SSB 5 Days Procedure: Get Complete Details about 5 Days SSB Interview Procedure

The SSB Interview is a 5 days interview procedure where candidates are tested on various parameters. The Indian Army, the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Air Force have adopted SSB 5 Days Procedure to test whether the candidates have Officer Like Qualities and qualify to become an Officer in the Indian Armed Force. The SSB Interview is a tough nut to crack and candidates need to be well-prepared to face the various challenges in SSB. In this article, we will discuss the complete 5 Days SSB Interview Procedure in detail. Right from the reporting day, we will be covering each and every aspect of the SSB Interview here. 

What is SSB?

The Service Selection Board was set up to test the capability, and evaluate the personality and eligibility of aspiring defence aspirants. The core principle of SSB has been derived from the mantra of- Mansa, Vacha, and Karmana, and candidates are tested on these traits. Mansa means thoughts, Vacha means speech, and Karmana means deeds or actions. In the SSB 5 Days Procedure, a battery of Psychological Tests, Interviews, and Group Tests are conducted to evaluate the qualities of the candidates. Along with these traits, specific Officer Like Qualities are expected to be present in candidates to get recommended by SSB. We have talked about these qualities below. 

Entry to SSB 

Candidates who have appeared for the CDS, NDA, AFCAT, and INET have to appear for the SSB Interview once they qualify for the written test of the aforementioned exams. Apart from these, candidates have to appear for SSB for entries like Judge Advocate General, Territorial Army, Technical Short Service Commission Courses, Non-Technical Short Service Commission Courses, IAF’s Meteorology Branch Course, Navy’s Executive and Technical Branch Entry, Coast Guard, Navy’s Pilot/ Observer Entry, and Navy’s Education Branch Entry. Candidates can also appear for the SSB 5 Days Procedure through open entries like- Technical Graduate Course, Tech Entry Scheme, NCC Special Entry Scheme, and University Entry Scheme. 

SSB Call Letter 

The Service Selection Board (SSB) Call Letter is a dream letter for every defence aspirant. It brings the candidates a step closer to their dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. The SSB Call Letter is issued only for the aspirants who have qualified in the first round of selection of the respective exam like CDS, AFCAT, NDA, etc. and the aforementioned open entries.

The contents of the SSB Call Letter may vary as per the organisation. The general contents of the SSB Call Letter are:

• Applicant’s Roll Number
• Registration Number
• Applicant’s Name
• Reporting SSB Centre
• Reporting Time
• General Instructions
• Required Documents to be carried by the candidates
• Requisites to be carried by the candidates
• Boarding and Lodging Details

SSB 5 Days Procedure

The SSB Interview is conducted for 5 days and is almost the same for the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces. The SSB Interview is conducted in two phases.

• Phase I– Screening
• Phase 2– Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Interviews, and board conference 

Candidates need to report on time at the centre they chose while filling out the application, or the centres allotted to them. The reporting time of the candidates, centre and other details are mentioned in their SSB Call letter. Now, let’s take a look at the day-wise activities of the 5 Days Procedure in the SSB Interview. 

DAY 1: Screening

Day 1 is the reporting and screening day when candidates have to report at their mentioned SSB Centre. Candidates can report to the SSB Centre directly or can also report a day earlier to the Movement Control Officer (MCO) and from there, they are taken to the SSB Centre by military vehicles. 

After this, candidates are allotted their temporary chest numbers. Candidates are addressed by their respective chest numbers by the officials at the SSB Center. Day 1 is also the Screening Day. As mentioned above, for some exams like the NDA Exam the reporting day and the screening day will be the same. 

Day 1 is divided into two activities.

• OIR or the Officer Intelligence Rating Test. 
• PP & DT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test).

OIR

The Officer Intelligence Rating Test is the test of a candidate’s reasoning and aptitude abilities. There is a booklet consisting of 50 questions of Verbal and Non-verbal types and for each set 30 minutes are allotted to the candidates. This test is conducted to test candidates’ logical and analytical reasoning. 

PP & DT

PP and DT are two different sub-divisions of the same test. PP stands for Picture Perception and DT stands for Discussion Test. 

In Picture Perception (PP), an image is displayed on the screen for a period of 30 seconds, then 1 minute is given to the candidates to fill in the details, and in the next 4 minutes, they are required to write a story around it. Candidates need to be very observant and note down minute details about the picture and its characters like the mood, age, actions, etc. The story written by the candidates should not just define the picture but relate to the picture as well. 

In the Discussion Test (DT), candidates are divided into small groups and made to sit in a semi-circle. Then each candidate is made to narrate their story in front of the group within one minute. After that, the group is asked to discuss and make a group story including elements from each candidate’s story.

Post-lunch, the results of the screening test are declared. Based on their performance, some candidates are selected and move on to the next phase- Phase II of the SSB 5 Days Procedure. Selected candidates then go for their document verification and fill up the Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) for the next phase and are given a new chest number. The remaining candidates are given their travel allowance (TA) and dropped back at the railway station or the bus stand. TA is only provided to the fresher candidates, not the reappearing ones. 

Through PP & DT qualities like- Power of Expression, Cooperation, Self Confidence, Ability to Influence the Group and Speed of Decision Making is tested. Then starts the next phase. 

DAY 2: Psychological Test

Candidates who make it to the second day of the 5 Days Procedure in the SSB Interview, come one step closer to their dream. On the second day, candidates are subjected to a battery of Psychological Tests the psychological test battery includes tests like-

• Thematic Apperception Test [TAT]
• Word Association Test [WAT]
• Situation Reaction Test [SRT]
• Self-Description Test [SD]

Thematic Apperception Test [TAT]

In this round, candidates are shown 12 pictures. 11 pictures are hazy while the last picture/slide is blank. Each picture is displayed only for 30 seconds and then the next slide appears. In the end, the blank slide appears inviting the candidates to write a story of their own in just 4 minutes. This round is one of the most significant rounds of the psychological test. Candidates have to write the stories using the facts, ideas and assumptions that come to their mind. It is not regulated or controlled by any guidelines, hence it is the true representation of the candidate’s thoughts, and how they perceive any particular situation. This is one of the most important qualities of an officer. How does the officer see a situation and what conclusion he draws? During the time of war or peace operations, strong mental abilities will be required to provide better maintenance and administration of that situation. Being an officer in the defence services is not an easy task. The person is entrusted with the responsibility of safety and security of the entire nation and therefore they must possess some extraordinary imaginative and creative skills to tackle different situations. 

Word Association Tests [WAT]

In this round, 60 words are displayed on the screen for 15 seconds each. Candidates are required to write a sentence that comes to their mind immediately after seeing the word. Likewise, they have to write 60 sentences.

Situation Reaction Test [SRT]

The situation Reaction Test is one of the most important tests in SSB. SRT is designed to test a candidate’s reactions in certain given situations. This tests the candidate’s personality and gives the actual picture of their conscious and subconscious mind. Having a strong mindset and quick decision-making skill is one of the most important skills required in an officer and SRT tests the same. In the Situation Reaction Test, Candidates are given a booklet containing 60 different situations, and candidates have to write their responses to them in 30 minutes. Candidates should be quick while answering the questions and should think about the situation as an officer. They should avoid fabricating the responses and be genuine while answering the questions. 

Self-Description Test [SD]

In this test of the 5-day SSB interview procedure, candidates have to write about the opinion of their parents, teachers, friends, colleagues, etc. about them. What do the candidates think about themselves; their strengths and weaknesses, these types of questions are asked. The motive of this test is to examine how well the candidates know themselves and how they would picture themselves in front of the other person. Candidates should avoid writing any negative sentences or false praise themselves. 

DAY 3: Group Test-I

The Group Task is conducted by a Group Testing Officer. Candidates are divided into small groups and their ability to perform in a group is tested. The tasks under Group Task I are as follows:

• Group Discussion- Group Discussion tests how well the candidate gels with their fellow batchmates. Social cooperation and social cohesiveness are OLQs that SSB wants in their officers. Candidates have to discuss two topics back to back for 15-20 minutes. This tests how can the candidates take part in a group discussion, put forward their views, and influence the group by being firm with their decisions. 
• Group Planning Exercise- Group Planning Exercise is also known as the Military Planning Exercise. In this task, candidates get to think and act as an officer. Groups are formed with 6-12 members in each group. Candidates have to write a solution to a given problem. Then candidates are divided into groups and they together have to decide on a common solution for a specific problem and explain it with the help of the map. A 2D or 3D structure is placed in front of them and candidates have to conclude using the map. There are two phases in the GPE. First is individual planning and second is group planning. The Group Planning Exercise is designed to test candidates planning skills, use of resources, leadership skills and how candidates will lead their group in a real task. 
• Progressive Group Task (PGT) – PGT is one of the most exciting and difficult tasks in the GTO series. The tasks could be challenging and tricky at times and candidates have to be very careful and use their full potential while performing. Candidates have to cross certain obstacles or hurdles with some weight like a wooden plank, rope, etc. Candidates have to cross each hurdle along with these obstacles in the shortest time possible. The GTO will explain the rules and regulations to the candidates and will take the group through the various levels of obstacles. 
• Half Group Task (HGT) – This round is the same as PGT, it’s just that the group is now divided into half. The GTO divides the group into two halves and instructs the candidates about the tasks.
• Group Obstacle Race- Candidates have to cross some obstacles including a rope sticking to it like a snake and it is a group task. The performance of the whole group is examined and if any individual makes a mistake the whole group is punished. 

DAY 4: Group Task-II

Day 4 of the SSB 5 Days Procedure includes the following tasks.

• Lecturette- Candidates are given 4 topics, out of which they have to speak on one topic of their choice for 3 minutes. This task tests how well the candidates can deliver their speeches, and how confident they are. This is a required skill in an officer while they give a brief to their team.
• Individual Obstacle Task (IOT) – Candidates have to cross 10 obstacles individually, each obstacle has some points. The tasks include activities like- Jumping over a slide, Long jump, High Jump, Zig-Zag Balance, Walking a wooden log, High Screen jumping, Jumping platforms, Burma Bridge, Tarzan swing, and jumping through a tyre.
• Command Task- In this round, candidates are made the commander and they choose their own team. The commander gives the instructions while the team members have to follow the instructions and complete the task.
• Final Group Task: Just like PGT, one more round is conducted where candidates have to show their potential of performing as a team.

Personal Interview

The Personal Interview is one of the most important parts of the SSB Interview. Candidates have a one-to-one interview with the Interviewing Officer (IO). It starts on day 2 of the SSB 5 Days Procedure and continues until day 2. Candidates are questioned on their daily activities, their own performance, and some general awareness questions. Candidates need to be very careful while answering the questions as the IO judge their body language, facial expressions, alertness, their answers, speaking skills, etc. and this is a key factor in the selection of the candidates.

DAY 5: Conference

On the final day of the 5 days, SSB interview procedure candidates have to appear for the final test i.e., the Board Conference Day. Candidates have to face a panel of officers who assess the candidate on various parameters like their personality, presence of mind, performance in the SSB tasks, etc. Certain questions about the stay of the candidate, their performance, their equation with their fellow batchmates, etc. are asked and the panel takes a collective decision. Borderline candidates can be asked certain situation-based questions and then the final decision is made. 

The results are announced and candidates who can satisfy the criteria laid out by the board are recommended and those who miss their chance of being selected are sent back home to prepare themselves for the next time. 

Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS)

Candidates who aspire to join the armed forces as flying officers have to take up the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT), now known as Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS). This once-in-a-lifetime test is conducted after day 4. Some centres also conduct the CPSS after the recommendation of the candidates. The CPSS test includes an Instrument Battery Test, a Sensory Motor Apparatus Test (SMAT), and a Control Velocity Test (CVT) and is conducted to check the hand, leg, vision, and hearing coordination of the candidate. 

What after SSB Interview?

After the SSB 5 Days Procedure, the recommended candidates have to go for their medical examination. A detailed medical examination of the candidates takes place and candidates who are declared medically fit are finally recommended for further procedure. If any candidate fails to fulfil the required medical eligibility criteria and is rejected on a permanent ground they will not be able to appeal or reappear for the test. The reasons for a permanent medical rejection could be any of the following:

• Sweaty Palms
• Flat Foot
• Knock Knee
• Kidney Stones
• Pigeon Chest
• Color Perception CP 2 and CP 3 (Flying Branch) CP 3 (CDS Entry)
• Carrying Angle of Elbow

Candidates who have been declared medically unfit temporarily are given the option to appeal for a re-examination by applying at Apply Medical Board (AMB) by depositing a fee of INR 40. Candidates who have been declared underweight or over-weight can file an appeal after 42 days after acquiring the required medical fitness. The SSB Service Selection Board Appeal Medical Board will be held at one of the following centres:

• Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt.
• Command Hospital, Southern Command, Pune
• Command Hospital, Eastern Command, Kolkata
• Command Hospital, Central Command, Lucknow
• Command Hospital, Western Command, Chandimandir
• Command Hospital, Northern Command, 56 APO
• Command Hospital, Air Force, Bangalore
• INHS, Ashwini, Mumbai

We hope our article on SSB 5 Days Procedure was helpful and informative for the candidates. SSB Interview is one of the toughest interviews to crack and candidates who make it through the interview are just a few steps away from their dream of joining the armed forces. The candidates who do not make it through the SSB 5 Days Procedure should not lose heart. We at SAMARITAN DEFENCE ARENA, strive to help you achieve your dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. For guidance on how to prepare for defence exams and SSB Interview candidates should visit SAMARITAN DEFENCE ARENA BEST NDA & SSB COACHING IN LUCKNOW.

SSB 5 Days Procedure FAQs

How many phases are there in the SSB 5 Days Procedure?

The SSB 5 Days Procedure is conducted in two phases. Phase I- Screening and Phase II- Psychological Test, Group Test, and Interview.

What is the purpose of the SSB Interview?

The SSB Interview evaluates candidates’ psychological capacity, physical strength, personality, and intelligence.

Where do candidates have to report for the SSB 5 Days Procedure?

Candidates can directly report to the allotted SSB Centre or the Movement Control Office (MCO).

What happens on Day 1 of the SSB 5 Days Procedure?

Day 1 is treated as the reporting and screening day; where candidates are evaluated based on the Officer’s Intelligence Rating Test and PP & DT.

What are PP & DT in the SSB 5 Days Procedure?

PP means Picture Perception, in which candidates have to write a story in 1 minute around images shown to them for 30 seconds and DT means a Discussion Test in which candidates have to discuss their stories in a group of 10-15 candidates and then make a common story.

What is the next step after Screening in 5 Days SSB Procedure?

After Screening, candidates move forward with the Psychological Tests which include the- Thematic Apperception Test [TAT], Word Association Test [WAT], Situation Reaction Test [SRT], and Self Description Test [SD].

What tasks are included in the Psychological Test?

The activities included in the Psychological Tests are- Thematic Apperception Test [TAT], Word Association Test [WAT], Situation Reaction Test [SRT], and Self Description Test [SD].

What happens in the Group Tests of 5 Days SSB Procedure?

The Group Task of SSB is conducted on Day 3 and Day 4 and includes activities like- Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Task (PGT), Half Group Task (HGT), Group Obstacle Race, Individual Obstacle Task (IOT), Command Task, and Final Group Task. Candidates are divided into groups and sub-groups (for HGT) and have to perform tasks where they need to cross some obstacles unitedly.

What happens in the SSB Personal Interview?

The SSB Interview takes place from Day 2 to Day 4. Candidates have a personal interview with the Interviewing Officer (IO) where they are asked questions based on their daily activities.

What is the final stage in the SSB 5-Day Procedure?

The final stage of the SSB 5-day procedure is the Conference Round, where all assessors, including psychologists, GTOs, and interviewing officers, discuss and evaluate the candidate’s overall performance. Candidates are then informed about their selection status.