Tips for Effective Participation in GD

Introduction

It was very heartening to observe your diligent participation in the GD posted by me previously. I wish to make it a regular affair if the response will be as good as it was. Please join the Olive Greens page to be able to give your prompt response and also make it a point to read the response of others so that you can benefit from each others knowledge.

What is the GTO Observing

• §  Your information level and GK is seen through the content of your views.

• §  Your ability to support your views with logical and meaningful arguments.

• §  How organized is your thought process.

• §  Your ability to express your views with complete clarity and ease. The same will only happen if you have the above given abilities.

• §  Your social attributes are seen through the way you engage others in the discussion.

• §  How balanced are your views about the socio-economic and geo-political environment of our society.

• §  Your self confidence and energy level is observed.

• §  What kind of impact (negative or positive) are you creating on the others in the group is observed.

• §  Your ability to withstand, and gracefully bounce back, from the set backs received through counter arguments given by others.

• §  Your mental stamina to remain continuously visible in a positive manner in the GD is seen.

• Tips for Effective Participation 

• §  Be an early entrant into the GD. Speaking first is not necessary, however speak early so that someone else does not give away the point you wanted to say.

• §  Do not speak continuously, as you may appear to be overbearing, so, speak more often, for lesser duration each time.

• §  Give concise points relevant to the lead that you are supporting. Do not take off at a tangent.

• §  Preferably do not switch your lead and support it till the end of the discussion. However you could link your lead with  some relevant point with the other lead and speak.

• §  Remember it is not a debate, so your endeavour should not be to prove the other person wrong, but to support your lead with good logical arguments.

• §  The greater your knowledge base, the better you will be able to speak. Try and quote some facts and figures and also give some examples from history/ recent times to augment you views.

• §  Be sensitive to the point of view and participation of others, encourage them as they give their views and look very interested in their view point, even if it is ordinary.

• §  Do not be rude, radical or anti-establishment by blaming the systems, authority figures and the Govt.

• §  Always remain composed, cheerful and show a high, positive energy level. Maintain a smiling and pleasant disposition.

• §  Do not lock horns unnecessarily with someone who is argumentative. Remain friendly, but firm while giving your point of view.

Finally, if you are well informed, logical,  well groomed and a friendly person you will shine in the GD. However, to know where you stand and assess your true potential you will have to physically participate in multiple GDs before leave for your SSB.

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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.

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How to Crack SSB Interview

A  Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is a must for entering the armed forces of India as an officer. It consists of a battery of tests which check the quality of candidates by putting them through Group Tasks, Psychological Tests and Personal Interview.

The comprehensive series of tests include:

·           Day 1: Intelligence Test (Nonverbal and Verbal), Picture Perception Tests.

·         Day 2: Psychological tests like Thematic Apperception Test,Self Description Test,Word Association     Test and Situation Reaction Test.

·          Day 3 and 4: Group Testing Officers (GTO) Tests such as Group Discussion,Group Planning Exercise,    Progressive Group Tasks,Group Obstacles,Command Task, Lecturette Task,Final Group Task and           Personal Interview.

·          Day 5: Final meeting with test officers.Result declaration and dispersal.

The primary aim of the SSB interview is to estimate the candidate’s OLQ (Officer Like Qualities). The aim is to scientifically test the psychological qualities of the candidate. 

To prepare for the SSB interview, the candidate must make the following efforts:

·    Have clear understanding of surroundings: One common question you face in the test as well as the interview is related to your surroundings. Know all details of your locality or region well enough, and also, details about the place where the test is located.

·     General Knowledge: Keep abreast of current affairs by regular and detailed reading of newspapers and magazines. This is useful in Group Discussion, Lecturette, and Personal Interview.

·     Fluency in English: Officers of the armed forces must be proficient in English, which connects armed personnel from all over the country with different languages. Though fluency is not compulsory, it will surely help in the career. Work on grammar and vocabulary. It is good to have strong communication skills both verbal and written.

·    Confidence: Nervousness must be totally avoided at an SSB interview and you must muster all the confidence and positive energy that you can. You must practice hiding your nervousness and let your confidence shine through.

·       Physical fitness: One needs to be physically fit to be an officer. Your physical fitness is an attractive part of your personality and helps in GTO and other physical tasks. Maintain your physical fitness by regular jogging, push-ups, yoga, etc. to gain stamina and strength.

·     Personality and grooming: Personality is not about the latest hairstyle. It has to do with a positive attitude, immaculate grooming and good dress sense.

·    Good preparation: If you are clueless about SSB, you need to enrol in the SSB coaching centre of repute.

The main OLQ to be tested by the SSB are your leadership qualities. They are:

·         Ability to take responsibility and ownership of any situation.

·     The ability to take quick and effective decisions even under tremendous amounts of     stress.

·        Take the initiative for tasks and execute them effectively.

·        The level of understanding in logic and sound reasoning.

·        Command and proficiency in languages and ability for effective communication.

·        Vital leadership traits like courage, ability to motivate others.

·        Determination and self-reliance.

·        Loyalty to the nation (patriotism) and compassion and love for fellow citizens.

Thus, the SSB aims to select a wholesome, well-rounded person to become an officer.

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