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.