Documents Required for SSB Interview 2026 : Updated Checklist

This piece gives you a complete checklist of Documents Required for SSB Interview Remember, missing paperwork leads to disqualification, regardless of your mental and physical preparation.

Your SSB interview success depends heavily on having the right documents. These papers can determine your selection chances even before testing your abilities. The most qualified candidates may be sent home at the time of reporting if they forget a single important document. The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview spans five days and stands as a crucial phase for candidates seeking officer roles in the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The documents you need for your SSB trip serve five main purposes. They verify your eligibility, maintain official records, provide special recognition, offer safety and legal protection, and help process allowances and reimbursements. Candidates appearing for specific entries like NDA SSB interview must be extra careful with their documentation. These papers prove you meet the strict age, education, and nationality requirements. A well-laid-out file shows more than just good organization – it demonstrates your Officer Like Quality (OLQ) that assessors actively seek.

Why SSB Document Verification Is Critical

Your military career starts with document verification at SSB. Your paperwork can make or break your candidature whatever your capabilities or preparation, unlike many other competitive processes.

Will give a solid proof of eligibility and identity

Documents Required for SSB Interview will prove your eligibility criteria and establish your identity without doubt. These papers validate three key aspects:

1. Age verification through your 10th certificate, which stands as the master document
2. Educational qualifications through mark sheets and certificates
3. Identity confirmation through government-issued photo IDs

Documents Required for SSB Interview -Your Class 10th Certificate must match every detail on all your documents—your name, parent’s names, and date of birth. Small spelling differences can create big issues during verification.

Prevents Day 1 disqualification

You might face immediate disqualification with incomplete documentation, even before showing your capabilities. This strict policy exists because:

1. The selection board must verify you meet entry criteria
2. Your documents prove claims made in your application
3. You can’t proceed without original certificates (especially matriculation certificate as age proof)

You won’t get travel reimbursement if sent back due to documentation issues, adding financial burden to disappointment. The call-up letter states that it doesn’t guarantee interview eligibility—Documents Required for SSB Interview must prove your eligibility.

Backs your TA claims and achievements

Your documents support two more aspects of the SSB process:

Travel Allowance Claims: First-time SSB candidates can claim travel reimbursement. You should keep all original tickets (bus, train – 3AC) to claim this allowance. Fill out the Travel Allowance (TA) form beforehand and submit it with original tickets as proof.

Achievement Verification: Achievement certificates like sports and extracurricular activities strengthen your profile during interviews. These documents back your claims about skills and accomplishments, though they aren’t always required.

Your documents tell your story before you speak. A well-laid-out file shows your foresight and organization—qualities expected in a military officer. This documentation is your first mission in the SSB process. Handling it with precision shows a vital Officer Like Quality (OLQ).

Mandatory Documents for All SSB Candidates

Getting your SSB interview documentation right needs careful attention to detail. You just need a standard set of documents to verify your credentials, whatever type of entry you’re pursuing. Let’s look at what you need to bring.

SSB Call-Up Letter or Admit Card

Your call-up letter is your official ticket to the SSB center. This document has vital details like your reporting date, venue location, and unique roll number. Once you get it:

• Print 2-3 copies from the official website (joinindianarmy.nic.in for Army, joinindiannavy.gov.in for Navy)
• Save digital copies on your phone or email
• Keep it handy – you’ll need it at the entry point

Pro tip for Documents Required for SSB Interview : Read your call letter really well – it lists any extra documents you might need for your entry scheme.

10th and 12th Mark Sheets and Certificates

These educational documents prove your age and academic background:

• Original 10th Certificate and Mark Sheet (this is your primary age proof document)
• Original 12th Certificate and Mark Sheet
• Two self-attested photocopies of each

Important: Your 10th certificate is the master reference for your name, parents’ names, and birth date. All other documents must match these details exactly.

Graduation Degree and Mark Sheets (if applicable)

Graduate-entry candidates (CDS, AFCAT, etc.) must bring these additional academic documents:

• Original degree certificate/provisional degree (if provisional, it should be less than six months old)
• Original mark sheets from all semesters/years
• Two self-attested photocopies of each [93]
• Your college’s conversion certificate if they use grades/CGPA

Final year students need a bonafide certificate from their principal or institution head.

Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)

You need a government-issued photo ID:

• Bring the original ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License)
• Your name should match your application form exactly
• Two self-attested photocopies

NDA/10+2 TES candidates can also use a photo certificate from their school/college principal.

20+ Passport-Size Photographs

Note: Pack extra photos – some SSB centers ask for up to 30.

Risk and No-Claim Certificates

These legal documents show you understand the testing risks:

• Risk Certificate: Parents/guardians must sign for minors, accepting physical test risks and waiving compensation claims
• No Claim Certificate: States you won’t claim compensation for injuries during SSB

You’ll find these certificate formats in your call-up letter or on official websites. NDA and TES candidates must pay special attention to these.

Keep your originals safe – photocopies alone won’t work for Documents Required for SSB Interview. Put everything in a waterproof folder and keep copies in a separate one.

Your documentation skills show your organizational abilities. Candidates who bring complete, well-arranged documents stand out to assessors. This simple step shows your attention to detail, planning, and foresight.

Additional Documents Based on Entry Type

The SSB interview requires several documents beyond standard paperwork. These requirements change based on your entry type. Your specific circumstances need the right documentation to build a strong application.

Bonafide Certificate for Final-Year Students

Final-year students must get a bonafide certificate from their college principal or institution head. This document should:

• Confirm that you await final-year results
• List your expected degree completion date
• Come on official letterhead with the principal’s signature

Important: Final-year candidates face disqualification without this certificate since it proves eligibility despite pending results.

Documents Required for SSB Interview – NCC ‘C’ Certificate (if applicable)

The NCC ‘C’ Certificate plays a crucial role for candidates in NCC Special Entry. Here are the benefits it offers:

On top of that, it exempts Soldier GD applicants from the Common Entrance Exam (CEE). Other ranks get 15 bonus marks.

Sports and Extracurricular Certificates

These certificates are a great way to get attention to your leadership qualities and achievements:

• National or state-level sports accomplishments
• Debate competitions or cultural activities
• Certificates with competent authority validation

These papers help assessors gage your Officer-Like Qualities (OLQ) and could give you an edge during interviews.

Medical Fitness Certificate

A government-authorized doctor (minimum MBBS qualification) must issue this certificate to confirm your physical fitness for SSB. The certificate needs to:

• Confirm you don’t have deafness or defective vision
• State you’re free from mental or physical issues
• Bear a registered medical practitioner’s signature
• Include your photo and measurements

This certificate isn’t always required but comes highly recommended, especially with current COVID protocols.

Previous SSB Attempt Certificate

Candidates with prior SSB appearances need this certificate. It must show:

• Previous SSB attempt details
• Center name and appearance date
• Previous attempt’s chest number

You’ll find the format in Appendix ‘F’ of your call-up letter.

Domicile and Character Certificates

A Tehsildar or District Magistrate issues the domicile certificate that proves your state residence. This certificate is:

• Essential for TES, NDA, and state quota entries

Air Force entries might need a character certificate.

The key to smooth Documents Required for SSB Interview lies in proper organization. Keep originals and photocopies in separate labeled folders. This simple step makes the verification process much smoother.

Entry-Specific Variations You Should Know

Military service branches have specific document requirements based on their entry schemes. The Documents Required for SSB Interview depend on whether you’re joining through NDA, CDS, AFCAT, or Naval entries.

NDA and 10+2 TES: School ID and Risk Certificate

Two documents are especially important for National Defense Academy (NDA) and 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) candidates:

• Risk Certificate: Parents or guardians must sign this document for candidates under 18 years to acknowledge physical testing risks
• School/College Photo ID: Your school-issued photo identification works for these entries

NDA candidates might need to submit an additional affidavit that explains any differences in personal details across documents.

CDS and AFCAT: Graduation Proofs

Combined Defense Services (CDS) and Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) candidates need to bring:

• Graduation Degree: Original degree certificate (universities can issue provisional certificates, but not college principals)
• Semester/Year-wise Mark Sheets: All original mark sheets from each academic year/semester

Final year students must get a certificate from their college principal that shows:

• College name
• University name
• Discipline/degree program
• Aggregate percentage
• Expected date of final result declaration in DD/MM/YYYY format

AFSB: Additional Medical Reports

Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) has the strictest document requirements:

The AFSB accepts only original matriculation certificates to verify date of birth—no other documents work.

Navy (NSB): Technical Course Certificates

Naval Selection Board (NSB) candidates should submit:

• Standard documents as per other branches
• Technical degree certificates with course completion details
• Sailor candidates need to provide Certificate equivalent to Diploma in Mechanical Engineering after Apprentice Training

Check your entry scheme in the call letter and prepare your documents. Missing even one required document at the SSB interview could lead to immediate rejection during document verification.

Tips to Organize and Present Your Documents

Your documents required for SSB interview need proper organization, not just collection. A well-organized file shows your attention to detail—an Officer Like Quality that catches the assessors’ attention right away.

Use labeled folders for originals and copies

A waterproof folder with clearly labeled sections shows a well-laid-out mind. Create separate sections for original documents and photocopies. To name just one example, see how sticky notes or tabs help mark each section for quick access during verification.

Get all photocopies attested in advance

Make sure a gazetted officer attests all your photocopies well before your reporting date. Shops near SSB centers get crowded, so avoid last-minute attestation.

Scan and store digital backups

Digital copies serve as reliable backups. Your phone, email, and USB drive should have copies of all important documents for SSB interview. This helps if physical documents get damaged or misplaced.

Follow the format in your call letter

Your call letter often contains specimen formats for certificates—read it thoroughly. The exact format requirements are vital for documents required for NDA SSB interview.

Carry extra pens, glue, and stapler

Simple stationery items can save you in emergencies. Quality ball pens, a glue stick, and a small stapler belong in your kit. These tools help you handle any last-minute document needs.

Conclusion

Getting ready for your SSB interview needs more than just physical fitness and mental readiness. Your documentation makes your first impression before the selection board meets you. The work to be done to get all Documents Required for SSB Interview is vital and needs careful attention.

Missing even a single document can lead to immediate disqualification, whatever your capabilities or preparation level. A well-organized documentation file shows your planning abilities and attention to detail—qualities the board looks for in potential officers.

Note : Documents Required for SSB Interview categories serve as a quick reference:

You should prepare your documentation at least two weeks before your reporting date. This buffer gives you time to fix any issues or get missing papers. Without doubt, candidates who arrive with complete, organized files create a positive first impression even before formal testing starts.

Your journey to become an officer begins with this simple yet significant task of documentation. Military life values precision and attention to detail—traits you can showcase from day one through proper paperwork management.

The SSB selection process tests many qualities. Before they assess your intelligence or leadership potential, they verify if you can handle simple responsibilities like bringing the right documents. Think about proper documentation preparation as your first assignment—one you must excel at to move forward.

Best of luck with your SSB interview! Today’s preparation will shape tomorrow’s success.