The most recent Tattoo Policy for SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview Candidates, updated as of 11 May 2015, outlines specific guidelines regarding the acceptability of tattoos for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Below is a summary of the latest guidelines and key provisions from the updated policy.

1. Candidates from Tribal Communities

• Permissible Tattoos: Candidates belonging to tribal communities, recognized under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders Act, are allowed to have permanent tattoos on any part of their body as per the traditions and customs of their respective tribes.

• Required Documentation: These candidates must submit:

  • Self-Certification Certificate (Appendix A): Signed by the candidate, declaring details about their tattoos.
  • Tribal Certificate (Appendix B): A certificate attesting to the tribal community's customs, signed by:
    • The District Magistrate (DM), Deputy Commissioner (DC), or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
    • A senior member or authority from the candidate's tribe.

• Evaluation by Selection Centre: The Commandant of the Selection Centre will assess the tribal candidates' tattoos and ensure their acceptance, as per Appendix C of the policy.

2. Candidates from Non-Tribal Communities

• Permissible Tattoo Locations: Tattoos are allowed only on specific parts of the body:

  • Inner Forearm: From the inside of the elbow to the wrist on both arms.
  • Back of Hands: The reverse side (dorsal) of both hands.

• Required Documentation: Candidates must sign a Self-Certification Certificate (Appendix D), confirming that their tattoos are within the permitted areas and do not violate policy guidelines.

3. Nature of Tattoos

• Permissible Tattoos:
  • Tattoos that are small, non-offensive, and not prejudicial to military discipline are allowed. Common acceptable tattoos include religious symbols or the names of close family members.
• Non-Permissible Tattoos:
  • Tattoos outside of the permissible body locations, as stated in Paragraphs 2 and 4, are prohibited.
  • Tattoos with indecent, sexist, or racist content are strictly forbidden, including:
    • Indecent Tattoos: Those that are offensive to modesty or decency.
    • Sexist Tattoos: Tattoos that degrade a person based on gender.
    • Racist Tattoos: Tattoos that demean a person based on race, ethnicity, or religion.

4. Consequences for Non-Permissible Tattoos

Candidates with tattoos that do not comply with the guidelines are subject to disqualification at any stage of the selection process. Disqualification can occur:

• Prior to Stage I testing if a non-permissible tattoo is identified by the Commandant.
• During any stage of selection if a non-compliant tattoo is noticed by medical authorities.
• Post-enrollment during training at the Pre-Commission Training Academy (PCTA) if a tattoo is discovered after induction.

5. Tattoo Removal

• Candidates who have undergone tattoo removal prior to the SSB interview may still participate in the selection process if the tattoo has faded sufficiently. Faded tattoos are treated as scars and will be evaluated by the Commandant for compliance.

• Medical authorities will verify tattoos during the examination stage, and any tattoo that was not declared before Stage I will result in further scrutiny and possible disqualification. 

6. Documentation and Compliance

Candidates must:

• Declare all tattoos prior to Stage I by submitting the required Self-Certification Certificates available on the official recruitment website (joinindianarmy.nic.in).
• Certificates must be signed and countersigned by the Commandant at the Selection Centre and submitted with other documents.

Candidates who do not comply with these guidelines will face immediate rejection, and their disqualification will be recorded in writing by the Commandant.

7. Military Hospital (MH) and Pre-Commission Training Academy (PCTA)

• Medical Verification: Tattoos approved by the Commandant will be evaluated from a medical perspective during the medical examination phase.

• Training Academy Check: Candidates are thoroughly re-checked for tattoos upon induction into PCTA, and any deviation from declared tattoo information can result in disciplinary action or disqualification.

Conclusion

The 2015 tattoo policy revision establishes clear and strict guidelines for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces via the SSB interview process. Tattoos are generally permitted only in specific locations on the body, with additional leniency provided for tribal candidates following cultural traditions. Non-compliance with the tattoo policy can lead to disqualification at any stage, reinforcing the Armed Forces' emphasis on discipline, professionalism, and uniformity. Candidates must adhere to these guidelines to ensure their eligibility for the selection process and subsequent training.