The Nigerian Navy has released the shortlisted candidates for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 28 Selection Board Interview 2026. This guide covers the confirmed interview venue and batch dates, the complete list of items candidates must bring, the full DSSC entry qualifications across all specialist branches, the general eligibility requirements, how to check the shortlist on the official portal, and what the DSSC selection board interview involves.

Understanding the Nigerian Navy DSSC

The Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) is the Nigerian Navy’s pathway for qualified graduates and professionals to enter as commissioned officers. It is distinct from the NNBTS (Nigerian Navy Basic Training School) which recruits ratings non-commissioned personnel from school leavers with SSCE/OND qualifications.

• DSSC: For university graduates and HND holders with professional qualifications. Entry as commissioned officer after 6 months training.
• NNBTS: For SSCE, NECO, OND, NCE, and trade certificate holders. Entry as ratings (non-commissioned).
• If you have SSCE or OND only: Apply for NNBTS not DSSC. Applying to the wrong programme results in disqualification at screening.

Is the Nigerian Navy DSSC Course 28 Shortlist Out?

Yes. The Nigerian Navy has released the shortlisted candidates list for the DSSC Course 28 Selection Board Interview. Shortlisted candidates are those who passed the qualifying aptitude test and have been invited for the Selection Board Interview.

How to Check the DSSC Shortlist

1. Visit the official Nigerian Navy recruitment portal at joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng 

2. Navigate to the Shortlisted Candidates section or look for the DSSC Course 28 shortlist link.

3. Click to download the PDF shortlist.

4. Open the PDF and use Ctrl + F (PC) or the search function on mobile to locate your name or application number.

5. If your name appears, note your batch assignment (A or B) and the corresponding interview dates.

6. Also, check your registered email address for official notification of your shortlist status and interview instructions.

DSSC Course 28 Selection Board Interview Schedule

The selection board interview will be conducted at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos State, in two batches:

What the DSSC Selection Board Interview Involves

The selection board interview is a comprehensive multi-stage exercise. All candidates will undergo:

• Screening of academic certificates and credentials: Officials verify all original documents against copies submitted during online application
• Medical and physical fitness tests: Height, vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and overall medical fitness evaluation
• Written examination: Assessing general knowledge, professional knowledge relevant to your specialty, and analytical ability
• Oral examination and interview: Personal interview with the selection board assessing motivation, communication, and professional suitability for Navy commission

Complete Items Checklist for the Selection Board Interview

All candidates must arrive at Navy Town, Ojo, with the following items. Missing any required document may result in disqualification at the document verification stage:

Academic and Identity Documents (Originals and Photocopies)

• First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC)
• Senior Secondary School Certificate: WAEC, NECO, GCE with scratch cards for online result verification. An original WAEC certificate is compulsory.
• Certificates from tertiary institutions: HND, Bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate certificates as applicable
• Federal Ministry of Education authentication: Required for foreign certificates
• NYSC Discharge Certificate or Exemption Letter: Mandatory for all DSSC applicants
• Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
• Certificate of Local Government of Origin
• National Identity Card or Application Acknowledgement Slip: Mandatory requirement
• Parent/Guardian Consent Form
• Recommendation Letter from Unit: Required for serving and para-military personnel
• Certificates of professional registration: From your statutory professional body, where applicable

Clothing and Personal Items

• Three (3) pairs of white (unmarked) vests
• Three (3) pairs of navy blue shorts
• One (1) pair of white canvas shoes or trainers
• Two (2) bed sheets and pillowcases
• A set of cutlery
• Two (2) recent coloured passport-sized photographs
•  Writing materials: Biro, pencil, sharpener, and eraser for the written examination
• Two (2) pairs of face masks
• Medium-size hand sanitiser
• Toiletries: Soap, toothbrush, towel, and personal hygiene items

DSSC Entry Qualifications: All Navy Specialist Branches

The Nigerian Navy DSSC recruits across the following specialist branches and departments. Each has specific academic and professional requirements:

• Medical: General Doctors/Dental Surgeons, Consultants, Pharmacy, Dental Therapist, Medical Laboratory Science, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Clinical Psychology, Dietetics, Medical Records/Health Information Management, General Nursing/Midwifery, Public Health, Biomedical Engineering, relevant medical degree and NYSC
• Accounts and Budgets: HND or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Banking and Finance. Professional membership (ICAN, ACA, ACCA, ANAN, ACMA) is an added advantage
• Chaplain: Bachelor’s degree in Theology from a Catholic or Protestant mission
• Engineering: B.Sc or B.Eng in Aircraft/Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical/Marine Engineering, or Naval Architecture/Ship Design
• Seaman: B.Sc or HND in Forensic Sciences, Sociology, Nautical Sciences, Psychology, or Criminology
• Information: B.Sc or HND in Computer Technology, Television Production, Journalism, Printing Technology, Mass Communication, Public Relations, or Cinematography
• Education: B.Sc Ed/B.Ed in relevant fields, OR first degree with Postgraduate Diploma in Education in Physics, Mathematics, English, History, Biology, Chemistry, Chinese, Computer Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, French, Library Science, Guidance and Counselling, or Arabic
• Hydrography: B.Sc or HND in Geology, Geophysics, Cartography, Physical Oceanography, or Surveying/Geoinformatics
• Human Resource Management: HND, BA, B.Sc, or equivalent in Public Administration, Personnel Management, or Human Resources Management
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Legal Service: LLB plus BL and NYSC
• Logistics: Relevant degree or HND in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related discipline
• Music: Relevant musical training and qualification
• Sports / Physical Training (PT): Evidence of professional sporting experience
• Imam: Relevant Islamic studies qualification 

DSSC Career Structure in the Nigerian Navy

Understanding the DSSC service structure helps candidates set realistic career expectations:

• Total service period: 15 years an initial 8-year commission, renewable annually for a further 7 years
• Training duration: Approximately 6 months of compulsory military training after commissioning
• Rank on commission: Sub-Lieutenant (naval officer rank, note this is different from the Army, which uses 2nd Lieutenant)
• Conversion: Direct Regular Commission (DRC) may be granted on conversion after 3 years as a commissioned officer
• Salary: DSSC Navy officers are remunerated on a competitive scale under the Nigerian military pay structure