14 Complete List of SSB Centers: Army, Airforce, and Navy

Securing a coveted position as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces is a dream cherished by countless aspiring individuals across the country. At the heart of this competitive selection process lies the Services Selection Board (SSB), a critical evaluation stage that assesses the suitability and potential of candidates. Spread across various strategic locations in India, these SSB centers play a pivotal role in identifying the nation’s future military leaders.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate details of the Services Selection Board centers catering to the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. From their historical origins to their current operational status, we provide a complete overview to empower defense aspirants with the knowledge they need to navigate this crucial phase of their journey. Whether you’re aiming for a commission in the Army, Air Force, or Navy, this article will serve as your definitive reference to the extensive network of Services Selection Board centers that shape the future of India’s armed forces.

Indian Army SSB Centers

The Indian Army’s Services Selection Board centers are responsible for evaluating and selecting the most promising candidates for commissioning as officers. These centers, strategically located across the country, employ a rigorous multi-day assessment process involving psychological tests, group activities, and personal interviews. By meticulously identifying the right blend of leadership, problem-solving abilities, and personal attributes, these Services Selection Board centers ensure that the Indian Army’s officer corps remains a bastion of excellence.

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1. Selection Center East (SCE), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh)

Established in 1957, the Selection Center East in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the oldest and most renowned SSB centers in the country. Boasting five distinct Service Selection Boards (SSBs) – 11 SSB, 14 SSB, 18 SSB, 19 SSB, and 34 SSB – this center has been at the forefront of identifying and recommending potential candidates for officer roles in the Indian Army.

Address: Cariappa Rd, Canton, Civil Lines, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211001 Telephone: 0532-2424816 Fax: 0532-2424815 

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

Established in 1975 through the relocation of the 20 SSB and 33 SSB from Jabalpur, the Selection Center Central in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, is home to three distinct SSB boards: 20 SSB, 21 SSB, and 22 SSB. This center plays a pivotal role in evaluating and recommending candidates for officer positions in the Indian Army.

Address: Jaipur-Guna Road Chandukheri, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001 Telephone: 0755-2735980 

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

The Selection Center South in Bangalore, Karnataka, has a rich history dating back to 1949 when it hosted the first-ever SSB, the 12 SSB, for the selection of candidates for the Army and Navy. Over the years, the center has expanded to include two additional SSB boards: 17 SSB and 24 SSB, making it a hub for the assessment of officer aspirants.

Address: Cubbon Rd, FM Cariappa Colony, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560042 Telephone: 9480948061, 9916322971 Fax: 080-255327671 

4. Selection Center North (SCN), Kapurthala (Punjab)

The newest addition to the Indian Army’s Services Selection Board centers, the Selection Center North, was established in 2015 and became operational in 2016. Located in Kapurthala, Punjab, this center houses two Service Selection Boards: 31 SSB and 32 SSB, with the aim of identifying and recommending potential officer candidates.

Address: Professor Colony, Kapurthala, Punjab 144602 Telephone: 01822-230127 Fax: 01822-230127 

Indian Air Force Selection Boards (AFSBs)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) maintains a network of specialized Air Force Selection Boards (AFSBs) responsible for the selection and recruitment of officers. These centers, strategically positioned across the country, employ a comprehensive assessment process to identify the most suitable candidates for commissioning into the IAF.

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5. AFSB, Dehradun (Uttarakhand)

The origins of the 1 AFSB can be traced back to 1943, when an Experimental Selection Board was established at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun. Over the years, the center has undergone various name changes, including the No. 7 General Selection Board and the Royal Indian Air Force Board, before finally being designated as the 1 AFSB in 1962.

Address: 112, 1, Post Office Rd, New Basti, Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248002 Fax: 0135-2640104 Phone: 0135-2642269

6. AFSB, Mysore (Karnataka)

The 2 AFSB, located in the CV Complex of Mysore, Karnataka, is responsible for conducting SSB interviews for candidates aspiring to join the IAF through various entry schemes, including the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examinations. Additionally, this center administers the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) for IAF candidates who have their SSB interviews at the Selection Center South in Bangalore.

Address: CV Complex, Sidharth Nagar PO, Mysore – 570011 Fax: 0821-2502836 Phone: 0821-2526621

7. AFSB, Gandhinagar (Gujarat)

Established in 2012, the 3 AFSB in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is the latest addition to the IAF’s network of selection boards. Situated in Sector 25 of Gandhinagar, which also serves as the headquarters of the South Western Air Command, this center plays a crucial role in evaluating candidates who have cleared written exams like the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), NDA, and CDS.

Address: Electronic State, GIDC Rd, Sector 25, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382024 Fax: 079-23245080/23242550 Phone: 079-23242600 Ext. 5754

8. AFSB, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

The 4 AFSB, located in the historic city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most active SSB centers in the country. Established in Patna in 1963 and later shifted to Varanasi in 1964, this center has played a crucial role in the selection of officers for the IAF.

Address: Mint Road, Nadesar, Chaukaghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002 Fax: 0542-2502836 Phone: 0542-2503853 Ext. 213

9. AFSB, Guwahati (Assam)

The 5 AFSB, located in Guwahati, Assam, is responsible for evaluating and selecting candidates from the northeastern states of India, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. This center follows the same assessment process as the other AFSB centers, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of the aspirants.

Address: Near VIP Chowk, Guwahati, Assam 784015 Phone: 0361-2840015, M. 9394805271

Indian Navy Selection Boards (NSBs)

The Indian Navy maintains a network of Navy Selection Boards (NSBs) across the country, tasked with the responsibility of selecting and recruiting officers for the maritime service. These specialized centers conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the most suitable candidates for commissioning into the Indian Navy.

10. NSB, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)

The NSB in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is situated within the premises of INS Agrani, a naval establishment in the Red Fields area of the city. This board is primarily responsible for conducting SSB interviews for candidates seeking to join the Indian Navy through the 10+2 Cadet Entry scheme.

Address: INS Agrani, Red Fields, Coimbatore – 641018 Fax: 0422-2325957 Phone: 1800-425-4599

11. SSB at SCS, Bangalore (Karnataka)

The Indian Navy’s 12 SSB, located within the Selection Center South (SCS) in Bangalore, Karnataka, is responsible for conducting SSB interviews for officer aspirants. Candidates can apply for various entry schemes, including Logistics, Education, Submarine, Pilot, and 10+2 B.Tech, as well as through the NDA and CDS examinations.

Address: Cubbon Rd, FM Cariappa Colony, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560042 Telephone: 080-25588065 Fax: 080-25327671 

12. 33 SSB at SCC, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)

In addition to the Indian Army’s SSB center, the city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, also hosts the 33 SSB, which is responsible for conducting interviews and assessments for candidates seeking to join the Indian Navy as officers.

Address: Jaipur-Guna Road Chandukheri, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001 Telephone: 0755-2732035/2702223 Fax: 0755-2744033/2735980 

13. SSB, Kolkata (West Bengal)

The Indian Navy’s first full-fledged Services Selection Board (SSB) was inaugurated in 2019 at Diamond Harbour, near Kolkata, West Bengal. This center, known as the SSB (Kolkata), is responsible for the selection of both Permanent and Short Service Commission officers for the Indian Navy.

Address: Chhota Nadir Road, Down Town Diamond Harbour, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal-743331 Telephone: 031-74255791/24892150 

14. Naval Selection Board (NSB), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)

The Naval Selection Board (NSB) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, aims to induct officers into the Indian Navy and motivate more youth from the region to embrace the white uniform. This center plays a crucial role in the selection process for the maritime service.

Address: 9-IRSD Area, Next to Material Organisation, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-530008 Telephone: 0891-2573057 Fax: 0891-2512150 

Training Institutes for the Indian Armed Forces

Alongside the extensive network of SSB centers, the Indian Armed Forces maintain a robust system of training institutes that prepare the selected candidates for their respective roles. These institutes play a vital role in shaping the future officers of the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun

The Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is the premier training institute for aspiring officers of the Indian Army. It offers a Permanent Commission (PC) program for male candidates.

Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai

The Officers Training Academy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is responsible for the training of Short Service Commission (SSC) officers, both male and female, for the Indian Army.

Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya

The Officers Training Academy in Gaya, Bihar, provides training for Permanent Commission (PC) officers, including those selected through the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) and Special Commissioned Officer (SCO) courses.

National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla

The National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, is a tri-service training institute that prepares candidates for Permanent Commission in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad

The Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, Telangana, is the premier training institute for aspiring officers of the Indian Air Force, offering both Permanent and Short Service Commission programs.

Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala

The Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala, is the premier training institute for officers of the Indian Navy, catering to both Permanent and Short Service Commission programs.

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Conclusion

The extensive network of SSB centers across India plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indian Armed Forces. From the historic SSB centers in Prayagraj and Bhopal to the newly established centers in Kapurthala and Guwahati, these evaluation hubs ensure that the most deserving and capable individuals are selected to serve as officers in the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

By understanding the unique characteristics and specializations of each SSB center, defense aspirants can better prepare themselves for the rigorous selection process. Additionally, familiarizing oneself with the training institutes that groom the selected candidates further enhances the understanding of the comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures India’s military leadership.

As the nation continues to strengthen its armed forces, the SSB centers and their associated training institutes remain the cornerstone of this endeavor, ensuring that the Indian Armed Forces remain a formidable force, ready to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and security.

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