The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the list of successful candidates for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 34/2025/2026. This guide covers how to check the shortlist PDF, the two official portals, what happens next for DSSC shortlisted candidates, the required documents and items for training, the physical and medical fitness requirements, and an update on the BMTC (Basic Military Training Course) shortlist status.

DSSC Direct Short Service Commission

DSSC is for degree holders and qualified professionals who enter the Nigerian Air Force as commissioned officers. Successful candidates are commissioned to the rank of Flying Officer upon completion of approximately six months of Basic Cadet Training. Disciplines include Engineering, Medicine, Law, IT, Aviation, Administration, Humanities, and other specialized fields.

• Age limit: 25–40 years, depending on discipline
• Minimum qualification: HND or Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution + NYSC
• Training venue: Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), Afaka, Kaduna
• Rank upon commission: Flying Officer

Is the NAF DSSC Course 34 Shortlist Out?

Yes. The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the DSSC 34/2025/2026 shortlist of successful candidates has been released. According to the official NAF announcement:

•       The names of successful candidates are available on the NAF recruitment portal under the Updates/Downloads section

•       The DSSC 34 Selection Board Interview has been concluded

•       Successful candidates have been approved for Basic Cadet Training

•       Shortlisted candidates are to report for Basic Cadet Training at the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), Afaka, Kaduna, on the dates specified in the official notice attached to the shortlist PDF

•       Any candidate who fails to report by the stipulated deadline will automatically forfeit the offer, no exceptions

How to Check the NAF DSSC Shortlisted Candidates PDF

There are two official sources where the DSSC shortlist is published:

1.     Open your browser and visit nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng, or directly download the PDF

2.     On the homepage, look for a link titled ‘List of Successful Candidates for DSSC 34/2025’ or ‘DSSC Shortlisted Candidates’.

3.     Click on the link to open the shortlist as a PDF document.

4.     Download the PDF to your device.

5.     Open the file and use the search function (Ctrl + F on PC or the magnifying glass on mobile) to search for your surname or application number.

6.     If your name appears, note your serial number, state/specialty, and the reporting date and batch attached to your name.

Physical and Medical Fitness Requirements

The NAF enforces strict physical and medical standards for all candidates. Meeting these requirements is assessed at the Selection Board Interview and again at the training reporting stage. Candidates who do not meet these standards may be dropped even after being shortlisted:

• Citizenship: Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth
• NIN: Must possess a valid National Identification Number
• Height (Male): Must not be less than 1.66 meters (5 ft 4 in) tall
• Height (Female): Must not be less than 1.63 meters (5 ft 3 in) tall
• Physical condition: No bow legs, knock knees, body scars, flat feet, or any form of amputation
• Vision: No defective eyesight that affects military service
• Speech: No speech impediment
• Tattoos: None permitted. Candidates with tattoos are disqualified
• Medical and mental fitness: Must be medically and psychologically fit, confirmed by medical examination
• Criminal record: Must have a clean record with no criminal conviction or disciplinary record
• Secret societies: Must not belong to any secret society, cult, or fraternity
• Marital status: Must be single female candidates must not be pregnant
• State of origin: Must possess a valid certificate of state of origin, duly signed by LGA authorities

Documents and Items Required for Training / Interview Reporting

NAF publishes a specific list of items for each course intake. Always check the exact requirements in the PDF notice attached to your shortlist. The following reflects the standard requirements for DSSC reporting:

Documents (Originals and Photocopies)

• All academic certificates: Degree/HND certificates, statement of result, and professional certificates originals and photocopies
• NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate: Mandatory for all DSSC candidates
• Birth certificate or age declaration: From a recognized authority
• Certificate of state of origin: Signed by the LGA authority, original and photocopy
• Certificate of LGA of origin: Signed by LGA authority
• Application/acknowledgment slip: Printed from the NAF recruitment portal after original application
• NIN slip or printout: Valid National Identification Number
• BVN Printout: Bank Verification Number printout
• Attestation Form: Signed by a military officer or LGA Chairman
• Parent/Guardian Consent Form: Where required
• Relevant professional licenses: For medical doctors, pharmacists, lawyers, or other licensed professionals, as applicable
• O-Level result scratch card: For WAEC/NECO online result confirmation where required

Clothing and Personal Items

• Two (2) white vests
• Two (2) pairs of blue PT shorts
• One (1) pair of canvas/running shoes (white preferred) with white socks
• Four (4) recent passport photographs (clear, plain background)
• Two (2) office flat files (to organize your documents)
• Basic toiletries: Soap, towel, toothbrush, and personal hygiene items
• Bed items (if directed): Bedsheet, pillow, mosquito net. Check the specific instructions in your shortlist notice
• Adequate personal funds: For personal needs during training

Important: Always check the exact requirements listed in the official PDF notice attached to your shortlist. The items listed in the official notice override any generic guidance. Arrange all documents neatly in flat files before arriving at the venue. Disorganized documentation creates delays and poor impressions.

What Happens After Being Shortlisted for DSSC?

Basic Cadet Training at NDA, Afaka, Kaduna

DSSC shortlisted candidates report for approximately six months of Basic Cadet Training at the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), Afaka, Kaduna. Training is intensive and covers military discipline, physical conditioning, field operations, leadership development, and course-specific professional training. Trainees receive allowances throughout the training period.

Medical Examination at Reporting

Even after being on the DSSC shortlist, candidates undergo a detailed medical examination when they report for training. Candidates who fail to meet medical or fitness standards at this stage may be dropped regardless of their shortlist status.

Formal Commissioning

Being on the DSSC shortlist does not make you a Nigerian Air Force officer. You only become a commissioned officer at the rank of Flying Officer after successfully completing the full Basic Cadet Training program and being formally commissioned. The shortlist is for provisional admission to training, not employment.