• 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)

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: 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.