GUIDELINES FOR SSB PREPARATION

1. The broad conduct of SSB procedure is as under: -

Day Test Tasks Duration Remarks

1 Stage I Intelligence Test 60’-75’ Result
Screening Test Picture announced by
Picture Perception 25’-30’ 1:30pm
& Discussion test 4-5 pm
Stage II For those passed in stage I
2 Psychological Test Thematic
Apperception Test
(TAT)

Word Association
Test (WAT)

Situation Reaction
Test (SRT)

Self Description
(SD)
Interview - 40’-45’ Can be planned
on Day 2/3/4
3 Group Task Officer Group Discussion 30’-40’ Indoor Tasks
Test (GTO) (GD)
GTO-1 Group Planning 20’
Executive (GPE)
Lecturette 4-5’
Progressive 40’-45’ Outdoor Tasks
Group Task
Group Obstacle 15’-20’
Race
Half Group Task 20’-25’
4 Group Officer Task Individual 10’-15’ Outdoor Tasks
Officer Obstacle (IO)
(GTO-2) Command Task 30’
Final Group Task 30’-40’
5 Conference - - -

2. Large number of candidates report for selection in SSB. All may not have
the desirable qualities to be selected for armed forces so there is no point to go
through the stage-II tests. Hence, the need to filter out these candidates on the
very first day so that they can return to their home stations with out wasting time.
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3. Stage I Screening Test. This test has two distinct parts: -

(a) Intelligence Test. This is a simple test of logic / analytical aptitude

based on which an intelligence rating ranging from I to V is awarded to the
candidates which based on the number of total correct answers. It is but
obvious that the candidate with a higher intelligence rating will benefit in the
entire process of testing including stage-II.

(b) Picture Perception and Discussion Test. You will be shown a

picture on the screen which you will be required to perceive correctly. Time
was thereafter given what you perceived by way of number of characters,
their age, their mood, etc as also to write a story relating to the pictures.
Your perception needs to be order to do well in this test. This was followed
by individual story telling and discussion test. Your power of expression,
clarity of language (both grammatically and logical), confidence, participation
and ability to accepts others ideas were all important facets of this test. Your
body language and attitude during the whole test is also of consequence.
What you must do is to remain involved with the test throughout.

4. Result of Stage - 2. Passing of Stage-I test is a combination of your

intelligence rating, individual story content, method at narration, command over
language and over performance in discussion and complete task. Once the results
are announced, relevance of Stage-I performance in no longer there except your
intelligence rating which still affects your overall results during the Stage-II.

5. Stage-II. The Stage-II tests comprise of three different techniques, namely the
psychological tests, group task and personal interview. However, it is emphasized that in
all the three techniques the assessment is of your personality which is based on specified
15 OLQs (Officer Like Qualities).

(a) Psychological Tests. The psychological tests conducted in the morning

hours of Day 2 of the SSB are on of the three crucial components of the selection
process. These tests that take around 2 hours and 45 min to undertake, aim to
evaluate a candidate’s mental suitability to be an officer by examining their
personality traits, unconscious strengths, and potential weaknesses. It’s important
to remember that these tests are not about providing “right” answers but about
responding honestly and naturally. The psychological tests are conducted as a
battery, meaning they comprise a set of different tests designed to asses various
aspects of personality. The entire test battery responses are to be recorded on a
16 pages answer booklet which will be provided to the candidates. Only blue-black
pens are to be used. The following four tests form a part of the battery: -

(i) Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). The TAT involves showing

candidates 12 pictures, 11 of which are black and white, the last one being a
blank slide. Each picture is displayed for 30 seconds, followed by
four minutes to write a story based on the picture. Candidates are required
to write each story in the half page space made available against the correct
serial number in about 100 words. Beauty of expression is of lesser
significance here than the free articulation of thoughts.
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(ii) Word Association Test (WAT). The WAT involves presenting

60 words sequentially on a screen, each for 15 seconds. Candidates are
required to write the first thought or idea that comes to mind after seeing the
word. Candidates speed of thinking and their ability to make connections
between words and concepts would help perform in this test.

(iii) Situation Reaction Test (SRT). The SRT assesses a candidates

problem-solving and decision-making abilities in real-world scenario.
Candidates are given a booklet containing 60 different situations and have
30 minutes to write their responses. The candidates ability to think on their
feet and react appropriately and authenticity in various situations using their
knowledge and experiences would help perform in this test.

(iv) Self- Description Test (SDT). SDT involves candidates writing

about themselves from the perspective of their near and dear ones and
themselves. Honesty and depth of self-awareness would help candidates
perform in this test.

Note: - Day 2 of the SSB is a mentally demanding day requiring candidates

to be well-rested and prepared to face a series of tests that will assess their
psychological makeup and suitability for a career in the armed forces. By
paying close attention to the instructions before commencement of each
test, understanding the nature of each test and focusing on the test at hand,
candidates can approach the psychological evaluation with confidence and
composure.

(b) GTO Test. Unlike the psychologist, the GTO is actually interacting with
you throughout the test & each and every action of yours is observed. It is a test of
yours body and coordination between your body and mind. Your physical and
mental qualities get highlighted in these test. Project your qualities to the GTO and
do not remain a passenger. Come out with work sense, ideas and ensure that
others accept them. If they are logical and workable they will be acceptable. While
you expect others to accept your ideas you should be willing to accept others ideas
as well. You need to remain confident and cheerful throughout the tests and learn
to comprehend all instructions and ensure that no rules are violated. Your overall
performance in all the GTO tasks brings out your personality. You need to be good
in every aspect. Outstanding performance in some and poor in others is not
acceptable. You need to introspect and find out shortcomings which you noticed in
your performance. You ought to be physically fit to do well here. The primary role
of a GTO is to evaluate the candidates ability to work effectively as part of a team,
their leadership potential and their overall officer like qualities. The GTO conducts
a series of group tasks designed to test the candidates psychological and team
skills in various situations.

(i) GTO 1. On this day the candidates will be undergoing three

indoor task and Three outdoor task: -

(aa) Indoor Task: -

(aaa) Group Discussion.

(aab) Group planning Exercise.

(aac) Lecturette.
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(ab) Outdoor Task: -

(aaa) Progressive Group task.

(aab) Group Obstacle Race.

(aac) Half Group Task.

(ii) GTO 2. On this day the candidates will be undergoing

completely outdoor task. They are Individual obstacles, Command Task and
Final Group Task.
(iii) The following are the major assessment criteria upon which the
candidates must prepare themselves to perform well in GTO tasks: -

(aa) Leadership. The ability to take charge, motivate and guide

the group effectively.

(ab) Teamwork. The capacity to word collaboratively,

communicate efficiently and support fellow candidates.

(ac) Decision-making. The aptitude to make quick, effective

and well-reasoned decisions, considering the group’s objectives and
resources.

(ad) Problem-solving. The ability to analyze problems, devise

practical solutions and adapt to changing circumstances.

(ae) Communication. The skill to express ideas clearly,

listen actively and engage in constructive discussions within the
group.

(af) Behavior and Confidence. The demonstration of

positive behavior, self-confidence and a composed demeanor in
challenging situations.

(c) Interview. The interviewing officer discusses by way of questions

and answers the opportunities you had in your life and the positive or
otherwise benefit you have derived from them. It is a test of your heart. The
interviewing officer is fairly senior and experienced in the armed forces.
While he interacts with you he discerns whether you have the qualities
required to be an army officer. What you have done till date with regard to
your academics, competitive exams, your achievements in extra curricular
activities, your interests in life, sports you play, your feelings for your parents,
friends, teachers and society at large, your general knowledge and
awareness and your physical and mental fortitude are all important facets of
his assessment. The interviewing officer understands and gives you more
than adequate benefit for shortcomings or mistakes which you may have
committed, thus do not try and hide anything. The tendency of lying or
making false pretenses is negatively viewed and is easily discernable.
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(d) Conference. The three assessors have individually carried out

their assessment. However, there is no discussion as sharing of facts of
assessment between them nor any results of your performance is known to
them or anybody else at the beginning of the conference. For the final result
on the performance of a candidate all the three assessors and all members
of the board must interact as also meet the candidate in person. Thus we
have the final board conference. During this, the individual assessments are
discussed and a candidates plus points and weak qualities are deliberated
upon in detail. All aspects of a candidate are analysed to see if he / she has
the required qualities to be trained to become a good armed forces officer.
Whereas benefit of any doubt with an individual assessor is given to a
candidate, during the conference benefit of doubt adequately probed
normally is given to the organisaiton. Also, candidates with higher
intelligence rating can get an additional credit as compared to those with
lower intelligence rating. When the conference terminates the results are
finalized and communicated to the candidate. Suitable advice by one of the
assessors is rendered to all Non Recommended Candidates.