Friends, this is Sarfaraz Ahmed. It took me 4 attempts and 2 years to clear SSB. 2 Screen Out, 1 Conference Out and finally I got recommended from 11 SSB Allahabad for OTA. So, rather than calling it a success story, I prefer to call it a story of overcoming failures. I don’t know how much it can help SSB aspirants but I do want to share certain dos and don’ts of SSB which I have figured out. Else, other things will be mere repetition of sayings of others.
Screening
Verbal and nonverbal reasoning is easy and anyone can do it with little or no preparation. I hardly think it has much say in selection. PPDT and GD is what decide the fate. It can be prepared in advance with some tact. For example picture showing:
- Child= Child labor, orphanage.
- Women= crime against women, dowry etc.
- Old person= crime against elderly, old age homes etc.
- Gathering of people= Aids, Cancer etc. campaigns.
Similarly, I have prepared 5 stories in advance and it worked for me. Next, if you are able to narrate without stammering and gives 2-3 points in favor of common story. Than, 100% you will get in.
Psychology
Before, this attempt I was following a lot of craps of magazine and coaching institute. Such as make short term story, story about saving people, helping them and all dat. This time, I followed my heart and made whatever comes in my mind as Football match, giving presentation etc and blank story about SSB.WAT:
Make knowledge based and observational sentences.
For example:
Escape: Escape velocity of earth is 11km/sec.
Kill: Rooney went for kill in last minute of game.
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SRT:
Refer any book of SSB. The SRTs are mostly same. I was able to do only 42 this time. When I was CO, I did all 60. So quality matter not the quantity. All SRTs should be in sequence.
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SD:
Remember whatever strength and weakness you have written here. They reconfirm most of things in interview.
GTO
2 words cooperation and group behaviour is all that matters. In repeaters batch, it becomes more difficult to implement them. In 1st GD, I was able to speak only twice. In 2nd once and in GPE I wasn’t able to speak at all. Your cool, calm temperament matters only. However, when I said a point I ensured that it was heard.
Group behaviour matters a lot. Many a times in PGT, HGT and FGT I gave chance to people to implement their ideas. In GPE, nobody agrees to the person giving group solution except me. There also, I showed cooperation.
Personal Interview
IT matters a lot. If the interviewer is impressed than, half the battle is won. However, I think it is better not to try anything like storytelling, giving exaggerated information etc. IO is the BAAP and he knows everything. Just give him complete information he is asking and don’t give any negative behavioral traits no matter how nicely he asks. For repeaters, rapid fire questions must be answered. There is a general trend. They club education, ECA, sports questions together. Similarly, questions about friends, strength, weakness, job etc. try to remember the no. of questions under each trend and you will be able to answer maximum questions. Your cool and calm temperament with a smile can help you in getting through.
Conference
Few general questions are asked about stay at SSB and all. If u have failed to answer any question in interview. They may ask here. So, be prepared.
After that results are announced and it was awesome feeling to hear your chest no. only, I was selected among repeaters and I think it is because I didn’t compete but I maintained my natural self-there.
Lastly, I would like to thank SSBCrack for keeping me updated and motivated. I downloaded and practiced its materials a lot of time. The book my experiment with psychologist is also very helpful. I would like to conclude by wishing all the best to all warriors reading this. May your dreams come true in next SSB.
 About Author: Sarfaraz Ahmed: I am Sarfaraz Ahmed. It took me 4 attempts and 2 years to clear SSB. 2 Screen Out, 1 Conference Out and finally I got recommended from 11 SSB Allahabad for OTA.
