Nigerian Army DSSC Recruitment 2025/2026 Application Form – Requirements & Salary

The Nigerian Army has opened its Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) 2025 recruitment exercise, a unique opportunity for qualified graduates and professionals to join the military as commissioned officers. If you’re a graduate aspiring to serve in the Nigerian Army, this guide covers everything you need to know: eligibility, how to apply, training duration, and salary expectations.

What Is DSSC?

DSSC stands for Direct Short Service Commission, a pathway for commissioning professionals and degree holders into officer ranks in the Nigerian Army. It is designed for qualified applicants who meet specific academic, physical, and character criteria, typically with a shorter service commitment compared to regular commissions.

Is Nigerian Army DSSC 2025 form out now?

Recruitment opens/pauses by official announcement. Always confirm current status on the Army’s portal and verified channels; the Army has warned against fake adverts when not recruiting.

Eligibility Requirements for DSSC 2025

To qualify for the DSSC recruitment, candidates must meet the following conditions:

• Citizenship: Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth.
• Age: Typically between 22 and 30 years, though this can extend to 40 years for medical consultants.
• Education: Must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (Second Class Lower Division) or HND (Lower Credit). Professional certificates (e.g., MDCN, COREN) are required for specific fields.
• NYSC: A valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate is mandatory.
• Physical & Medical Fitness: Musculoskeletal and sensory requirements include:
  • Minimum height: males – 1.68 m, females – 1.65 m
  • No visible disabilities, scars, tattoos, speech impediments, or deformities.
• Character: Must be of excellent character, not belong to any secret society, and have no criminal convictions. A letter of attestation must be provided, signed by two credible referees (e.g., LG chairman or senior military officer).
• Documentation: Required documents include: birth certificate, state of origin certificate, NYSC certificate, academic transcripts, letters of attestation, and valid ID.

Required Disciplines and Open Fields

The DSSC is open to candidates in a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Medical fields (Doctors, Pharmacists, Lab Scientists, Nurses, Radiographers, Dentists)
• Engineering (Civil, Biomedical, Radar)
• Legal
• Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Hospital Administration
• Education, Information Technology, Administrative roles
• Clinical Psychology, Dietetics, Environmental Health, and more

Upload & Screening Document Checklist

• Degree/HND (min. 2nd Class Lower / Lower Credit), transcripts (if requested).
• NYSC discharge/exemption certificate.
• Birth certificate/age declaration, certificate of state of origin.
• Valid ID (NIN slip, National ID, Int’l Passport, Voter’s card, or Driver’s licence).
• Two guarantors/referees’ attestation letters.
• Recent passport photographs.
• Printed photo card/acknowledgement slip.

Note on status: The Army has, at times, cautioned the public when DSSC/SSC enlistment is not open. Always verify current status on the official portal or Army channels before applying. 

Also Read: 

• Nigerian Navy Recruitment  
• Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Recruitment
• Federal Fire Service (FFS) Recruitment

How to Apply for Nigerian Army DSSC Recruitment

Here’s how to register and submit your application:

1. Go to recruitment.army.mil.ng and choose the DSSC option.
2. Register with a valid email and create login credentials.
3. Fill in your details, upload required documents, and choose your preferred commission stream.
4. Submit your application before the deadline, around May 6, 2025, for DSSC.
5. Print acknowledgment slips and photo cards for future screening.

Note: The application is completely free, avoid anyone requesting payment. 

Selection Process & Training

Shortlisted candidates are invited for:

• Credential screening
• Written aptitude tests
• Interviews
• Physical and medical fitness assessments

Candidates who pass these stages proceed to officer training, typically around 6 months in duration for DSSC, at institutions like the Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

DSSC Ranks & Salary Structure (2025)

Once commissioned, DSSC officers start at the rank of Lieutenant and may rise to Captain, Major, up to Brigadier General depending on tenure and performance:

Ranks & Approximate Monthly Salaries (₦)

• Lieutenant: ₦180,000 – ₦230,000
• Captain: ₦220,000 – ₦310,000
• Major: ₦300,000 – ₦370,000
• Lieutenant Colonel: ₦350,000
• Colonel: ₦550,000
• Brigadier General: ₦750,000

Summary Table

Category	Details
Eligibility	Ages 22 to 30 (≤40 for medics), Nigerian by birth, degree/HND, NYSC
Application	Via recruitment.army.mil.ng
Requirements	Certificates, attestations, NYSC, ID, attestations, state of origin
Selection	Screening → Tests → Interview → Fitness Tests → Training (~6 months)
Starting Rank	Lieutenant
Salary Range	₦180,000 (Lt) to ₦750,000 (Brig Gen) per month

FAQ

• Is the form free?
  Yes, application is free on the official portal.
• Which portal should I use?
  Use only the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal (DSSC section); application is free.
• What rank do DSSC graduates receive?
  Successful officer cadets are commissioned Lieutenant (with exceptions for some medical cadres).
• How long is DSSC training?
  Generally, 6 to 9 months depending on course/service year. (Army DSSC courses vary; official materials show 9 months in some contexts, while other services cite 6 months.).
• What documents must I bring to screening?
  Degree/HND, NYSC, IDs, birth & state certificates, passports, printed slips, and referees’ attestations
• What is the Minimum height?
  About 1.68 m (male) / 1.65 m (female); good medical/physical fitness required.
• Who can apply?
  Nigerian citizens by birth, typically 22 to 30 years (medical consultants may be older). Degree/HND + NYSC required.
• What is the Starting rank after training?
  Lieutenant (medical consultants may start higher).

Final Thoughts

The Nigerian Army DSSC Recruitment 2025 presents a prestigious pathway into military service for qualified Nigerians. With proper documentation, physical fitness preparation, and understanding of the recruitment stages, you can enhance your chances of success.