Introduction to SSB Interview | Preparation Tips for SSB Interview - CDS PDF Download

Introduction

The Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy are esteemed institutions in our country. They are admired for qualities such as discipline, dedication, commitment, and adventure. These institutions provide a clean and healthy working and living environment, instilling a sense of pride and honor. In the past, joining the armed forces as an officer was a matter of prestige, reserved for the elite. However, since the 1990s, the allure of working abroad or in multinational companies for lucrative salaries diverted the youth away from aspiring to join the defence forces. But in the past two decades, the trend has shifted, and engineers working in esteemed companies like TCS and WIPRO now aspire for defence careers. The armed forces have proven their enduring appeal over time.

Highlights of Career as an Officer

• As an officer, one experiences a strong sense of purpose in serving the nation.
• Wearing the uniform evokes pride and honor.
• Opportunity to lead a large team at a young age.
• Strong camaraderie and teamwork.
• A disciplined and orderly lifestyle.
• Top-notch training and education.
• Engagement in sports and adventure.
• Achieving work-life balance and overall well-being.
• Competitive pay and attractive benefits.

Pay and Perks

Thanks to the Sixth Pay Commission and recent Promotion Reforms, defence careers have become highly lucrative. The key highlights include:

• Starting salary of £55,000 or more.
• Impressive perks such as canteen facilities, free medical services, access to clubs, sports facilities, and free travel (including air travel for Commanders and above).
• Fast-track promotions up to the rank of Lt Col/Commander/Wing Commander.
• Opportunity to reach the rank of Lt Col/Commander/Wing Commander in just 13 years.
• Flexible terms of tenure through short service commission.
• Option for an easy exit after completing 20 years of pensionable service.
• Generous pension and full financial security after retirement.

Entry Eligibility

The entry requirements vary from completing 12th class to postgraduation. Some common entry pathways are described below:

• NDA/Naval Academy Entry: Boys studying in 12th Science (PCM) stream can join the National Defence Academy/Naval Academy. At the National Defence Academy, candidates pursue graduation (B.Sc.), while Naval Academy candidates undertake a four-year B.Tech. program. The government covers all expenses related to lodging, boarding, and education. Additionally, candidates receive a monthly stipend of £21,000. Aspiring candidates need to clear an entrance test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) held twice a year and subsequently pass the Services Selection Board (SSB).
• Graduate Entry Scheme: Graduates from any stream can join the Indian Army. Science graduates are preferred for the main branches of the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. However, graduates with a BBA, B.Com, or BA (Eco) degree are considered for ground duty/admin branches of the Air Force and the Logistics branch of the Indian Navy.
• Technical Entry Scheme: There is high demand for technical officers in the armed forces. Engineering graduates from various streams are eligible to join. Engineering graduates do not have to appear for an entrance test but must pass the SSB. However, the Air Force conducts the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).
• NCC Special Entry Scheme: NCC 'C' certificate holders are eligible to join the armed forces without appearing for the UPSC entrance examination. They only need to pass the SSB.
• Women Entry Scheme: Women candidates are also being inducted into certain branches of the armed forces. The Indian Air Force is even inducting women in flying arms. Over time, the armed forces will progressively become an equal opportunity employer, providing more significant roles to Indian women in serving the nation.

Selection Centres

The Indian Army has three selection centers located across the country. These are the Selection Center East in Allahabad, the Selection Center Central in Bhopal, and the Selection Center South in Bangalore. Altogether, there are 10 Services Selection Boards (SSBs) organized as follows:

• Selection Center East, Allahabad: 11 SSB, 14 SSB, 18 SSB, 19 SSB, 34 SSB
• Selection Center Central, Bhopal: 20 SSB, 21 SSB, 22 SSB
• Selection Center South, Bangalore: 17 SSB, 24 SSB

The Navy has two SSBs, one each in Bhopal and Bangalore, and a Naval Selection Board in Coimbatore. Additionally, three more boards are being formed in Visakhapatnam. The Air Force has three boards named as follows:

• No. 1 Air Force Selection Board in Dehradun
• No. 2 Air Force Selection Board in Mysore
• No. 3 Air Force Selection Board in Varanasi

Presently, the Indian Armed Forces offer one of the finest career opportunities. Ironically, while the youth in our country struggle to find employment, there are numerous vacant positions in the armed forces that remain unfilled year after year. The belief is that talented young individuals are not joining the armed forces, but the truth is that there is a significant lack of awareness and knowledge about the selection process. Interactions with students nationwide reveal the existence of various myths regarding the activities of the services selection boards.
Even the internet is filled with baseless information shared by candidates based on their own perceptions of the selection process. Furthermore, numerous coaching centers across the country, run by individuals with no experience or knowledge of the current practices within the selection system, add to the confusion. There are also SSB books that are far from reality. The selectors at the services selection boards often come across candidates who, despite their potential, do not perform well due to inadequate coaching. As someone who has been part of the selection system, I can confidently say that this is the easiest path to becoming a first-class gazetted officer in the Government of India.
The purpose of this book is to provide a clear and easily understandable description of the entire selection procedure. It will greatly assist candidates in familiarizing themselves with the selection system and the various tests conducted during the process. The author offers valuable tips based on extensive experience, which will prove beneficial in presenting one's true personality more effectively.
This book is organized chronologically, detailing the different tasks carried out at the SSB. Before discussing the various tests, one chapter (Chapter 2) provides a comprehensive description of the Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) observed at the SSBs. A good understanding of these qualities will enable candidates to better demonstrate them. The information covered in each section is as follows:

• Section 1 covers stage 1 testing, which includes three different tests: Verbal Intelligence Test, Non-Verbal Intelligence Test, and Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP & DT). The candidate's Intelligence rating is determined based on the results of the intelligence tests. Then, the candidates undergo the PP & DT test, where they are shown a vague picture and asked to write a story about it. Subsequently, they participate in a group discussion with 15 to 18 individuals, each narrating their respective story and collectively developing a common group story. Approximately 40 to 50% of the candidates are retained for stage 2 testing based on their intelligence rating and performance in the PP & DT.
• Section 2 focuses on psychological testing, consisting of four tests: the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description Test (SDT). The TAT involves the candidate writing a short story based on a series of 11 hazy pictures. In the WAT, candidates create a sentence using each of the 60 words presented on the screen. The SRT presents candidates with 60 practical and common situations, and they are required to react to each situation. Lastly, the SDT requires candidates to write five short paragraphs, including descriptions of how their parents, friends/colleagues, and teachers perceive them. They also express their own self-perception and aspirations for personal growth. The psychologist assesses the candidates based on their responses to these tests.
• Section 3 focuses on Group Testing, which comprises nine different tests: two rounds of Group Discussion (GD), Group Planning Exercise (GPE), Progressive Group Task (PGT), Group Obstacle Race (GOR), Half Group Task (HGT), Lecturette, Individual Obstacles (IOs), Command Task (CT), and Final Group Task (FGT). Each of these tests is extensively explained in the relevant section of the book.
• Section 4 covers the Personal Interview. During this stage of the test, the Interviewing Officer assesses the candidate using six sets of Comprehensive Interview Questionnaires (CIQs). The book provides explanations for all six CIQs and suggests answers for each of them. Additionally, it offers guidance on what to do and what to avoid.
• Section 5 focuses on the Conference Procedure. At the SSB, the assessment process involves three dimensions, with evaluations conducted by the Psychologist, Group Testing Officer (GTO), and Interviewing Officer (IO). The board conference serves as the platform for these assessors to thoroughly discuss each candidate's performance and make a final decision. This section of the book provides detailed information on the conference procedures.

The final part of the book includes service-related information, as well as topics on geopolitics and national issues.

General Guidelines

• It is common for candidates to rush to coaching centers or rely on SSB books as soon as they receive a call letter. However, this approach often leads to failure since assessors are skilled at distinguishing between genuinely competent candidates and those who merely memorize ideas and opinions. Therefore, it is important to understand that there are no shortcuts to success. Achieving success requires dedicated and systematic preparation.
• To begin with, it is crucial to stay informed about current events. Selectors are not interested in memorized facts and figures from general knowledge books. Rather, they expect candidates to be aware of what is happening in the country and its surroundings. Regularly reading newspapers, supplemented by a good magazine, or watching reputable English news channels will help you stay updated on the latest developments. It is also recommended to watch TV shows such as 'We the People' and 'Big Fight' on NDTV 24 × 7, where eminent personalities debate current topics.
• Secondly, consider engaging in English conversations with friends and family members. Unfortunately, the medium of communication during the selection process is English, and many candidates hesitate or struggle to express themselves effectively. Developing English language skills is crucial, and regular practice through conversations and reading newspapers will help improve your vocabulary.
• Thirdly, familiarize yourself with the service/branch you aspire to join. If you have chosen the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy or the Technical Branch of the Indian Army, for example, gather information about the service, its various branches, their roles, and the likely job profiles. It is often observed that candidates lack basic knowledge about what they have applied for, leading to rejection.
• Fourthly, maintain a regular exercise routine and keep yourself physically fit. Simple exercises like jogging, sit-ups, pull-ups, and push-ups will help build strength and stamina, which will prove