SSB interview procedure is a mandatory process to become a Service Selection Board officer in any of Indian defence force irrespective of the age group and kind of entry it is. There just can’t be any Indian defence officer who had not experienced this five days Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview process.
Because of its high rejection rate, it has gained too much importance for aspiring candidate and so as the expert guidance on it in terms of coaching and books published over it. Still it’s very difficult to get a correct methodology to prepare for it and clear it successfully.
I believe this complete phenomena of SSB Interview has been become more commercialized and made it a kind of hype and correct and easier procedure had been lost in process.
SSB interview is very scientifically designed evaluation system that ensure correct intake of officers into the system for its overall growth. The board assesses the suitability of the candidate for becoming an officer, It constitutes of personality, intelligence tests, and interviews. The tests are of both types i.e. written and practical task-based.
In total there are thirteen Service Selection Boards across India, out of which four boards are for Indian Army, four boards are for Indian Air Force and five boards for Indian Navy. The Service Selection Boards of Indian army are located at:
SSB North (Kapurthala, PB)
SSB South (Bangalore, KN)
SSB Central (Bhopal, MP)
SSB East (Allahabad, UP)
SSB interview consist of three separate evaluation system spread over five days. Day wise procedure is as given below.
Day of reporting
The selected candidates are provided exact date and time of reaching at the respective SSB center in their call letter. Reception center is established in nearest railway station which further arrange the necessary pick and drop from station to center.
Upon arrival, a distinguishing chest no is provided to each candidate which in turn becomes their identity for this exam process. Their educational documents are checked for initial verification and they are allotted the berth for stay. A briefing about the schedule, various tests and general instructions is given.
Day 1: Screening Test
On first day, Screening test is conducted which segregate the best from the crowd. Normally more than half of candidates doesn’t make beyond this point.
Screening Test includes;
Intelligence Test – Which consist of two Tests. Verbal and Non-Verbal. (About 50 questions each)
Picture Perception & Picture Description Test (PPDT) - In this test, a picture is shown to the candidates for 30 seconds. Each candidate observes it and then, in the next one minute, must record the number of characters seen in the picture. Then, in four minutes, draft a story from the picture (and not just describe the picture). The candidate must record the mood, approximate age and gender of the "main character".
Group discussion on the PPDT - In stage two of the PPDT, the candidates are given their stories, which they may revise. Then, in a group, each candidate must narrate his story in under one minute. The group is then asked to create a common story involving each or their perceived picture stories.
Selected candidates are shifted to different accommodation where they are going to stay for next four days of interview process. Remaining candidates are sent back to their house.
Day 2: Psychology Test
Following tests are conducted during Second day of SSB interviews.
Thematic Appreciation Test (TAT) - Candidates are shown a picture for thirty seconds and then write a story in the next four minutes. Twelve such pictures are shown sequentially. The last picture is a blank slide inviting the candidates to write a story of their choice.
Word Association Test (WAT) - Candidates are shown sixty simple, everyday words for fifteen seconds each and they need to write a sentence on each word.Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
Situation Reaction Test (SRT) - A booklet of 60 situations is given in which responses are to be completed in 30 minutes.
Self Description Test (SDT) - Candidate is asked 5 questions about the there's parent's, teacher's, friend's and his own perception about himself.
Day 3-4: GTO Tasks & Interview
Following tests are conducted during this day of SSB interview.
Group Discussion test (GD)
Military Planning Exercise (MPE)
Progressive Group Task (PGT)
Individual Lecturettes
Group Obstacle Race
Half Group Task
Personal interview of candidates is taken by SSB Board president.
Day 5: Conference
All the officers (in proper uniform) attend the conference where each candidate has a conversation with a panel of assessors. The assessors look for confidence and expression when speaking; a positive attitude in adversity and in life; and honesty.
Following this, the final results are announced. Successful candidates remain for an intensive medical examination taking three to five days at a military hospital.
Thank you. If you have any question please don't hesitate to ask in SSB group discussion forum or simply comment below.