The document provides a guide on the Group Planning Exercise (GPE) for candidates preparing for the Services Selection Board (SSB) assessments, focusing on techniques and strategies for success in the GTO (Group Testing Officer) tasks. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative problem-solving, effective communication, and strategic planning, detailing the process steps, roles, and evaluation criteria. Candidates are advised to actively engage during discussions, maintain attention to instructions, and utilize available resources efficiently for optimal performance.

1. Compiled by Col Mukteshwar Prasad(Retd),
MTech,CE(I),FIE(I),FIETE,FISLE,FInstOD,AMCSI
Contact -9007224278, e-mail –muktesh_prasad@yahoo.co.in
for book ”Decoding Services Selection Board” and SSB guidance and
training at Shivnandani Edu and Defence Academy
1.GTO TECHNIQUE-
https://www.slideshare.net/ColMukteshwarPrasad/group-testing-
technique
https://www.slideshare.net/ColMukteshwarPrasad/group-planning-exerccise-
36796757
https://www.slideshare.net/ColMukteshwarPrasad/group-planning-exercise-2
https://www.slideshare.net/ColMukteshwarPrasad/group-planning-exercise-1
Decoding Group Planning Exercise in
SSB

2. Introduction
 This is the 2nd task of GTO
 It is also 2nd out of 3 Indoor GTO tasks
 In this integration stage the candidates tend to
compete with each other vying for acceptance of
their solution
 In earlier Group discussion they have explored
each other’s capability based on level of
discussion and quality
 Performance in at least 3 out of 4 tasks in basic
series are important for being acceptable in GTO
technique.
 It is the only task for which written proof exists in
the form of GPE plan and retained implying one
must necessarily do well for consideration of

3. Stages of GPE
 Briefing(Away from Model)
 Introduction to Model
 Reading of Narrative by GTO
 Individual reading of Narrative-5mins
 Writing of Solution-10 Mins
 Discussion of Group solution-15 mins
 Presentation of solution

5. Briefing away from model

6. Introducing Model

7. Values of the task
(GTO observes candidate for
following)
 Ability to appreciate thevsituation as a whole and
in detail
 Ability to think constructively and imaginatively
 Objectivity of the view
 Open mindedness to the problem
 Goodwill towards people in general
 Contribution towards collective solution
 Ability to co ordinate
 Ability to convince others about one’s idea
 Planning and organizing ability

8. Assessment of written solution
 Grasp
 Imagination
 Aim
 Priorities
 Resources
 Time and space
 solution

9. Tips for success :GPE
 1.Listen to briefing carefully and attentively
 2.Understand model
 3.Read narrative & Correlate with model
 4.Don't ask question
 5.Turn the pad with narrative after 5 mins (for reading
narrative) once asked by GTO and don't turn back again
to have a look
 6.Write individual solution with problems, priority
and resources .
 7.Write solution at all cost otherwise GTO will not pass.
 8.For writing fold about 1/5 page from top in the middle
and write problem s and priority on the left side.
 9.On right side write obvious resources but do not
waste time .
 10.Update unseen resources as you use. them while
writing solution

10. Tips for success :GPE
 13.Mutually discuss but don't shout
 14.Do come to definite conclusion by taking the best.
 15.Do try and fight for your solution if you are correct Active listener
 16.Discussion is a two way traffic
 17.Close issue before going to next i.e, decide about problem then
priorities then solution including time and space
 18.Be attentive
 19.Team and not individual matters
 16.Be worthy of giving solution and give with confidence if you can
after asking Group “Can I give solution if acceptable to all”
 17.Maintain eye contact with proper body language
 18. Process oriented hence train accordingly
 19.Behaviour is a function of environment ,hence do care about what
you pick up from environment
 20. Better solution rather than expression matter
 21. This is the only document other than Psych Dossier is retained
,hence proof and need for excellent performance
 22.Use available resources judiciously.

11. Time and space
Mode of tpt Speed in km/hr
Bus/mini bus on highway 40
Bus/mini bus on other road 30
car/jeep on highway 45
Car/jeep on other road 35
Motor Cycle 50
Fast boat 25
Running/walking 6

12. Solution Sheet
 Problems and Priorities Resources
 1. Seen
Unseen
 2
 Solution
 Divide the group in – subgroup of – person each
 0330PM Group M(including me) moves to A location performs
task X and moves to common location C by 0530 PM .
 0345-Group N moves to location B performs tasks Y and
moves to location C by 0600 PM
 0400 –Group P moves to location D performs task Z and move
to location C by 0630 PM
 0645 –All groups having reached location C after performing
their task move to their destination by say Bus and reach there