1. Preparing for SSB Exams: What to Know
http://www.ssbcounselling.org/
Young men and women looking for adventure in their lives can consider the Armed Forces as a
career option. However, they must first go through a rigorous SSB exam which is considered to
be the world’s toughest army test before they can realize their ambition. Service Selection
Board (SSB) is a comprehensive personality and intelligence interview carried out over five days
which scientifically analyzes each candidate's potential and compatibility for assignment into the
Armed Forces of India.
According to the “trait theory” of leadership, every aspiring leader must possess a few innate
and specific leadership qualities. The theory also states that such traits may be acquired by an
individual with the passage of time. The SSB system of selection is based on this theory. There
is no fixed limit to the number of trials a candidate can opt for. In fact, SSB assessors
encourage candidates to appear again.
The present interview system is mainly an objective psychological assessment of each
candidate, to measure his/her potential as a future officer in the Indian Army. Most of the tests
require average intelligence. The main aim of the tests is to select candidates with OLQs
(Officer Like Qualities). These qualities include initiative, judgement (under stress), effective
intelligence, physical condition, communication skills, courage and a sense of compassion and
loyalty to the nation. Each batch of individuals goes through the subtle testing pattern over the
duration of a few days. They are monitored not only during psychological tests but even during
the course of their stay at the SSB headquarters.
The admission procedure is spread across five days. Usually, the tests follow the pattern given
below:
Day 0 (Day of Reporting) – Reporting day is usually a day ahead of testing. The time varies
across centers
Day 1 (Screening Tests) – Stage I includes Verbal and Non-Verbal Intelligence Test, Picture
Perception and Discussion Test followed by Personal Information
Questionnaire (PIQ) for short-listed candidates
Day 2 (Psychology Tests) – Thematic Appreciation Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT),
Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
Day 3 / Day 4 (GTO Tasks) – Also includes Interview
Day 5 (Conference) – The final results are declared within half an hour after the Board Meeting
is over
The SSB Board does not concern itself with the number of vacancies; its main responsibility
being to assess and recommend. The recommended candidates then turn up for medical
examinations. Those whose names appear on the final Merit List make the cut for training and
go on to become Commissioned Officers.