“When you want something badly and give it all your heart, YOU WILL SUCCEED! Hello Readers, My name is Swarnim Mishra and my journey began when I decided to write the AFCAT 2 2017 and CDS 2 2017 exams and by the grace of almighty, managed to clear both of them. I selected the dates 26^th Feb 2018 and 4^th March 2018 for the SSBs respectively. I had always wanted to join the defence forces but couldn’t clear the NDA written examination so I decided to do my graduation from Delhi University where I did my Honours in English. Now after this brief introduction, I will get straight to the experience.

My AFSB interview started on 26^th February 2018 in 1 AFSB Dehradun. I went to Dehradun a day in advance and stayed at a friend’s. On 26^th, I reported at the MCO at 0600 hours in the morning and was baffled to see so many people already there. I didn’t expect such a huge crowd as I didn’t have any prior experience of the SSB, people there told me that a turn out like this was a pretty normal affair.

From there our luggage was loaded on a truck and we were taken to the AFSB Clement town in an Air force bus. Immediately after we reached we were segregated into groups of freshers, screened out, and conferenced out candidates. After a brief document check, the screening process began. We were escorted to a big hall where the OIR test was conducted. It is a pretty simple test so you don’t need to worry about it. After that we were taken to another hall in which picture was shown to us based on which we had to write a story, it was a hazy picture of a car surrounded by a crowd. I managed to write a decent story. After that, we were taken to separate rooms in groups of 13. After a good discussion, we came up with a well-made group story which I was designated to narrate. Later that afternoon, at around 2, our result was announced and 63 people got screened in out of a total 192 who had reported. I was really happy to get screened in. I was allotted a room along with my group which consisted 9 people including me. The room was spacious and comfortable.

The same evening at 5:30 PM we were asked to report for Psych testing. Most of the people slept in the meanwhile. AT 5.30, the testing started and series of tests like TAT, SRT, WAT, and SD were conducted. The tests were simple but tiring as we had to write too much. I would also like to point out at this time that during Psych testing try to be as simple and plain as possible, with your answers and you’ll be able to sail through. The testing ended at around 9 and then we were taken for dinner, immediately after which we all went to sleep.

Next day in the morning, we were asked to come for breakfast at 6 wearing the respective dresses for the testing of the day. We had our GTO that day. The whole GTO was going to be conducted the same day as our conference was preponed by a day due to Holi. GTO started with Group Discussion which went really well for me. This was followed by GPE which also went well, I was able to write the complete solution and was chosen to give the group solution after the discussion. The group was very cooperating until this point but it was a totally different story once we went outside. The first outdoor task was PGT, it was horrendous. We were not working together and so were not able to move much forward. I got a little depressed after that. When it came to HGT, I decided to take charge and change the course of how things were going and we did the task very efficiently. After this, Command Task was conducted, this was the turning point for me. I was called last for the task, it was different from what task was given to everybody and the assessor kept increasing the difficulty and I was able to solve all the problems. This boosted my confidence and carrying this confidence I was able to fare well in IO and FGT. With this GTO was over. That evening I decided to go out and use the sports facility in the AFSB. I went to the volleyball court and joined in with the people who were already playing there. I made some friends there, specially chest number 45, whose name I didn’t know back then but he would go on to become one of my really good friends.

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The next day was my interview. I got ready, I was a bit nervous but I calmed myself down by knocking the fact that “it’s just a light conversation and that’s it” into my head. My turn came, I was called in and immediately the interviewing officer started firing questions at me. My interview went on for around an hour and the array of questions was from all walks of my life, both personal and public life. That day I played badminton and volleyball later in the evening as well and then went to sleep. That evening a run was conducted which was just a formality and everyone managed to make it in the stipulated time.

CONFERENCE DAY was here, everyone was dressed in their best formals. People were going in the room and coming out pretty fast. My turn came and I wasn’t asked anything specific. I was just told to rate my performance, which was followed by the generic questions about the stay. After a wait of around 2 hours in which we had our lunch, we were made to sit in the hall once again. The excitement levels were high, many were nervous. You could cut the tension in the room with a knife, I was more excited. Soon, the officer clad in his uniform came to the dais and gave the usual speech. As soon as he said, “the candidates recommended from this batch are…” my heart skipped a beat, “chest number 22”. I was speechless for a moment, I couldn’t believe he called my number, I stood up, thanked him and went out. That moment is by far the best moment of my life!

My CPSS was conducted 2 days after this and I cleared that too. I was ecstatic and very confident for my CDS, IMA SSB which was scheduled just 4 days after this. I came back to Lucknow where I hail from and the very next day had to report to Allahabad. I took the morning train on the 6^th of march to Allahabad and reached there at 11. Sharp at 12 the bus came and took us all to the Allahabad SSB. AS we were unloading our bags from the truck, I heard a familiar voice call me out, I turned and saw that it was chest number 45 from AFSB who had coincidently chosen the same date for IMA SSB as well. Now I got to know his name which is Anil Solanki. Luckily, we both were given the 11 SSB board and I was happy to have a familiar face around. The same evening, our documentation was conducted and 2-3 people were sent back for the lack of proper documents. There were 57 of us left after this.

Next day in the morning our screening process started with the OIR, which was again a simple affair. This was followed by PP&DT. It was not as simple as last time as I was with the repeaters this time and everyone was shouting at the top of their voices in the discussion. This time again I was chosen to narrate the group story which I couldn’t do to my satisfaction. I was really nervous and the thought of getting screened out just after being recommended was making me really anxious. After a wait of around 1 hour we were called back in and the result was announced. My name was amongst the last names to be called and hence I was given the chest number 24 out of a total 26 who got screened in.

That day in the evening we, me and Anil who also got screened in, followed the same tradition and went to volleyball which was quite fun. The next day was going to be psychological tests. We woke up early and reached the testing hall around 8. The testing started and I found out that somehow I was more nervous than last time because I believed that everybody would now expect more of me as I am previously recommended but I didn’t let this hamper my performance. Getting recommended before helped me a lot here as I knew the benchmark I had to achieve to make the cut and I worked for the same. All the psych tests went well. Later that evening we again played volleyball and basketball.

Next day was the GTO Day-1 and in the morning I was told that this day I was going to have my interview as well just after the GTO. I was not feeling really well and the extra burden of the interview pulled me down. I could do satisfactorily well in the GTO tasks but had little left in me for the interview. It was quite an interview, I was grilled so hard that after that I had lost all my confidence. There were many questions pertaining to GK that I couldn’t answer which made me nervous and therefore made many silly errors. After the interview I had lost hope of getting recommended this time. This is where having a good company came in clutch, people around me were supportive and helpful. They kept me going and helped me forget what had happened and concentrate on the task at hand.

Next day was GTO-2. It was a short day as not much was left to be done. We were only left with Command task and lecturette. The topic that I chose to lecture upon was Indo-Pak relations and I could do some justice to the topic. Command task was, again, interesting. I was given one of the harder tasks but I could manage to do it even with the increase in difficulty level from time to time by the assessor. I was satisfied with my performance of the day.

Now came D-Day. This time I was not much hope for the recommendation but I was really happy that I had made some good friends. When I entered the conference hall I was showered with questions by my interviewing officer. The questions were pertaining to my group building skills and compatibility in a group environment. Expect one question, I could tackle all the questions efficiently. The questioning brought my hopes high, I started believing that I still have a chance. The turn of the results came. We were seated in a small auditorium and soon an officer entered the room which was followed by a generic speech. After which he started calling out the chest number and the second number he called was chest number 24. I was very happy but this time the feeling didn’t take a lot of time to sink in. I went to the stage and started praying for all of my friends. Soon enough chest number 16 was called who was none other than Anil. We were all very happy and in total 7 of us had gotten recommended which I think must have been a record in the Allahabad SSB.

At the end I would like to tell everyone something that I believe in strongly. Life is not a continuum, its an amalgamation of many fragments. The important thing is to spend more fragments being happy than sad, and that I believe is the real success. If you succeed in doing that, nothing can stop you from achieving whatever that you want to achieve.

He texted -” Quitters never win, winners never quit, but those who never win and never quit are idiots. How can we ensure that we are not idiots?”- after I got screened out from Allahabad through NCC special entry in my third attempt. The above question left me with a doubt and I thought what if I would not succeed in my life or the path I have chosen would not take me to the ultimate destination, I would end up as an idiot. But I believed in myself and began preparing for my next SSB. 

Hi to all, I am Anil Kumar from Distt. Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. I come from an army background, my father is a serving JCO  did my schooling from Army Schools, three years in NCC and lived most part of my life in Army Cantonments. This all is enough to get motivation for joining armed forces. Here I share my experience how I walked years to achieve my goal. My story is full of failures before this I had written NDA exam two times, four times CDS exams and other competitive exams plus 4 SSBs ( 3 NCC SPL entry and 1 AFCAT entry) every time I tasted failure. But I didn’t lose hope and kept slogging towards the acme of my dream. 

1st Jan 2018- yes, for the first time my search matched and my roll number was there in two columns IMA and OTA both cleared,  I selected the date 6th of March for SSB and I had another SSB from 26th Feb through Afcat entry which we know as AFSB. Now I had two opportunities in a row, I skipped classes and began sharpening my arrows to hit the bull’s eye.

25th Feb – I reached Dehradun and luckily my stay was arranged at IMA by my father, it was a Sunday I was waiting for the Uncle at front of Chetwode building gate, dreaming to be there one day and then the Uncle came and picked me, I spent a night there.

26th Feb – We were supposed to report at MCO at 0600hrs, the place was already filled with candidates, I interacted with few then we were taken to AFSB Centre Clement Town in a bus. After it the show began, candidates were clubbed into different categories fresher, screened out, repeaters (legends) and recommended, after documentation part I of screening commenced with the OIR test, it is a simple test of reasoning.

Part II of screening – we were shown a hazy picture and we are supposed to make a story covering what led to the situation, what is going on and what can be the possible conclusion. After it comes the important part of screening- Narration, and Discussion. I narrated the story well but participation in GD was not satisfactory as I was the last person in the group and was left out. To my surprise, the result was ready just after the discussion got over. We were again asked to sit in the same auditorium for the results, my chest number was 124, and chest numbers were called in an increasing fashion. I was the last in the row after 121 my chest number was called out.

P.S-  while writing your screening story, try to cover what led to the situation part in 2 lines and what is going on in the third and in next 7-8 lines write actions and then conclude it well. Keep cramming it till Narration, narrate it with confidence, look right-left, and try to make it simple and crisp. 

I didn’t get recommended, only 3 were able to make it out of 63( 2 previously recommend + one Fresher ). This gentleman who was a fresher Swarnim Mishra, I congratulated him but it was not the last time we both shook hands.

2 March – the festival of colors, I was all alone at home in New Delhi , parents had gone to native town. No celebration only one thing in mind that I was left only with 1 SSB, the last had been miss fired. I prepared my SD, and last TAT story well. Framed scores of question out of PIQ. Self Description is one of the pillars of Psychology Test, it stems out what you really are. And the best thing which I did was that “I promised to myself that I would be what I am “. 

5th March – I boarded a train in the evening and this time I was not carrying the pain of rejection or selection with me. 

6th March( Reporting)- At around 0400 hours I was at Allahabad. Reporting time was 1300hours ,  I rested myself at MCO and with the first light candidates began mustering around MCO. I met three new friends , all repeaters , we shared our old experiences, went out to eat , and our friendship began taking shape. It was 1100 hrs.,  we decided to go to Centre by walk. Nothing was new except the Under construction road at front of Main Gate. 

At around 1330 hours the bus came and we all were called for Documentation, around 140 candidates reported for two batches, among them I sensed a known presence, a familiar face, I tailed him to discover, he was Swarnim Mishra. Two batches were formed and luckily Swarnim and two of my friends were allotted 11SSB. Now again we became four. We were called for brief documentation after we settled for a while in the dormitory. After it, few sent back home for not having documents. And the final count was 64.

7th March( Screening )– the same process, OIR test was administered by a JCO. It went well I did all questions. Part II of screening- PPDT, our Psychologist entered the hall from the back, the sound of his steps and our adrenaline both getting louder. He began the show after briefing us. A picture was shown, it was hazy in nature. A man was running in a water body and he was followed by other men. Now I did nothing but a change I just repeated the AFSB story and in place of the jungle, I wrote water body.

Now the narration part , my chest number was 51 and again last in the group, i narrated the story well , in the group discussion -our group was partitioned , the other group was given first chance to discuss meanwhile our group began talking through eyes. Now our turn , we didn’t waste time we copied certain points from other group and eventually a common story was constructed within time. Swarnim was made scape goat by the group , he confidently narrated. We all moved to the shed where our belongings were kept , we waited for half an hour then we were called for results. We were again seated in the same fashion , then came the man with the result. Chest numbers were called out in random order, I was craving to hear 51 and I had no plan to return home. But patience is the key the number 51 pierced the thick air and reached my ears. I joined the line and I had 16 on my chest. Only 26 out of 64 retained on day one. All of my friends made it, we picked our luggage and occupied the same beds. 

8th March(psychological test)–  We were to report at the same auditorium early morning after breakfast. I had heavy breakfast and was feeling sleepy during my Psychological test, not feeling comfortable but anyhow I completed it. I wrote all TAT, 60 WAT, 51 SRTs (still I had time left with me, and I stopped writing SRTs because I was not getting what to write in 52nd). Self Description I completed within time as I had already prepared it well in advance.

P.S- See don’t run after positive or negative in the picture, nothing is positive or negative. Just see what is there in the picture , cover all character and there is a work hidden in the picture, there is a purpose  find it and write a beautiful story around it with a conclusion. Your hero in the TAT should not be a defaulter , show him/her a winner. And make stories related your PIQ and SD. (I did this) 

Coming to WAT – write first thought whatever comes to your mind, here also no negative no positive

For e.g. – LOAFER – I wrote:” loafer shoes are easily available in the market”.

FAMILY-” family planning combats rapid growth of population”.

SRTs- write using commas, conclude it. Repeaters should attempt at least 45.

For e.g.” he was surrounded by thieves in a thick forest” – I wrote –gave the illusion , ran away, told the police “. 

Self Description – prepare your PIQ , SD and Daily routine in advance and there should be an alignment. 

9th March(GTO Day 1)– PT dress , all white except strategies in mind. GTO comprises of 9 test. First the Group Discussion , I submitted relevant points , didn’t focus much on facts, and tried to build relation among the three leads which we were provided that how one leads to another. After GD , Group Planning Exercise was administered , I gave valuable points and helped a group to solve all problems within time. PGT, HGT – I took the group out where it got stuck with my ideas and supported others ideas also. In lecturette my topic was Indo -Pak relations. 

10th March ( GTO day 2) – I completed 11 individual obstacles, and now the acid test of GTO came to the Command Task as it reflects your performance in GTO. I was third to be called by GTO Sir , we shook hands then he asked me why I didn’t shave – I said sorry, then he asked me about what I was doing at present, about education , where I was staying, number of attempts, why I wanted to join armed forces, how I prepared myself this time, about hobbies and which is my favorite novel? I answered all the questions. He took me to the task , I was to take out the bomb with the help of two subordinates. 

There were three ways the bomb could be taken out. First was very simple I did it with ease , then he asked me to do this from other, at that time I got a wind of recommendation by GTO, I did it from second structure again he said it had been broken , and asked me to do it from the third one. It was difficult , I kept on injecting ideas and I didn’t want to lose this chance, a do and die situation aroused. I changed my place with the subordinate and with 3-4 failed attempts finally I got the idea , and he knew that so he put time pressure on me and I quickly made a bridge and the bomb was taken out. 

After it, I was pretty sure that I had been recommended by GTO. In Final Group Task , I didn’t give any idea , I held the fragile material in hand and helped others. 

Coming to my group members, you all have been very helpful , you guys encouraged me , motivated me and I hope to see you conquering your goals. I am leaving email ID , send me your contact details. 

INTERVIEW – I had my interview on the last day just after GTO and before lunch , I quickly rushed to the candidates line , changed into formals. The interview was to be taken by deputy President , I waited in the Waiting room then 16 number appeared in the LED display with a sound. I entered the room smiling, I was asked to sit  then he began with my number of attempts, I had prepared all the possible questions which could be asked from the PIQ in advance . He asked me about my hobbies, daily routine , pocket money , friends , family, Current Affairs , reading habit, academics, sports, and why I want to join the army, and how I prepared this time, strength, weakness, what I fear the most , what are my other plans besides Army? I answers all the questions. The interview ended in 35 minutes approximately.

11th March ( Conference Day ) – All items packed, locked , and placed in the shed. Conference began in reverse order , chest number 24 was called first then next. Three candidates were supposed to wait on chairs and the forth one was supposed to be questioned in the conference room. When 17 was in the conference room , I was waiting for my turn them he left the room , now I was being discusses inside the room, I began counting on my finger tips and it was the first time I waited for three minutes otherwise in earlier attempts I was called within a minute. My number flashed on the LED screen with sound , I entered the room,  officers sit in semi circle and the candidate in the middle ,I wished everyone with smile and was asked to occupy seat the first question was “How this SSB is different from other SSBs?” second question ” How you will prepare for next SSB?”  and then normal question. How was the stay and all?

I was very worried about my result after conference because around 10 candidates were discussed in detail and in my case they took only three minutes.  I began looking for trains to return home, there was a tussle going in my mind , I didn’t want to repeat the same thing , boarding train, telling parents, getting sympathy calls by friends, family, relatives , boring journey , railway station and facing people expectations again.

When conferencing of 26 candidates over we were called for the last time to sit in Chanakya Hall. Duty NCO told us to remain quiet and informed us that result would be announced very soon by one the officers. We all were looking at the gate , and Psychologist sir appeared with a clip board, the A4 sheet on it holding names and chest numbers of recommended candidates. He began without wasting time first chest number 25, all surprised , then 24 Swarnim Mishra I surprised, then 18, 17, then he got a phone call I thought this was the end because generally, 3-4 candidates make it. And I threw my hat in the air, I lost all hope, he hung the call and called 16 …….I shouted my  name, upsc roll number with tears in my eyes, the chase was over, for seconds everything went crazy around me.  Chest number 13 and 5 also made it. We all lined up , Psych sir,  Duty NCO and our friends congratulated us. We were given two minutes to call our parents and to take luggage back to candidates line. We all sped to shed, took mobile phones out of beg, I called my mother and gave the good news. 

In evening I received a text from him – ” A winner never quits and a quitter never wins. Yes, winners they never quit but at the same time they do what is required to achieve their goal.”

P.S-  Introspection is all about improvement, analysis your last day, improve your today and set new bars for tomorrow. 

I end my story with a line BINA PARISHRAM YASH KAHA 

All the best to all, stay motivated. 

Contact :- [email protected]