SSB Selection Process

Candidates who have qualified the written test of NDA are called for the SSB round. Services Selection Board (SSB) is the personality and intelligence interview.  It is of 900 marks and is conducted in 2 stages. Stage-1 consist of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT). In stage-2, Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and Conference will be conducted. SSB spread over 5 days and is conducted at SSB centres.

Five Days SSB Selection Procedure

Day 0 (Reporting):

On this day, candidates have to report to the selection center. Candidate’s original documents along with photocopies will be verified. After the documents verification, Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) Forms will be filled.

Day 1 (Screening Test):

On the next day, it is the Stage 1. Candidates have to give an Intelligence Test (Verbal & Non-Verbal) & Picture Perception Test. In PP test, slide (hazy or clear) is shown for 30 seconds & candidates have to write the story. After finishing this test, the group discussion round takes place. This sequence is commonly known as Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT).

Day 2 (Psychology Tests):

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): It is called as Picture Story writing. This test is very similar to PPDT. In this test, about 11 pictures will be shown. Each picture will be displayed just for 30 seconds after that candidates have to write a story based on the picture within 4 minutes. After 4 minutes another picture will be displayed and the same procedure will be followed till the last slide. The twelfth slide will be blank where a candidate is supposed to write any story of their own choice.
• Word Association Test (WAT): It is the second psychological test of SSB selection procedure. In this test, 60 words will be shown back to back for a period of 50 seconds. Candidates have to write the 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 on it. Candidates have to write their responses based on those 60 situations.
• Self Description Test (SD): In this test, candidates have to write their opinion about their parents, themselves, friends, teachers & others. The time will be allotted 15 minutes.

Day 3 & Day 4 – Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO Tasks):

These Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor activities as a combination of mental and physical work. These tests are as follows:

• Group Discussion: In this round, a certain situation or topic (mostly current affairs) is given to a group of candidates. They are expected to discuss the various aspects of the issue. Group Task Officer observes each candidate during the course of the group discussion.
• Group Planning Exercise (Military Planning Exercise): In this round, a model of real life practical circumstances is presented to a group of applicants. They have to write their own plan of action for the mentioned problem.
• Progressive Group Tasks (PGT): In this round, the group of candidates has to cross some obstacles with the help of supporting materials such as rope, plank, wood log etc.
• Half Group Tasks: This round is same as PGT but the numbers of group members will 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: In this round, all group members will compete to the other groups. Candidates are required to cross certain obstacles with the snake-like rope.
• Command Task: In this task, an aspirant will be a commander. He will be 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 PGT. Candidates have another chance to show their potential.

On the same day, the candidate’s interview will be conducted. It involves a personal conversation with an Interviewing Officers.

Day 5 (Conference):

On the final day, candidates & all the SSB board member sit together and have a chat to the candidates to ask a few general questions. The conference is just to decide whether you recommend as an officer in Indian defense forces or not. 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 Officer.

Within an hour, the SSB result will be declared after completion of the board meeting. Selected candidates undergo medical test for further 3 or 5 days. After qualifying candidate’s medical test, the final merit list will be announced.