AFMS Recruitment 2025
The Indian Army has announced direct recruitment for Dental Surgeons through NEET qualifications without written examinations. This AFMS recruitment 2025 presents a rare opportunity for dental professionals to secure a dentist job and join the Armed Forces Medical Services directly as an AFMS medical officer.
The medical officer recruitment drive opens on August 18, 2025, and closes on September 17, 2025, with 30 vacancies for NEET qualified dental graduates. Qualified candidates can earn between ₹61,300 to ₹1,20,900 under Level-10B pay scale. The age limit extends up to 45 years, making this position available to mid-career professionals and postgraduate degree holders.
This piece covers all essential details about the AFMS recruitment 2025 process. You’ll find information about eligibility criteria, how to apply, selection procedures, and salary packages. Fresh graduates can easily apply with an application fee of just ₹200.
Eligibility Criteria for AFMS Recruitment 2025
The AFMS medical officer recruitment process has strict eligibility criteria that candidates must meet before they apply. Let’s get into these requirements for dental professionals who want to join the army through NEET qualification.
Educational qualifications (BDS/MDS)
You need a BDS or MDS degree from a college or university that the Dental Council of India (DCI) and National Medical Council recognize. The DCI must recognize your institution for your specific graduation batch and year. BDS candidates should score at least 55% combined marks in their final year BDS across all subjects. The minimum percentage rule doesn’t apply if you have an MDS degree.
You must also register as a Dental Practitioner with a State Dental Council. Your registration with the state medical council should stay valid at least until December 31, 2025.
NEET MDS 2025 requirement
The army recruitment process makes it mandatory to appear in the NEET (MDS) 2025 examination. The exam was on April 19, 2025. Your NEET-MDS marks play a vital role because they determine who gets shortlisted for interviews.
Even candidates with an MDS degree must take the NEET-MDS examination. Keep your NEET PG scorecard and admit cards safe because you’ll need them during counseling.
Internship completion deadline
The AFMS recruitment 2025 criteria states that you must finish your one-year compulsory rotatory internship by June 30, 2025. This deadline cannot be extended. Selection authorities will check your internship completion certificate during the process.
Age limit and calculation date
Candidates up to 45 years can apply for this AFMS medical officer recruitment as of December 31, 2025. This generous age limit makes the chance available to both experienced professionals and fresh graduates.
The government offers age relaxation benefits, though the official notification doesn’t list specific details. Keep your age proof documents ready before applying since you’ll need them during verification.
December 31, 2025, serves as the date to calculate age eligibility. This means candidates born on or after January 1, 1981, qualify under the general category.
Application Process Step-by-Step
AFMS recruitment 2025 happens completely online and needs careful attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help NEET qualified candidates through the army recruitment process.
How to register on join.afms.gov.in
Start by visiting join.afms.gov.in. New users should click “New Registration” to complete their original registration. Your identity verification happens through an OTP sent to your mobile number. The system creates your application account once verified.
Details to fill in the application form
Your registration confirmation lets you proceed with personal, educational, and professional details. A valid email ID and mobile number are essential to receive updates. You should also keep all required documents ready, including identity proof, age verification, and educational qualification certificates.
Uploading documents and photo/signature
AFMS recruitment 2025 requires these important documents:
Recent passport-size photograph (not older than 6 months)
Your signature in digital format
Birth certificate or Class 10 certificate (for date of birth proof)
MBBS/BDS degree certificates
NEET PG scorecard
Internship completion certificate
Aadhar card
Application fee and payment method
Each candidate must pay Rs. 200/- as the application fee. You can make online payments through credit card, debit card, or net banking. It’s worth mentioning that you should save your online payment transaction number.
Key application dates and fees
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application Start Date | August 18, 2025 | Online submission opens |
| Application End Date | September 17, 2025 | Final date to submit application |
| Interview Date | From October 10, 2025 | Venue: Army Hospital (R&R), Delhi Cantt |
Selection Process Explained
AFMS recruitment 2025 uses a well-laid-out multi-stage process to select the most qualified dental professionals.
Initial screening based on NEET score
The selection committee creates a shortlist of candidates based on their NEET MDS marks. NEET percentile converts proportionately to a maximum of 200 marks for ranking purposes. The authorities create separate merit lists for male and female candidates. Note that candidates must score above the minimum qualifying marks set by the National Board of Examinations. The interview stage will include candidates up to eight times the number of available vacancies.
Interview round details
Shortlisted candidates need to appear for an interview with a Board of Officers at Army Hospital (R&R), Delhi Cantt. The interview carries 100 marks and assesses your personality, general awareness, and professional competence. Candidates appearing for their first interview get reimbursement for travel (AC III tier/Chair Car or Government Non-AC bus fare). You must score at least 50% marks in the interview to qualify. Your final merit list preparation combines NEET marks (prorated out of 200) and interview scores (out of 100).
Medical examination requirements
Candidates who qualify in the interview must go through examination by a Special Medical Board (SMB). This detailed assessment has mandatory investigations like complete hemogram, blood sugar, ECG, X-rays, and ultrasound. Candidates found “UNFIT” can appeal through the Appeal Medical Board (AMB) and if needed, through the Review Medical Board (RMB). Pregnancy during examination makes candidates temporarily unfit.
Height and physical standards
Military standards require male candidates to be at least 157 cm tall, while female candidates must be at least 152 cm. Candidates from Hill and Northeastern states get relaxed height requirements – 152 cm for males and 148 cm for females. Weight standards vary based on age and height, and all candidates must meet these requirements. The army’s recruitment process for NEET qualified candidates also looks at other physical parameters like chest measurements and overall fitness for military service.
Job Role, Salary, and Rank Details
AFMS recruitment 2025 rewards you with a prestigious rank and attractive compensation. This army recruitment for NEET qualified professionals provides much more than just a dentist job.
Rank offered: Captain
The selected candidates receive direct commission as Captain in the Army or equivalent rank in Navy/Air Force. This short service commission offers both respect and responsibility from your first day of service.
Salary structure (Level 10B pay scale)
AFMS medical officers receive compensation under Level 10B of the Defense Pay Matrix with a starting pay of ₹61,300. The salary grows with experience and can reach ₹193,900 at the highest cell of this level. You will also receive Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 monthly.
Number of vacancies
The current AFMS recruitment 2025 drive offers 30 total posts.
Table: Salary breakdown and benefits
| Component | Amount/Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹61,300 |
| Military Service Pay | ₹15,500 |
| Dearness Allowance | As per government rates |
| House Rent Allowance | Based on city category (X/Y/Z) |
| Transport Allowance | ₹3,600-₹7,200 (city-based) |
| Dress Allowance | ₹20,000 annually |
| Other Benefits | Ration/ration allowance, CSD facility, PG allowance (for specialists), Subsidized accommodation, 60 days annual leave, 20 days casual leave, LTC |
Your approximate monthly earnings as an AFMS medical officer would range between ₹97,000 to ₹1,00,000. This makes it a financially rewarding career option for professionals.
FAQs
Q1. Is NEET mandatory for AFMS recruitment 2025?
Yes, appearing in the NEET (MDS) 2025 examination is mandatory for all candidates applying for AFMS recruitment, including those who already possess an MDS degree.
Q2. What is the age limit for AFMS recruitment 2025?
The maximum age limit for AFMS recruitment is 45 years as of December 31, 2025. Candidates should be born on or after January 1, 1981, to qualify under the general category.
Q3. What is the application process for AFMS recruitment 2025?
The application process is entirely online through the official website join.afms.gov.in. Candidates need to register, fill out the application form, upload required documents, and complete the online payment transaction of Rs. 200/- as the application fee.
Q4. What rank and salary can I expect if selected?
Selected candidates are commissioned directly as Captain in the Army or equivalent rank in Navy/Air Force under short service commission. The starting basic pay is ₹61,300 under Level 10B of the Defense Pay Matrix, with total monthly earnings ranging between ₹97,000 to ₹1,00,000.
Q5. How are candidates selected for AFMS recruitment 2025?
The selection process involves initial screening based on NEET-MDS scores, followed by an interview round, and a comprehensive medical examination. Candidates must meet minimum qualifying marks in both NEET and the interview to be considered for final merit list preparation.
