REPORTING

The process of candidate’s arrival and initial documentation is called reporting.  The reporting time defines how you will spend your reporting day. If you have been instructed to report at 6 AM then you will undergo the Day 1 process on the same day. However, if you are being asked to report during the Noon or afternoon hours, your Day 1 Process will begin the next day. Reporting has a lot of importance because it is like your first Date with the SSB Center.

Day 1 : OIR Test

The very first stage you appear for on the first day is called Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests. This consists of testing the Verbal and Non Verbal ability through basic reasoning questions. Figures, Numbers, Patters, Series Dices, Images the questions picked are of moderate level and need a clear logical mind to attempt them. The number of the questions varies and difficulty level changes from batch to batch.

Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT).

PPDT

Part I Perception

Candidates are gathered in a hall and a Hazy picture is shown for approximately 30 Seconds. This is followed by a 4 minute deadline to create a meaningful story. The story should have some relation to the Picture and has to be original. This activity helps one understand the Perception and Thinking of a Candidate.

Part 2 Narration

The candidates are then brought to a common place and groups of 18-20 are divided for the next step. Each group walks into an assessment room and are assessed sitting in a Semi-circle formation. They narrate their story one by one. The candidate has to fluently express the story as written by him in Part I of the assessment.

Part 3 Discussion

As soon as the last candidate is done with Narration of the story, the Groups begin a discussion amongst themselves. The discussion lasts till a conclusion is arrives. The observers check how effective the group is in arriving on a Common Group Story.

Screening Result

Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of combined performance in OIR Test and PPDT. All those who qualify stay back for the next four days, however, rest of the Candidates leave the SSB Center.

Day 2 (Psychology Tests) :

It is a series of written Psychometric tests, created by a Psychologist. These tests check the candidate’s Psychological ability to be a potential trainee for Officer Rank.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

It is also very similar to PPDT. In this test, about 11 pictures are shown. Each picture is displayed just for 30 seconds after that candidates write a story based on the picture in 4 minutes. After 4 minutes another picture is displayed and the same procedure is followed till the last slide. The twelfth slide is displayed blank where a candidate is supposed to write any story of their choice.

Word Association Test (WAT)

Next psychological test of SSB selection procedure is Word Association Test. In this test, 60 words are shown one after other for a period of 15 seconds each. Candidates have to write their 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 in detail. Candidates have to write their responses based on those 60 situations. The time given for each situation is really less. They get 60 Seconds to attempt answering a situation.

Self Description Test (SDT)

 In this test, candidates have to write the opinion of their parents, friends and teachers about themselves. This is a really important test and requires one to know things about self. The time allotted for it is 15 minutes.

Interview

The Interviews begins on Day 2 and few initial Candidates attend it. The Interview is conducted by Interview Officer who can be termed as “Human Lie Detector” who interacts with the candidate for around 40-45 minutes. There are various types of questions that are put forward and the candidate is expected to answer them with confidence along with clarity.

Day 3 & Day 4 –

Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO Tasks)

There is a lot of time spent by the GTO in assessing candidates. He stays with them in a long list of activities.

Group Discussion: A situation or a topic is given to a group. They are instructed to discuss the various aspects of the topic. Group Task Officer observes each candidate during the course of the group discussion. There are two Group Discussions with 10 -15 minutes duration each.

Group Planning Exercise (Military Planning Exercise): A model of real life like situations is put before the group and they have to meet expected targets. They need to individually and later as a group device a way to meet all target situations in the given time. They have to write the plan of action as well individually.

Progressive Group Tasks (PGT):  The target group of candidates in this activity has to cross a series of obstacles with the help of supporting materials like rope, plank, wood log etc.

Half Group Tasks: This round is same as PGT but the numbers of group members is then made 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: All group members pool in their strength and compete with the other groups. Candidates are required to cross certain obstacles with the snake formed out of bamboo wrapped with cloth and ropes.

Command Task: In this task, a candidate is made Commander and asked to choose 2-3 subordinates. He is required to cross some obstacles with the help of 2-3 subordinates.

Lecturette: In this round, each individual has to give a lecture for 3 minutes on a topic selected by them.

Final Group Task: It is same as Progressive Group Task. Candidates have another chance to show their potential and team work

Day 5 (Conference):

On the final day, all the SSB board members have a discussion on each candidate and then interact  with the candidates one after other.  The conference is to confirm  who is in and who is out. 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 Officers. On an average 5 minutes are given to each candidate. Within an hour after the process is over, the SSB result is declared.

Medical

Each Recommended Candidate is thoroughly checked medically to ensure he meets all the basic qualifying criteria for SSB/NSB/AFSB Selections at board’s discretion. Please refer to the respective PDF document of announcements of SSB Entry on the Army/Navy/Airforce web links.

Frequently Asked question about SSB Selection process

1. What is the SSB selection process?
   • The SSB selection process is a rigorous evaluation conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) to assess candidates for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces.
2. How does the SSB selection process work?
   • The SSB selection process involves various stages such as screening, psychological tests, group tasks, and interviews to gauge the candidate’s suitability for military service.
3. What are the key components of the SSB selection process?
   • The key components include intelligence and personality tests, group discussions, outdoor tasks, and personal interviews aimed at evaluating leadership potential, decision-making abilities, and overall suitability for military life.
4. What are the qualities assessed during the SSB selection process?
   • The SSB evaluates candidates on qualities like leadership, initiative, communication skills, teamwork, adaptability, social effectiveness, and officer-like qualities necessary for military leadership roles.
5. How can I prepare for the SSB selection process?
   • Preparation involves understanding the selection criteria, practicing group discussions, enhancing problem-solving skills, developing physical fitness, and honing communication abilities to confidently articulate thoughts and ideas during the evaluation.