The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) shortlisted candidates list for the 2026/2027 recruitment exercise has been officially released on the NAF recruitment portal. Candidates who submitted applications during the exercise and met all stipulated requirements, qualifications, and eligibility standards set by the Nigerian Air Force are included on this list and are now required to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
What the DSSC Shortlist Means
Being on the Nigerian Air Force DSSC shortlist means your application passed the initial eligibility screening. It does NOT mean you have been employed or commissioned. All shortlisted candidates must still pass the aptitude test, physical fitness assessment, medical examination, and interview before they can be considered for commissioning. Preparation for all stages should begin immediately.
Is the Nigerian Air Force DSSC Shortlist Out?
Yes. The Nigerian Air Force DSSC 34/2026 shortlisted candidates list has been officially released. Candidates who applied during the registration exercise can now access the list through the official NAF recruitment portal.
The official portal for accessing the shortlist is: nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng. The full list is available for download in PDF format. Do not rely on unofficial websites, social media pages, or individuals claiming to have the shortlist. Use only the official NAF portal.
How to Check the Nigerian Air Force DSSC Shortlisted Candidates
Follow these steps to confirm whether your name is on the official Nigerian Air Force DSSC shortlist for 2026/2027:
- Open your browser, Google Chrome is recommended and go to nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng
- Log in using the email address and password you used during your application
- On the homepage, look for the ‘Download List’ button or the ‘Shortlisted Candidates’ link at the top of the page
- Click the link to view and download the shortlist PDF
- Open the PDF file using a PDF reader. It is advisable to use a laptop or tablet for easier viewing, as the document contains hundreds of names
- Navigate to your state of origin within the PDF and search carefully for your full name or application number
If your name appears: You have been shortlisted. Read all accompanying instructions carefully and begin preparing your documents and items for screening immediately.
If your name does not appear: Do not panic. Shortlists are sometimes updated in batches. Check the portal again after a few days. If your name remains absent, prepare for the next intake and avoid individuals claiming they can add your name to the list for a fee.
Aptitude Test: Nigerian Air Force DSSC 2026
Shortlisted candidates for the DSSC 34/2026 exercise are scheduled to sit an aptitude test before proceeding to the full screening and interview stages. Key details are as follows:
Aptitude Test Date: 13 December 2026. Verify this date on the official portal, as it may be updated
Commencement Time: 0700hrs, candidates should arrive well before this time
Test Centres: 15 designated centres nationwide. Your assigned centre will be indicated on your invitation or on the portal
Test Content: General aptitude, subject knowledge relevant to your field, and other competency assessments as determined by the NAF recruitment board
Important: Always confirm the aptitude test date, time, and your designated centre on nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng before making travel arrangements. Dates are subject to change without prior notice.
Required Documents and Items for DSSC Screening
All shortlisted candidates must arrive at the screening and interview venue with the following items. Incomplete documentation may lead to automatic disqualification, so prepare everything well in advance and arrange all items neatly in a clear file.
Documents, Originals and Photocopies
- Original and photocopies of all academic certificates (degree certificates, transcripts, and other relevant qualifications)
- O-Level results WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE
- First School Leaving Certificate
- Diploma, ND, NCE, or Trade Test Certificate (where applicable)
- Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
- Certificate of State of Origin
- Acknowledgement slip or application confirmation printout from the portal
- National Identification Number (NIN) slip
- Valid means of identification: National ID Card, International Passport, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s Licence
- NYSC Discharge Certificate or Exemption Letter (for applicable candidates)
- Scratch card(s) for online result verification WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB (where applicable)
Physical Items to Bring
- Two (2) blue PT shorts
- Two (2) white vests
- One (1) pair of canvas shoes
- Four (4) recent passport photographs
- Two (2) face masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Bedsheet
- Mosquito net
PACKING TIP
- Arrange all documents in an orderly manner in a clear file jacket before leaving home.
- Pack physical items, such as vests, shorts, and canvas, in a separate bag from your documents.
- Prepare everything the night before your screening date, not in the morning.
What to Expect After Being Shortlisted
Following short-listing, candidates for the Nigerian Air Force DSSC 34/2026 will proceed through a structured multi-stage assessment exercise. Below is a breakdown of what to expect:
Stage 1: Aptitude Test
All shortlisted candidates are required to sit the scheduled aptitude test at their designated centre on the announced date. This is a formal written or computer-based assessment covering general knowledge, subject-specific competencies, and aptitude indicators relevant to commissioned officer duties. Only candidates who pass the aptitude test will proceed to the next stage.
Stage 2: Physical Fitness Assessment
Candidates will participate in endurance and strength tests, including runs, push-ups, sit-ups, and other physical exercises. The standard reflects the demands of military officer training and active Air Force service. Begin training for this stage immediately.
Stage 3: Document Verification and Credentials Screening
Air Force officers will verify every original document and certificate you bring against the details you submitted during your online application. Any discrepancy in name, date of birth, or qualifications between your portal submission and your physical documents can result in immediate disqualification. Forged or altered documents result in disqualification and potential prosecution.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
A medical officer will assess your general physical and mental health. Candidates must meet the medical standards required for commissioned Air Force service. Any condition that impairs full active duty performance may be disqualifying.
Stage 5: Interview
Candidates who clear all preceding stages will attend a formal interview panel conducted by senior Air Force officers. The interview assesses professional suitability, communication, discipline, leadership potential, and motivation for service. Dress professionally, speak clearly, and demonstrate discipline and composure.
Stage 6: Final Selection and Training
The final list of successful candidates will be published on the official NAF portal. Those selected will be invited to commence training at the designated Nigerian Air Force base. Training for the Direct Short Service Commission typically runs for six months of intensive military training.
Tips for a Successful Screening
- Check the portal today: Log in to nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng immediately and confirm your shortlist status. Download and save the PDF to your device.
- Prepare documents in advance: Gather all original certificates, photocopies, and required physical items before your test or screening date.
- Begin physical training now: Do not wait until the screening date to start exercising. Daily runs, push-ups, and sit-ups will significantly improve your fitness test performance.
- Study for the aptitude test: Review general knowledge, current affairs, and subject-specific material relevant to your professional field. Past questions where available are useful preparation tools.
- Dress appropriately: Wear the specified dress items, a white vest, blue PT shorts, and canvas shoes for physical assessment stages. For the interview, dress formally and professionally.
- Be punctual: Arrive at your designated centre at least one hour before the stated reporting time to account for queues and administrative processes.
- Stay calm and composed: Discipline and composure are core qualities the Air Force looks for. Remain polite, focused, and professional throughout the exercise.
- Locate your centre in advance: Confirm the physical location of your aptitude test and screening centre before your scheduled date. If it requires travel, plan to be there the night before.
- Avoid unofficial ‘helpers’: Any individual or group promising to influence your outcome for money is operating fraudulently. Ignore and report them.
- Monitor your email: Notifications about aptitude test venues, screening dates, and interview invitations may be sent to your registered email. Check it regularly.