How to Receive SSB Interview Calling after CDS Written Exam: Email or Letter?

Introduction

After clearing the Combined Defence Services (CDS) written exam, the next major step for candidates is the evaluation for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. It's important to understand the method by which this communication is provided and the timeline involved. In this article, we will explore the possible methods of notification and the time frame for receiving the call letter.

Notification via Email or Letter

Typically, candidates are notified about the SSB interview through a formal letter sent to their registered address. However, candidates may also receive communication via email, especially for updates and scheduling.

Time Frame for Receiving the Call Letter

The time frame for receiving the call letter can vary but it generally occurs within a month or two after the written exam results are announced. It's crucial for candidates to regularly check their email and keep an eye on the official website of the Ministry of Defence or the respective Service Selection Board for any updates regarding the SSB interview schedule.

SSB Interview Timeline and Specifics

Effectively, the SSB could happen any time from within a month to about seven months from the date of results, based on the convenience of the Service Selection Boards. It's important to note that each CDS examination is for a specific batch starting on a specific date. CDS 1 of the year is for training starting in the next January, and CDS 2 is for training starting in the next July. Your SSB should be usually completed by about three months before the commencement of training.

Specifics for IMA and OTA

The process varies slightly for IMA (Indian Military Academy) and OTA (Officers Training Academy). Candidates must register on the Indian Army website using the email ID they submitted on the application form. After registering, a process may take from a few days to a month, and an email will be sent about the start of the date selection process for the SSB.

Candidates need to log in to the Indian Army website and select their preferred center and date. After submission, a confirmation email with a detailed call-up letter will be sent to the registered email ID within a day or after the completion of the process. For different courses like Flying Academy (AFA) or Naval Academy, registration is necessary on the respective official websites, and similarly, the call-up letter is sent only to the registered email ID.

Personal Experience and Summary

A personal experience from CDS 1, 2019, highlights the process. Candidate results were declared by April, and the call letter arrived via both email and post, depending on the course. IMA candidates received their call letters first, followed by OTA candidates. The call letter for the IMA course reached me in late August, around four months after results, which was quite a wait. Regular checks on the official website and email were key to staying informed.

For AFA or Navy, the process involves registration on the respective official websites, and the call-up letter will only be sent to the registered email ID.

To summarize, after clearing the CDS written exam, candidates can expect their SSB call letters through email or post, with a general timeline of one to two months after the written exam results are announced. Regular updates from the official websites and email are crucial.