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5 Days SSB Interview Procedure

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Your search for the Best SSB Interview coaching in India ends here. Yes, Cadets Point Defence Academy provide the best SSB Coaching in India.

The 5-day SSB Interview Process has been provided here, and this article will provide you with complete details of all the tests in the interview. The SSB interview procedure remains the same for CDS, NDA, AFCAT, and other similar exams. This information is helpful for all the candidates who appear in SSB interviews for CDS, NDA, TES, TGC, UES, TA, INET, AFCAT, etc.

A significant hurdle in the way of Defence aspirants after clearing the written exam such as CDS & NDA and AFCAT is the SSB Interview conducted by the respective military institution - Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.

SSB Interview Process for CDS, NDA, TA, AFCAT, and Other

The Aspirants that straightforward written exams such as CDS, NDA, TA, INET, and AFCAT are then called by respective military boards for SSB interviews. One can also appear for the SSB interview by getting shortlisted direct entries - TES, TGC, UES, SSC Tech, etc. The selected students must appear before a Service Selection Board for an intelligence and personality test.

The first day of the Service Selection Board Interview would be Important. A candidate who would clear this phase will stay for the rest of the Interview or will be sent back home. Let’s see the complete process one by one:

What is SSB Interview?

The SSB interview is directed to check an Aspirant possessing 15-character traits called “Officer Like Qualities.” The mechanism to check the character traits by the following procedure:
  • Mansa (which means thoughts; Psychological tests are conducted for this)
  • Vacha (which means speech; Interview conducted for this)
  • Karma (which means deeds or actions; Group testing is done for this)

SSB Interview Procedure

Below is the 5 day SSB procedure for all SSB interviews. This SSB interview process may vary per the requirement of the SSB Board and the type of entry you appear for. Check SSB Selection Process for CDS, AFCAT, and other entries below.

Day 0 (Reporting)
  • The Aspirants are usually received at the station by an officer(s) of the board, and from there, they are taken to the selection centre.
  • After the Aspirants are settled in, an ‘Opening Address’ takes place where an officer of the board briefs them of their stay for the next 5 days.
  • Document Verification takes place after that, where the original documents of the Aspirants are verified.
  • In some boards (esp. Air Force), the Reporting day is regarded as Day 1 of SSB, and the testing starts on the same day
Day 1 (Screening)

The first day involves 3 tests:

  • Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR Test - Paper 1 & Paper 2)
  • Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT)

Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR Test): The first day involves the ‘Officer Intelligence Rating Test,’ which consists of Verbal and Non-verbal Tests. The Aspirant gets two booklets having 40 questions each. The time allotted for each pamphlet is 15- 17 minutes.

Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT): This test can be further categorized into:
  • Picture Perception: An image is displayed for 30 seconds, and the Aspirants need to note down its details such as sex, age, and mood of the characters, action performed by them. The Aspirants then create a story based on that image in 4 minutes.
  • Group Discussion: A group of 10-15 Aspirants is formed from the batch, and each Aspirant needs to narrate their story and then discuss it in the group to reach a common consensus.

The results are declared, after which the shortlisted Aspirants are retained for the subsequent round of testing.

Day 2 (Psychology Test)
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On the second day of SSB, a Psychological Test is conducted. The following tests take place on this day:

  • Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): Aspirants are shown 12 images (including 1 blank), and they must write a story for 4 minutes. The time limit is imposed to gauge the natural response of each Aspirant.
  • Word Association Test (WAT): 60 words are displayed in front of the Aspirants for 15 seconds each, and they need to write down a sentence that comes to their mind on seeing the word.

Word Association Test (WAT)

Word Association Testing is one of the psychological techniques in which the subconscious behaviour of an individual is tested.

About the Test:

In this test, a word will be displayed in front of the candidate for 15 seconds and he/she is required to use that word to form a meaningful sentence.

Based on each word, there may be different ideas related to that word in the candidate's mind, but he/she must write the first spontaneous response.

The test consists of 60 words that are displayed on the projector for a period of 15 seconds per word in which you have to think as well as write. The total time allotted in 15 minutes.

Why is this Test conducted?

The words in the WAT are chosen in such a way that every word can be taken as noun, verb, adverb or adjective depending on the candidates thought process.

The time for each response is less so that students write the first response that he thinks.

These responses are then measured against the Officer Like Qualities that each candidate must possess. The psychologist judges a candidate's personality through each response.

Tips for WAT:

1. The sentences should be framed in such a manner that, they show optimism, infuse leadership, honesty, responsibility etc.

2. The sentence should not display negative thoughts like fear, cowardice, carelessness.

3. You can use any form of the word as shown.

4. You can also write a phrase, a feeling based on the word shown.

5. The use of words “not”, “cannot”, “do not” are not allowed is only a myth. One can use them as long as he makes a proper sentence.
For eg - A leader does not make partial decisions. One cannot perform well without proper training.

6. The mundane or repetitive response shows a lack of creativity & thoughts.

Don’ts of WAT:

1. Don’t try to frame a positive sentence on purpose.

2. Keep your sentences as natural and as spontaneous as possible.

3. Don’t mug up the sentences from books or any other sources.

4. Avoid making most of the sentences with General Knowledge.

5. Don’t make too many sentences related to Defence.

6. Don't use the word “Should”, “Could”, “Would” as it shows a suggestion or advice.

7. Don’t use Idioms & Phrases.

8. Don’t try to forcefully insert OLQ’s in every sentence. Keep the response natural.

How to improve WAT:

As the time given in the exam is very less here are some ways by which you can improve your WAT:

1. Make sentences as short as possible. Ideally using 4 - 5 words.

2. Make sentences based on incidents of real life.

3. Practice WAT with the help of a timer.

4. For negative words try to find the reason or effect of that thing and make a sentence with that.
For eg - For betray we can use: Friends do not betray one another. Corrupt people betray. Trustworthy people do not betray.

Sample WAT:

1. Break: Records are meant to be broken.

2. Cheat: Daredevils cheat death

3. Deteriorate: Corruption deteriorates economy.

4. Failure: Failure is one step towards success.

5. Hesitation: Practice overcomes Hesitation.

6. Love: Every citizen loves his motherland.

7. Youth: Youth is the future of the nation.

8. Escape: Courageous people never escape from obstacles.

9. Mend: Mending Relations binds people

Here are some words that you can practice:

1. Agree

2. Average

3. Applaud

4. Appreciate

5. Bottle

6. Bless

7. Boat

8. Banned

9. Custody

10. Contract

Situation Reaction Test (SRT):

A booklet is given to the Aspirants with 60 real-life situations; they must write their reactions to those situations. The total duration of this exercise is 30 minutes.

For more details, click here - Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

Self-Description Test (SDT):

Aspirants must write a few paragraphs covering their self-description for the context. For instance, writing the opinion of their parents, teachers, friends, etc., and the qualities the Aspirants wish to develop. The time allotted for this test is 15 minutes.

These tests aim to gauge an Aspirant's psychological suitability for the defence forces.

Day 3 (Group Testing - I)
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Day 3 involves Group Testing. Here several outdoor tests are conducted where the Aspirants need to participate in groups. This day involves the following group tests:

  • Group Discussion: The group discussion is conducted on two topics, back to back, on some current events or social issues. The debate is usually 20-30 minutes each.
  • Group Planning Exercise (GPE): Here, the Aspirants are clubbed into a group of 10 – 15 people and given a story based on a model with specific issues. Aspirants need to identify the issues and provide a practical solution for them.
  • Progressive Group Task (PGT): Aspirants must collectively overcome the 4 given obstacles in a group for which they are given some helping material and a load with some rules.
  • Group Obstacle Race (GOR): Commonly referred to as the Snake race, each group must compete against another group for 6 given obstacles.
  • Half Group Task (HGT): This exercise is like PGT, but it is conducted with a smaller group over a single obstacle.
Day 4 (Group Testing - II)

This day is again dedicated to Group Testing. Following tests are conducted on this day:

  • Lecturette: Each Aspirant is presented with 4 topics, of which he needs to choose one and speak on it for 3 minutes.
  • Individual Obstacles (IO): Each Aspirant needs to clear 10 given obstacles in 3 minutes, marked from 1-10 based on the difficulty level.
  • Command Task (CT): Each Aspirant is made the commander and is given an obstacle similar to HGT, which they need to overcome with the help of their subordinates.
  • Final Group Task (FGT): The entire group is reunited and required to complete the assigned task similar to PGT in the stipulated time.
  • Personal Interview: Personal Interviews are generally conducted on days 2, 3, and 4 after the respective daily tasks have been completed. Interviews are usually related to everyday experiences, work, education, family, hobbies, academic achievements, general awareness, etc.
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Most Important Questions Asked in SSB Interview 2022

The Personal Interview section of the SSB interview a candidate with the interviewing officer about himself. The Interviewing Officer asks interview questions with the candidate to test whether they are suitable to become an army officer. The SSB interview is one of the essential parts of the selection process. In this article, we will discuss the questions asked in SSB Interview. These questions are common for all selection centers and all SSB entries.

Important SSB Interview Questions

As previously discussed, the SSB interview is the test of ‘Mansa,’ ‘Karma,’ and ‘Vacha.’ The questions asked in an interview are related to everyday life and are simple, but the way of answering is the crux to cracking the SSB interview. Through these SSB questions, the officer is also testing for the officer-like qualities in candidates. One more vital point to keep in mind is that the OLQs represented in the Psych Test & ongoing GTO should also be carried over to the SSB interview. During the Interview, the IO (Interviewing Officer) should not feel that the person was faking an exceptional quality.

The SSB interview questions that the IO asks are based on what you have written in your PIQ (Personal Interview Questionnaire), Self-Description Test (SDT), and your blank story. This document he already goes through before you have an interaction with him. You also go through Lecturette Topics for SSB Interview.

Important SSB Interview Questions

  1. Tell me something about yourself.
  2. Tell me your percentage starting from class 8 onwards.
  3. How many are best friends you have? Why?
  4. Which is the quality of your best friend you like the most? Which is one thing that you dislike about your friend?
  5. Whom do you tell your secrets to? Friends, Parents, or Sister/Brother?
  6. Who is your role model?
  7. Tell me about your daily routine.
  8. Tell me about your routine at the weekend.
  9. Who is your favorite teacher, and why?
  10. Why have your marks been reduced from 10th to 12th (or 12th to graduation)?
  11. Why didn't you try for NDA or other SSB after the 12th?
  12. Tell me about the competitive exams you have appeared for?
  13. Which is my favorite subject and why?
  14. Why are you not working anywhere? How are you managing things without any job?
  15. Why do you want to join the Indian Army/Navy/Air Force?
  16. Do you know what job role you're applying for?
  17. If you are made the Chief Minister of your state? What will you do?
  18. Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
  19. Tell me the most bad thing that you have done.
  20. How did you prepare for SSB?
  21. What if you got rejected this time?
  22. What are you afraid of?
  23. What are your strengths & weakness?
  24. what improvements have you made since the last time to ensure that you get selected this time?
  25. Tell me something about the place where you belong.
  26. Tell me the most embarrassing situation.
  27. If you are so passionate about joining the Indian Army/Navy/Air Force, why did you not join NCC/as a soldier?
  28. What are your plans?
  29. Where do you think you lacked in previous SSB attempts?
  30. Rate your performance in all the tasks (GTO & Psych).
  31. Tell me about your involvement & achievement in sports.
  32. What events did you participate in, and what was your timing?
  33. How do you think that job will be any different from what you will do here?

SSB Interview Questions With Answers

Sometimes SSB interview questions are biased on the aspirants' attentiveness and wit. Below we have shared some SSB interview questions With answers that can be asked.

Q. Tell me 5 uses of a Pen?

Ans: The five uses of a pen are as follows:

  • The pen is used to write
  • As a pointer to giving a presentation
  • As a bookmark
  • As a weapon to kill someone
  • To do hair-bun
Q. What is the color of the wall behind you?

Ans. IO asks this question to check the candidate's attention and observation level. Be attentive when you go inside the room. Generally, the color of all walls is the so that, so you can guess by looking at the wall in front of you.

Q. Can you tell me which aircraft is shown in the painting?

Ans. Generally, this question is asked in the AFSB interview. Brush up your knowledge of the Air Force before going into an AFSB interview You can attempt these questions yourself and prepare the best answer for them. For more SSB Interview tips, you can go through our well-structured SSB Interview Online Coaching. We will also discuss some important tips while facing SSB Interview in upcoming articles. You can also practice SSB OIR Mock Test so that you can get an idea of OIR Test.

Day 5 (Conference)

Day 5 is the last day the assessor starts with a closing address, then the conference of Aspirants starts.

  • A board conference is conducted where all the officers who assessed the Aspirants in the previous days are present. Each assessor discusses among themselves respect to the suitability of an Aspirant.
  • Each Aspirant then appears individually before the board, where their total assessment is narrated, and the committee recommends accordingly.
  • The borderline Aspirants are given certain situations, and a collective decision is taken.

After the result is announced, the shortlisted Aspirants are retained for further medical examinations.

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SSB Interview is considered one of the most challenging interviews in India. Without knowing the SSB procedure and interview tips, it is tough for an aspirant to clear this interview. We have discussed the complete SSB interview procedure for CDS Exam, the SSB interview procedure for AFCAT Exam, and SSB Procedure for other defence exams. You can also check our Defence Online Classroom program, which provides complete guidance to ace the exam.

More from us:

Complete Marking Scheme For SSB Interview

A minimum of 90 points must be obtained from each assessor. SSB has a total of 900 points. It is then divided into four parts (psychology, GTO, interview, and conference round), with each test phase receiving 900/4=225 marks.

Rounds Marks Minimum Marks for Recommendation
Psychology 225 90
GTO 225 90
Interview 225 90
Conference 225 90
Total 900 360
SSB Marking Scheme: Points To Be Noted
  • The Services Selection Board has backup marks of 225, and they began probing you in the conference round because they thought you were lacking in several areas.
  • If they deem you fit, they will award you points to raise your cumulative score from the previous 240 to 360 or above (marks As Mentioned Above).
  • As a result, you receive a minimum passing score of 360 (90X4). Furthermore, you get finally recommended.
  • If an assessor is uncertain about the evaluation of an applicant during the psychology test, he might consult another assessor. The GTO or the IO cannot use the option of getting a second opinion because they must evaluate a candidate's OLQs in real-time.
  • If someone is on the verge of receiving a third assessment but is recommended by two assessors, a review is conducted during a conference. In any event, if a psychologist does not deem someone suitable, they are not at all suggested.
  • All of these aspects of your personality are put together on the day of the conference to determine whether or not the applicant is qualified to serve as an officer in the armed forces.
  • Therefore, developing your thinking is the key to getting high marks. The SSB's selection procedure is based on methodologies that evaluate candidates in light of the needs of the armed services. As a result, practise diligently and get ready for each SSB phase.
SSB Marking Scheme: Points To Be Noted
  • IMA – 300 marks
  • AFA – 300 marks
  • INA – 300 marks
  • OTA – 200 marks
SSB Maximum Marks
  • IMA – 300 marks
  • AFA – 300 marks
  • INA – 300 marks
  • OTA – 200 marks
Total Maximum Marks (CDS+SSB)
  • IMA – 600 marks
  • AFA – 600 marks
  • INA – 600 marks
  • OTA – 400 marks
List Of Documents Required For The SSB Interview
  • Matriculation or Equivalent Certificate for verification of your date of birth. [Certificates issued by the board concerned (CBSE/State Boards/ICSE)/ admit Card/ Mark sheet/ Transfer/ Leaving Certificate etc in which date of birth is reflected are not acceptable proof of date of birth.]
  • Marks Sheet of Matriculation or equivalent.
  • Intermediate/ 10+2 pass certificate.
  • Marks Sheet of Intermediate/10+2 examinations. 2
  • Graduation Degree/ Provisional Degree showing clearly having passed the degree examination and eligible for award of degree.
  • Mark Sheets of all years/semesters.
  • NCC ‘C’ Certificate. (Not required for wards of Battle Casualty).
  • One copy of the Online Application is duly signed and affixed with a self-attested photograph. (Applications of candidates serving in the Armed Forces should be duly countersigned by the Commanding Officer).
  • Self Declaration Certificate (Only One SSB Appearance). Candidates can appear for ONLY one of the SSB interviews, that is, either for SSC (NT) -109 Course (Apr 2019) as a CDSE candidate OR NCC Spl Entry-45 Course (Apr 2019). A declaration to this effect needs to be filled and submitted by the candidates at the time of the SSB interview,
  • No Claim Certificate.
  • Valid Proof of Identity with photograph - Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card/ Voter ID Card/ Passport. (m) Certificate for Not Having Duplicate Profiles/Registration IDs
  • For Candidates from Universities Following CGPA/ Grades System:-
    1. Conversion Certificate regarding formulae for conversion of CGPA/ Grades into marks as followed by the University.
    2. Self-Certified Declaration Certificate (Aggregate Percentage) regarding aggregate percentage obtained.
  • In Case Original Documents Submitted for Pursuing Higher Studies. Candidates are required to bring a Bonafide cum Custodian Certificate on original letterhead duly signed by the Principal/ Head of the institution where the documents have been submitted.
  • Candidates Of Final Year/ Semester Of Graduation Degree Course should be able to furnish the proof of passing to the Directorate General of Recruiting by 01 Apr 2019 and produce the graduation degree certificate either before or within 12 weeks of commencement of the Course at the Training Academy. Such candidates are required to bring the following documents:-
    1. Certificate on original letterhead duly signed by the Principal/ Head of the institution
    2. Self Declaration Certificate (Proof of Passing) regarding submission of Proof of Passing by the Candidate
S.No. Item Gents Ladies Remarks
1 Dark colour trousers and a light colour shirt 1 Set 1 Set *Suits/Sarees permissible
2 Shoes 2 pair 2 pair Formal and Sports
3 Necktie 1 1 Optional
4 Winter wear 1 1 Seasonal requirement during winter
5 White shorts & T-shirts 1 set - For GTO tests
6 Tracksuit 1* 2* Set * For winters only ** For GTO

Best SSB Coaching In India FAQs

Q. Which is the best SSB coaching in India?

Ans. The Best SSB Interview Coaching institute in India is Cadets Point Defence Academy.

Q. Which coaching is best for SSB preparation?

Ans. Cadets Point Defence Academy (CPDA) specialises in imparting training for all the defence exams whether Indian Army, Navy or Air Force. It prepares the defence aspirants for NDA, CDS, OTA, SSC, NA, AFCAT, TES, UES, and TGC.

Q. Which degree is best for SSB?

Ans. Everyone can become a part of the armed forces whether a science, arts or commerce student. But the arts and commerce students have only a few vacancies. Hence it is suggested to complete your 10+2 with Science and Maths with an Engineering course in your graduation.

Q. Is coaching good for SSB interviews?

Ans. Yes, CPDA is good in fact the best for the preparation of the SSB Interview

Q. Is online coaching good for SSB?

Ans. Yes, online courses offered by the Cadets point Defence Academy are the best for your SSB Interview preparation.

Q. How can I be good at SSB?

Ans. To be good at SSB you need to develop the 15 Officer Like Qualities within you. Join CPDA for the best SSB training.

Q. How can I prepare for SSB at home?

Ans. You can simply purchase the Best books for the preparation of the SSB Interview by CPDA Publications and follow the procedures given in the book.

SSB Interview Course Fee Details:
Course Name/Code Course Duration Form Fee Course Fee Total Payable Amount
SSB+ SPOKEN 14 DAYS + 1 MONTH Rs.500/ Rs.12,000/- Rs.12,500/-
SSB INTERVIEW 14 Days Rs.525/ Rs.10,000/- Rs.10,500/-
PERSONAL INTERVIEW (CAPF/MNS) 3 Days Rs.500/ Rs.10,000/- Rs.5,00/-
INDIAN COAST GUARD (AC)(PSB+FSB)+SPOKEN 14 DAYS+1 MONTH Rs.500/ Rs.10,000/- Rs.10,500/-
INDIAN COAST GUARD (AC)(PSB+FSB) 14 Days Rs.500/ Rs.10,000/- Rs.10,500/-

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The Academy was founded by Mr. Jitendra Sharma with the vision of training the young buds of the Nation in order to explore their potential in the right direction by training them for various defence sector examinations so as to produce the best of the best future military commanders.