SSB Interview : An experience of lifetime

There is so much adage about the SSB Interviews that a candidate feels that without going to coaching institutes they can't make it in SSB or army. I have faced the SSB twice and I believe that anyone can pass these SSBs with a positive attitude, mind frame and confidence. Here I am sharing my experience of SSB.

DAY 1: This day is called as Screening day and people think that this is an elimination day but the truth is different.
In my first SSB out of 79 some 33 candidates were selected for the next stage but in my second SSB out of 80, 52 were selected for the second stage. So this shows that they are looking for deserving candidates and its not like that they will take only a handful of candidates.
The procedure for the day is simple. First there are 2 intelligence test and for that they show the sample questions first and then the test start having similar questions only. Anyone with average aptitude can solve these questions.
These test are than followed by a picture perception test and a GD based on picture.
In picture perception test you are asked to write a story of about 100 words in 4 minutes based on what you perceive from the picture shown. After this people are called in group of 13 to 16 where firstly they have to narrate there story( this is an important part and the narration should be loud and clear) and then a GD to make a common group story.

TIPS: While writing story don't cut any word or sentence and narrate the story with confidence take part in GD once or twice with a valid point and you will be through for the first round. What I have seen is that someone who narrate story well get selected even without speaking in GD. But still try make contribution in group story.


DAY 2: Psychoanalysis day.
For this keep a positive mind frame and a good pen. On this day a series of test are conducted. First test is Picture perception test in this candidates are shown 12 pictures and they have to write stories for those pictures. For each story 4 minutes will be provided.
After this Word Association Test is there in which candidates are shown 60 words and they are supposed to write a sentence for that word(sentence may or may not contain the shown word) in 15 seconds.
These test are followed by a Situation Reaction Test in this candidates are given a test booklet containing 60 situations and they have to write reactions in 30 minutes of time.
After this candidates have to write about them selves under the headings:a) what ur parents say about you, b) what ur teachers say about you , c) what ur friends say about you , d) what you think about urself.

DAY 3and 4: These two days you have to stay with GTO and will have to perform various individual and group tasks. There are two GDs on some current topic of country( my GD was on women reservation bill and aggression in young generation). Extempore in which you have to choose 1 topic out of given 4 topics. Military planning(imp) followed by GD, progressive group task, half group task(imp), snake race(imp) , individual obstacles(10 expected to do at-least 7), command task(imp), Final group task are the various test that are conducted on these two test.

TIP: tasks marked as imp are those which I thing are important and a candidate who do not perform well in these task has very less chances of getting recommended. Other task are also important but in these tasks you have better chances to show ur own capabilities. Also to perform in PGT, HGT, CT you need common sense which you either have or don't have . In case you don't get a solution don't panic and keep trying.
Be cooperative in group and don't oppose anyone whatever the situation. You can give other solution but don't say someone that his solution is absurd.

INTERVIEW: Interview can be scheduled on any of the days after screening. Interview questions are more HR type with a few GK questions based on Army, Navy or Air-force or last one years current affairs. Sometime questions based on ur graduation subjects can be asked it depends upon luck.
Common questions: About education why you choose the subjects after 10th ? why particular college and subjects for graduation? Participation in extra curricular activities? About family background, parents education ,siblings education,to whom you go for help? who are ur friends why they are ur friends ?what ur best friend will tell about you? and also why army?

DAY 5: Conference day
In this day all the officers will be in uniform and they decide which candidate has to be recommended. Also you will be called in the conference hall for say 30 seconds max to say you best of luck.

This is followed by result.




I hope this information will be helpful for those who wish to make career in Defence services. My advice is simple and I think everyone give the same advice "be what you are".

At last if you get SSB call from banglore don't miss the opportunity to see a very beautiful and happening city.