The Content of SSB Testing

The Service Selection Board conducts interviews that are some of the hardest to pass. These are meant for entry into the elite officer cadre of the Defence Forces of India.

The interview is meant to assess the mental prowess, attitude, personality traits including character and leadership qualities. Thus, it would judge not only the intellectual achievements and qualities, but also social traits and awareness of current affairs.

Some of the qualities can be listed as follows:

• Balanced judgment

• Critical reaction

•  Alertness of mind

• Clear and logical thinking

• Social skills and leadership quality

• Depth and variety of interests

•   Moral and intellectual integrity 

Aim of Interview

The Interviewing Officer (IO) tries to judge the Officer like Qualities (OLQ)’s especially that of leadership by means of purposive or direct line of questioning during the interview.   The questions at the interview are so designed such that they throw light on the personality qualities of leadership of the candidate

 The candidate can do well using his knowledge and power of expression. He will secure high marks if he can communicate fluently and coherently.  He must communicate a great deal in a short time that is available to him.

Thus, instead of answering a mere Yes or No to questions, he must express ideas or opinions.  He must substantiate his answers with logical and valid arguments.

The board tries to judge the leadership qualities of candidates based on the following criteria:

•  Intellectual prowess:  the aim is to judge the candidates understanding of a variety of subjects.  His depth of knowledge in topics of his choice is evaluated. It studies how he can bring theory to the rescue of practice. Examples of questions posed may be as follows:

           How will you organize a picnic? What will you do if you lose your wallet on a journey?

           What are your options if you are not selected during this interview?     
       
           What is your grasp of trending topics, news headlines, sports, current science, etc?

•  Power of expression: Fluency (no stammering), enthusiasm (lively, not monotonous, no speed while speaking and lacking affectation) logical (clearheaded, systematic, analytical), practical ability (realistic, with common sense, sensible, aware of limitations) and ability to assert and influence (speak with conviction and faith).

• Personal traits:   Cheerfulness (with positive and pleasant disposition), liveliness (eager, alert, inspired and driven by urge and ambition) enthusiasm (keenness and interesting nature), punctuality, poise (movement with grace, straight walk and confident approach) and good grooming (smart, clean and dressed for the occasion).

• Physical fitness: Candidate must be physically fit. His physical fitness contributes to his personality and helps in tackling GTO and other outdoor tasks.  To be physically fit and for strength and stamina, one must practice yoga, push-ups, jogging, etc regularly.

• Motivation:  The main aim is to never give up and persist with efforts, which will guarantee you a success in all aspects of life, not only this interview.

These are some of the qualities that are tested by the SSB. If you require help in this regard, you can join an SSB coaching academy to prepare for an interview.