Services Selection Board (SSB) process

 

The Services Selection Board (SSB) process is a five-day evaluation conducted in India for selecting candidates for the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force). It assesses intelligence, personality, and leadership skills. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

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Day 0: Reporting & Document Verification 📝

• Candidates arrive at the SSB center (Allahabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, etc.).
• Document check 📄 (Admit card, ID proof, academic certificates).
• Allotment of Chest Numbers 🔢 for identification.
• Briefing about the SSB schedule & discipline rules 🏛️.

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Day 1: Screening Test 🧐

This is the elimination round. Those who clear proceed further, others are sent back home.

1. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test 🧠

   • Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning Questions.
   • Assess logical thinking & problem-solving skills.

2. Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT) 🖼️🗣️

   • A hazy picture is shown for 30 seconds.
   • Candidates write a short story based on their perception ✍️.
   • Group Discussion (GD) to analyze the story.
   • Performance in GD matters most to clear Screening ✅.

📌 Result: Selected candidates receive a new chest number and continue the process. Others are sent back.

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Day 2: Psychological Tests 🧠🔍

These tests evaluate subconscious personality traits through written exercises.

1. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) 🎭

   • 12 pictures (including one blank) are shown.
   • Candidates write a story for each within 4 minutes.

2. Word Association Test (WAT) 📝

   • 60 words displayed (one every 15 seconds).
   • Candidates must write the first thought that comes to mind.

3. Situation Reaction Test (SRT) ⚡

   • 60 situations are given.
   • Candidates write quick responses to each scenario.

4. Self-Description Test (SD) 🏆

   • Write about yourself, what parents, teachers, and friends think about you.

📌 No right or wrong answers! It’s about being natural and truthful.

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Day 3 & 4: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks 🏃‍♂️⚔️

GTO assesses leadership, teamwork, and physical fitness.

Group Tasks

1. Group Discussion (GD) 🗣️

   • Two topics, usually based on current affairs or social issues.

2. Group Planning Exercise (GPE) 🗺️

   • A problem-solving task with resources, obstacles, and a mission.

3. Progressive Group Task (PGT) 🏗️

   • Group crosses obstacles using wooden planks, ropes, and structures.

4. Half Group Task (HGT) 🏃‍♂️

   • Similar to PGT, but with fewer members.

5. Individual Obstacles 🏋️‍♂️

   • 10 obstacles (Rope climbing, jumping hurdles, etc.).
   • Time limit: 3 minutes.

6. Command Task 🏅

   • Candidate leads a small team to cross an obstacle.

7. Snake Race (Group Obstacle Race) 🐍🏃‍♂️

   • Team event with a heavy rope (snake-like).

8. Final Group Task (FGT) 🎯

• Last group activity, similar to PGT.

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Day 5: Personal Interview & Conference 🎙️👔

1. Personal Interview (PI) 🤝

   • Conducted on any day between Day 2 and Day 4.
   • The Interviewing Officer (IO) asks about:
     • Education 📚
     • Family 👨‍👩‍👦
     • Hobbies & interests 🎨🎸
     • General knowledge 🌍
     • Armed Forces Awareness 🪖

2. Conference Day 🎯

   • All officers discuss a candidate’s performance.
   • One last question-answer round to clear doubts.
   • Candidates wait for the final result.

📌 Result Announcement 📢
✅ Recommended candidates move to the Medical Test.
❌ Others are given feedback and sent back.

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Medical Test & Merit List 🏥📜

• Takes 4-5 days at a Military Hospital.
• Candidates undergo a thorough medical checkup.
• Final Merit List is prepared based on performance & medical fitness.

🚀 If selected, you join the Indian Armed Forces! Congratulations! 🎉🎖️

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This is the complete SSB process!