SSB Centers in India 2026 – Army, Air Force & Navy

What SSB Centres Actually Do

An SSB (Services Selection Board) is a specialised selection system that evaluates candidates over 4–5 days using:

• Psychological tests

• Group discussions and outdoor tasks

• Personal interview

• Final conference

The same philosophy runs across all SSB centers in India 2026:

• Army selection board – SSBs under the Indian Army

• Air force SSB Board – AFSBs (Air Force Selection Boards) for IAF entries

• Navy SSB Board – Naval Selection Boards (NSB) and SSBs for Indian Navy

These boards don’t re-test your written syllabus. They check whether you can be trained as a future officer.

List of SSB Centers in India 2026 (Army, Air Force & Navy)

Major SSB / AFSB / NSB Centres

Army Officer Selection Centres (SSB) in 2026

Prayagraj SSB Hub – Selection Centre East

Selection Centre East in Prayagraj is the oldest and largest Army SSB center in India 2026 for officer selection. It hosts five boards (11, 14, 18, 19 and 34 SSB) and handles a huge share of NDA, CDS, TES, NCC and other Army entries. Over the years, this part of the Army selection board network has built a reputation for disciplined procedure, large testing capacity and a strong legacy of officer recommendations.

Address: Cariappa Road, Cantonment, Civil Lines, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – 211001.

Bhopal Army & Navy Complex – Selection Centre Central

Selection Centre Central, Bhopal was raised in the 1970s to share the load of officer selection for the Indian Army and Navy. Today it hosts 20, 21 and 22 SSB for the Army, plus 33 SSB as a Navy SSB Board. This centre is known for its modern campus and central location, making it easier for candidates from many states to reach. It is an important pillar of both the Army selection board and the naval selection system in the list of SSB centers in India 2026.

Address: Selection Centre Central, Jaipur–Guna Road, Chandukheri, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – 462001.

Bengaluru Army & Naval Centre – Selection Centre South

Selection Centre South in Bengaluru is historically special because the first post-independence SSB was conducted here. It now has 12, 17 and 24 SSB and also hosts a Navy SSB Board along with Army boards. The pleasant climate, well-developed city and strong infrastructure make it one of the most comfortable but demanding centres in the Army selection board network. Many candidates remember this SSB for its balanced testing style and well-organised GTO grounds.

Address: Selection Centre South, Cubbon Road, FM Cariappa Colony, Sivanchetti Garden, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560042.

Kapurthala Northern Node – Selection Centre North

Selection Centre North at Kapurthala is a relatively new but rapidly growing centre in the list of SSB centers in India 2026. It was raised to support aspirants from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and nearby regions. With 31 and 32 SSB functioning here, the centre helps reduce backlog at other Army locations and gives more regional balance to the Army selection board network.

Address: Selection Centre North, Near DC Chowk, Kapurthala, Punjab.

East Coast Facility – Selection Centre East Coast, Visakhapatnam

Selection Centre East Coast at Visakhapatnam is a newer establishment designed to support officer selection on the eastern seaboard. It is planned as a tri-service facility, meaning that in the coming years it can help the Army, Navy and Air Force distribute candidates more evenly. For SSB centers in India 2026, this centre reflects the long-term expansion of the selection infrastructure.

Address: Selection Centre East Coast, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – 530014.

Western Region Facility – Selection Centre West, Gandhinagar

Selection Centre West at Gandhinagar is another new-generation SSB campus. It is intended to serve candidates from western and central India and to support the overall capacity of the Army selection board system. As more boards get commissioned here, its importance in the network of SSB centers in India 2026 will keep growing.

Address: Selection Centre West, Rupen Creek, Shahibaug, Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382042.

Air Force Selection Boards (AFSBs) – Air force SSB Board

1 AFSB Dehradun – Gateway to the Himalayas

1 AFSB Dehradun is one of the most recognised Air force SSB Board centres. Located in the peaceful Clement Town area, it handles NDA (Air Force wing), AFCAT and other officer entries. The setting near the foothills of the Himalayas and disciplined campus environment create the right atmosphere to test your officer-like qualities.

Address: 1 Air Force Selection Board, Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 248002.

2 AFSB Mysuru – Southern Air Force SSB Board

2 AFSB at Mysuru serves a large number of candidates from southern India. Located inside Chamundi Vihar Complex in Siddhartha Nagar, it offers spacious grounds, calm surroundings and a structured testing schedule. Many aspirants experience their first interaction with the Air force SSB Board here while appearing through AFCAT or NDA.

Address: 2 Air Force Selection Board, Chamundi Vihar Complex, Siddhartha Nagar, Mysuru, Karnataka – 570011.

3 AFSB Gandhinagar – Western Air Force Board

3 AFSB in Gandhinagar serves as the western pillar of the Air force SSB Board network. Situated in GIDC Estate, Sector-25, it has good connectivity with Ahmedabad and other major cities. For many aspirants from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and parts of central India, this board significantly reduces travel distance compared to older centres.

Address: 3 Air Force Selection Board, GIDC Estate, Sector-25, Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382024.

4 AFSB Varanasi – Eastern & Northern Catchment

4 AFSB at Varanasi caters to many candidates from eastern and northern India. The board operates from the Varanasi Cantonment area at Nadesar. As part of the Air force SSB Board chain, it follows the same five-day testing model, combining psychological tests, GTO tasks and personal interviews in a structured manner.

Address: 4 Air Force Selection Board, Varanasi Cantt, Nadesar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 221002.

5 AFSB Guwahati – Focus on the North-East

5 AFSB Guwahati is the newest Air force SSB Board and plays a crucial role for candidates from the North-East and nearby states. Recently shifted to a new location, it brings officer selection much closer to regions that earlier had to travel far for SSB interviews. This centre is important in the expanded map of SSB centers in India 2026.

Address: Main Gate, 5 Air Force Selection Board, Near Krishna Mandir, Agshia Village, Palasbari Road, Guwahati, Assam – 781128.

Navy Selection Boards & SSBs – Navy SSB Board

NSB Coimbatore – INS Agrani Leadership Campus

NSB Coimbatore is one of the most important Navy SSB Board locations. Situated inside INS Agrani, a naval leadership training establishment, this board usually handles 10+2 (B.Tech) entries and other officer schemes. The campus is designed to give candidates a disciplined but comfortable environment throughout the SSB process.

Address: Naval Selection Board, INS Agrani, Red Fields, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu – 641018.

NSB Visakhapatnam – Eastern Naval Command Board

NSB Visakhapatnam is located close to major naval facilities under the Eastern Naval Command. It conducts SSB interviews for various Indian Navy entries, including those routed through CDS and NCC. As a key Navy SSB Board, it combines full naval infrastructure with a rigorous assessment process for officer candidates.

Address: Naval Selection Board, 9-IRSD Area, next to Material Organisation, Kancharapalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – 530008.

SSB Kolkata – Diamond Harbour Naval SSB

The Navy’s SSB at Kolkata functions from the Diamond Harbour area in South 24 Parganas. It is a Navy-only SSB centre and handles multiple permanent and short service commission entries. Its location on the banks of the Hooghly, with strong connectivity to Kolkata city, makes it a unique and memorable Navy SSB Board for many candidates.

Address: Services Selection Board (Kolkata), Chhota Nadir Road, Downtown, Diamond Harbour, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal – 743331.

Naval Board at Selection Centre South, Bengaluru

Along with Army entries, one of the boards at Selection Centre South also takes naval batches. This means that Bengaluru not only represents the Army selection board network but also plays host to a Navy SSB Board at different times of the year. Candidates reporting here get exposure to both Army and Navy culture on the same campus.

Address: Naval Board, Selection Centre South, Cubbon Road, FM Cariappa Colony, Sivanchetti Garden, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560042.

Naval Board at Selection Centre Central, Bhopal

At Bhopal, 33 SSB functions as a dedicated Navy SSB Board inside Selection Centre Central. Sharing infrastructure with Army boards but working under Navy procedures, this board plays a key role in naval officer selection and adds to the combined strength of SSB centers in India 2026.

Address: 33 Service Selection Board, Selection Centre Central, Sultania Infantry Lines, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – 462018.

How Candidates Get Allotted to SSB Centres

You do not choose your SSB centre. For all major entries (NDA, CDS, AFCAT, NCC, TES, SSC Tech, etc.):

• The respective service (Army, Air Force, Navy) allots a centre based on entry type, batch planning and capacity.

• You receive a call-up letter / email with SSB centre name, full address, reporting date and time.

• Change of date may be allowed in genuine cases, but change of centre is almost never permitted.

This is true across the Army selection board, Air force SSB Board and Navy SSB Board system.

Quick Preparation Tips Before Visiting Any SSB Centre in 2026

• Read your call-up instructions carefully and double-check the address and reporting point.

• Plan your travel so you reach the city one day early, especially for far-off locations like Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati or Kolkata.

• Keep all documents, photographs and photocopies arranged in a transparent folder.

• Focus on communication skills, physical fitness and clarity of thoughts, not just written exam marks.

• Remember: every board in the network of SSB centers in India 2026 is designed to test your natural personality, honesty and officer-like qualities – not to “trap” you.

How the Right Guidance Helps You Perform at SSB Centres

Knowing all the SSB centers in India 2026 is important, but real success depends on how well you are prepared for the 5-day process. Many aspirants struggle with psychology tests, GTO tasks and personal interviews because they never get structured practice. This is where focused SSB coaching and mentoring make a big difference.

Doon Defence Dreamers, Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun works specifically on SSB interview skills along with written exam preparation for NDA, CDS and AFCAT. Students train under experienced mentors for psychology (TAT, WAT, SRT), group discussions, GTO tasks, personal interviews and conference strategy. The academy follows a disciplined routine, GTO ground practice, mock SSBs, one-to-one feedback and personality grooming so that candidates can face any Army selection board, Air force SSB Board or Navy SSB Board with confidence.

A special highlight is the Free SSB Coaching initiatives and dedicated Free SSB batches run by Doon Defence Dreamers for deserving and serious candidates. These programs are designed to support aspirants who have the talent and passion, but limited financial support, so that money never becomes a barrier in reaching any of the SSB centers in India 2026 and getting recommended.

FAQs on SSB Centers in India 2026

Q1. How many major SSB centers in India 2026 are active for officer selection?
There are six main Army selection centres, five Air Force AFSB centres and five key Navy SSB / NSB centres actively handling officer selection in the 2025–2026 cycle.

Q2. Are the SSB centres different for NDA, CDS and AFCAT?
The physical centres are the same, but different entries are allotted to different boards and batches. NDA, CDS, AFCAT, NCC, TES and other entries all use the same network of SSB centers in India 2026, depending on which service you are joining.

Q3. Can I request a change of SSB centre?
Normally, no. In rare and genuine cases (medical emergencies, unavoidable reasons), you may request a change of date, but change of centre is almost never approved, especially for Army and Navy. Air Force guidelines also allow only limited flexibility through their official support channels.

Q4. Are all SSB centres open to both male and female candidates?
Yes. All modern Army selection board locations, AFSB centres and Navy SSB Board / NSB centres assess both male and female candidates for Permanent and Short Service Commission entries, depending on the notification and eligibility.