SSB INTERVIEW
SSB INTERVIEW
Every year, lakhs of young Indians dream of wearing the uniform, saluting the Tricolour, feeling bulletsof sweat (not fear) on the parade ground, and calling themselves officers of the Indian Army, Navy, orAir Force. But before the stars shine on your shoulders, you must pass one of the toughest and most unique selectionprocesses in the world—the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview. The SSB is not just an interview. It’s a psychological expedition, a physical challenge, and a test of character. It doesn’t check how muchyou know—but who you are as a person.
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Why Is the SSB Interview Unlike Anything Else?
Unlike corporate interviews that last 15–20 minutes, SSB stretches over 5 days, evaluating your entirespectrum of qualities known as OLQs (Officer-Like Qualities).
STAGE 1 – The Screening Test : The First Storm
Day 1 decides whether you stay or go home. Around 60–70% candidates are screened out, making thisday extremely crucial. After basic documentation , your testing starts for Stage 1 .
1. OIR Test (Officer Intelligence Rating)
This is a time-bound test containing:
Verbal Reasoning:
No. Of Questions = 40-50
Time limit = 30 minutes
Verbal reasoning topics include series, identifying the odd one out, speed/distance/time calculations, andquestions related to blood ties.
Non-Verbal Reasoning:
No. Of Questions = 40 – 50
Time limit = 40 minutes
Non-verbal questions include observing an image, identifying its mirror image, and recognizing picturedistortions.
Picture perception and discussion test (PP&DT)
This test is divided into two parts:-
Picture perception & Story writing : In this, an black and white image (blur/clear) is displayed for30 seconds, and the candidates need to note down the basic details of the picture. The candidates thencreate a story based on the image in 4 minutes.
Group discussion : In this test, a group of 10-15 candidates is formed and they all need to narratetheir stories and discuss in the group to reach a common consensus.
Then , results of Stage 1 is declared and the shortlisted candidates are moved to the next round alsoknown as Stage 2.
STAGE 2 – Psychology Tests , Group Tasks , Personal Interview & Conference
[I] Psychology Testing (Day 2)
There is a list of tests that take place on this day. These tests recognise the intelligence ability of thecandidates.
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
In this test, candidates are shown 12 images which include 11black and white clear pictures and 1 blankimage. They need to write a story on each for 4 minutes. The time limit is included to check the naturalresponse for each aspirant.
Word Association Test(WAT)
In this test, 60 words are displayed in front of the candidates with a time duration of 15 minutes . Eachword is displayed for 15 seconds . In 15 seconds , you need to see word and write an appropriate sentencefor it. The candidates are expected to write down a sentence that comes to their mind first seeing theimage.
Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
A booklet of 60 real-life questions (situations) is given to the candidates to be answered in 30 minutes oftime duration. This exercise is conducted to check the perception and natural response of the cadets.
Self Description Test (SDT)
In this test, the aspirant is supposed to write about themselves, or the context that is given. The timeallotted for this exercise is 15 minutes. Within this time frame, candidates must write five separateparagraphs, each focusing on the opinions of different individuals: parents/guardians, friends, teachers,and superiors.
The paragraphs should reflect the candidate’s understanding of how these individuals perceive them.
[II] Group Testing & Personal Interview (Day 3 & Day 4)
Over two days, the group testing officer administers nine tests in groups. These exams involve mentaland physical tasks indoors and outdoors.
Group Discussion:
A group of candidates is given a scenario or topic, often related to current events. Candidates engage in aconversation rather than a formal debate, discussing various aspects of the problem. Each groupdiscussion lasts for 20 minutes. The Group Task Officer (GTO) monitors the candidates’ participation andperformance throughout the activity.
Group Planning Exercise (Military Planning Exercise):
Candidates are presented with a practical situation and must develop a written strategy to address theproblem. Candidates outline their group’s answer and draw a firm conclusion during the exercise. It isimportant to demonstrate planning and decision-making skills while collaborating with the group. Theexercise is conducted within a time frame of 20 minutes.
Progressive Group Task (PGT) :
This task is the first outdoor task. Candidates must complete a series of four obstacles within 40 to 50minutes, with increasing difficulty. The group is provided with structures, assisting materials, and loads toovercome the obstacles. Candidates are expected to work together to overcome difficulties, utilizing aidslike ropes, planks, and wood logs.
Half Group Task (HGT) :
The group size is reduced by half compared to the Progressive Group Task (PGT). Candidates haveadditional opportunities to showcase their abilities and leadership skills.
Lecturette:
It is an individual activity where candidates deliver a three-minute lecture.
Candidates have 3 minutes to prepare from a set of four lecture topics. The focus is on the candidate’sself-assurance, perspective, and presentation skills. Each participant presents their chosen lecture topic.
Individual Obstacles:
Ten obstacles are set up for candidates to handle one at a time. Each obstacle is assigned a point valueranging from one to ten. Candidates are given 3 minutes to complete these obstacles.
Group Obstacle Race (Snake Race):
All groups participate in a race where they have to pull a rolled-up tent resembling a snake through aseries of six obstacles.
Command Task :
A candidate is designated as the commander and is assisted by two or three subordinates. Candidates canselect two individuals from their group to assist them in this task. The obstacle must be cleared within aspecified time frame using the available resources.
Final Group Task :
This task is similar to the Progressive Group Task (PGT) It involves a single obstacle. Each group isprovided with specific items such as a 5-foot long Fatta, a ball, a latha, a steel pipe, two ropes, and a 5-kilogram load. The task must be completed within a time limit of 15 to 20 minutes.
Personal Interview:
The interview with the candidate takes place on the same day as the other activities. It is a one-on-oneinterview conducted by a recruiting officer. The SSB questions typically last around 35 to 40 minutes.This Interview is generally based on the information provided in the Personal Information Questionnaire(PIQ) Form .
[III] Conference: The Final Decision (Day 5)
- The last day of the SSB is short but powerful. After a brief closing address, the BoardConference begins—where all the officers who assessed you come together to discussyour overall performance.
- One by one, each candidate enters the conference hall, facing the full panel of officers.Soon after, the long-awaited results are announced. Those who make it through moveforward to the medical examination. **
- The SSB may be intense and challenging, but standing at the edge of your dream—toserve the nation as an officer—makes every step worth it.
