SSB Interview Procedure and Insider Tips from Col MM Nehru

Are you aspiring to join the esteemed ranks of the Indian Armed Forces? The SSB (Services Selection Board) interview procedure is a crucial step on your journey. To help you navigate this challenging selection process, we’ve gathered insights from the experienced Col MM Nehru. In this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the SSB interview procedure along with valuable tips to increase your chances of success.

Day 1: Reporting Day

On the first day of your SSB interview, make sure you’re at the Movement Control Office (MCO), Railway Station, as per your call letter. You’ll be among other candidates scheduled for the same day. Col Nehru emphasizes the importance of following your call letter for accurate information.

During this initial briefing, you’ll receive instructions and a schedule for the upcoming days. Be prepared to fill out a Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) form.

Day 2: Stage 1 Testing/Screening

Stage 1 involves screening potential candidates for Stage 2. This phase includes the following assessments:

Officer’s Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test: This test evaluates your reasoning ability, both verbal and non-verbal. Practice beforehand to improve your performance.
Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT): This assessment consists of writing a story based on a given picture and discussing it with your group. Col Nehru advises against using pre-conceived stories and encourages natural, realistic narratives.
Discussion Requirement: In groups of 14-15, you’ll narrate your stories and then work together to create a consensus story. Remember to speak confidently, listen attentively, and be polite during the discussion.

Results of Screening: After the PPDT, you’ll have a break, and screening results will be announced. Selected candidates receive new chest numbers, while others are provided with TA and transported back to the railway station.

Day 3: Stage 2 Testing

During Stage 2, psychology tests are conducted, including:

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): You’ll create stories based on 11 pictures. Prepare for the blank slide and remember to think fast and write legibly. The stories can involve problem solving. Do not unnecessarily dodge a negative emotion to some drama etc.
Word Association Test (WAT): React to 60 words with spontaneous sentences. Avoid prepared responses, as authenticity is key.
Situation Reaction Test (SRT): Respond to 60 situations in 30 minutes.
Self Description Test (SD): Describe yourself based on opinions from others and your own goals. Be honest.

Col Nehru’s tip for psychology tests is to think fast, write fast, and maintain correct sequence while completing as much as possible. Your sentences should be meaningful, they should make sense. Do not get into the clutter of ‘whether to use should/would/must’.

Days 4 & 5: GTO Tests

Group Testing Officer (GTO) tests assess your qualities during group performance. These include:

Group Discussion (GD): Discuss current affairs and social issues with your group.
Group Planning Exercise (GPE): Develop a plan to accomplish a task within a limited time. Concentrate on understanding the situation and collaborating with your team.
Progressive Group Task (PGT) and Half Group Task (HGT): Overcome obstacles as a group. Display leadership and teamwork.
Individual Obstacles Task (IOT): Attempt 10 obstacles individually. Plan your approach. Maintain fitness for this.
Command Task: Take command and solve obstacles with subordinates based on competence.
Snake Race/Group Obstacle Course: Compete with other groups while holding a rope-like snake. Focus on group cooperation.
Individual Lecture: Speak for 3 minutes on a topic of your choice.

Col Nehru advises not to compete with your group but to support them to the best of your abilities.

Day 4 or 5: Personal Interview

The Interviewing Officer uses your Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) form as a basis for the interview. Stay relaxed, answer questions truthfully, and have some knowledge about your work profile/academics.

Day 6: SSB Conference

The final conference involves a discussion of each candidate’s case. This is the last part of the SSB interview procedure. Keep your answers concise.

In conclusion, the SSB interview procedure is a rigorous assessment of your personality and ability to work in a team. Follow these tips provided by Col MM Nehru to enhance your chances of success.

You will get selected only when you are fit for selection.

Kritee

No Frills Academy Student

SSB performance is a subset of life; if you are competent in life, you will be selected.

Vivek

No Frills Academy Student