Big update for all NCC cadets nationwide. The Indian Army has officially released the Merit List for SSC (NCC) Special Entry – 123rd Course (Men & Women), which is scheduled to begin in April 2026.
This is a very important moment for candidates who have already cleared their SSB interviews and have been eagerly waiting to see their final merit position. Now that the merit list is out on the official Indian Army website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, the next steps will focus on documentation formalities and the issuance of Joining Letters (JLs).
Let’s break everything down simply and clearly so you don’t miss anything important.
SSC (NCC) Special Entry – 123rd (Men) Course Analysis
Total Vacancies: 70
- 63 – General Category
- 07 – Wards of Battle Casualty of Army Personnel
Merit Trend Insight
1. Merit list extends beyond the total number of vacancies.
2. Final Joining Letters will be issued strictly as per merit and vacancy availability.
3. Candidates with higher merit have stronger chances, but final joining depends on:
- Medical fitness
- Educational qualification
- Document verification
- Fulfilment of all eligibility criteria
This shows the competition level is extremely high. Even after the recommendation, final selection remains performance-based and eligibility-based.
SSCW (NCC) Special Entry – 123rd (Women) Course Analysis
Total Vacancies: 06
- 05 – General Category
- 01 – Ward of Battle Casualty
Merit Trend Insight
- The merit list includes more candidates than available vacancies.
- Final Joining Letters will be issued only up to vacancy limits.
- No candidate has been recommended under the Wards of Battle Casualty category in this course.
With just 5 general seats, competition in the women's entry is exceptionally intense. Even a single merit position makes a huge difference.
Age Limit (As on 01 January 2026)
- Minimum Age: 19 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
Age relaxation is provided as per the Indian Army rules.
Educational Qualification
For NCC Candidates:
- Graduation in any stream with a minimum 50% marks.
- Must have NCC “C” Certificate.
- Minimum 2 years of service in NCC.
- Final year students can also apply.
For Wards of Battle Casualties:
- Graduation with a minimum 50% marks from a recognised university.
The eligibility looks simple on paper. But clearing SSB and securing merit is where the real challenge begins.
Important Instructions (For Both Men & Women)
The Indian Army has clearly stated:
Submission of Educational Documents
Candidates who have not submitted:
- All semester mark sheets
- Degree / Provisional degree certificate
- Any other required document
Must immediately upload self-attested scanned copies through the ‘Feedback/Query’ option on the official website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
Failure to submit documents may impact your joining.
Joining Letters (JLs) Will Be Issued:
- As per Merit
- Subject to Vacancy
- Subject to Medical Fitness
- Subject to Educational Qualification
- Subject to fulfilling all eligibility conditions
Being in the merit list does not automatically guarantee joining.
Deadline for Certificate Submission
If any educational document is missing:
- Candidates will be informed through registered email.
- Required documents must be submitted on or before 01 April 2026.
- Failure to comply may lead to cancellation of candidature.
So check your email regularly.
What Selected Candidates Should Do Now
If your name appears in the merit list:
- Ensure all educational documents are submitted
- Monitor email for official communication
- Maintain medical fitness
- Keep original documents ready
- Stay disciplined until the Joining Letter is issued
Remember, this is the final stretch of the journey.
What Future Aspirants Should Learn From This Merit List
- Vacancies are limited.
- Merit ranking matters heavily.
- Documentation errors can cost selection.
- Professional guidance makes a difference.
- SSB is not luck; it is a structured personality evaluation.
The competition trend in both men's and women's entries shows that serious, disciplined preparation is now essential.
Final Words
The release of the SSC (NCC) Special Entry 123rd Course (April 2026) Merit List marks a significant milestone for NCC aspirants across the country.
For those who made it into the merit list, congratulations. Stay alert, complete all formalities carefully, and prepare for the proud responsibility of wearing the uniform.
For future aspirants, let this merit list be your motivation.
The journey from NCC cadet to Army officer is demanding, competitive, and deeply rewarding. With focused preparation and clarity of purpose, the goal is absolutely achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does appearing in the merit list guarantee joining?
No, appearing in the merit list does not guarantee joining. Final selection depends on merit position, vacancy availability, medical fitness, document verification, and fulfilling all eligibility criteria.
2. What are the total vacancies for the 123rd NCC Special Entry (April 2026)?
For Men, there are 70 vacancies, including general and battle casualty categories. For Women, there are 6 vacancies. Joining will strictly follow merit and vacancy limits.
3. What should I do if I have not submitted my semester mark sheets or degree certificate?
Candidates must immediately upload self-attested scanned copies through the ‘Feedback/Query’ option on the official website. Failure to submit required documents before the deadline may lead to cancellation.
4. What happens if a candidate is medically unfit?
Medical fitness is compulsory for joining. If a candidate is declared medically unfit and fails to qualify in the review medical, the candidature may be cancelled despite merit position.
5. Why does the merit list include more names than available vacancies?
The merit list is prepared in order of ranking, but joining letters are issued only up to the available vacancies. Lower-ranked candidates may get a chance if vacancies arise.
Read more:
Indian Army NCC Special Entry Men & Women 124th Notification Out- Apply now
NCC Special Entry 123rd Men Merit List
