The Nigerian Army DSSC recruitment portal is now open for qualified Nigerians to apply for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026. This recruitment exercise invites eligible individuals — including civilians and serving military personnel — to apply for commissioning as officers in specialized corps of the Nigerian Army.
The DSSC provides a pathway for professionals with requisite qualifications to serve as commissioned officers in technical, medical, engineering, education, and communications roles. All applications are free of charge and must be submitted online through the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal within the specified timeline.
Official Nigerian Army DSSC Recruitment Portal
The only legitimate website for DSSC applications is:
https://recruitment.army.mil.ng
Applicants should visit this portal and choose the DSSC option when submitting their application.
DSSC Recruitment 2026: Overview
- The Nigerian Army has opened the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026 recruitment.
- The application window runs from 7 January 2026 to 4 February 2026.
- Applications are free and fully online.
- Both civilians with professional qualifications and eligible serving military personnel can apply.
Using the DSSC route allows individuals with specialized skills to be directly commissioned into the Nigerian Army, strengthening its professional capacity in key sectors.
Corps and Career Areas Available
Applicants can be commissioned into the following corps, depending on their qualifications and professional background:
- Nigerian Army Engineers – fields such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and related engineering.
- Nigerian Army Signals – IT, Telecommunications, Computer Science, and related technical disciplines.
- Nigerian Army Medical Corps – medical professionals including doctors and specialized clinicians.
- Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (NAEME) – specialized technical engineering roles.
- Nigerian Army Education Corps – educators with relevant degrees and certifications.
Eligibility Requirements for DSSC 29/2026
While the Nigerian Army may publish more detailed criteria on the portal itself, standard requirements for DSSC applicants include:
Basic Eligibility
- Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth.
- Must be medically, mentally, and physically fit.
- Must be of good character with no criminal conviction.
- Must not belong to any secret society or cult group.
Age Requirement
- Applicants must be aged 20 to 32 years by 30 March 2026.
- Medical consultants and specialist professionals may have an upper age limit up to 40 years.
Educational and Professional Qualifications
- Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (Second Class Upper Division) or HND (Upper Credit) from an accredited institution.
- Degrees or HND certificates must have been obtained between 2011 and 2025 (or as specified by the Army).
- Medical professionals must be registered with relevant regulatory bodies and hold valid practicing licenses.
- Applicants for engineering, technical, and education corps must be registered with relevant professional bodies where required.
Physical Criteria
- Minimum height for males: 1.68m
- Minimum height for females: 1.65m
- Additional physical standards as outlined by Nigerian Army fitness assessments.
Referees and Character Attestation
- Two referees from the applicant’s state of origin are typically required. These may include senior government or military officials.
Required Documents
Before applying, candidates should prepare:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Valid National Identification Number (NIN) or BVN
- Degree/HND certificates and evidence of professional registrations
- Birth certificate or endorsed age declaration
- State of origin certificate
- NYSC discharge or exemption certificate (for civilians)
- Passport photograph
- Letters of attestation from referees
Original documents will be required at subsequent stages of the screening process.
How to Apply for Nigerian Army DSSC 2026
Follow these steps to complete the application:
- Visit the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal at recruitment.army.mil.ng.
- Select the DSSC (Direct Short Service Commission) Course 29/2026 option.
- Create an account using a valid email address and phone number (if you do not already have one).
- Log in to the portal.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic information.
- Upload all required documents in the specified format.
- Review and submit your application.
- Print the generated application slip or acknowledgement for future verification.
Applying early is recommended to avoid portal congestion and submission issues.
Selection and Screening Stages
Shortlisted candidates will proceed through:
- Verification of application data
- Physical screening and medical examinations
- Character and background checks
- Professional competence evaluations
- Final selection and commissioning
Only those who meet all criteria and perform satisfactorily in screening exercises will be commissioned as officers.
Important Tips
- The DSSC application process is free — beware of fraudsters demanding payment.
- Apply only via the official recruitment portal.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are clear, accurate, and complete.
- Keep your login credentials secure for tracking the application status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Nigerian Army DSSC Recruitment 2026
Is the Nigerian Army DSSC recruitment portal open for 2026?
Yes. Applications for the Direct Short Service Commission Course 29/2026 opened on 7 January 2026 and close on 4 February 2026.
What is the official DSSC application portal?
The official portal is recruitment.army.mil.ng where applicants select the DSSC option to apply.
Is the DSSC application free?
Yes. The application process is free of charge and must be submitted online.
Who can apply for DSSC Nigeria Army 2026?
Eligible Nigerians (civilians and serving military personnel with required qualifications) can apply.
What qualifications are required?
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (Second Class Upper) or HND (Upper Credit) in a relevant field is required.
Can serving military personnel apply?
Yes. Serving personnel who meet eligibility criteria and command endorsement can apply.
What happens after application?
Shortlisted candidates undergo screening, physical tests, and verification before selection and commissioning.