The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has released the Army Dental Corps Short Service Commission Information Brochure 2026 for recruitment of civilian Dental Surgeons as Short Service Commissioned Officers. A total of 37 vacancies are available in the Army Dental Corps. Eligible Indian citizens, both male and female, who have completed BDS and the prescribed compulsory rotatory internship can apply. Candidates possessing an MDS degree can also apply, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
The online application process begins on 22 September 2026, and completed applications must be submitted on or before 22 October 2026. Applications are accepted through the official AFMS website at www.join.afms.gov.in.
Official Notification PDF: Army Dental Corps Short Service Commissioned Officer Recruitment 2026
Army Dental Corps Recruitment 2026 - Overview
| Organization | Army Dental Corps, Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) |
|---|---|
| Post | Short Service Commissioned Officer / Civilian Dental Surgeon |
| Total Vacancies | 37 Posts |
| Commission | Short Service Commission (SSC) |
| Qualification | BDS/MDS from a DCI-recognized institution |
| Age Limit | Maximum 45 Years as on 31 December 2026 |
| NEET Requirement | NEET (MDS) 2026 is mandatory |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 22 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 October 2026 |
| Application Processing Fee | ₹200 |
| Official Website | www.join.afms.gov.in |
Army Dental Corps Vacancy 2026
The Information Brochure 2026 states that 37 vacancies are available for grant of Short Service Commission to eligible civilian Dental Surgeons in the Army Dental Corps. The brochure does not provide a post-wise vacancy breakup beyond the total number of 37 vacancies.
Important Dates for Army Dental Corps SSC 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Information Brochure and Online Application Available | 22 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission of Completed Online Application | 22 October 2026 |
Who Can Apply for Army Dental Corps Recruitment 2026?
The recruitment is open to Indian citizens, both male and female, who have passed the final BDS examination and completed the required compulsory rotatory internship. Candidates with an MDS qualification can also apply.
Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India. Foreign nationals are not eligible to apply.
Age Limit
The maximum permissible age for Short Service Commission is 45 years as on 31 December 2026.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the requisite BDS or MDS qualification from a College/University recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI). The institution must have been recognized for the relevant batch/year in which the candidate graduated.
Candidates must also be registered as Registered Dental Practitioners with a State Dental Council.
BDS Candidates
- Must possess a BDS degree from a DCI-recognized College/University.
- Must have secured a minimum of 55% marks in final-year BDS, calculated on the aggregate of all subjects.
- Must have appeared in NEET (MDS) 2026.
- Must have completed the prescribed compulsory rotatory internship.
MDS Candidates
- Must possess an MDS degree from a DCI-recognized institution.
- Must be registered as a Dental Practitioner with a State Dental Council.
- Must have appeared in NEET (MDS) 2026.
Candidates who have completed an MDS degree do not need the 55% final BDS aggregate to be the deciding criterion, according to the frequently asked questions in the brochure.
NEET MDS 2026 is Mandatory
All BDS and MDS candidates seeking Short Service Commission in the Army Dental Corps must have appeared in NEET (MDS) 2026, conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), New Delhi, under the aegis of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
The NEET (MDS) 2026 examination was conducted on 02 May 2026. Only candidates who appeared in this examination are eligible to apply for the Army Dental Corps SSC 2026 recruitment.
Compulsory Internship Requirement
Candidates must have completed the one-year compulsory rotatory internship by 30 June 2026.
The brochure states that no condonation of the one-year internship period will normally be accepted, except for the following specified cases:
- Students admitted during the 2007-2008 academic session who completed a four-and-a-half-year BDS course followed by six months of compulsory rotatory internship.
- Students admitted during the 2006-2007 academic session at Rajah Muthiah Dental College, Annamalai University, who completed a five-year BDS course without internship.
Dental Registration Requirement
The candidate's Permanent or Provisional Dental Registration Certificate issued by the State Dental Council/DCI must remain valid up to at least 31 December 2026.
Candidates holding only a provisional registration certificate may apply. However, the Permanent Registration Certificate from the respective State Dental Council should be obtained and produced at the time of interview.
Documents Required for Army Dental Corps Application
Candidates are required to upload the prescribed documents along with the online application. The brochure lists the following documents:
- Matriculation/Class 10/SSLC/ICSE certificate or municipal birth certificate as proof of age.
- NEET (MDS) 2026 Admit Card.
- NEET (MDS) 2026 Score Card.
- Final-year BDS mark sheets. Where the final-year examination is conducted in two parts, both Part I and Part II mark sheets must be provided as a single document.
- BDS/MDS Provisional Pass Certificate or Degree Certificate.
- Compulsory Rotatory Internship Completion Certificate or a certificate from the Principal/Dean confirming the date of completion.
- Permanent/Provisional State Dental Council Registration Certificate valid up to 31 December 2026.
- Valid Passport, Nationality Certificate, Domicile/Nativity Certificate or Voter ID issued by the Election Commission of India.
- Document supporting a change of name after Class 10, where applicable.
- No Objection Certificate from the present employer, if applicable.
- Self-certified Page 16/17 undertaking of the Information Brochure, as applicable to BDS/MDS candidates.
- Photograph as required in the online application.
Candidates with a five-year BDS course, excluding internship, must attach their fourth-year and fifth-year mark sheets.
Document Verification at Interview
Candidates shortlisted for the interview must produce the original certificates and documents, including the application/admit card downloaded after completing the online application.
A candidate who does not have the required original documents at the time of interview will not be eligible, even if the candidate has sufficient merit.
If original documents have been deposited with another institution, the candidate may attend the interview by producing a deposit certificate issued by the Dean/Head of that institution along with attested photocopies of the certificates.
Army Dental Corps Selection Process 2026
The selection procedure consists of screening based on NEET (MDS) 2026 marks, an interview and a mandatory medical examination.
1. Screening for Interview
Candidates will initially be shortlisted for interview based on their marks in NEET (MDS) 2026. The screening will be conducted in a 1:10 ratio, meaning approximately ten candidates will be called for interview for each advertised vacancy.
2. Interview
Shortlisted candidates will appear before a duly constituted Selection Board at New Delhi. The interview will assess the candidate's suitability and merit for grant of Short Service Commission in the Army Dental Corps.
The brochure specifically states that the final merit list will be based on performance in the interview alone. Candidates who qualify in the interview will then undergo medical examination.
3. Medical Examination
Candidates provisionally placed on the merit list must undergo a detailed medical examination conducted by a duly constituted Medical Board of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).
Only candidates declared medically fit according to the prescribed Armed Forces medical standards will be eligible for grant of Short Service Commission.
Army Dental Corps Medical Examination
Candidates qualifying the interview are required to undergo a mandatory medical examination. The Medical Board will assess fitness according to the medical standards prescribed for commissioning into the Armed Forces.
Candidates declared unfit by the Special Medical Board (SMB) may be informed about the procedure for requesting an Appeal Medical Board (AMB). An unfit candidate should report for AMB within a maximum period of 42 days from the date of the SMB.
A Review Medical Board may be granted at the discretion of DGAFMS based on the merits of the case and is not a matter of right.
Physical Standards
The brochure provides the following minimum height standards:
| Category | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 157 cm |
| Male Candidates from Hill and Northeastern States | 152 cm |
| Female Candidates | 152 cm |
| Female Candidates from Hill and Northeastern States | 147 cm |
For detailed policies concerning height, weight and permanent body tattoos, candidates are directed to the medical standards information available through the Indian Army website.
Army Dental Corps Salary 2026
Civilian Dental Surgeons commissioned into the Army Dental Corps will be granted the rank of Captain.
| Pay Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Rank | Captain |
| Pay Level | Level 10 B |
| Basic Pay Scale | ₹61,300 - ₹1,20,900 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 per month |
| Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) | 20% of Basic Pay |
| Dress Allowance | ₹20,000 per year |
| PG Allowance | ₹2,250 per month for eligible MDS degree holders, or Specialist Pay subject to requirements |
In addition to the above, applicable HRA and Dearness Allowance are provided according to the relevant rules. Officers posted in applicable field areas may also receive Field Area Allowance, High Altitude Allowance, Siachen Allowance and other applicable allowances.
Other Benefits
- Free medical facilities for self and dependents.
- Canteen facilities.
- Entitled rations.
- Mess, club and sports facilities.
- Government accommodation, subject to applicable provisions.
- Car/Housing Loan at subsidized rates as applicable.
- Army Group Insurance Scheme with insurance of ₹1 crore under the existing rules.
- 60 days Annual Leave every year, subject to service exigencies.
- 20 days Casual Leave every year, subject to service exigencies.
- Railway concession and travel benefits as prescribed by the applicable rules.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC) as per Government rules.
Army Dental Corps SSC Tenure
The initial tenure of a Short Service Commission Officer is five years.
The SSC tenure may be extended by another nine years in two spells:
- First extension: 5 years
- Second extension: 4 years
This provides a potential total SSC tenure of 14 years, subject to availability of vacancies, willingness to continue and fulfillment of the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Probation Period
An officer will remain on probation for 12 months from the date of receiving the commission. If reported unsuitable for retention of commission, services may be terminated by the competent authority in accordance with the applicable rules.
Rank and Promotion
Selected candidates will be commissioned as Captain in the Army Dental Corps.
SSC officers are eligible for promotion to:
- Major: after four years and six months of service.
- Lieutenant Colonel: after eleven years and six months of service, subject to applicable rules.
Candidates holding a three-year MDS degree may be eligible for antedate seniority according to the rules specified in the brochure.
Antedate Seniority for Dental Officers
Eligible Dental Officers may apply for antedate seniority subject to DGAFMS policy. The brochure provides for antedate seniority in specified circumstances.
- A BDS graduate may be eligible for six months of antedate seniority after commission if the prescribed conditions relating to continuous paid service as a House Officer, Resident Demonstrator, Lecturer or Clinical Assistant are fulfilled.
- A candidate holding a recognized three-year MDS degree before joining service may be eligible for 36 months of antedate seniority corresponding to the three-year postgraduate academic course.
- Claims for antedate must be preferred within one year of joining service.
- The maximum antedate seniority where more than one eligibility provision applies is limited to 36 months.
- DGAFMS is the final authority regarding the grant of antedate seniority.
Service Liability and Posting
Officers granted Short Service Commission in the Armed Forces Medical Services/Army Dental Corps may be liable to serve in any part of India or abroad, according to service requirements.
They may be appointed in selected positions in the Army, Navy or Air Force and may be required to work independently in the units allotted to them.
Training After Commission
After commissioning, selected candidates will be detailed for training at AMC Centre & College, Lucknow. The training will be conducted at Government expense.
Departmental Permanent Commission
After completing two years of service as an SSC Officer, candidates may become eligible to apply for the limited vacancies available for Permanent Commission, subject to the applicable policy and age conditions.
As specified in the brochure, candidates must not have attained:
- 30 years of age for BDS candidates.
- 35 years of age for MDS candidates.
The relevant age is considered as on 31 December of the year of application for Permanent Commission.
Application Processing Fee
Candidates are required to pay an Application Processing Fee (APF) of ₹200 online along with the application. The payment is made towards the DGAFMS APF Fund.
The fee is non-refundable. Incomplete applications or applications that do not comply with the prescribed instructions are liable to be rejected.
Travel Allowance for Interview
Candidates appearing for the first time for the SSC Army Dental Corps interview are entitled to "To and Fro" First Class/AC-III/AC Chair Car railway fare by Mail/Express train, or the actual Government bus fare where travel is by bus.
Candidates appearing for the second or subsequent time are not eligible for this travel entitlement.
Interview Centre and Call Letter
The interview for shortlisted candidates will be conducted at New Delhi. The interview schedule will be published on the official AFMS website after scrutiny of applications.
Shortlisted candidates can check their interview dates on the website. The call letter will be sent to the registered email ID. Candidates who cannot find their call letter should check their inbox, spam and trash folders and contact the helpline if necessary.
Photo ID Required for Interview
Candidates must bring a valid and original authorized photo ID to the interview centre. The brochure lists the following acceptable IDs:
- PAN Card
- Driving Licence
- Voter ID
- Passport
The name on the photo ID must match the name on the Admit Card. Where the name has changed due to marriage or another reason, the relevant supporting document such as a Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree or Legal Name Change Document must be produced.
Important Application Instructions
- Applications must be submitted online through www.join.afms.gov.in.
- Candidates should carefully read the Information Brochure before completing the application.
- Application details should tally with the candidate's NEET (MDS) 2026 registration details.
- No amendment will be entertained after online submission regarding name, date of birth, gender, email ID, final BDS percentage, NEET (MDS) 2026 Testing ID/Roll Number or score.
- Only duly completed applications with all required documents will be considered.
- Mere appearance in NEET (MDS) 2026 or submission of an application does not confer an automatic right to receive SSC.
- Candidates should preserve the NEET (MDS) 2026 Admit Card-cum-Confirmation Slip and Score Card for document verification.
- Candidates must provide truthful and accurate information in the application.
- False or fabricated information can result in rejection, disqualification and possible debarment from future selection processes.
- Only one application is required for the same entry.
- A valid mobile number and email ID are required for registration and communication.
Can You Apply Without Aadhaar?
Yes. The brochure's FAQ states that candidates may apply without Aadhaar, although candidates are advised to obtain Aadhaar at the earliest.
Can Candidates Pursuing MDS Apply?
Candidates who are pursuing an MDS degree may apply as BDS graduates if they satisfy the BDS eligibility conditions. The brochure specifically states that a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in final BDS and appearance in NEET (MDS) of the respective year are mandatory for such candidates.
Name Change After Class 10
Candidates who changed their name after Class 10 must submit an appropriate authority document supporting the name change, such as a newspaper advertisement or affidavit, along with the application. Relevant original documents and an attested copy must also be produced at the interview.
BDS and MDS Undertakings
The final pages of the Information Brochure contain separate self-certified undertaking formats for BDS and MDS candidates.
The BDS undertaking requires candidates to certify details concerning their BDS college, university affiliation and recognition of their BDS batch by the Dental Council of India.
The MDS undertaking additionally requires candidates to certify their MDS specialty, college, university affiliation and recognition of their MDS batch by the Dental Council of India. Providing incorrect information in these undertakings can lead to cancellation of candidature.
Army Dental Corps Recruitment 2026 - How to Apply
- Visit the official AFMS website at www.join.afms.gov.in.
- Read the Army Dental Corps SSC Information Brochure 2026 carefully.
- Check the BDS/MDS, internship, registration, NEET (MDS) and age eligibility requirements.
- Complete the online registration/application form.
- Enter the details exactly as provided during NEET (MDS) 2026 registration wherever applicable.
- Upload the required certificates and documents.
- Upload the prescribed photograph.
- Complete the BDS/MDS undertaking as applicable.
- Pay the non-refundable ₹200 Application Processing Fee online.
- Review all information carefully before final submission.
- Submit the completed application on or before 22 October 2026.
- Preserve the submitted application, confirmation details and payment record for future reference.
What Happens After Applying?
After applications are scrutinized, eligible candidates will be screened using their NEET (MDS) 2026 marks. Candidates shortlisted in the prescribed 1:10 ratio will be called for interview at New Delhi.
The final merit list for grant of SSC will be prepared based on interview performance. Candidates placed on the merit list will then undergo the required medical examination. Only candidates declared medically fit will be eligible for grant of Short Service Commission.
