Indian Army 66th SSC 2025: Check eligibility and application process

The Indian Army 66th SSC 2025 notification is a golden chance for engineering graduates and final-year students to don the olive green and serve the nation as technical officers. This recruitment drive opens doors to men and women eager to combine their skills with the pride of safeguarding India’s borders. Applications run from 16 July to 14 August 2025, offering a structured path to be part of the technical leadership in the Army. From eligibility and vacancies to the step-by-step online application process, this post will help you understand everything you need to start your journey towards a respected and rewarding career.

Key Details of Indian Army 66th SSC 2025 Recruitment

Photo by Pramod Tiwari

The Indian Army 66th SSC 2025 offers 350 posts for men and 29 for women under the Short Service Commission (Technical) entry. Candidates who hold an engineering degree or are in their final year (with proof of passing by a set date) are eligible. This intake is not just a job offer, it’s a calling for those who want to use their technical knowledge in service to the country as commissioned officers.

The selection process is open for:

• Male and female engineering graduates (including final-year students)
• Widows of Defence Personnel (with specific conditions)

The course takes place at Officer Training Academy (OTA) Chennai and includes rigorous training designed to build leadership, physical stamina, and character.

Application Dates and Important Deadlines

Here’s what you can’t afford to miss:

• Start of Online Applications: 16 July 2025
• Last Date to Apply: 14 August 2025
• SSB Interview Intimation: Candidates shortlisted will receive dates via email or SMS a few weeks after the application closes.
• Document Submission: Final-year students must produce their degree certificates before a notified date at SSB.

Missing these deadlines can cost you the opportunity, so mark your calendars.

Vacancies and Course Information

Let’s break down the seats:

• Men: 350 vacancies
• Women: 29 vacancies
• Widows of Defence Personnel: Limited entries under SSC(W) (Tech) and SSC(W) (Non-Tech/Non-UPSC)

SSC Technical Entry is for high-quality engineers prepared for short service (initial tenure of 10 years, extendable by four more, and potentially up to 14 years in total). The OTA Chennai training lasts about 49 weeks, after which successful candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants.

Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process for Indian Army 66th SSC 2025

If you want to join the Indian Army as an officer through the 66th SSC, you must meet specific eligibility standards that go beyond just a degree.

These include:

• Age: 20 to 27 years as on 01 April 2026 (both dates inclusive). For widows of Defence Personnel, age can be up to 35 years.
• Education: Recognised Engineering degree or in the final year of study.
• Citizenship: Indian nationals. Some categories extend to citizens of Nepal or refugees from select countries who intend to permanently settle in India (details in official notification).
• Marital Status: Unmarried candidates except for widows of Defence Personnel.

Academic and Age Eligibility

The degree requirement is clear: a bachelor’s in engineering from a recognised university or equivalent qualification. Final-year students can apply but must provide proof of passing both the degree exam and all backlogs before the prescribed date.

Required documents include:

• Final-year students: Certificate from the Principal/Registrar.
• Age proof: Matriculation mark sheet or birth certificate.

Selection Procedure and SSB Interview

The selection process is about finding the right fit, not just passing a test.

• Shortlisting: Based on marks obtained in your engineering degree.
• SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for a five-day process that covers:
  • Day 1: Screening (intelligence and picture perception tests)
  • Days 2-4: Psychological assessments, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, and personal interviews
  • Day 5: Final board conference

There is no written exam. Selection is based entirely on merit and performance at the SSB.

Successful candidates then face a medical exam. Only those declared medically fit are included in the final merit list.

For additional details about military recruitment and training process, the FAQ section on joinindianarmy.nic.in provides in-depth and up-to-date information.

Medical and Physical Fitness Standards

The Army requires candidates to meet strict health and fitness standards. Medicals are conducted at assigned military hospitals. Disqualification can be due to conditions like colour blindness, poor eyesight, or other chronic health issues. Physical requirements include minimum standards for height and weight, and the ability to undergo basic fitness tasks during training. Candidates can find detailed medical standards under the official notification or view guidelines from official advisories.

How to Apply Online for Indian Army 66th SSC 2025

The application for Indian Army 66th SSC 2025 is completely online through joinindianarmy.nic.in.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Registration: Visit the official site and register using a valid email and mobile number.
2. Login: After registration, log in to the dashboard.
3. Fill Application: Enter your personal details, academic records, and preferences.
4. Upload Documents: Scan and upload all required files.
5. Preview and Submit: Double-check all entries and submit your application.
6. Save Printout: Download and print the final form for your own records.

There’s no application fee. Any incorrect or incomplete application may be rejected, so be detail-oriented.

Required Documents and Image Specifications

Be ready with scanned copies of the following:

• Recent passport-size photo (in colour, clear background)
• Signature (black ink preferred)
• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets (for age verification)
• Engineering degree certificate or provisional certificate
• Marksheets (all semesters for those who’ve graduated, up to current semester for final-year students)
• Photo ID (Aadhaar or other government-issued card)

All images should be in JPG/JPEG format, usually under 200 KB each. Passport photos should be recent and high-quality.

Tips for a Successful Application

Keep these points in mind to avoid common mistakes:

• Check eligibility before applying.
• Fill out all details, matching them with your certificates.
• Save your application form and uploaded documents digitally.
• Monitor emails and SMS for updates from the Army.
• Keep copies of all email correspondence.
• Don’t wait for the last day; server traffic can cause delays.

Staying organised during the application can save you headaches later.

Conclusion

The Indian Army 66th SSC 2025 is an unmatched opportunity for engineers who want to contribute more than just their degree—they want to serve and lead. The application window is short, from 16 July to 14 August 2025, so there’s no time to lose. Build your future in one of India’s most respected institutions, enjoy challenging work and proud moments, and let your training shape you into a true leader.

If you’re ready for a life of discipline, purpose, and respect, your journey starts with the Indian Army 66th SSC 2025.