Procedure and Important Tips for Conference Day | Preparation Tips for SSB Interview - CDS PDF Download

The Procedure of the SSB Conference

• All candidates will gather at a designated spot where they will receive a briefing about the conference proceedings. The conference will begin either in ascending or descending order based on the chest numbers assigned. The first candidate will enter the conference room while the next candidate waits in an area where their chest number is displayed along with a bell. When the bell rings, the next candidate enters the conference room, and the process continues.
• Upon entering the room, you will see the assessors of the board, including the GTOs, psychologists, the Interviewing officer, and other members. They will be seated in a U-shaped table, with a chair placed in the center facing them. It is customary to greet them and ask for permission to sit, unless they invite you to do so. They will ask you questions and seek your feedback about your SSB Interview experience.
• Usually, the conference lasts for about 2 to 5 minutes, during which the board asks these questions. However, if the selecting panel is undecided, they may ask you additional questions, similar to those in your personal interview. You may also face situational reaction questions. They will probe further until they are satisfied with your performance, either to select you or to give you another chance.

What happens in the SSB Conference?

General Question in the SSB Conference

• What were some major learnings from this SSB Interview?
• Which places did you explore in the city of the SSB center?
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your overall performance?
• Which task did you perform best? And which task did you perform worst?
• What improvements have you made compared to your past performance?
• Who, in your opinion, was the best candidate in your group?
• How was your stay at the SSB Centre?
• Did you enjoy the food at the mess? Do you have any suggestions?
• Do you have any suggestions for improving the SSB center?
• You may encounter some SRTs or other questions if you are considered a borderline case.

Important Tips for the SSB Conference

• Dress appropriately according to the dress code mentioned in your call letter. Ensure your chest number is clearly visible and neat.
• Maintain good posture while sitting in the chair, avoiding unnecessary movements like shaking your legs or fidgeting. Enter the room calmly and sit upright.
• When you approach your chair, greet the person sitting in front of you. Then, either your interviewing officer or a senior officer will initiate the interaction.
• When leaving the room, stand up smoothly after receiving instructions. Greet all the members present and close the door gently.
• Before entering the room, control your nervousness and be confident. Believe that you have done your best and that the result will be positive. Maintain emotional control and a calm mindset. Consider it as another important interaction with your interviewing officer, whom you have previously interacted with.
• Keep a smiling face throughout the conference.
• Pay close attention to the questions asked and be alert as soon as you enter the room. Be prepared to answer any question confidently. Speak clearly and directly to the correct person, making eye contact.
• Avoid confusion when answering questions.
• Refrain from offering suggestions or asking questions during the conference. Also, avoid criticizing the SSB selection criteria or suggesting improvements, as they are based on extensive research.
• During your personal interview, the interviewing officer may ask questions that you might not know the answer to at that moment. Make note of those questions and prepare for them, as they may be asked again during the conference.
• Before the conference, the JCO will provide instructions on how to behave. Always follow those instructions.