SSB INTERVIEW:

FROM A CANDIDATE’S
PERSPECTIVE
B RAMA SATYA NARAYANA (RAMA)
 PREFACE
The idea to write a book on SSB Interview stuck me when I
realized there are many aspirants, who cannot afford both
time and money to attend coaching for SSB interview. There
are many books and online material available written by
experts but I would like to express my knowledge which I
have gained since my first attempt in 2012.
I personally feel that the SSB Interview cannot be cleared
without coaching or some kind of mentorship. Candidates
who clear the SSB without any guidance are very rare
because of the perception gap. This book may reduce that
perception gap and can guide the aspirants.
This book has been written keeping in mind that the
candidates are aware of the various tests conducted in the
SSB interview. The idea behind presenting an unedited
version of TAT and GPE is to get candidates home the point
effectively and analyse as to where they are committing
mistakes. I consider this compilation as my little contribution
to the aspirants’ community.
I hope this book manages to simplify the approach to SSB
interview, clear the myths surrounding the GTO and the
science behind making bridges.
BEST WISHES, Rama.
 CONTENTS
1. My experiments with the SSB
2. Screening Test
3. Thematic Apperception Test
4. Word Association Test
5. Situation Reaction Test
6. Self Description Test
7. GTO Group Discussion
8. GTO Group Planning Exercise
9. GTO Outdoor Tasks :The physics of making Bridges
 MY EXPERIMENTS WITH THE SSB
The call letter read we are pleased to inform that you have been nominated
to attend the SSB Interview for 10+2 TeS entry on September 17 2012 . A
smile on my face and I thought that nobody can stop me from getting
recommended in the first attempt. Call it overconfidence. I was overconfident
because of my high academic score and my height. Overconfidence kills best of
the players. I was no exception to this rule. Couldn’t solve all the questions in
OIR and got stuck during narration and couldn’t even speak in Group
Discussion. Eventually, I was screened out in my first attempt.

Next attempt was just after 10 days. This time nervousness replaced
overconfidence. In the gap of 10 days, I prepared myself for screening test
only. I narrated the story of the picture which was shown in Bangalore 10 days
earlier. This time it was NDA entry. The number of people reported was very
less compared to the TeS entry because of the written exam. To my surprise
the same picture was shown in the screening which was shown in the teS
screening. My confidence levels rose to sky high. I performed well and was
screened in. In the second stage, Psychological tests and PI went well. Then
came the GTO, coached candidates were doing everything. Again nervousness
had set in and couldn’t do anything except following the instructions of others.
Was conferenced out. Dream of joining the NDA shattered.

My experimental phase continued even after 3 years of graduation. This time it

was for CDS 2 2015 entry in the last week of March 2016. Again, got a call from
SCS, Bangalore. I had attended without any preparation. Was screened in.
Psych tests went well. In PI, my zero preparation had taken a toll on my
answers. I would like to share my stupidity here. The IO asked me Rama, tell
me how did you prepare for the SSB interview? I said kya preparation karta
sir, 20 saal se bana hai personality, isko 2 weeks ki coaching se kaise change
karta . This reply made the IO surprised. His expressions changed and he
immediately cut short the Interview and told Rama keep fighting . I was
surprised. After coming out of the interview room I started thinking whether
my answer impressed or disappointed the IO. In GPE I didn’t write solution to
the problems and whatever I had written, I struck it off. In GTO outdoor tasks, I
started acting as if I were the leader of the group. I used to shout, gentleman,
pass the load . I gave ideas here and there but was not enough. Command task
given to me was probably the easiest one. I understood that the doors were
closed. I was conferenced out again.

After this I joined the Col. Ganesh Babu Sir’s guidance. It was an eye opening
one. I came to know that my Psych and personality were on the lines. There I
learnt about the expectations from a candidate in the SSB Interview. His
guidance is unique and more useful in life.

Before the attending the Interview, I practised around 70 stories and 600 WAT
words on logical response principle. Watched AFOSOP videos multiple times
and also read the book My appointment with a psychologist . I practised
narration for all my stories. For GTO I learnt the cantilever principle and was
able to apply in the GTO. My performance improved in all the aspects. The
same 17 SSB recommended me which had rejected me 4 months earlier.

Even though I got recommended but couldn’t fulfil my dream as I was

medically rejected due to substandard colour perception. It was for this, I had
prepared for all my life. But the struggle was worth experiencing. I still read
military biographies and watch videos on the Indian army.

This book has been written on the basis of my experience of attending four SSB
interviews, my understanding of my appointment with a psychologist book,
Col MM Nehru sir’s answers on quora, Col Arpendu Gupta sir’s closing address
in the SSB interview and my personal interaction with Col SK Pandey sir and
Lt.Col.Ganesh Babu sir.
 Rama
17 SSB (R)

Screening test
Screening test on day 1 consists of two tests i.e. Officers intelligence rating
(OIR) test and Picture Perception and Description test (PP&DT).

A candidate is expected to perform well in OIR because it’s a test of logical

reasoning which is of moderate level.

Tips to perform well in OIR

1. Cover topics the following topics from any reasoning book

a. Verbal:Series completion, analogy, classification, coding-decoding,
blood relations, Venn diagrams, missing numbers and word ranking
based on dictionary.
b. Non-verbal: series, analogy, classification, analytical reasoning, mirror
images, water images, spotting out the embedded figures, figure
matrix, paper folding, paper cutting and cubes and dice.
2. By heart the alphabet ranking.
3. Solve as many questions as possible in the given time.
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Dos and don’ts for Picture Perception

1. Observe the picture clearly. Observe the number of characters, their

age, mood and sex.
2. Always write the exact mood of the character shown in the picture.
Write –ve if the character is in negative mood. Please don’t write +ve
even if the mood is clearly negative.

The way of writing a good story for PPDT is extensively explained in

TAT section of Psychological tests.

Dos and Don’ts for narration

1. Always narrate your story within the time frame of 1 minute.

2. Always narrate your own story which you have written in the answer
sheet.
3. Pay proper attention while others are narrating. Carefully analyse the
common points like it can be number of characters, theme of the story,
action of the hero, problems in the story, place of happening, solution to
the problem, and conclusion in other’s story.
4. Do not look at assessors.
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17 SSB (R)
5. Maintain a good body posture.
6. Don’t shake your legs or body.

Personal suggestions

1. Do not make a common story or consensus before entering into the

Group discussion hall.
2. Revise your story which you have written in the sheet earlier in your
brain during the break time.

Dos and Don’ts for Group discussion

Note: Points from 2 to 8 are also applicable for GD of GTOs Tasks.

1. Speak the common points which you have heard in the narration of
group members like it can be number of characters, theme of the story,
action of the hero, problems in the story, place of happening, solution to
the problem, and conclusion.
Example: As most of us made a story on XXX, let’s adopt XXX as common
theme of the story. The same thing applies for other points such as
action of hero etc.
2. Listen to other’s point and if possible give suggestions by quoting his
chest number.
Example: I support chest number X that but I would like to add or
suggest.....
3. Don’t speak the following points as these points are illogical and shows
stupidity.
a. I agree with you gentlemen.
b. I support chest number X
c. Gentlemen, let’s cooperate.
d. Gentlemen, chest number Y hasn’t spoken, give him a chance.
4. Don’t try to dominate the discussion. Always give chance for others to
speak.
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5. Don’t contribute to the fish market scene. Just keep quiet during fish
market scene.
6. As soon as the noise of fish market comes down, give your point.
7. If you are nominated to give the group story, narrate the common story
of the group not your own individual story.
8. Don’t look downwards while Group discussion is on. Chest should be up
and show your confidence levels.
9. Watch a video on Reasons for Stage 1 Rejection of AFOSOP on
youtube.

A candidate is expected to have good communication skills without which it is

not possible to get recommend in the SSB interview.
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THEMATIC APPERCEPTION TEST (TAT)
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a projective psychological test.
Proponents of the technique assert those subjects' responses, in the narratives
they make up about ambiguous pictures of people, reveal their underlying
motives, concerns, and the way they see the social world.

This test is conducted on 2nd day of the SSB and this is the most important test.
The response to the pictures shown on the projector is evaluated in terms of
OLQs and the assessors arrive at a conclusion whether the candidate is fit for
defence forces or not.

TESTING PROCEDURE:

1. Candidates are shown a picture on projector screen for 30 seconds.

2. After perceiving the picture, a candidate has to write his response in the
in the response booklet provided. A candidate has to write a story which
should contain what led to the situation shown in the picture, what is
happening and what the outcome would be.
3. Time given for writing a story for a particular picture is 4 minutes, after
which a new picture is projected.
4. Likewise, 11 pictures are projected and 12th slide being the blank one for
which the candidate can write a story of his choice.

Pictures shown are ambiguous. Ambiguity brings out the subconscious thinking
pattern of a candidate. I classify pictures into the following categories:

1. High action picture.

Example: military action, road accident, flood rescue, medical
emergency, catching a thief etc.
2. Moderate action picture.
Example: athlete running, a person doing something.
3. Neutral picture.
Example: a group of people sitting, people discussing, a man and women
discussing.
4. Negative picture.
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Example: a death someone, a depressed person etc.

In the stories, the action of the hero represents your action, the
qualities of the hero depicts your qualities. If the hero is courageous,
then you are courageous. If the hero is a coward, then you are
considered to be a coward. If the hero is hardworking, then you are
considered to be hardworking. If the hero is lazy then you are
considered to be lazy. In short, the hero in the picture is your alter ego.
Let’s understand TAT with the help of an example.

The picture clearly shows the death of some person (negative picture).

RESPONSE 1:
Kishore, a 20 year old boy is in 3rd year of BSc, studying in Ramjas
college. On one unfortunate day, he lost his father in a road accident. He
with the help of his friends and relatives conducted the funeral. He took
the responsibility of his family. Because of his father’s death there was
financial issues. So, Kishore joined as a teacher in an IIT coaching
institute for 800 rupees per class in the evening after his college. He
motivated his brother to study harder for his board exams. He himself
started working beyond the scheduled time to balance his studies and
household responsibilities. After a year’s time, he completed his BSc,
cleared CDS exam and joined the army . His mother felt relieved.
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RESPONSE 2:
Sanjeev, a 20 year old boy is in 3rd year of graduation, studying in Ramjas
college. On one unfortunate day, he lost his father in a road accident. He
was very disappointed. He stopped going to college regularly. He
withdrew from social life. He stopped listening to his mother’s advice.
He even stopped taking food regularly. He took to drinking alcohol to
forget everything. He didn’t appear for his semester exams and failed.
His mother started feeling helpless.

Reading the above stories one can understand that who is a leader and
who is not.
EVALUATION
KISHORE SANJEEV
He took the responsibility He didn’t take the responsibility
immediately. when required.
He joined a job to due to financial He stopped going to college.
problems.
He started working overtime. He withdrew from social life.
He motivated his brother to study He needed someone to take care
well. of him.
His hardwork earned him a job. His bad habits made him a failure.
His mother felt proud. His mother felt helpless.
He improved the situation. He made the situation worst.

Though the story of sanjeev is generally not written by anyone in the SSB
but to compare the two characters, I wrote the sanjeev’s story. Kishore
with his hard work changed the bad state of his family to a happy and
wealthy one.
The situation was negative but the outcome is a positive one. In
kishore’s story, one will not find any adjectives describing him for
example Kishore is intelligent, determined, positive, optimistic, caring
etc. Rather, all the adjectives are reflected through his actions and
behaviour. The Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) that is present in Kishore is
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Sense of responsibility, cooperation, organizing ability, determination,
social adaptability and self confidence.

RESPONSE 3:
Vipin, a 20 year intelligent and hardworking boy is in 3rd year of graduation
studying in Ramjas college. He is a member of his college’s dramatic society.
For the annual day event the dramatics society was to perform a drama. So,
vipin decided to play the role of a dead body. He acted as dead body for half an
hour. He didn’t move a bit through out the time. His performance spell bound
the audience. They continuously clapped for 5 minutes. The response of the
audience made vipin proud and tears of happiness rolled down from his eyes.
There was a bollywood director among the audience and he offered a role to
Vipin in his upcoming film. Vipin accepted the offer and acted very well in the
film. The whole India felt proud of his acting and he was adjudged the best
male debut actor of the year. Vipin felt very happy.

These kind of stories are not desirable which in turn rejects the candidate
writing such story. In the above story, to impress the assessors the candidate
has considered the death scene as drama to fake his personality as a positive
one. He did not accept the problem. One has to accept the situation and take
steps to solve the problem. Moreover, Vipin’s story reveals the wishful thinking
of the writer. Also using superlative degree adjectives to define your hero such
as intelligent, courageous, hardworking or national champion etc; extra leads
to exaggeration.

There is no Courage without challenges and risks; there is no motivation

without failure and setbacks.
There must be a crisis in your story. Without crisis, the hero cannot showcase
his strengths. Stories are never good or bad, negative or wrong. They are
evaluated and termed to be only desirable and not desirable.
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Let’s go through a desirable response.

The picture shows a bus accident where the bus must have fallen into a river
(High action type TAT picture).

RESPONSE:
Saurav resides in the village Palanpur which is on the bank of the river Satluj.
One day while saurav was taking a morning walk on the river bank he had seen
a bus moving at fast pace, uncontrolled and suddenly had hit the concrete
protecting wall of the bridge and had fallen into the river. Saurav immediately
called others for the rescue and jumped into the river, entered the bus through
a window and started pulling people out of it. Few were badly injured. Saurav
and others provided them first aid by tying clothes on the injury to prevent
blood loss and also offered dry clothes to wear. After sometime, district
administration and ambulances reached the spot and rescued the people. In
this way Saurav could help the people in the needy.

In the above story, there was a crisis in front of Saurav in the form of an
accident. His quick response was necessary without which there could have
been loss of lives.
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HOW TO APPROACH TAT?
1. Observe the picture carefully. During observation analyse where the
situation is happening, how many characters are present, what kind of
dress the people are wearing, what is their mood and action.
2. Analyse whether the picture is of high action or moderate action or
neutral or negative type.
3. After picture analysis, one can conclude what the problem is and what
led to the situation.
4. Once the problem is known, solve the problem through your hero using
resources.

High action pictures such as military action, disaster like floods and accidents
need quick solution. In pictures of other type the story depends on what led to
the situation and candidates perception skills.

Now let’s go through a moderate action type picture:

RESPONSE:
Sima das, aged 23 is a state level athlete. One day while during routine practice
Sima was injured and medical reports stated that it was ligament tear on her
right leg knee joint. She underwent a surgery and was advised to undergo
rehabilitation for 6 months. After 1 month rest, she started walking slowly; she
started taking a diet rich in proteins and vitamins. After 15 more days she
started jogging, it was painful but she didn’t give up. When her leg improved
she started from basic training, also joined a gym to strengthen her leg. She
worked beyond the scheduled time. She started practising sprints of 100, 200
and 400 metres. With regular practise she honed her skills again and improved
her timings. In the national championship she was able to win medals for her
state.
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In the above story Sima had crisis in front of her in the form of a major injury
which could ruin her sporting career. But her determination has helped her to
get back on the track.

Practise the following pictures:

1.

In the above picture a man and women are discussing. It is neutral type
picture.

1. Where the situation is happening?

a. Office.
b. Home.
c. Restaurant.
d. College.
2. What is the relationship between the man and women?
a. Professional relationship.
b. Friendship.
c. Husband-wife.
d. Class mate.
3. What led to the situation?
a. Business issues.
b. Family issues etc.

Choose the best answer to the above questions and write a story. In this type
of picture never build a story around girl friend-boy friend as it may go awry
and may land you in trouble. Moreover, such types of relationships are not
accepted by our society.
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2.

Why the man is disappointed or depressed?

a. Failed in college exams or entrance exam.
b. Couldn’t cope with academics.
c. Family problems.
d. Financial issues etc.
Choose the best cause and make a story around it. The situation is negative,
the mood is negative but the outcome should be positive.

2.

Captain Rohan of 18 Madras regiment is on his routine patrolling, suddenly

1. there was gunfire and one of his soldiers injured
2. there was an avalanche
Write stories on both the causes.
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Dos and don’ts for TAT.
1. Story should have a crisis.
2. Superlative degree adjectives like intelligent, most courageous, daring
etc should not be used. These qualities should be reflected through
hero’s action and work.
3. Don’t write wishful thinking stories like, the hero cleared Civil services
exam and also won Olympics gold medal. Your hero cannot be a
superman.
4. Don’t write movie stories where hero does everything which is not
possible in real life.
5. Stories should end on a positive note.
6. While practising write at least 3 stories on a single picture.
7. One can use Mr.X or Mr.Y to avoid wasting time in thinking different
names.

Practice exercises
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Read My appointment with a psychologist and also watch AFOSOP SSB TAT
videos for in detail explanation of TAT.
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Suggested readings to improve your thinking which inturn will help you in
approaching the TAT in a better way:

1. India’s most fearless.

2. Courage and conviction by General V.K.Singh.
3. K.P.S Gill the paramount cop.
4. Paramvir chakra by Major General Ian Cardazo.
5. Chasing the brigand by K.Vijay Kumar IPS.
6. Wings of fire by APJ Abdul Kalam.
7. The power of subconscious mind by Joseph Murphy.
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WORD ASSOCIATION TEST
Word Association Test (WAT) is conducted on the second day of the SSB
interview. It is the part of Psychological test, conducted after the Thematic
Apperception Test (TAT). It is a test of your imagination.

Testing procedure

A word is shown on the projector and a candidate has to write a response to

the word in the form of a sentence. Time given to write a response to the word
is 15 seconds, after which next word is appeared on the projector screen.
Likewise a total of 60 words are projected.

Let’s see some of the responses of WAT examples given by Col. MM Nehru sir
in his Quora answer.
https://www.quora.com/How-should-I-improve-my-word-association-test-in-ssb/answer/Mani-
Mohan-Nehru?share=e9595a58&srid=5axQl

Sample Sentences

1. Help – Helping others spreads goodwill.

2. Organize- Organized room is an indication of an organized mind.
3. Action- Actions speak louder than words.
4. Determination- A determined man can achieve anything.
5. Imagination- Imagination has no limits.
6. Friends- Friends are the family we choose.
7. Lively- Lively people are good company.
8. Courage- Courageous men inspire generations.
9. Mind- Mind is the most powerful human organ.
10.Neighbour- Neighbours are good to you when you are good to them.
11.Group- Group cohesion leads to success.
12.Strength- Group cohesion creates strength.
13.Reasonable- Reasonable people easily resolve differences.
14.Sister- Sister can be more helpful than parents.
15.Speed- Speed often beats strength.
16.Timid- Timid people cannot be great leaders.
17.Knowledge- Knowledge is more powerful than money.
18.Country- A strong country is made by honest citizens.
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19.Dependence- Dependence is often seen in old age.
20.Brave- Brave men inspire men and children alike.
21.Expression- Simple and clear expression is well understood.
22.Emotions- Emotions are unique to everyone.
23.Action- Action drives results.
24.Health- Healthy lifestyle comes with discipline.
25.Awareness- General Awareness is improved by reading.

The above responses don’t contain the following:

1. Responses don’t contain the use of nouns and pronouns such as I, he, she,
Ram, Sita etc.
2. Responses don’t contain the use of modals such as should, must etc.
3. There is no factual response.
4. Hardly any response is in the form of a quotations or thoughts.
5. The above sample responses are considered as logical responses. If we
extensively analyse, we understand that in the above responses,
something is leading something else.

Help: Helping(something)-spreads(leads to)-goodwill(something else).

Courage: Courageous men(something)-inspire(leads to)-

generation(something else).

Reasonable: Reasonable people(something) -easily(leads to)- resolves

differences(something else).

Dos and don’ts for WAT

1. Do not write sentences which start with I, she, he or any name like Ram
etc. Example: I’m brave. I want to join army. Ram is intelligent.
2. Don’t write sentences which contains should, must etc.
Example: we should respect our elders. We should exercise daily.
3. Don’t write factual responses such as earth revolves around the sun,
Indian army is strong, etc.
4. Don’t write thoughts and quotations such as honesty is best policy, work
is worship etc.
5. Write WAT which is based on something is leading to something else
principle .
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Responses involving the use of I, he, she, Ram, should, would, facts and
quotations don’t require intelligence. So candidates are advised to avoid
such responses.

Situation Reaction Test

Situation reaction test (SRT) is also a part of Psychological tests. It is conducted
after the WAT. Here you will be a given a book let containing 60 situations and
you have to write your responses to the situations in 30 minutes. There is no
right or wrong responses to the situation but quality and desirability of
response to the situation is evaluated.

Let’s analyse a few SRTs and their responses.

1. It’s heavily flooding; your family is struck in the flood waters.

Unfortunately your son is being washed away by flood waters and also
you don’t know how to swim. You will....................................................

Responses:

a. I will jump into the water to save him.

b. I will immediately shout for help and with others help I will save him.
c. I will call for help and also use a rope/tree branch/ make rope using wet
clothes and save him.

Response evaluation:

a. Jumping into the flood waters without knowing swimming is foolishness.

It’s considered an emotional decision (Bhavnao mein beh jana) which is
of no use. It can lead to your death subsequently leaving the family
behind.
b. Immediately calling for help may save the child as there can be some
swimmers there who can rescue the child.
c. Calling for help and also playing a role to rescue the child using some
other alternatives is a desirable response.
2. You are travelling with valuables along with your sister in a bus which
also had another woman (only 3). Suddenly,3 armed robbers stopped
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and decided to loot the bus but they also want to sexually assault one
of the girls. They asked you to decide the women to be sacrificed; your
sister or the other women passenger (Bus driver and conductor fled
from the situation). You will.......................................................
Response to this type of situations is to fight. Fight hard but have to save
both the women. There is no other alternative. Use anything that comes
into your hand and hit the robbers but save the women.
Google Vishnu Shresta, a Gurkha soldier of Indian army.
3. One day suddenly you found a snake in the children’s park. You
will.......

Responses:

a. Avoid the snake and let it go away.

b. Alert everyone and kill it.
c. Alert everyone and catch it with the help of a snake catcher.

Response evaluation:

a. First solution is undesirable as it doesn’t solve the problem.

b. It solves the problem at the cost of killing the snake.
c. Desirable solution as it solves the problem without killing the snake.
4. You are in love with a girl of lower caste, and you want to marry the
girl but your parents don’t want you to do so. You will......

Responses:

a. Elope with the girl and marry her against wishes of the parents.
b. Avoid marrying the girl.
c. Convince and make my parents understand and marry the girl.

Response evaluation:

a. Doesn’t solve the problem rather it makes the situation worst.

b. Doesn’t solve the problem and spoils the lives both the girl and
yours
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c. Solves the problem and makes a balance between the extreme
wishes. Desirable solution.

By analysing the situations, we understand that response changes as the

situation changes. There is no good or bad response but there must be a
desirable response. And each response is unique. One situation demands not
to take emotional decisions, one situation demands to attack at any cost and
some other situation demands to arrive at consensus. So no coaching wala sir
will tell you how to react for a particular situation. A person has to deal with
the situations based on his capabilities. One has to solve the situation at any
cost. No situation is to be left aside.

Dos and don’ts for SRT.

1. Write qualitative responses as explained above.

2. Try to attempt all the situations.
3. Don’t leave any situation in between.
4. Give short answers. Telegram language can be used.

SELF DESCRIPTION (SD)

Here one has to write the opinions of Parents, teacher/office superiors,
friends, self opinion and things you would like to develop in you.

For this a candidate should know himself completely. Genuinely ask your
parents, teachers and friends opinion. You can use various adjectives to
describe yourself. Opinion should contain both positive and negative, both
strengths and weaknesses.
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Go through the following list to make your SD and analyse if you have any of
the following qualities.

My sample response, which I had written in the SSB.

Parent’s opinion:

My parents think that I’m hardworking, active, honest and optimistic at the
same time they also say that I’m stubborn, unfriendly to relatives and
short -tempered sometimes.

Teacher’s opinion:

My teachers think that I’m hardworking, a leader, optimistic and sincere and at
the same time they think that I’m naughty in class as I disturbs the class.

Friend’s opinion:

My friends says that I’m jovial, unselfish, have good sense of humour,
hardworking when situation demands. At the same time they say that I’m
short-tempered, rude sometimes, and sensitive.

Self opinion:

I’m hardworking, have good sense of humour, high self-esteem, determined to

achieve my aim. On the other side I’m short-tempered, sometimes emotional,
and procrastinate work.
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Improvement: I would like to leave aside my procrastination behaviour, stop
being abusive in public, and control anger. I want to develop the habit of
staying calm in pressure situations.

Dos and don’ts for SD

1. Do seek the opinions of parents, teachers and friends and make the SD.
2. Please don’t like external appearances like I’m tall and handsome, I have
good handwriting; I want to join Indian army etc.
3. In the improvement section write qualities which you would like to
develop in you and also about lessening the negative qualities.
4. Don’t write like I want to improve my academic scores, handwriting,
hairstyle etc.
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17 SSB (R)

PERSONAL INTERVIEW IN THE SSB

Personal Interview (PI) in the SSB Interview is conducted in the second stage.
Questions asked by the IO are generally based on your Personal Information
Questionnaire (PIQ) form.

Generally, the questions asked by the Interviewing Officer (IO) are classified
into the following sections:

1. Questions on your personal life

2. Questions on academics
3. Questions on your socialising behaviour
4. Questions on Hobbies and Interests
5. Miscellaneous questions

Let’s see the kind of questions asked in the each of the sections mentioned
above.

1. Questions on Personal life

(a) Mr.X, tell me something about yourself.
(b) Mr. X, tell me something about your family.
(c) Which of the parents are you close to and why?
(d) What is your parent’s opinion on you?
(e) Do you hide anything from your parents? If yes, why?
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(f) Is there any family problem?

(g) How good is your bond with your siblings?
(h) What have you learnt from your parents?
(i) What are best and worst moments with your family?
(j) Whom do you admire in your life?
(k) What is life according to you?
(l) What is your aim?

What are your strengths and weakness?

2. Questions on Academics
(a) What are the reasons for your poor academic record?
(b) Are there any backlogs in your graduation subjects?
(c) What is your favourite academic subject?
(d) Questions based on your subjects?
(e) Have you ever cheated in your exams? If yes, why?
(f) What have you learnt in your college apart from academics?
(g) Who is favourite teacher and why?
(h) Have you achieved anything in your academics?
(i) Do you regret about anything in college or school life?
(j) What do your teachers think about you?
3. Questions on Socialising behaviour
(a) Who is your close friend?
(b) What does your close friend thinks about you?
(c) What have you learnt from your friends?
(d) What do you think about your friends?
(e) What are the memorable moments with your friends?
(f) Have done anything mischief activity with your friends?
(g) Are there any friends who spoiled you?
(h) Do have any girl friend/boy friend?
(i) What does your gf/bf thinks about you?
(j) Have you contributed anything to the society?
(k) Tell me something about your state, district, city etc?
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4. Questions on Hobbies and Interests

(a) What are your hobbies and interests?
(b) How and when did you pick them?
(c) Have you achieved anything in your hobby?
(d) How do you utilise your free time?
(e) Questions based on your hobby, like if your hobby is playing some sport,
then be ready to answer questions on it such what are the rules, court
length, ball weight, favourite sports star, achievements etc?
(f) What are the reasons for India’s poor performance in sports?
(g) Do you read newspapers?
5. Miscellaneous Questions
(a) Tell me some news of national and international importance.
(b) Questions on current affairs.
(c) Rank structure and commands of army/navy/air force.
(d) Weaponry of Indian army/navy/air force.
(e) Which arm would you like to join in Indian army/navy/air force.
(f) Questions on defence and security issues.
(g) Questions on your present profession life or job.
(h) Questions on ssb centre, friends in ssb.
(i) Questions on places you have visited when you went for outing.
6. Why do you want to join Indian Army/Navy/Air force?
7. What will you do if don’t get recommend?
8. Rapid fire questions which are a combination of 5-8 questions from the
above questions.
90-95% of questions in the PI will be from the above questions.

Dos and Don’ts for the PI

1. Wear well pressed clothes preferably light shirt and dark trousers with
tie matching the trousers.
2. Shoes should be well polished.
3. Beard to should be shaved not trimmed.
4. Wish the IO as soon as you enter the Interviewing room.
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5. Thank the IO when he asks you to sit.

6. Walk with your head held high.
7. Give a firm hand shake when the IO offers a hand shake.
8. Think a bit before answering controversial and tricky questions and don’t
bluff. If caught, you will be in trouble.
9. Put you hands on your laps while sitting on the chair.
10. Always have a smile on your face.
11. Don’t get nervous if the IO shouts or keeps asking a particular question
again and again.
12. Always give the same answer if the IO repeats a question in between.
13. Do go out in the city when outing is allowed.
14. Ask the candidates who have attended the PI before you about the type
of questions being asked by the IO.

A candidate attends the SSB to become an officer in the Indian armed forces.
He/she is expected to have a sound knowledge about his country’s domestic as
well as international affairs. He should have basic knowledge of academic
subjects.
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Group discussion (GD) of Group Testing Officer’s (GTO) tasks
Group discussion of GTO is conducted on day 3 of the SSB interview. Here a
group of 8-10 candidates is made depending on the number of candidates
screened in. These 8-10 candidates are assigned to a particular officer for
assessment. GTO tasks start with GD. Candidates are made to sit in a circle as
shown in the picture below and the GTO will give a general topic for discussion.
Here there are two rounds of GD. The first round has two topics and the group
has to choose one and the second round’s topic has no choice.

Dos and don’ts of GD

1. Listen to the instructions of GTO carefully.
2. Don’t be in a hurry to initiate the GD.
3. Always give points relevant to the given topic. Don’t digress from the
topic.
4. Listen to other’s point and if possible give suggestions by quoting his
chest number.
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Example: I support chest number X but I would like to add or suggest.....
5. Don’t speak the following points as these points are illogical and shows
stupidity.
a. GTO sir has given a good topic.
b. I agree with you gentlemen.
c. I support chest number X
d. Gentlemen, let’s cooperate.
e. Gentlemen, chest number Y hasn’t spoken, give him a chance.
6. Don’t try to dominate the discussion. Always give chance for others to
speak.
7. Don’t contribute to the fish market scene. Just keep quiet during fish
market scene.
8. As soon as the noise of fish market comes down, give your point.
9. Don’t argue with others.
10.Don’t look downwards while Group discussion is on. Chest should be
up and show your confidence levels.
The above points are also applicable for the GD of GPE.

One can contribute to in GD only when one has knowledge of the topic. So,
one has to read newspapers regularly to build knowledge. Also check mind
maps on general topics by Insights on India IAS website.
http://www.insightsonindia.com/insights-mindmaps-on-important-current-
issues-for-upsc-civil-services-exam/
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Lecturette

In lecturette a candidate has to pick up a chit. The chit contains 3-4 topics of
current affairs or general knowledge. Example: NSG, Abdul Kalam, 7 sisters, sex
education etc. One has to select a topic from the chit and stand and deliver a
lecture for 3 minutes.

Again your reading skills come to handy for this task. Make notes of trending
topics, revise and deliver lectures within 3 min before appearing for the SSB
interview.

Dos and don’ts for lecturette

1. Always pick up a topic which you can speak for more than two and
a half minute. Don’t pickup a tough topic to impress the GTO.
2. Stand straight. Don’t shake your body and legs unnecessarily.
3. Voice should be audible.
4. You can start the lecture by saying Respected GTO sir and my dear
friends, my lecturette topic is.......
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Group planning exercise (GPE)

The second task of GTO is GPE. Here the group is made to sit in front of a
model as shown in the picture above. In GPE, few problems will be given to
you on a model. You will be required to work out, first your individual solution
to the problems and then mutually discuss and arrive at your group solution
for the same. The GPE is conducted in 3 stages. They are the following:

1. GTO will read out the narration sheet which contains the problems and
also explain the model. You will be given the narration sheet to read.
2. You should give individual solution on a sheet of paper. Time given is 10
minutes. After that the writing material will be collected.
3. You will discuss in the group and arrive at a group solution. Time for
discussion is 20 minutes.
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Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is a test of your Problem solving ability and
ability to convey your ideas clearly to your group in order arrive at a
workable group solution. Most candidates participate very well in this task.
But what all needs here is the contribution of the candidate not just a mere
participation.

Let’s understand this Wonderful and exciting task with an example.

You are 8 friends from Ranikhet went to Kalnu hills for expedition. You
are staying in a small lodge at Malroad market. You have a return train
at 7.00 pm leaving for Ranikhet from Sahibabad station. You were taking
a stroll in the market when a person comes running to you and tells you
there is a landslide have occurred in Kalnu hills and many people get
trapped in the landslide. He also tells you that the fish plate of the train
track has been removed near Sahibabad station because of poor
maintenance. A train passes the track at 6.30pm. In the meanwhile
another person tells you that an accident occurred on Ratnagar highway
which led few people injured. There is a hospital and a NDRF team in
Chaubatia village. Carts are available at Jhakra village. It is 5:00 pm
already. As being young and brave, what you will do.
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Well, there can be many workable solutions to those problems. The way
which I approached in my SSB interview when I was recommended is as
follows:

SOLUTION:

PROBLEMS:

1. Saving land slide victims at Kalnu Hills.

2. Saving Ratnanagar highway accident victims.
3. Restoring the fish plates.

NUMBER OF MEMBERS AVAILABLE:8

TIME NOW:5 PM

TIME NEEDED FOR DISCUSSION AND PLANNING: 10 MINUTES

TIME NOW: 5:10 PM

NUMBER OF TEAMS: 3 TEAMS

All the three teams will despatch at 5:10 pm to address their respective tasks.

PROBLEM 1: To save the land slide victims.

Number of men deployed: 4

Solution: First of all, they will call the NDRF and hospital from a PCO/MOBILE
from Mall Road and inform about the incident. They will hire a taxi and reach
Kalnu Hills. They also take digging equipments, ropes and first aid items with
them. Will start rescue operation and in the mean while the NDRF reaches and
assist them

Distance: 3 kms. Speed of taxi: 60kmph. Time: 5–10 Min. Time Now: 5:10 pm

Time of reaching the spot: 5:20 pm.

PROBLEM 2: To save the Ratnanagar road accident victims.

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Number of men deployed:2

Solution: Will hire another taxi and reach the accident spot. First aid the victims
and take them to the hospital.

Distance: 5+5kms. Speed of men: 60kmph. Time: 5–10 Min. Time Now: 5:10 pm

Time of reaching the spot: 5:20 pm. Time for first aid: 10 min. Time now 5:30
pm

Distance to the hospital from accident spot: 5km. Speed: 60 kmph. Time
required: 5–10 min. Time of reaching the hospital: 5:40pm.

After finishing this task, these 2 men will reach Kalnu hills and join the rescue
team to help them in saving landslide victims.

PROBLEM 3: To restore the fish plates.

Number of men deployed: 2

Solution: The 2 members will board the same taxi hired for problem 2 and get
down at railway track crossing. Reach the railway station and inform the
officials. With the help of railway officials and labours reach the spot and
ensures restoring of the fish plates.

Approximate time needed: 50 min. Time of finishing the task: 6pm.

After this all the 8 members will meet at mall road at 6:15 pm, pack their
luggage and reach the railway station to catch their train at 7pm.

How to tackle GPE ?

1. Listen to the instructions of GTO carefully.

2. Read the GTO sheet thoroughly.
3. Carefully observe the model while reading the narration sheet which
consists of problems.
4. While reading make a note of minute details like time, distance,
location and resources available etc. For example in the above GPE we
have to be careful about the timings of the train that will pass through
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the Shaidabad Railway station i.e. 6:30pm and plan our operation
accordingly.
5. Prioritise the problems on the basis of seriousness, emergency, the
number of men required and the best resources to be deployed. For
example, landslide victims’ rescue needs the most number of men and
best resources to be deployed.
6. Effectively use time and resources. Like time required for travelling
different distances and speed of vehicles and informing NDRF and
hospital about the landslide strategy in the above GPE.
7. We shouldn’t pass our responsibility to the other people/agencies (like
Police, strangers, hospital, NDRF etc). Instead we have to take their help
in completing the tasks.
8. Mobile phones should not be used for solving the problem if it is clearly
mentioned that communication devices are not allowed.
9. Solutions should be realistic. Don’t provide unrealistic solutions shown
in the movies.

Now, solve the above GPE considering that the communication lines are
off.

Group discussion of GPE

While discussing in group put your valid points that you have written in
your GPE sheet and support your point with a valid reason and dos and
don’ts mentioned in the general topic GD also applies here.

Let’s understand the group discussion of GPE through a sample GD.

Assume that there are 8 candidates who are discussing to arrive at a

common group solution to the above GPE.

C4: Gentlemen, in my opinion saving the landslide victims should be the

first priority for this I suggest deploying 4 men.

C1: I agree with chest no.4.

C7: No, we have to restore fish plates of the railway track first as a train
accident can cause many loss of lives than the landslide victims.
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C4: I don’t agree with C7 because the train will cross at 630 pm and the
time now is 5pm. We have enough time. We can inform the railway
authorities and action will be taken to restore the fish plate before the train
passes.

C5: I support C4’s point. Saving the landslide victims should be our priority.

C6: Gentlemen, saving the accident victims should also be the priority.

C1: I agree with chest no.6.

C4: Okay gentlemen, we can call the NDRF and inform them about the
accident.

C7: we cannot use mobile phones.

C4: Nowhere it is mentioned that we cannot use mobile phones.

C8: Yes, we should call the NDRF.

C4: we can hire a taxi, take first aid material and reach kalnu hills within 10
minutes and start rescue operation and NDRF will join us soon.

C6: At the same time we should hire a taxi and reach the accident spot and
take them to the hospital via road.

C3: We should go to Jhakra village as it is nearer through the unmettled

road.

C4: we cannot have a motor transport through the unmettled road. Going
through the mettled road will save time as we can hire a taxi.

C7: we should reach the railway station by another taxi and inform the
authorities.

C4: No, should deploy 2 members for restoring the fish plates. Those 2
members will board the same taxi which will be used for saving the road
accident victims. It will save time and money.

C1: I agree with C4.

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C6: After taking the accident victims to the hospital, we can join in rescue
operation at kalnu hills.

C7: we should complete the rescue operation as soon as possible to catch

our train at 7pm.

C4: Yes, we also have to pack our luggage.

C7: we should be back to our lodge by 6:20 so that we can pack and leave
for the Shahidabad railway station by 6:45 PM.

C1: I support C7’s point.

Group discussion concluded.

Now answer the following questions.

1. Who all participated actively?

2. Who gave the logical and effective points?
3. How was C1’s performance?
4. Did C2 contribute anything to the group solution?
5. Who should deliver the group solution?
6. Who all should not be recommended by the GTO?

For personal guidance one can mail me at narayanabrs2@gmail.com.

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GTO OUTDOOR TASKS

There are series of tests conducted. They are as follows:

1. Progressive group task (PGT)

2. Snake race
3. Lecturette
4. Half group task(HGT)
5. Individual obstacles
6. Command task
7. Final Group Task (FGT)

Snake race or Group Obstacle race

 The senior most GTO explains the rules of the task and the nature of the
obstacles to all the groups.
 A dummy snake is given to each group which they have to carry with
them all the time during the race.
 The whole group is required to run together with the snake. Individual
running is prohibited.
 The colour rule of the PGT also applies here. The snake should not touch
the ground and should be held by at least 3 group members when they
are on an obstacle.
 Otherwise the whole group must hold the snake when approaching one
obstacle from another.
 Each group is required to have a war cry for example BHARAT MATA KI
JAY , Durga mata ki Jai etc.
 The group must shout the war cry loudly in order to motivate its group
members and also to spook the rival group.
 A penalty in the form of time is imposed by the GTO if the group is found
to break any rule.
 The group which finishes first after bearing the time penalties (if any) is
declared the winner.
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Structures in group obstacle race

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Dos and don’ts for snake race

1. Listen to the instructions of the GTO carefully.

2. Always be with your group. Don t try to impress the GTO by staying
away or moving ahead of your group.
3. Motivate the group by shouting the War cry.
4. Help the members of the group especially in climbing the wall.
5. Ensure that no member of the group is left behind.
6. Remember you win, only if the group wins .

INDIVIDUAL OBSTACLE
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Most of the aspirants know about this test. This test doesn t need intelligence
or coordination. It is test of your physical and mental fitness. Here the GTO
assess whether the candidate has fear of height etc.

It also checks how fast you can make choice and execute it. There are total 10
tasks and time bound is 3 min. one can repeat the task if he is able to complete
all 10 obstacles before 3 min. all obstacles are marked from 1 to 10, more task
a candidate complete more his marks will be. You need to maintain a good
stamina level. It is not necessary to start the tasks from 1st, but it is left to the
wish of the candidate where does he want to start from. Army and Navy SSB
have same IO tasks but there are few differences between I.O. in army and air
force selection centres.

PROGRESSIVE GROUP TASKS

PGT are a series of tasks which are progressively made more difficult, starting
with an easy task and finishing with the most difficult one. Generally, the
whole exercise takes 40-45 minutes. It is a leaderless task.

 The GTO explains to the candidates that they have to carry a load with
supporting material from the start line to the finish line. He will evince
those lines.
 He will tell you what material or structures are not to be touched, and
which areas are out of bounds .
 He gives the helping materials i.e. wooden plank (phatta), pole (balli)
and ropes which are to be used to cross the obstacles.
 Then he explains the other rules which are to be followed during the
obstacles.
 Having explained all the rules, he asks for any doubts which candidates
might have.
 Now, he leaves the group on its own to do its tasks. Once the first
obstacle is crossed, the GTO will take you to the next obstacle which will
naturally be tougher than the earlier one.
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Progressive Group Task – RULES TO BE FOLLOWED

 Colour rule: The structures are painted in different colours Red, Blue and
White.
o White: – Both the candidates and helping material can touch.
o Blue: – Only candidates can touch, helping material cannot.
o Red: – Out of bounds for both candidates and the helping
material.

 The areas in the PGT like the mud surfaces and red coloured structures
are out of bounds.
 Rigidity rule: This rule states that no two rigid helping materials can be
tied together. Instead the helping material can be tied with the
structures.
 Rule of Infinity: This states that the start and the finish line of the
obstacle extend till infinity. The group cannot cross these lines directly.
 Distance rule: It states that no distance greater than four feet can be
jumped. The gap more than four feet has to be bridged using the helping
material.
 Group and Load Rule: The entire group along with the last person,
helping material and load must move ahead together at any point of
time through the entire course of the PGT.
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HALF GROUP TASK (HGT)

Unlike the PGT, here there is only one task and group is divided into two
halves. The rules of PGT are applicable here too. This test is conducted in order
to closely asses the candidates. One who couldn t perform in PGT have a
chance to do well since the group is reduced to half.

COMMAND TASK

Command task is one of the most interesting and important GTO Task. Unlike
other Group Task, it is not a leaderless exercise. In this test, you are the
commander and you have to accomplish the given task within allotted time.
Here, your ability to give command is tested by the GTO.

Depending upon the performance of the candidate, GTO selects a task for
every candidate .So if you have performed well in GTO tasks, the task allotted
to you in the Command task will be rather challenging. Some simple tasks are
allotted to the weak candidates.

Manner of Conduct: The GTO calls the candidates one by one and interacts
with them.
He will explain the task allotted to you along with the helping materials. He
then tells you to choose your Sub ordinates from your Group. Then you have to
finish the job within the allotted time. There may be a load to be carried along
with while you are negotiating the obstacles. Rules of rigidity, distance, infinity,
group and load are also applicable in command task.
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FULL GROUP TASK (FGT)

The Final Group Task (FGT) is the last task in the GTO, which is given to the
candidates to be executed by the whole group. This is long and somewhat
more difficult. All the rules, principles and instructions are same as that of
Progressive Group Task (PGT).

THE PHYSICS OF MAKING BRIDGES

In order to perform well in the PGT, HGT, COMMAND TASK and FGT one should
know how to bridge between the structures in order to reach the finish line.

We should reach the finish line using helping materials like phatta, balli and
ropes. While crossing we need to keep in mind the rules and colour codes.

In this topic we are going to learn different types of bridges and their
application on different types of structures usually there in the GTO outdoor
tasks.

We knowingly or unknowingly use basic physics in our daily lives which are
applicable in bridge building. There are two types of bridges. They are direct
and indirect bridging. Direct bridging is simple, where as to make indirect
bridge one needs know the cantilever or fulcrum principle.
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DIRECT BRIDGING:

Direct bridging is made when we have two rigid supports and our helping
material length is enough to bridge both the rigid supports as shown in the
picture above.
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Problem arises when the length of the helping material is not enough to bridge
the distance between supports. Here, cantilever principle comes to our rescue.

Let s understand the principle with pictures.

Principle says that Phatta over ͞support 1͟ and below ͞support 2͟. When
weight is put on the phatta, the support 1 shouldn t go down and support
2 shouldn t allow the phatta to go up at the back. It is clearly being
implemented in the picture below.

The man is putting weight force on the phatta. Phatta is over support 1 and
below support 2.
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In order to use the cantilever bridge we need support 1 which shouldn t go

down and support 2 which shouldn t go up. If there is no support 1 and
support 2, we should create them. We should do structure analysis to
understand whether the structure can be used for making cantilever bridge or
not.

Observe the above structures and do structure analysis.

Some examples of making the cantilever bridge using the above structures.
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Dos and don’ts for the PGT, HGT, COMMAND TASK and FGT

1. Listen to the instructions of the GTO carefully.

2. Analyse the structure
3. Observe whether there are support 1 and support 2 .
4. If support 1 and support 2 are not present, create them.
5. Apply the Indirect bridging methods.
6. Stay calm when GTO puts pressure during the command task.

Now solve the following tasks.

1.
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2.

3.
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4.

5.
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5.

For personal guidance, one can mail me at narayanabrs2@gmail.com.

Please give me feedback of this book at the above mail address. Your feedback
will encourage me to write more on the SSB Interview.

Regards

Rama.