The Indian Military Academy (IMA) has officially activated the SSB Centre and Date Selection Link for the IMA 161st Direct Entry (DE) Course. This update is crucial for candidates who have cleared the CDS (II) 2025 written examination and selected IMA as their first preference.
Eligible candidates can now log in to the Join Indian Army portal to select their preferred SSB interview date and centre. The Service Selection Board (SSB) interview is the final and most decisive stage in securing a Permanent Commission in the Indian Army.
What Is IMA 161 (DE) Entry?
The IMA 161st Direct Entry Course is scheduled to commence in July 2026 at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. This entry is exclusively for candidates recommended through CDS (II) 2025, conducted by UPSC on 14 September 2025.
Key Highlights of IMA 161 (DE)
- Academy: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Course Number: 161
- Entry Type: Direct Entry (DE)
- Examination Mode: CDS (II) 2025
- Training Commencement: July 2026
Only candidates who qualified the CDS written exam and opted for IMA are eligible to attend the 5-day SSB interview.
IMA 161 (DE) Selection Process
The selection process for IMA 161 (DE) consists of the following stages:
- Written Examination
CDS (II) 2025 conducted by UPSC. - SSB Interview (5 Days)
Conducted by the Service Selection Board to assess Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). - Medical Examination
As per prescribed Indian Army medical standards. - Final Merit List
Prepared based on combined CDS written marks and SSB performance.
Why the SSB Date Selection Link Is Important
The activation of the SSB Date Selection Portal allows candidates to:
- Select their SSB interview date
- Choose a preferred SSB centre
- Secure a slot on a first-come, first-served basis
Candidates are strongly advised to complete the selection process as early as possible, as delays may result in limited options.
Steps to Select IMA 161 (DE) SSB Date
- Visit joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Log in using registered credentials
- Navigate to the SSB Interview Section
- Select IMA 161 (DE)
- Choose preferred SSB centre and date
- Submit and download the confirmation page
What Happens After SSB Date Selection?
Once the date and centre are confirmed, candidates will receive call-up instructions and must report to the allotted SSB centre. The SSB evaluation includes:
- Screening Tests (Stage I)
- Psychological Tests
- GTO Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference
Each stage assesses leadership potential, decision-making ability, communication skills, and overall suitability for commissioning into the Indian Army.
SSB Preparation: What Aspirants Should Focus On
Defence experts highlight that the SSB is a scientific and personality-based assessment, not a rote-learning exam. Many capable candidates fail due to lack of structured preparation.
Key focus areas include:
- Mental clarity and self-awareness
- Effective communication skills
- Physical fitness
- Leadership behaviour in group tasks
With the IMA 161 (DE) SSB Date Selection Link now live, the final phase of the CDS (II) 2025 journey has officially begun. Aspirants should prepare with confidence, honesty, and discipline to maximise their chances of success.