How Many SSB Interview Attempts Do You Have?

One of the most frequently asked questions by defense aspirants is: “How many SSB interview attempts can I have?” The good news is that there is no official limit on the number of attempts for the SSB interview. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria for a particular entry and fall within the prescribed age limit, you can continue to apply and attend the SSB interview, irrespective of your previous results.

In this article, we will explore the number of SSB attempts available through different entries for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. We’ll categorize the entries based on educational qualifications and age limits to give you a clear understanding of the maximum attempts you can have.

📚 SSB Attempts After 10+2 Qualification

If you have completed your 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), you can apply for several entries that provide multiple chances for SSB interviews. Let’s look at these entries in detail:

1. National Defence Academy (NDA) – Army, Navy, and Air Force

• Eligibility: Male candidates who have passed Class 12 or are appearing for the exam.
• Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Number of Attempts: Since the NDA exam is conducted twice a year, you can generally appear for it three times. In certain cases (if you are on the younger side of the age limit), you may get four attempts.
• If you clear the NDA written exam each time, you can appear for three to four SSB interviews through NDA entry.

2. 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) – Indian Army

• Eligibility: Male candidates who have scored a minimum of 82-85% in PCM in Class 12.
• Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Number of Attempts: TES entry provides three SSB attempts if you meet the percentage and age criteria.

3. 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry – Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Eligibility: Male candidates with a high percentage in PCM.
• Age Limit: 16.5 to 19 years
• Number of Attempts: Similar to TES, this entry also provides three SSB attempts.

✅ Summary of Attempts After 10+2:

• NDA: 3-4 attempts
• TES: 3 attempts
• 10+2 INA B.Tech: 3 attempts
  👉 A candidate with PCM can have up to 9-10 SSB attempts after Class 12.

🎓 SSB Attempts After Graduation

Graduates have multiple opportunities to apply for different entries in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Here’s a breakdown:

1. University Entry Scheme (UES) – Indian Army & Navy (For Engineering Graduates)

• Eligibility: Male candidates in the pre-final year of B.Tech/B.E.
• Number of Attempts: UES provides one SSB attempt in the pre-final year.

2. Technical Graduate Course (TGC) and Short Service Commission (SSC-Tech) – Indian Army

• Eligibility: Engineering graduates (B.Tech/B.E.).
• Age Limit: 20 to 27 years for TGC, 19 to 25 years for SSC-Tech.
• Number of Attempts:
  • TGC (Permanent Commission): Conducted twice a year, giving male candidates 8 attempts in 4 years.
  • SSC-Tech (Short Service Commission): Conducted twice a year, offering 8 attempts (4 years × 2 times a year) for males and 4 attempts for females.
  • Overall, male candidates can have 16 attempts (TGC + SSC-Tech), and female candidates can have 8 attempts with SSC-Tech.

3. Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)

• Eligibility: Male and female graduates.
• Age Limits:
  • IMA – 24 years
  • AFA – 23 years
  • NA – 22 years
  • OTA – 25 years
• Number of Attempts:
  • Depending on the age and service preference, a candidate can have 4-6 attempts if they clear the CDS written exam each time.

4. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) – Indian Air Force

• Eligibility: Both male and female graduates.
• Age Limits:
  • Flying Branch – 23 years
  • Technical Branch – 28 years
  • Ground Duty Branch – 23 years (with exceptions in certain cases)
• Number of Attempts:
  • With AFCAT conducted twice a year, a candidate can have 6-8 SSB attempts for various branches.

5. Direct Entries for Indian Navy (Executive, Technical, Pilot, etc.)

• Eligibility: Male and female graduates with a high percentage.
• Number of Attempts: Indian Navy conducts direct entries multiple times for various branches. Based on the candidate’s age and eligibility, they can have 5-6 SSB attempts through these entries.

✅ Summary of Attempts After Graduation:

• UES: 1 attempt
• TGC + SSC-Tech: 16 attempts (male), 8 attempts (female)
• CDSE: 4-6 attempts
• AFCAT: 6-8 attempts
• Direct Navy Entries: 5-6 attempts
  👉 A graduate can potentially have 15-20 SSB attempts through multiple entries.

🎖️ Additional Opportunities Based on Educational Qualifications

Apart from the standard entries mentioned above, there are other direct entries and special schemes that provide additional SSB attempts for engineering graduates, postgraduates, and professionals. Some of them include:

• NCC Special Entry: Candidates with NCC ‘C’ Certificate can apply directly for SSB without a written exam.
• Judge Advocate General (JAG) Entry: Law graduates can apply for JAG entry and get SSB chances.
• Special Direct Entries for Navy and Air Force: These are based on the branch, qualifications, and performance in academics.

⚡ Final Calculation: How Many SSB Attempts Can You Have?

• After 10+2: Up to 9-10 SSB attempts
• After Graduation: Up to 15-20 SSB attempts
• Special Entries & Direct Entries: 3-5 additional attempts

🎯 Grand Total: Depending on your qualifications and eligibility, you can have up to 30+ SSB attempts throughout your career.

📝 Conclusion

There is no limit to how many SSB attempts you can have, but it all depends on how long you remain eligible for various entries. With the right preparation, determination, and persistence, you can maximize your SSB opportunities and achieve your dream of serving the nation. So, keep applying for all the eligible entries and increase your chances of success!

💡 Pro Tip: Stay updated with the latest notifications for defence entries and keep track of age limits to ensure you never miss an opportunity!