The Indian Army NCC Special Entry 2025 offers a prestigious and direct pathway for NCC cadets to become commissioned officers in the Indian Army. This exclusive recruitment drive is designed specifically for dedicated NCC cadets who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and have acquired the NCC ‘C’ Certificate with a minimum ‘B’ grade. The scheme allows candidates to bypass the written examination and move directly to the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, making the selection process unique and focused on personality, leadership qualities, and physical fitness.
In 2025, the Indian Army is filling 76 vacancies under this special entry, welcoming both men and women candidates, including wards of battle casualties of Army personnel. Upon successful selection and training, candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants, serving under the Short Service Commission (SSC). The training period lasts 49 weeks at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.
Eligible candidates must be unmarried graduates between the ages of 19 and 25 years as of July 1, 2025, with a demonstrated record of NCC service for at least two to three years. Apart from academic and age qualifications, physical and medical fitness criteria are strictly enforced to ensure candidates meet the demanding requirements of military service.
Financially, this career offers a handsome and structured salary starting at Level 10 in the Defence Pay Matrix, with the basic pay starting at ₹56,100 per month, potentially reaching ₹1,77,500 as officers progress in rank. In addition to the salary, officers receive various allowances such as Military Service Pay, Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, as well as special field area allowances when posted in challenging locations. Additionally, officers benefit from comprehensive perks including free medical facilities, canteen facilities, travel concessions, army housing, and pension benefits post-retirement.
The application window for NCC Special Entry opens in August 2025 and closes in September 2025. Interested candidates should apply online through the official Indian Army recruitment website. The selection process comprises shortlisting based on academic and NCC performance, followed by the rigorous five-day SSB interview, and a medical examination. This special entry is not just a job but a calling to serve the nation with honor and pride while enjoying a rewarding professional life in the Indian Army. This opportunity provides a remarkable platform for young NCC cadets to start an extraordinary career of service and leadership in the armed forces.
Application Dates
For the 123rd Course (April 2026):
- Application Start Date: 11-12 August 2025 (Men start on 11 Aug; Women on 12 Aug)
- Application Last Date: 10-11 September 2025 (Men last date 10 Sep; Women last date 11 September)
Age Limit
- Candidates must be between 19 to 25 years of age as of either 1 January 2026 (123rd course).
- This corresponds to a date of birth range generally from early 2000/2001 to mid/early 2006/2007, depending on the course.
Educational Qualification and Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Graduate degree from a recognized university with at least 50% aggregate marks |
| Final year students | Allowed to apply if they have minimum 50% in previous years and must secure 50% overall |
| NCC Certificate | Must have NCC ‘C’ Certificate with minimum ‘B’ Grade (except wards of battle casualties) |
| NCC Service | Minimum two/three years in Senior Division/Wing of NCC |
| Other Criteria | Unmarried male and female candidates |
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
No written exam is conducted for NCC Special Entry.
Selection involves:
- Application shortlisting based on merit (weighted graduation marks and NCC ‘C’ certificate grade).
- Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview (5-day process):
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT).
- Stage II: Psychological tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT), Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, Personal Interview, and final conference.
- Medical Examination.
- Final Merit List.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the Indian Army’s official recruitment website:
- Visit the official Indian Army recruitment website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
- On the homepage, click on “Officer Entry Apply/Login.”
- If you are a new user, register by providing the required details. If you are already registered, log in with your credentials.
- After logging in, you will see your dashboard. Click on “Apply Online.”
- Look for the “Short Service Commission NCC Special Entry Scheme” course (the 123rd Course starting April 2026) and click on the apply link next to it.
- Fill in the online application form carefully with your personal details, educational qualifications, and NCC certificate details.
- Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature as per the specifications mentioned on the site.
- Review all the information you entered by checking the summary.
- Submit the application form online.
- After submission, take at least two printouts of the application form for your records. One printout needs to be carried to the SSB interview center.
Salary Pattern
- Rank on commission: Lieutenant.
- Basic Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500).
- Additional allowances include Military Service Pay (₹15,500/month), Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, Kit Maintenance Allowance, and Field Area Allowances.
- Total Cost to Company (CTC) approximately ₹17-18 Lakhs per annum.
- Other benefits: free medical facilities, canteen facilities, travel concessions, housing, and pension after retirement.
Training
- Duration: About 49 weeks of pre-commission training at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
- Training covers military discipline, leadership, and tactical skills.
This entry is ideal for NCC cadets aiming to serve as officers and offers a fast track to the Indian Army officer cadre without written tests. Candidates must meet age, educational, and NCC requirements, pass the SSB and medicals, and prepare for a dynamic career with excellent remuneration and benefits.
