In the hunt of some guidance about SSB preparation, I met a number of people who are currently officers in army and many aspirants. Whenever I asked them about their experience about SSB, I got a different answer and my view towards SSB fluctuated. Thus I collected a number of views regarding SSB and was in a serious dilemma; what should I prepare for SSB.
I found many reviews as equivocating ones though they tried to elaborate it well but the central question was still unanswered. I wished to know what should be the exact methodology to prepare and what should be the material to prepare. But after a long search I figured out what is to be done and what not to be done. I prepared a list of 10 activities that one must inculcate before he/she appears at any SSB.
SSB is something that needs a serious preparation. Whenever you are appearing in any examination, don’t forget that there are thousands of aspirant in queue and waiting for just one opportunity to gain success; your efforts are going to make the difference between selection and rejection. To get recommended in any SSB you need to do serious efforts. One of my friends asked me what it takes to clear a SSB and my reply was I am still an aspirant but if I have to answer what it takes, I would say it’s just a combination of hard and smart work. All of us had prepared for exam but we need to triplicate our efforts for SSB. It’s something much superior to just examination.
The next question that comes in our mind is what to prepare. Definitely if you are appearing for the first time, this might be roaming in your head. But yes we need to prepare for SSB and what is to be prepared here is the list.
- Know your surroundings well.
- Current affairs
- English (both grammar and vocabulary)
- Confidence
- Physical strength
- Personality
- Leadership skills
- Mental ability
- Positive attitude
- Motivation
Let me explain how each step will help you and in what manner
- Know your surroundings well: Yes it may be helpful because sometimes in PI you are asked about the place where you live and even the place of SSB u visit. So keep your eyes open and just grab a little bit about the places so that you are not numb at the PI.
- Current affairs: Well to keep an interactive PI and other phases of SSB current affairs are must. The topics given in lecturette may cover current affairs. You must be known to what’s happening around the globe.
- English: Guys don’t believe any myths regarding this one. You are going to be an officer in army; you need to have a stronghold on English. They expect you to be fluent at this very language. Though it’s not compulsory to do every activity in English but make it a habit, it will help your lifetime. Work out grammar, vocabulary and specially the tone because your tone to speak makes a lot of difference. All in all develop good communication and writing skills.
- Confidence: One must maintain one’s confidence level. If one is confidant his facial expressions, his way of talking and reacting will be different. Although being nervous is obvious and evident but one must not let his nervousness overcome his capabilities. And this can be inculcated by practice.
- Physical strength: A vital and demanded ability of defense aspirants. Your physical strength contributes a lot to your personality and is very helpful in GTO and other physical tasks. Maintain yourself physically fit; do jogging, pushups, chin ups to gain strength and stamina.
- Personality: don’t confuse it with your looks and your “hairstyle”. Common guys you are appearing for a decent job interview where personality differs in meaning. Personality in simple terms matters with your attitude, the way you talk and deal with others are you disciplined. A healthy personality is always noticed in a group. And you can always get an example from army persons around you what a personality they have. Always have a clean shave and get your hairs cut properly before you appear for SSB.
- Leadership skills: A big yes to this quality. It is one of the OLQ’s that one must inculcate. You are going to be a leader in future. You will have to lead and command a group of soldiers. You need to have the guts and decision making skills to lead a troop and guide them to attain results. The command task specially recognizes these skills. Some people say that you are born a leader or leaders are not made they are born with these skills. Not a 100 percent true, if you believe that you can; you will definitely develop them.
- Mental ability: The figure and simple mathematics questions that are asked during the tests conducted on screening days requires this skill. A person with average skills can do them but don’t forget most of the screening occurs at this stage. So prepare well for the questions, practice well because you are stressed and short of time in these questions and you need to work out faster and this can only be achieved by practice.
- Positive attitude: “Our beliefs about what we are and what we can be precisely determine what we can be”. Well guys these lines have a serious hidden meaning in them. Always go to a SSB with a positive attitude. Be ready to take challenges and believe in you. Don’t get distracted and always stay focused on your aim.
- Motivation: Never give up guys; it’s never an option. A positive attitude toward life will certainly help you to be successful in any field. Be motivated it will keep you energized and enthusiastic about your aims in life. Watch motivational movies or videos or whatever you feel can motivate you.
“ I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. –Michael Jordan ”
Believe me guys luck has nothing to do with your success; it’s all your efforts that count. Stay motivated never give up, all your efforts are going to result in success one day.
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About Author: Pravesh AhlawatI am a serious defense aspirant though failed a number of times but never gave in. I wish to join “the global force for good” i.e. Indian navy.
