Right from class 8th I was determined that I had to join the defence forces as an officer. Certain factors like growing up in a defence background helped strengthen the determination.
When I saw the notification for 10+2 TES 37, I wasn’t sure if this is what I wanted but I went ahead and filled the application form. The following day, I searched the web about this entry and found out this was a really good opportunity for me. Also, the fact that TES officers get a few more perks than NDA ones was a good incentive.
I received my call letter in January and despite all planning, ended up doing nothing until 6th of February (just 4 days before my SSB).
My SSB was scheduled from 10th Feb to 14th Feb at Selection Centre North, 32 SSB, Kapurthala.
The next morning I entered the gates of SCN Kapurthala and found a lot of hustle there. Documents and applications were being checked, candidates were having breakfast in the dining hall, freshers and repeaters were being segregated, late comers were being scolded but despite all that hustle, everything was going on in a very organised way. There were around 440 candidates who had come to the centre.
Stage 1 Testing (DAY 0)
We were sent to the testing hall and were given a chest number. The first tests were the OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) Tests. These consisted of two tests- verbal and non verbal. We were given 20+20 minutes for the test which consisted of 40 questions each. I did around 32 questions in the non verbal section and 27 questions in the verbal section.
Next was the PP&DT (Picture Perception and Description Test). This is a test of perception and speaking ability as the name suggests. A very hazy picture was shown for 30 seconds on the screen. I paid attention to details while I was building up a story for the picture in my mind. Then, 4 minutes were given for to write a story on the picture. I couldn’t finish my story but the officer asked us not to worry as we will get a chance to finish the story later while the discussion test.
We were then divided in groups of 17 individuals. We sat down in a semi-circular fashion and started narrating our stories. None of us could complete the story as the officer said he could figure out the rest just by the introduction part of what we narrated. Then came the group discussion test where the whole group was dominated by one guy. I could not put forward any points until the officer came to my rescue. Taking initiative helps but whatever you do, DO NOT DOMINATE!
The tests were completed by 11 am for the freshers and the results were announced at 3pm. Only 40 candidates made it through. I got chest number 9. The evening followed with a lot of documentation.
Stage 2 Testing
Psychological tests (DAY 1)
TAT (Thematic Appreciation Test)
A series of 11 slides were shown, with pictures which had a lot of small details that needed noticing. The 12th slide was a blank one. The picture was shown for 30 seconds and then we would write a story on it in 4 minutes and this was repeated for all the 12 slides. The 12th story plays great significance so preparing it beforehand helps a lot.
WAT (Word Association Test)
15 seconds were given to analyse the word and write a sentence on it. A total of 60 words were shown and I managed to write a sentence on all the 60 words. The sentences need to be short and even a slight deviation or loss of concentration would mean lag. And trust me when I say you don’t want the lag to pile up. It makes you nervous and stops you from thinking clearly.
SRT (Situation Reaction Test)
This is one of the most significant tests in the entire SSB. 60 situations were given. We needed to write our reaction to those situations in 30 minutes. I could complete 40. Write short sentences or you would end up missing situations in the end like I did.
Self Description Test
We were supposed to write a paragraph on our teacher’s, friend’s, parent’s and our own opinion about us. The last paragraph required us to write what kind of a person we would like to be i.e. the changes or amendments we would like to see in ourselves.
Respect the psychologist and the time limitations. You must remember that everything you do is being noticed. Immediately after this, the interviews started. The interviews are spread over 3 days. The timings are notified by the staff.
We were divided into 4 groups of 10 individuals now. We spent the evening talking to each other and joking around. Now, this is what gave us an edge over other groups. Since we stayed up late and joked around about each other, there was a pretty good chemistry developing between us. Having a good group is half the battle won.
Ground Testing-1 (DAY 2)
The first task was Group discussion. We sat in a circular manner and were asked to choose a topic for group discussion from the ones provided by the GTO. After we had reached a conclusion, the GTO gave us a topic of his choice and asked us to discuss the topic. Now all the joking around last night worked miracles as everyone was getting along and the group discussion went very smoothly as opposed to what happened with the other groups.
For the GPE (Group Planning Exercise), we were shown a map with 4-5 situations. We were supposed to write our response to those situations and then discuss and come to a common solution to the problems. Again, this went very smoothly, thanks to the chemistry between us.
Then we had the Snake Race. We had to cross six obstacles in a group with a rolled up tent which looked like a snake and hence the name. A certain set of rules were to be followed. All the groups were told that they had finished first by their respective GTOs (The GTOs made sure everyone finished together). Make sure you worry about helping your team cross the obstacle more than winning the race. This is where I was noticed by the GTO. Being tall and of a strong build, I was helping other people get through before I negotiated the obstacle myself.
This was followed by PGT (Progressive Group Task). We were supposed to cross over to the finish line with the help of provided helping materials. A series of small structures were present which posed as obstacles. All of us were supposed to cross the finish line with the load given following a set of rules. The series of obstacles kept getting trickier much like levels of a game. Give ideas which are workable and be flexible with it. Unnecessary attempt to hog attention will do nothing except for creating chaos.
The Lecturette was the final task for the day. This is a test of public speaking skills where we were given a choice from 4 provided topics on spot. We are supposed to deliver a lecture of 3 minutes on the given topic. Having participated in numerous co-curricular activities in school days helped me. I have studied from Kendriya Vidyalaya –AFS Thane, AFS Srinagar, Ballygunge and Mysore. (Yes, all four of these!) Thanks to all the public speaking experience and classroom activities, there wasn’t even a hint of nervousness in me. Also, having good knowledge of various topics helps as the content of your speech carries marks.
This was again followed by interviews scheduled for the day.
Ground Tests -2 (DAY 3)
The second set of Ground test consisted of HGT and FGT (Half and Full Group Tasks) which were basically the same tasks as the PGT. For HGT, the group is made to work in smaller sub groups and the FGT is when the whole group works together.
The next task at hand was the Command Task where we need to choose sub-ordinates and command them across a set of obstacles. The chosen sub-ordinates will only follow you and will not suggest any ideas. Choose the sub-ordinates wisely. Go for guys who will follow your instructions instead of the ones who have performed well in PGT or FGT. Also, make sure you greet them, properly brief them and thank them before leaving. I was called 6 out of 9 times as a sub-ordinate.
Then comes the Individual Obstacle course. Listening to the GTO’s instruction properly is a must. The test requires you to tackle obstacles for physical testing. Avoid looking at other guys as they tackle the obstacles, it will only make you nervous. Injuries are very common here. Presence of mind is the only way to avoid it.
After this I was finally called for the interview. I was in the track suit and was sent to the office straight from the GT ground. On the way, I washed myself and drank a glass of water. My interview was with the president of the board. I answered all the questions confidently except for a few that I didn’t know. The Interviewer was a jolly man and I didn’t feel intimidated at all. The officer observes you very minutely. Even the slightest movement of hand or feet is noted. My interview went on for about 80 minutes and I didn’t even realise how the 80 minutes passed by.
The evening followed with a trip to the marketplace. Everyone was relaxed now after the 3 days of testing. Don’t get me wrong, the 4 days you spend at the centre are some of the best days you’ll spend -you get to meet new people, discover a new place, away from all the assignments & the tension. Spend the evening playing a sport you like, watching television or maybe just chatting with fellow candidates. You’ll love the 4 days.
The conference day is another memorable day. Everybody was dressed up smartly in proper formal apparel and went for the conference. My number flashed on the screen and I went in with a smile. The room had an aura to itself. The officers had a very chivalrous look with their uniforms on. The president asked me a couple of general questions and then wished me luck.
We were seated in the same hall where we wrote the first test to get screened in. The deputy president addressed us and the speech he gave really had mixed feelings. One second he would motivate us, the next second he would get furious that most of the candidates didn’t have much information about army. After he left, there was silence in the hall and I remember people talking to each other saying “Lagta hai washout hai!”
Then at around 12pm after the conference I remember myself going numb on hearing my chest number being called out in the list of recommended candidates. I was given a new chest number which read 16. The only difference being it was the white one this time. 5 of us made it through. I can never forget the joy on our faces that day. There were a hint of tears in our eyes but they were tears of joy. The entire week surely was nothing short of amazing! We said goodbye to our friends who hadn’t made it and wished them luck. After that, we went ahead for the further formalities.
The most important thing to crack SSB is to know yourself inside out. Strengths, weakness, likes, dislikes, everything there is about you! Being yourself is important. Trying to show-off or giving false details when asked is not at all appreciated. The officers are experienced assessors and know the difference between a genuine gentleman and a show-off. Bluffing or giving vague replies is a big NO! I would also suggest knowing the testing procedure and what the tests are designed to check. Also a sound knowledge of the organisation is required (Army, Navy, or Air Force). Also pick up a sport (preferably a team one) to build co-ordination and team spirit in you and get healthy at the same time.
To all those who think the assessors are lenient for children from defence background, its actually the other way round. They have higher expectations from people with defence backgrounds. Other candidates look up to them and they are supposed step in when nobody is taking initiative.
Last but not the least; SSBCrack helped me a lot to anchor my determination and provided a lot of information about the Technical Entry Scheme which is one of the lesser known entries into the Indian Army. I used SSBCrack to get all the information I needed about the various tests conducted during the SSB and the motto behind it. I now recommend it to all my juniors. I would like to thank SSBCrack for being the best source out there for SSB aspirants!
Abhishek Jaiswal, (32 SSB, 2017)
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