This question always bothered me. Every time I saw that poster where a man with the Olive Green Uniform asking that very same question.Now I can say that I have found the the answer and I just want to share my experience so that young aspirants can get a clear picture of what actually happens in SSB.
I applied for Indian Navy SSC( Tech) and I was asked to report to NSB Coimbatore on the 3rd of January 2013, which meant New year in the Train.:(
Day 1:
We were asked to report at 0600 hrs on 3rd Jan at the Movement Control Office(MCO). And when I reached. There was an army already waiting.I smiled and said to my myself ” Welcome to the real world”.That moment you just wander your eyes, see your competition and even sometimes you yourself recommend few at that time. I did the same.
We were at the centre around 0700 hrs. The first thing which happens in any SSB interview is your document verification. I insist everyone to please carry all your documents and specially for those who have applied in Technical Entry. If your Branch name is not notified then no need to apply as you ll waste your time.
After the verification the whole crowd( around 200) was divided into freshers and repeaters. Repeaters are not kept in the same group as freshers for obvious reasons. And we were given temporary Chest numbers accordingly.We filled a form also. PIQ forms as they call. I found out the importance of this form during interview which I will explain.
Screening Test :
It is the first test which will decide whether you ll stay for the rest 4 days or not. It included two sets of Intelligence tests with time limit of 30 mins each.
A word of advice for everyone. Please do practice for intelligence tests as questions are easy but the meager time makes it difficult, The next was PP( Picture Perception test).
The hazy Picture shown to us was of a Building( Ruins) and two persons standing in front of it.But during narration I found out everyone had their own opinion. basically If you sit close enough to the screen you ll see that picture and if you are in the last. Trust me you will see nothing So I suggest to prepare 3-4 stories well before and try to fit that one in PP test.
Then you are given a tea break. I strongly suggest that in that break try to narrate your story in a proper way and speak it out so that you do not fumble in front of Officers as you have to speak without seeing your story. Narration of your story is very important. If you do it nicely consider 80% Job done. Rest depends on your story content. I strongly felt that PP and DT is considered more as compared to Intelligence test.
During description you can also add some points in your story which you can think during break time. But I wont suggest to completely change your story.
After everyone has narrated their story we were said to come up to a common story. Group Discussion.This is the time where my group lost its cool. What I observed shouting and sticking to your story will always go against you. You have to realize that it is practically impossible to come up to a conclusion in 2-3 mins. So just say your point in the discussion with a low yet bold voice and agree with what others say. Remember you have to Speak not shout. There will be a Chaos as everyone will try to speak. you just have to wait for the right moment and speak.
So after the discussion. They announced the results. 37 were screened in. And I was one of them.
We were given Chest numbers again as our Identity which we had to carry everywhere. I was number 17.
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Day 2: Psychological Tests
We were given clear instructions to be present in the auditorium at 0600 hrs.A series of tests.
First was TAT( Thematic Apperception test). A series of 11 pictures were shown to us for 30 seconds. And we had to write a story in 4 minutes.
The important thing to be kept in mind is you do not have to describe the story. you just have to make a story out of that picture.It should not be a negative story and every story should show some quality as mentioned (15 OLQ) For eg: There was a picture showing a car accident. you do not have to write how that car accident occurred and what you did. You can imagine a story like: Car accidents are increasing and how to avoid, write a small plan how to control car accidents in your story considering a Hero.
The last picture is a blank one and very important. prepare your story well in advance and don’t waste your time in thinking for the last one. I suggest a story on any new scientific development, Social Problems, or Any recent problems which is in limelight.My story was on how to control increasing rape incidents as it was all over news that time.
Next was WAT( Word Association Test). WAT looked the most simple but when you actually do You ll find out its the toughest. So It needs some practice. 60 words are shown to you one by one and 15 seconds are given to frame a sentence.
Your sentence should not be negative and avoid using borrowed ideas like phrases said by great peoples.
Next was SRT( Situation reaction Test). 60 situations in 30 mins. For eg:
You are alone in Jungle and you saw a Tiger you will……………………
And I am sure that you will not fight and overpower the Tiger.:)
Then the last test was SD(Self Description).You have to write an opinion about you from your parents, teachers, friends, yourself and what you want to improve about yourself. I suggest prepare this before as this is a certainty in SSB.
After the Psychological Tests some were called for the interview.
Day 3: GTO and Interview
I strongly feel GTO carries lot of value as in GTO you can be tested for everything. Social Adaptability, Communication Skills, Stamina, Awareness, Intelligence, leadership and many more.
First in GTO was Group Discussion. We discussed on two back to back topics one of our own choice and other given by GTO. I felt smiling is the key in everything. Keep Smiling and pretend as if you are enjoying the discussion even though you are not. Dont shout and allow others to speak as well. Listen to what they say.
Then we had a series of tasks like Group Planning exercise, Progressive Group Task and Half Group task.
One thing which I found out was that do not always act as a leader in Group. Allow others to express their ideas and tell your ideas also. Always go with the group.
GTO is in the 3rd day. So I suggest that by the time make a good impression on your group so that in GTO they listen to your ideas. It was followed by Lecturette. My topic was Naxalism. For lecturette you are given a card in which 4 topics are there. Topics are genuine and if you are well aware of what is going around you, then you can easily speak.
After the GTO in the afternoon session I had my Interview. And there I realized the importance of PIQ form. Please keep one thing in mind that while filling PIQ. “Be yourself” . Do not fake as the interviewing officer has the PIQ form and It will take 2 mins to find out what you have written in PIQ is true or not. Dont just write anything in Hobbies and Activities. Prepare yourself also. If you are writing Cricket as a Hobby then you should know the dimensions of ground, Players and all latest news of Cricket.
SSB interview was one of its own kind. I thought of it as formal and strict one. But on the contrary It was the most pleasant and cheerful interview of my life.
As soon as I entered, the interviewing officer with a broad smile,as happy as never before, said to sit down and gave me compliment on the picture I used for the PIQ form.( Hell yeah it was a cool picture.:P)
He then bombarded me with all the question which he can ask. tell me about yourself, Place, your schooling, Parents, Siblings, Friends, College, Girl Friend and many more. I started sharing my experiences and frankly speaking he was such an expert that he made me so comfortable that I was saying without hesitation. As if I am talking to a friend.
What I realized is whatever word comes out of your mouth It should be truth and only truth. You don’t want to make a fool out of yourself there. And If you do want to lie make sure you are well prepared for cross questions.
My interview lasted for approximately an hour.
Key Word during interview: Smile
Day 4:
It was the day for remaining tasks in GTO and Interview for the rest.
Individual Obstacle, Snake Race, Command task and Final Group task. Individual Obstacle is just to check your stamina and courage where there are obstacle you have to climb and jump. Snake Race to check your team spirit. Try to help your members who have a difficulty in climbing and Jumping. Be active and energetic.
Now Command task is the real task where you can show your leadership. You will be the Commander and you have to cross hurdles along with two sub ordinates.
And the last is Final Group task. A sort of formality as everything has been decided by the GTO about your personality.
We were a group of 15 members. And the strange thing which happened was small groups of 3-4 people were formed and they were discussing among themselves. Avoid doing that. And If your group is stuck somewhere help by giving ideas or you can even exchange places by taking the permission from GTO.
The obstacles in the GTO are not tough but still you have to think and learn quickly. If you failed to perform in PGT and HGT. Learn your mistake and perform well in Command task and final group task.
Day 5: Conference day
This was the day when I was about to get an answer to my question. All the officers were in Uniform and the Board President was present and we were called upon one by one in the conference room to share pleasantries for around 2-3 mins.
And finally when everyone was done. We were made to sit in the auditorium and the board recommended 4 people out of 37.
And Yes I was one of them.
Recommended by the board.
One thing which I would like to share is whether you want to join the forces or not, whether you are serious or just came for fun. You will definitely gain a experience as never before and for sure learn something. If not interested to learn then for sure you will make some good friends.
I hope this will be of some help to those appearing before the SSB.
Fingers crossed for the Merit List.
Author: Kuljeet Singh SohalLife for me is about gaining Experiences. Some bad and some good. You can cherish the good ones and learn from the bad ones. I completed my Marine Engineering from Tolani Maritime Institute and was sailing with a Danish Company. Travelling and meeting new people is what I always loved, which is also a crucial part of my profession.
