SSB Interview and Backlogs – Can You Apply?

Defense aspirants are unsure whether they can attend the SSB interview if they have an active backlog in their graduation. In this article, we are going to cover the important points related to SSB interviews and backlogs. We are going to talk about the various entries and how an active backlog can affect your SSB interview. Continue reading if you have an active backlog or backlogs in your graduation and are willing to face the SSB interview.

Typically, the word backlog is used in India to refer to the number of failed courses/papers that haven’t yet been cleared. Sometimes, it can just be used to refer such yet-to-be-cleared courses at the end of the fourth (normally, the final) year.

Defence Exams for  SSB Interview and Backlogs:

CDS Exam and Backlogs: Candidates who are studying in the final year/semester Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply provided candidate should not have any present backlog up to the last semester/year for which results have been declared upto the time of submission of application and they will be required to submit proof of passing the degree examination at the time of commencement of course to reach the IHQ of MoD (Army).

AFCAT Exam: Candidates who are studying in the final year/ semester Degree course and are yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply provided the candidate should not have any present backlog and should have secured a minimum of 60% marks up to the last semester/ year for which results have been declared up to the time of submission of application.

NDA Exam: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination. You need to clear 12th class to join the NDA. You can appear for the SSB interview while studying in 12th or after passing the 12th class.

SSC Tech Entry Indian Army: As per the last SSC Tech 50 and 21 notification, there is nothing mentioned about the backlogs, so if you are eligible, you can apply and attend the SSB interview with an active backlog. 

NCC Special Entry: As per the last NCC Special Entry -44  notification, there is no details related to backlogs, so if you are eligible based on other criteria, you can apply and attend the SSB interview with an active backlog. 

JAG Entry: In case of Judge Advocate General Entry, there is nothing mentioned related to the backlogs, one must have all the documents while attending the SSB interview.

TES Entry: Candidates must have around 80-85% in PCM, so candidates who have cleared the 12th can apply for this entry.

Indian Navy Executive/ Technical Branch: Shortlisting is based on a fixed cutoff, the last notification doesn’t mention anything related to the backlog.

Note:

• Entries like CDS and AFCAT have “no backlog policy” during the SSB interview.
• If you can clear your backlog before the SSB interview and can provide the certificate, you can attend the SSB interview without an issue. 
• For such entries, you will be sent back if you have a backlog. 
• In case of doubt, call your respective SSB.
• For entries that need complete graduation, backlogs won’t be allowed as with backlogs your graduation is not considered as complete.
• If you are a defence aspirant, it is suggested that you clear all your backlogs before appearing for the SSB interview, having active backlogs might hamper your chances in the SSB.

SSB Interview Preparation Material [ 100% Recommended]

• Let’s Crack SSB Interview [Book]
• SSB Psychological Tests – Deep Dive [Book]
• OIR Test [eBook]
• Current Affairs [eBook]
• Defence Current Affairs [eBook]