SSB Interview Procedure
SSB Full Form
The full form of SSB is Services Selection Board, it is one of the toughest and longest interview ,or we can say it scans you thoroughly ,Well SSB is not mere a test but a procedure, 5 days procedure where you go through different ways of testing your personality.
The candidates that clear written exams such as CDS, NDA, TA, INET and AFCAT are then called by respective military boards for SSB Interview. One can also appear for SSB Interview by getting shortlisted direct entries – TES, TGC, UES, SSC Tech etc.
The selected students then need to appear before a Service Selection Board for an Intelligence and Personality Test.
The SSB Interview Procedure
The SSB interviewer look for 15-character traits called “Officer Like Qualities”. The mechanism to check the done by the following procedure:
Comprises of two stage selection process: Stage I & Stage II. Candidates, those qualify the Stage I, only they are permitted to appear for Stage II. The complete procedure is given below:
Stage 1: This stage consists of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT). Stage 1 is a screening test. Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of combined performance in OIR Test and PP & DT.
Stage 2: This stage is conducted for four (4) days. Stage II consists of Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO Tasks), Interview & Conference.
Five Days SSB Selection Procedure
Day 0 (Reporting):
On this day, candidates have to report to the selection canter. Candidate’s original documents along with photocopies will be verified. After the documents verification, Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) Forms will be filled.
-
PIQ Forms:
- In this form, candidates have to fill their personal details regarding educational profile, family background, etc. This form is very important. It forms a base of questions, which might be put to an aspirant at the individual interview round. The responses will be analyzed by the psychologist of the Board.
Day 1 (Screening Test):
On the next day, it will be the Stage 1. Candidates have to give an Intelligence Test (Verbal & Non-Verbal) & Picture Perception Test. In PP test, slide (hazy or clear) is shown for 30 seconds & candidates have to write the story. After finishing this test, the group discussion round takes place. This sequence is commonly known as Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT).
-
Intelligence Test:
It comprises of both; verbal and non-verbal questions. It is a written test which includes multiple choice questions. The time allotted to answering each question is 30 seconds.
-
Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP & DT):
This test includes story writing and discussion. A picture will be shown to the candidates for 30 seconds and candidates have to write a story based on the picture in 3 minutes.
Note
The results are declared after which the shortlisted candidates are retained for the subsequent round of testing.
Day 2 (Psychology Tests):
It is a set written tests, organized by a Psychologist. In these tests, candidates psychological suitability will be checked to be an officer. These tests include:
-
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT):
It is called as Picture Story writing. This test is very similar to PPDT. In this test, about 11 pictures will be shown. Each picture will be displayed just for 30 seconds after that candidates have to write a story based on the picture within 4 minutes. After 4 minutes another picture will be displayed and the same procedure will be followed till the last slide. The twelfth slide will be blank where a candidate is supposed to write any story of their own choice.
-
Word Association Test (WAT):
It is the second psychological test of SSB selection procedure. In this test, 60 words will be shown back to back for a period of 50 seconds. Candidates have to write the first thought that comes to their mind for those words.
-
Situation Reaction Test (SRT):
In this test, candidates will get a booklet with 60 situations written on it. Candidates have to write their responses based on those 60 situations.
-
Self Description Test (SD):
In this test, candidates have to write their opinion about their parents, themselves, friends, teachers & others. The time will be allotted 15 minutes.
These tests are aimed to gauge the psychological suitability of a candidate for the defence forces
Day 3 (Group Testing – I):
These Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor activities as a combination of mental and physical work. These tests are as follows:
-
Group Discussion:
In this round, a certain situation or topic (mostly current affairs) is given to a group of candidates. They are expected to discuss the various aspects of the issue. Group Task Officer observes each candidate during the course of the group discussion.
-
Group Planning Exercise (Military Planning Exercise):
In this round, a model of real life practical circumstances is presented to a group of applicants. They have to write their own plan of action for the mentioned problem.
-
Progressive Group Tasks (PGT):
In this round, the group of candidates has to cross some obstacles with the help of supporting materials such as rope, plank, wood log etc.
-
Half Group Tasks:
This round is same as PGT but the numbers of group members will half. Candidates get more chance to show their potential.
Individual Obstacles: In this round, candidates are required to attempt 10 obstacles individually.
-
Group Obstacles Race or Snake Race:
In this round, all group members will compete to the other groups. Candidates are required to cross certain obstacles with the snake-like rope.
Command Task: In this task, an aspirant will be a commander. He will be required to cross some obstacles with the help of 2-3 subordinates.
Day 4 (Group Testing – II):
This day is again dedicated to Group Testing. Following tests are conducted on this day:
-
Lecturette:
Each candidate is presented with 4 topics out of which he needs to choose one and speak on it for a period of 3 minutes.
-
Individual Obstacles (IO):
Each candidate needs to clear 10 given obstacles in a time period of 3 minutes which are marked from 1-10 based on the difficulty level.
-
Command Task (CT):
Each candidate made the commander and is given an obstacle similar to HGT which he/she needs to overcome with the help of his subordinates.
-
Final Group Task (FGT):
The entire group is reunited and required to complete the assigned task similar to PGT in the stipulated time.
-
Personal Interview:
Personal Interviews are generally conducted during Day 2, 3 and 4 after the respective daily tasks have been completed. Interviews are usually related to everyday experiences, work, education, family, hobbies, achievements in academics, general awareness etc.
Day 5 (Conference):
On the final day, candidates & all the SSB board member sit together and have a chat to the candidates to ask a few general questions. The conference is just to decide whether you recommend as an officer in Indian defense forces or not. Candidates are required to come before the complete Board of Examiners, which is consisted of President, Deputy President, all the GTOs, all the psychologists and Technical Officer.
Within an hour, the SSB result will be declared after completion of the board meeting. Selected candidates undergo medical test for further 3 or 5 days. After qualifying candidate’s medical test, the final merit list will be announced.
SSB Preparation Tips
SSB NDA preparation schedule must be well-planned and organized. Prepare for the exam as per the syllabus. Include the best preparation books and earlier years question papers in your study materials. To clear exam, only written test is not the key you should be physically and mentally fit to clear the selection process (SSB). Here, we are providing some preparation tips to pass the SSB Interview:
Be Confident:
You have to maintain a confidence & a positive frame of mind. You have to believe in your capabilities. Make your weakness as your strong points.
Self- Awareness:
Prepare for it beforehand. The examiner usually looks for your ability to self-analyze, the aim of your life & determination, your thinking and mentality about your parents, friends, family, teachers, neighbors and other. Write everything you know about yourself and your near ones. It helps you to know your positive, negative & achievements.
Practice writing & analyzing:
You have to improve your writing skills. You have to practice writing about anything you see.
Stay Fit:
You have to keep fit so that you can qualify all the physical activities with ease. Good Health helps you get a clearance in the medical tests. You can start mild jogging and stamina building exercises.
Personality Development:
It is not enough that you should be a very intelligent person but you have to be strong, mature & possess a well-developed personality. Make communication with the people which help you to in lecturette round & also in every task that requires public speaking.
During group discussions, you have to focus these things in your mind:
While writing your story and just after completing it, don’t look at the officers.
Maintain your body language.
In GD, don’t argue with others:
allow them to speak.
Wait for the right time to put your strong points of the story.
Documents Required for Interview
Candidates have to bring their original documents. Candidates have to produce original documents soon after qualifying the SSB Interview. The documents will be returned after verification.
- 10+2 or Equivalent Examination Mark Sheet & Passing Certificate
- Ten passport size photographs
- Call Letter
SSB Full Form: FAQs
Q1. How many Days does the SSB interview take ?
Ans. SSB interview is a five Days Long process .
Q2. Is SSB difficult ?
Ans. Yes, SSB is difficult if you don’t prepare properly ,But with right guidance and study material you can easily able to crack SSB
Q3. What is the Full form of SSB ?
Ans. SSB stands for service selection board .