IMA 161 (DE) SSB Process Begins as SSB Date Selection Link Activated
Good news for CDS aspirants who have opted for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) as their preference. The SSB Date Selection Link for IMA 161st Direct Entry (DE) has officially been activated. Candidates shortlisted after the CDS (II) 2025 written examination and who have chosen IMA can now select their preferred SSB dates and centres through the Join Indian Army website.
This stage is extremely crucial because SSB is the final and decisive gateway to becoming an officer in the Indian Army. Clearing the written exam is a major achievement, but the real test of Officer-Like Qualities begins here.
What is IMA 161 (DE) Entry?
IMA 161 (DE) refers to the 161st Direct Entry Course at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, scheduled to commence in July 2026. This entry is conducted through the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II) 2025 and is meant exclusively for candidates aspiring for a Permanent Commission in the Indian Army.
Key Highlights:
- Institution: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Course Number: 161st
- Entry Type: Direct Entry (DE)
- Mode of Entry: CDS (II) 2025
- Training Commencement: July 2026
Only those candidates who cleared the CDS (II) 2025 written exam conducted by UPSC on 14 September 2025 and have opted for IMA are shortlisted for the 5-day SSB interview.
Selection Process for IMA 161 (DE)
The selection for IMA 161 (DE) follows a clearly defined process:
1. Written Examination
Conducted by UPSC (CDS II 2025).
2. SSB Interview
Candidates who clear the written exam and have chosen IMA as their preference must appear for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview conducted by the Ministry of Defence. Such candidates are required to register on the Join Indian Army website to access the SSB Date Selection Link.
3. Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by SSB must clear the prescribed medical standards.
4. Final Merit & Joining Formalities
Final selection is based on the combined merit of the CDS written exam and SSB marks. Selected candidates must submit original certificates related to age, education, and eligibility to the IHQ of MoD (Army).
SSB Date Selection Link – What It Means for IMA Aspirants
The SSB Date Selection Link is activated only for candidates who have opted for IMA in their CDS application. Through this portal, eligible candidates can:
- Select their SSB interview date
- Choose their preferred SSB centre
- Confirm availability based on open slots
The allotment works on a first-come, first-served basis, making early action extremely important.
How to Select Your IMA 161 (DE) SSB Date
- Visit https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Log in using your registered credentials
- Go to the SSB Interview section
- Click on IMA 161 (DE) SSB Date Selection
- Select your preferred centre and date
- Submit and download the confirmation page
What Happens After Date Selection?
Once the SSB date is confirmed:
- Call-up instructions are issued
- Candidates report to the allotted SSB centre
The 5-day SSB assessment begins:
- Screening Tests
- Psychological Tests
- GTO Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference
Each stage is designed to assess leadership, personality, decision-making, and officer potential.
Why SSB Preparation is Non-Negotiable
SSB is a structured and scientific evaluation process, not a game of chance. Many capable candidates get screened out due to a lack of preparation rather than a lack of potential.
Focused preparation significantly improves clarity, confidence, and performance.
Read more:
Step-by-Step SSB Interview Preparation Plan for SSB Students Appearing in 2025
