam. Candidates without an NCC 'C' Certificate (or only a Provisional NCC 'C' Certificate) on the date of application are not eligible. Provisional certificates are not accepted at the SSB stage. Important: Candidates may appear for only one SSB interview - either as a CDSE candidate for SSCW (NT) (Women)-125 Course, or for NCC (Special) Entry-125 Course (Women). An undertaking to this effect must be given in the online application. Eligibility for Wards of Battle Casualties Available to unmarried sons and unmarried daughters (including legally adopted) of Army personnel classified as: killed in action; died of wounds/injuries (other than self-inflicted); wounded/injured (other than self-inflicted); or missing, presumed dead. Educational qualification: Graduate degree from a recognized university (final-year candidates also eligible under the same conditions as above). NCC 'C' Certificate is not required for this category. Required documents: Battle Casualty certificate number issued by the Manpower (Policy & Planning) Directorate (or Adjutant General's Branch MP-5(D) for casualties after September 2013); copy of Part II Order classifying the casualty as a "Battle Casualty"; and a Relationship Certificate issued by the Manpower Directorate/Regimental Records.

Shortlisting of applications: Based on bonus marks out of a maximum of 100 - up to 50 marks for NCC 'C' Certificate grading (50 for 'A' Grade, 25 for 'B' Grade) and up to 50 marks for graduation performance (0 to 50 marks on a sliding scale from below 60% to 85%+ aggregate). Vacancy-to-call-up ratio: Candidates are shortlisted for SSB based on this ratio, decided by the Directorate General of Recruiting. SSB Centre and date selection: Shortlisted candidates choose their SSB centre and date on a first-come-first-served basis; choices cannot be changed later except under exceptional circumstances. SSB interview: Conducted over 5 days at Prayagraj, Bhopal, Bengaluru, or Jalandhar. Candidates undergo a two-stage process - Stage I, and Stage II (for those who clear Stage I). Candidates who fail Stage I are sent back the same day. Medical examination: Conducted for candidates recommended after Stage II. Merit list: Prepared based on SSB marks. Ties are broken first by age (older candidate ranked higher), then by percentage in the qualifying exam. Joining letter: Issued to candidates within the merit list and available vacancies, subject to meeting all eligibility criteria and being declared medically fit. Candidates who fail to report within 7 days of the reporting date will have their candidature cancelled, and the next candidate in the merit list will be considered.