This is my personal experience , recently I have attended Indian Navy SSB for PC Log July 2012. I am writing this because the problem which I did is done by most of the candidates or in the other words can say they are border line cases. Friends first I would like to suggest you is to think less about the outcome , be sure of how you are going to perform.
Like I reached Coimbatore via flight in the beautiful evening, have to it was an amazing journey from Delhi to Patiala. I had already booked a hotel in advance and my friend was waiting for me as he reached in the early morning. Then I had IDLI in dinner and decided to go bed. Next morning I was charged up , were reached station at 5 AM and the reporting time was 6 AM. So finally the bus arrived and we reached INS Agrani. The feel I got at that moment was better than anything. We were assigned chest numbers. As you know the intelligence test is first one , I did almost 49 questions in the first and 46 in the second . They were easy but logical as an officer you need to have a quick speed of thinking and calculations.
After that a picture was shown , it was not that clear , but yes if observed properly can see what’s happening using your imagination (which is one of the OLQ’s). In the picture there were three persons holding each others hand. Then we were given about 3 minutes to write a story. After that we were divided into a group of 16. I was confident enough that I have written a good story. Then the time came for Narration and Group discussion , I think I found only 4-5 candidates out of 16 who were able to narrate the story properly.
Friends theme of my story was based on keeping the environment clean. Fortunately I was the only one whose story was very different and practical implementation was possible. Then one of the assessor asked us to conclude the story. The moment Discussion started the room was converted into a fish market. Everyone was shouting except few. As I took lead to convert an illogical discussion into a logical discussion. I was able to convince 17 candidates that my story was the best. As my story was different and it was connected with current scenario. Then one of the candidates shouted and asked me to conclude the story. I accept his offer with a smile I concluded my story adding a point to it a story which was written by another candidate which was common but actionable part was beautifully designed.
Friends I got screened in the my first attempt and conference out in the second. Both the attempt the difference I was more charged up , was more confident and also I managed the screened out group of 16 candidates . Atlast we had a breakfast and it was amazing , I could sense the life of an officer by the quality of food. After that results were declared and I got through but my friend with whom I spend a night in the hotel got screened out(this was his second attempt in the first attempt he got conference out). So were given fresh chest numbers and I was happy that I got screened in. Then a Naval Person told us about the rules and regulations.
Friends I would suggest you to avoid following things if you really want to get screened in this is my personal experience which I did and got through , didn’t took coaching , best way is to introspect yourself. Important points are as followed :
- Narrate you story properly avoid fumbling
- Always give a smile after the other candidate finishes his story and nodding of head is allowed in the PPDT only.
- Never interrupt in between especially when other candidate is speaking
- Don’t show the followership quality like the other candidate asked me to conclude the story , you are going to join as an officer not as a jawan , you must have the convincing power and influencing as well but not dominating power.
- Always appreciate a good story by saying ‘I like story of chest no… very much ‘ address any candidate by his chest no …
- Avoid involving yourself into the fight rather you should act as a solver with peaceful talk
- While narration remember the theme of the story which you like the most , like during my PPDT I liked the story of Chest no ….. very much so I said during the conclusion even though I have chosen my story to be group story but still I would like to add a very important point added by chest no….
- Remember you are going to get in so don’t become selfish also be ensure that some other from your group also gets screened in as that will show your true leadership quality and the way you take charge in such a way that when you order your men to fight they should fight , they should have second thought in their mind. So be convincing.
- When the group is done with discussion then we were asked to leave. Do one thing always leave the room by having a confident smile on your face.
- Apply the above points, I am sure you ll get through the first stage.
- Then we filled the form and formalities were done. After that we had a sleep with mosquitoes as many of you must be knowing that in Tamil Nadu there is power cut of about 8 hrs in a day. Unfortunately the most of power cut was during the night. But that experience was memorable in itself as I felt I have achieved something great. This teaches a candidate that how mentally tough an officer can become if the situation permits. The very next is called the psych test. Remember be sure of what you are going to write , before putting your on the answer sheet you must a clear idea of what to write.
- Some important points for TAT,WAT ,SRT and Self Description are :Avoid writing common stories which are there in the book , the best to practice for TAT is when you are practicing of how to write a story , write about 2-3 stories or more if you can that will open your thinking and psychological level . In fact what it will do , when ever you will see a picture you will 2-3 stories in the 30 seconds you can easily choose the best of 2-3 stories and present it.
- While writing WAT don’t give preachings and also avoid proverbs or framing sentences on facts like a ‘ word India appears ‘ many of us will write
- India is a developing Nation which is totally wrong, instead you can write a). India won Kargil war (1999) if you are writing fact you have to be clear about that or you can simply write b). Comprises of different religion
- In the SRT’s your responses should be practical and must be workable solutions which can be done if in case same problem appears. Remember there is no right or wrong answer to it but yes a logic behind behind every SRT will show you quality.
Like if there is an SRT ‘ You are travelling by train suddenly you lost your luggage and your ticket ’ When I discussed with other candidates what have they written, they said that “ person will inform the TT and RPF ” . Well friends if becoming an officer is so easy then there should not have been a SSB procedure in fact SSB system we follow is liked by many countries. So behave like an officer. The Correct answer with logic would be “ did all possible effort to find the luggage , found the luggage , showed ticket to TT, Continued the journey ”
Here there seems to be more of practicality. So for answering like this you need to practice more and more and keep in mind during the SSB time is bog constraint so while you are practicing keep time factor into mind.
Self Description : Don’t write something which is not there in you or generally candidate will write so many qualities of his , which are not required in an officer. Remember the key point is he is an officer and moreover a gentleman and a good citizen. If you will keep these things in mind you will never make and answer like ‘ SUPERMAN ‘ which is usually done by a candidate.
Be confident , be specific , be relevant , be meaningful , be dynamic and last but the least be optimistic……..
Then the next day we were asked to undergo GTO test it tests your practical problem solving capability rather than theoretical. Be practical while your are doing PGT , if you don’t know the solutions and also you are not able to generate ideas(keep trying don’t lose if there is a problem, it has a solution to it either by hook or crook ) then it’s better to cooperate which shows that you believe in unity.
Friends I will suggest you practice well for Group Planning exercise , it takes a lot out of an individual to get through this test , it will check you planning , organizing , practical use of applications/resources , correct assumption , observation , speed of thinking and most importantly coming out as a leader but with correct and possible solutions which can done practically.
While giving Lecturette don’t loose hope if you don’t about the topic . Remember some news that must have seen in TV or you have read somewhere and start speaking but be relevant as the eyes are on you only so this is the time impress the GTO by your knowledge and facts. Friends those who want to prepare well for Lecturette start reading ‘ THE HINDU newspaper ‘ it’s the best for an SSB aspirant, as it contains in depth knowledge about the topics and you can even maintain a separate dairy for that and can write in half page about a particular news so that you can brush up easily when ever required.
Individual tasks you can perform them in any order , generally on the internet I have seen people writing do them I this order that order it doesn’t matter or it hardly matters , what matters is whether you haven’t committed any mistake by touching the area where you were not asked to touch by GTO himself. I did about 8-9 individual tasks and believe me they were easy yet designed logically.
The next comes the interview. Following are the points which I would like to suggest you , even my interview was good and the IO said it was very good and interactive session. Following are the points which must be kept in mind while giving interview :
- If you are asked to enter the room by the IO don’t act smart by asking again ‘ may I come in Sir’
- What are you trying to portray that you respect , don’t ever do that .
- Be real , be active , keep your hands on the lap , avoiding using your hands while sharing your point , keep a positive smile on your face and don’t be nervous. Think as if your talking to your talking to known person.
- If you don’t read newspapers , than better develop a habit of reading a newspaper you can impress the IO by your current affairs.
- Remember in all the previous you were have time constraint here there applies no such rule and you can make an interview to end with 20 minutes or to take it to 1 hour it’s all in your hand and also I would like to suggest you read about the defence forces for which you are appearing in SSB like for Indian Navy you should know how many fleets are there , coastline in KM , Was there any recent activity which in which Indian Navy was involved (Like I answered to the IO about the INS Chakra nuclear submarine )
- Don’t show that you are killing the time instead if you are not able to answer any question that doesn’t matter important thing whatever you answer must match with your personality.
- Friends this was my personal experience and now I would like to discuss the mistakes I did :
- I made it look pretty evident that I was well prepared remember they want average not the best one’s if you are a repeater you must have heard about this on the conference day.
- Friends also remember one point which is very much important don’t show that you have been trained even if you have taken some coaching(I didn’t take any coaching I prepared myself but I was so well prepared that everything became perfect not average and remember they want average ) don’t get caught , if your are caught you will be out straight away the best way is to introspect yourself however you can take guidance from someone , but my suggestion tell the IO if he asks that you taken any coaching don’t lie but tell him you have inclination towards defence forces that’s why you took training but in other tests don’t try to give above 100% because there you will lose you naturality.
I think in my case I was a border line case , I don’t want it to be an since I want to get in , in the very next attempt so friends luck is also a factor in SSB , May be your will be the best but you will not recommended and one who performs okay wins the race . Remember instead of blaming or feeling jealous it’s better to accept the mistake that you were not good o may it was not your day. So fill the form and go for SSB and success will yours my dear friend.
I think I have made my point very clear I did a small mistake and it turned out to be a big one in the end………hope ll get through and continue the family tradition of serving the nation via defence forces…………all the defence people in family are commissioned officer why I am writing this is don’t think other ways if you belong to Defence background you have an edge over others remember Indian Armed forces never compromises on quality they have the best of the best officers in the world. The proof is in front of you day by day our armed forces is becoming stronger and stronger.
Written By : Abhishek Sasan:He is Interested to Join Armed forces and to become a good human being and a good officer as well. He has attended SSB Interview 2 times.
i am going for 1st….. n wanna make it my last effort….
it was really inspiring gentleman,,,i could get u clearly thru ur wrds,,,,,,good luck,.
thnx a lot sir for ur experience…it will surely be benefecial… can u tell me please approximately how many people apply for the technical and executive branches from b.tech final year..???
sir, my eye sight is myopic with -2 in both eyes…. can I proceed to interview on 28th july in Allahabad..please help me out..
can i get a call letter for this entry with 72 % in bba ? ny chance
hii friend,
i am Manish kumar singh
i got ssb call letter for pc(log) dec-2012 batch..
my ssb date is on 03th aug 2012 at 12 ssb, banglore
but we have some problem, i want to change the ssb date…because the reason is…on august month..my exam will be there…now i am pursuing mba(4th sem) from jntu, hyderabad..so, what should i do friend…
could you give me some suggestion…
thanks…
Please contact your SSB board and ask them for another date, you may or may not get another date.
thank you friend……..
@ admin: if you have any gpe scenario…pls mail forward asap..at
manishkumarsingh696@gmail.com
because, we have some doubt and also try to practise it…
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Abhishek sasan,
i have ssb at june 5 for GS(X)at coimbatore.
how will i identify the officer who going to pick up from railway station.In my call letter i hadn’t been given any details regarding that.I tried to call the toll free no.till this date couldnt get any response.please help me out.also is there any commom point or specific landmark in station where the officer will be?
@ Arun : Gentleman there is MCO office in Coimbatore.
Identification : When you are about move out of the Coimbatore station(Suppose you are coming of the station)on you right side there is a MCO office or you can wait near the ATM , there you will find a Mini Bus and Naval People wearing for sure.
Go N get that white dress………..My best wishes are with you……….Best of Luck………..:-) 🙂
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i didt got ur fact, where u mentioned * u shud knw abt coastline in kms, how many fleets …?
last tym i was jus out coz i cudnt get chance to speak my points in ppdt, as no one is listening to anyone, no one intrested in taking ur points, and atlast, the person who was shouting in the group got selected.
but this tym, i dont want to repeat,
how cud i attract others towards my points,
even when i have relevant points which i spoke and no one listens and busy in shouting….??
Okay dear, I would like to tell you , first stop thinking that you can convince everyone it depends upon your luck and your psychology because the story which i wrote was different it was matter of luck as i observed the picture I thought immediately that everybudy wud be writing on farmer,agriculture, development so I thought why not to think beyond that level , that’s y I opted for enviroment. talking about convincing I have already mentioned above some point practice them and I hope you will get through this time………failure in life makes a man more strong and give the fighting spirit where as success is just a moment which will come and go , to get through screening make sure that you are being involved in polite , peaceful talk and logical one. And as i told u never say he shouted he got selected you may not have shown the quality in you which he would have shown through his story , so it’s better to focus on what u did not what the other person has done because now that has become ur past not present , so think about present and you will be able to make a better future out of it…………..if any doubts then please let me know because i also face the same situation and i self motivated myself everyday and kept my spirit and determination alive this time I’ll work more hard and give my best and i know i’ll get through this time…………because i hv with me blessings of everyone………:-) 🙂
Great work Abhishek…thank you for sharing your experience i wish you the ‘LUCK’ that ull need for your next ssb….cheers
thanks a lot…..I wish that most of us will succeed it not my effort , you all should thank SSB Crack for posting this and giving me an opportunity to write down something which can be helpful for others.
abhishek really good efforts..sre you will get success in your future endeavours.
I also have a ssb in june but in the call letter it is written that those who do even had a backlog in history should not come for the ssb.did you have a backlog ever??if not then did you find people over there who had a backlog and they had come there and were not returned back??because in the advertisement it was written thatyou should not have any current backlog or you should not have a year back??so is it actually by mistake or what???please help
Dear friend , I have not faced any such issue till now and I think they generally mention that a candidate should not have any backlog (present) means which you have not cleared till yet.Once you have cleared defence has no issues. Friend another important point which i would like to make is that whether you have topped Xth Standard & XIIth standard or even Graduation it doesn’t matter to defence ,you will only be selected on the basis of your OLQ’s as I have already written above that Indian Armed forces has never compromised on quality that’s why we have one of the best officers in the world(according to me).
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Thanks for sharing your experience Abhishek and yes its you only who can realize where the mistake was. I just want to know that as you guys were called at 600 HRS did intelligence test and PPDT test took place that day itself ??
yes
NEVER Quit hav Faith !
cleared my 1st AFSB for CDS
screened out in 2nd time
Conference out in 3rd time
&
I’m going IN for 4th time this June…
Hope we become the Chosen Warriors…
Jai Hind
We will………..
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Your experience seems similar to mine….. mine too was a border case…. I ruined it during the Conference……
Best luck for ur future endeavours…!!!!
Same to you……..and I wish you all the very best for your future endeavours………….
in srt example . you lost ur all luggage and ticket. you said did all the possible effort to find the luggage and continue the journey.
IT IS SUPERFLUOUS
No, its called Optimism 🙂
OLQ
Dear,
I don’t know whether you have gone for SSB in the past or not but still I would to talk tell you to analyse things properly and don’t jump directly into something , take sometime use your brain and remember in the my personal experience you will find that there is no right or wrong answer for SRT’s but the answer which has a better logic and practicality will be treated as good. So put yourself into the shoes of other and then think if you have lost luggage , means you will not be doing any hard work to find it out. Understand the logic……….:-)
Hi frnd,here your efforts r fabulous. Never give up is the key of success in SSB.
Thanks friend…….