Most asked Questions in the Personal Interview of SSB- Important Questions | Preparation Tips for SSB Interview - CDS PDF Download

The procedure for the Personal Interview of SSB

• During the SSB Interview, the Personal Interview takes place after the Psychological test on the first day. The schedule for the Personal Interviews is announced by the Instructor based on your Chest Numbers.
• Typically, the Interview is conducted by the President or the Deputy President of the SSB Board. It takes place on the second, third, or fourth day of the SSB Interview, after all the daily tasks and tests have been completed.
• The Personal Interview questions are based on the information provided in your PIQ form and your responses on that form.
• The interview is a casual conversation between the candidate and the interviewer, aimed at evaluating the candidate's qualities and suitability.
• Usually, the Interview begins with a series of quick questions asked by the Interviewer about the candidate.

Rapid Fire Questions of Personal Interview of SSB

In most cases, the Interview starts with rapid-fire questions about your personal information. These questions are a combination of 8-10 and should be answered in the same order they are asked. If you forget to answer any of the questions, you can politely request the interviewer to repeat them.
Here are some of the commonly asked questions in the rapid-fire round:

Most asked Questions in the Interview of SSB

Why did you choose a career in Defence? This question aims to assess your passion for joining the defence forces and whether it is more than just a career option for you. Provide honest answers with practical and reasonable reasons.

Sir, I believe that serving in the defence forces is not just a job, but a way of life and leadership. It offers the opportunity to live a dignified life while serving the nation wholeheartedly. This career provides regular adventures and the chance to engage in adventurous and sports activities, which are not possible in other professions. I have always been fascinated by the awards, honours, recognition, and privileges that defence personnel enjoy since my childhood. Hence, I aspire to join the defence forces.

Which competitive exams have you taken, and what were the results in chronological order? Did you receive any coaching for them?

This question assesses your capabilities and interests in various fields. It also aims to understand how you have handled setbacks in exams and whether you have analyzed your performance and worked on improving your weaknesses.

If not the armed forces, which other field or career would you pursue? Are you considering further studies?

Through this question, the interviewer wants to know if you have a backup plan other than joining the defence forces. While having a backup plan is not a bad thing, you should convincingly convey that joining the defence forces is your top priority and you are fully committed to it. Be honest and choose an option that suits you best for this question if you haven't thought about it.

Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend? If not, why?

The interviewer asks this question to understand your priorities in life and your focus on your goals. Answer honestly. If you have a girlfriend, you can diplomatically mention it. For example, you can say, "Yes, sir, I have a girlfriend who is very supportive and encourages me all the time."

If you don't have a girlfriend, politely deny it. Avoid portraying yourself as overly macho or not needing a girlfriend.

Sir, I have many female friends from school and college, and some of them are very close friends. However, I do not have a romantic relationship with any girl at the moment. Joining the armed forces is my current priority, and I am fully committed to it.

Who is closer to you, your father or mother? Why?
Through this question, the interviewer wants to assess your maturity, social and emotional intelligence, and honesty. They also want to see how you handle situations where tough choices have to be made. Your answer should provide reasonable and justifiable explanations.

Sir, it is difficult to choose between them as I am close to both my parents. We discuss and share everything that happens in our lives, and I can approach either of them for any matter. However, since my father is currently working out of town, I have more opportunities to speak with my mother.

Tell me the name of your girlfriend/boyfriend, your two best friends, and three qualities you like/dislike in them.

The interviewing officer asks this question to observe your reaction when questioned about your friends and their characteristics. They may try to create a scenario where you criticize your friends for their qualities and behavior. They might also ask why you continue to be friends with them despite their poor qualities. An ideal friend should possess all the qualities you value, so be cautious when answering this question.

Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses. How are you addressing them?
One of the main objectives of the interviewer is to gauge your self-awareness. A person's strengths and weaknesses reveal a lot about their character. Only when a person recognizes their strong and weak points can they work on improving themselves. This question also evaluates your efforts to grow and improve. Remember, everyone has weaknesses, so answer this question diplomatically while maintaining a balance between your positives and negatives.

Sir, everyone has their talents and limitations. In my case, I believe I am proficient in handling computers and other technological aspects. I also place great importance on punctuality and dedication, which I apply to my daily life. One of my limitations is that I sometimes get so engrossed in my work that I become unaware of my surroundings. If I am unable to complete a task, it lingers in my mind until I finish it. Additionally, I am working on improving my English language skills by putting in consistent and dedicated efforts.

You can also mention the following points as your strengths:

• I am a mature individual who understands my responsibilities well.
• I excel at handling pressure and can perform effectively in challenging situations.
• People often turn to me for motivation and advice, as I have the ability to uplift others with my thoughts and speeches.
• I possess good management skills.

For weaknesses, you can say:

• Occasionally, I tend to procrastinate, but I am continuously striving to overcome this habit.
• I have a tendency to be short-tempered, but I am practicing regular meditation to address this trait.
• At times, I tend to overthink. I am working on focusing on the present task without worrying excessively about the outcome.

What is your pocket money/salary, and how do you spend it?

This question aims to assess your sense of responsibility and self-reliance. The interviewer wants to know how wisely you utilize your resources and whether you are taking steps towards financial independence. Provide a truthful and logical response.

Entry Specific Questions

If you are appearing for the SSB Interview through a specific entry, be prepared to answer entry-specific questions. For example, if you are attending the SSB Interview through AFCAT Entry, expect questions related to the Air Force. Similarly, if you are attending through NCC Special Entry, the interviewer will likely inquire about your NCC battalion and ask specific questions related to NCC. Prepare well in advance for these entry-specific questions before attending the personal interview of SSB.

How to perform better in the SSB Interview

The Personal Interview of SSB is unlike typical job interviews. Although the types of questions asked may be similar, the overall experience of the SSB interview is different. To perform well in the personal interview of SSB, consider the following key points:

• Maintain confidence throughout the SSB interview. Approach it as a normal conversation between you and the interviewer.
• Be self-aware and demonstrate a strong sense of determination and responsibility. Have a clear aim in life and explain the steps you are taking to achieve it.
• Familiarize yourself with details about your family, friends, teachers, bosses, and even adversaries. Stay knowledgeable about your state, city, and the institutions you are associated with in your life.
• Provide logical and analytical responses supported by reasoning.
• Understand your strengths and weaknesses and demonstrate efforts to improve yourself.
• Develop effective communication skills to clearly express your thoughts.
• Display maturity in your responses.
• Keep your answers as genuine as possible. Avoid fabricating or falsifying any information.
• Answer questions directly and be diplomatic in specific responses when necessary.