The Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, is set to establish a new Services Selection Board (SSB) Centre in Guwahati, Assam. This significant move is currently under active consideration and is anticipated to provide a vital platform for the selection of officers in the Indian Armed Forces, particularly benefiting youths from the North Eastern region.
New Services Selection Board in Guwahati
Background and Proposal
The initiative began with a formal request from Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who wrote to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on February 20, 2025. The request highlighted the challenges faced by candidates from the North East in accessing existing SSB Centres, which are primarily located in Northern, Central, and Southern parts of India.
Chief Minister Sarma further assured the MoD of the availability of vacant military land within Guwahati, streamlining the setup process for the new centre.
Ministry of Defence’s Response
On August 6, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded via a communiqué to the Assam Chief Minister, confirming that the proposal is being seriously examined. Notably, the feasibility of establishing a joint Selection Centre for both the Army and Air Force in Guwahati is being studied, which could significantly enhance opportunities for defence aspirants across the North East.
Significance for North Eastern Youth
- Access: The establishment of the SSB Centre in Guwahati will dramatically improve access for candidates, reducing travel and logistical challenges.
- Encouragement: The move is expected to inspire local youth to pursue careers in the Armed Forces.
- Inclusivity: The decision recognizes the need for inclusion of talent from the North Eastern states and brings defence recruitment infrastructure closer to underrepresented regions.
Chief Minister’s Gratitude
Following the Defence Ministry’s assurances, Chief Minister Sarma thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for considering the proposal and expressed appreciation for the centre, emphasizing its potential to benefit thousands of defence aspirants in Assam and neighboring states.
Outlook
While the final details and timeline for the establishment are yet to be officially announced, the project represents a strategic move to strengthen the presence of defence recruitment infrastructure in the North East, and reiterates the government’s commitment to regional development and national integration.
Key Takeaways:
- The MoD is actively considering Assam’s proposal for a dedicated SSB Centre in Guwahati.
- The centre will serve both Army and Air Force candidates.
- The initiative addresses long-standing accessibility challenges faced by North Eastern youth.
- Official communications between Chief Minister Sarma and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signal strong government support for the project.
