Sunday, January 24, 2016

SSB Help Guide


Version 2.5
(Last updated  Feb 5, 2016,  11.00PM)


General Intro


There are many ways of being Commissioned as an Officer in Indian Armed Forces, both for civilians (after 10+2, graduation, post graduation), as well as for Serving Personnel. Whatever be the mode, SSB is the step all have to clear, except for the Medical Corps. There is no limit on the number of attempts that can be made and the SSB Assessors encourage candidates to appear again for SSB.
The interview exercise is mainly a Psychological tests of the personality quiz of the candidate, to gauge his/her potential as a future Officer in Indian Military. The tests conducted by the SSB aim at selecting individuals with OLQs (Officer Like Qualities).
The selection system is designed over a five-day process, Day 1 is the screening test, Day 2 is the Psychologist Tests, Day 3 & 4 is the group tasks and Day 5 is the Conference (Results). The personal interview will be conducted either in day 2,3 or 4 during the post lunch or evening hours.
These qualities include Effective Intelligence, sense of responsibility, initiative, judgment (under stress), ability to reason and organize, communication skills, determination, courage, self-confidence, speed in decision-making, willingness to set an example, compassion and a feeling of loyalty to the nation.
Most of the tests require average intelligence. The SSB attempts to gauge the natural responses of the individuals. The tests are graded into various categories of both individual and group variety and each batch of candidates goes through the subtle testing pattern in the course of a few days. They are under observation not only while they perform in various psychological tests but even as they conduct themselves during the course of their stay at the SSB headquarters, where they are billeted for that duration.
Origin of these type of testing belongs to first world war era. In the First World War, large numbers of casualties on battlefields necessitated recruitment of best fighting talent in armed forces. For this need, psychologists designed some scientific tests which assesses candidate's Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). Over the years SSB testing has been improved based on feedback and has been proved to be an effective and accurate way of selecting candidates who are capable of being at least an average officer after training, although SSB is the world's toughest army test.
FACILITIES FOR CANDIDATES BY SSB
  • Pick-up and Drop from reporting Railway Station.
  • Furnished accommodation.
  • Messing.
  • Medical facilities.
  • Game, Magazines and Newspapers
These and some other facilities for candidates to ensure that they feel at home.
More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Services_Selection_Board


Caveat:  Some of the resources are not so well produced and some times  outright incorrect (e.g. Thematic Appreciation Test ). Judge them critically.



I have consolidated and put the  SSB Help Guide in the form of a blog page which will get constantly updated as new resources are available. So keep visiting it constantly. Feel free to share it with any one you think will benefit from it.






 SSB Preparation Overview  



1st Day: 3 Tests
  1. http://www.ssbinterviewtips.com/p/day-1-screening-test.html
  2. OIR – Officer Intelligence Rating Test
    1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Tests
    2. Multiple Choice 50 Questions
    3. Time – 15 Minutes
    4. Questions Type – 10th Standard. No negative marking
    5. https://goo.gl/hi3HH5

    6. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2013/07/officer-intelligence-rating-test.html
    7. http://ssbcrackexams.com/what-is-officer-intelligence-rating-test-and-how-to-prepare-for-it/
    8. http://www.ssbguru.com/screening/officer-intelligence-rating-test.php
    9. http://www.ndca.in/SSB/DAY%201%20PPDT.pdf
    10. http://ssbtips4u.com/officer-intelligence-rating-test/
    11. http://ssbbuzz.blogspot.in/p/day-1.html
    12. http://ssbbuzz.blogspot.in/2013/02/officer-intelligence-rating-test.html
  3. Picture Perception & Discussion Test
    1. You will get a blank sheet and have to write a story on a blurred picture shown
    2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPw5i8uhyUc
    3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxJ2w5G3vn4
    4. https://www.quora.com/How-do-I-achieve-success-in-picture-perception-and-discussion-tests-in-SSB
    5. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2014/02/what-is-ppdt-test.html
    6. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2013/02/picture-perception-discussion-test-ppdt.html
    7. http://www.amity.edu/ssb/PPDT.aspx
    8. http://www.ssbmadeeasy.com/search/label/PICTURE%20PERCEPTION%20AND%20DESCRIPTION%20TEST(PPDT)
    9. http://www.slideshare.net/ColMukteshwarPrasad/picture-perception-and-description-test-at-ssb-or-screening-test-for-selection-as-an-officer
    10. http://ssbbuzz.blogspot.in/2013/02/picture-perception-and-discussion-test.html
    11. http://www.technonutty.com/2013/02/picture-perception-description-test-tips.html
    12. http://www.ssbguru.com/screening/picture-perception-test-1.php
    13. http://www.ssbguru.com/screening/ppdt.php
    14. http://navaljourney.com/ppdt-picture-perception-and-discussion-test-in-ssb/
    15. http://cdsexam.com/picture-perception-and-description-test-ppdt-explained/
    16. http://joinindianarmynow.blogspot.in/2011/04/how-to-write-good-story.html
    17. http://www.theexcel.in/ssb_procedure_picture_perception_discussion_test.php
    18. http://www.ssbinterviewtips.in/2014/01/recent-ppdt-picture-of-nda-132-ssb.html
    19. http://ssbtips4u.com/ppdt/
    20. https://goo.gl/Wp2zw6
    21. http://rajan-ahlawat.blogspot.in/2015/01/picture-perception-and-discussion-test.html
    22. https://goo.gl/hi3HH5
  4. GD – Group Discussion
    1. 30 seconds to speak on the given topic and you will get the chance to speak more on 3rd day of SSB test
    2. Agreeing and Disagreeing in English
    3. Expressions for Agreeing and Disagreeing
    4. http://www.ssbguru.com/gto/group-discussion.php
    5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nu7xPpz0PM
    6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB5co1PvzuY
    7. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2014/10/50-group-discussion-topics-2015.html

    8. http://shop.ssbcrack.com/50-group-discussion-topics-2016
    9. http://www.indiabix.com/group-discussion/topics-with-answers/
    10. http://gomilitary.in/group-discussion-topics-ssb-afsb-nsb-fsb/
    11. .http://ssbindia.webs.com/
    12. http://recruitmentresult.com/group-discussion-tips/
    13. http://ssbinterviewtest.weebly.com/group-discussion.html
    14. Critical Thinking Video Series: Critical Thinking Explained:  http://www.procon.org/view.background-resource.php?resourceID=005476
    15. Pro and cons of controversial  issues: http://www.procon.org/
      1. http://www.procon.org/view.background-resource.php?resourceID=005329
      2. Pro con issues  and see them by category
      3. By topic alphabetically
      4. https://www.procon.org/view.background-resource.php?resourceID=006081
    16. Explore topics: http://idebate.org/view/top_100_debates
    17. https://blog.udemy.com/interesting-debate-topics/
    18. http://712educators.about.com/od/speechresources/a/Debate-Topics-for-High-School.htm
    19. http://www.debate-motions.info/debatable-topics
    20. https://www.englishclub.com/speaking/agreeing-disagreeing-topics.htm
    21. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/567c3f6cbec9b95ac1e72ab44/files/all_debate_motions.pdf
    22. http://occupytheory.org/women-in-combat-pros-and-cons-list/
    23. http://www.tutorvista.com/english/list-of-debate-topics
    24. Go to Quora and read extensively.
      1. Quora - The best answer to any question
      2. Search for topics to read

2nd Day: 4 Tests
  1. General
    1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyE1Jr--BJw
  2. TAT – Thematic Apperception Test
    1. Same like PPDT test, you will now have to write story on 11 pictures shown to you
    2. Languages – You can opt Either Hindi or English
    1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thematic_Apperception_Test
    2. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ImApzUdTiQUC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
    3. https://archive.org/stream/thematicappercep007904mbp#page/n15/mode/2up
    4. https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/psychological-testing-thematic-apperception-test/
  1. WAT – Word Association Test
    1. In this test, you will have to make logical sentences within the timeframe from 60 words will be given to you
    2. http://ssbcrackexams.com/what-is-word-association-test-in-ssb/
    3. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2013/07/word-association-test-500-original-words.html
    4. http://www.amity.edu/ssb/WAT.aspx
    5. http://www.buzzfeed.com/pablovaldivia/this-word-association-test-will-determine-your-personality#.dnvOVaVbG
    6. http://www.ssbguru.com/psychology/word-association-test.php
    7. https://www.facebook.com/notes/issb-test/complete-words-for-word-association-test-at-issb-by-shahid-khan/313724838638672/
    8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giZU8UtmHwg
    9. http://shop.ssbcrack.com/product/word-association-test-solved-part-1-ebook
    10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4SH5uaGN3Y
    11. http://www.ndca.in/SSB/WAT%20Test%20with%20Examples.pdf
    12. http://www.slideshare.net/eMenYoO/word-association-test-1
    13. http://www.slideshare.net/eMenYoO/word-association-test-2
  2. SRT – Situation Reaction Test
    1. In this psychological test, you have to use your past life experience to answer 60 question will be given to you on different situations
    2. The real YOU should reflect in your answers
    3. http://www.ssbmadeeasy.com/2014/04/situation-reaction-test-practice-set-1.html
    4. http://www.sawaal.com/aptitude-reasoning/verbal-reasoning-mental-ability/situation-reaction-test-questions-and-answers.html
    5. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2013/02/situation-reaction-test-download.html
  3. SDT – Self Description Test
    1. Describe your real attitude towards life and your thinking for surrounding and your social life – should be positive
    2. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2011/08/self-description-test-importance-in.html
    3. http://www.ssbmadeeasy.com/2014/06/psychology-self-description-test.html
    4. http://www.ssbmadeeasy.com/2014/06/psychology-self-description-test.html


3rd & 4th Day: 9 Tests
  1. GD – Group Discussion 2 Rounds
    1. In the 1st round, you will get 15 minutes to speak on the topic given by the selector 
    2. While in 2nd round, you will have to debate with other group members on the topics given
    3. Agreeing and Disagreeing in English
    4. Expressions for Agreeing and Disagreeing
    5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQlE3e0aJgk
    6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp-0Mcdn_ZI


  2. GPE – Group Planning Exercise/ MPE – Military Planning Exercise 

    1. Wooden Map drawn with Jungle, River, Village and Humans(https://goo.gl/7lLFHN,  https://goo.gl/QQBa5L)
    2. Different situations and Problems will be given to you and you have to write a story within 15 mins
    3. Explain Group Plan to the interviewer

    4. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2013/08/group-planning-exercise-5-with-solution.html
    5. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2012/08/Group-Planning-Exercise-SSB-interview.html
    6. http://www.ssbmadeeasy.com/2014/06/how-to-write-group-planning-exercise-GPE-in-SSB.html
    7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1z6MDMIyTk 
  3. PGT – Progressive Group Task (https://goo.gl/VEzFyx)
    1. They will give you 4 obstacles and helping material 
    2. Solve problem being in a team
    3. Try to lead the team and appraise others for their suggestions, if good.
      1. https://www.ssbguru.com/gto/briefing-progressive-group-task-gto.php
      2. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2013/08/tips-on-tackling-progressive-group-task.html
      3. http://www.ssbcrack.com/2015/04/back-to-the-basics-progressive-group-task-pgt.html
      4. https://goo.gl/mJ1BbF
      5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvB2kPnuzOM
      6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzSt88jmSWU
      7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEvschLAtxk

  4. Snake Race
    1. 6 Physical Obstacles like Walking over net, climb wall and crawl down the fences etc.
    2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EcCHbZRfr0
    3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjhSW8_3sx0
  5. Lecturette 
    You need to pick one topic out of 4 given to you and have to give lecture on it for 3 minutes
    They will check your tone, gesture, facial expressions and also you need to pretend to be a good listener while others speak.
  6. HGT – Half Group Task: 
    https://goo.gl/OeC7sS
    1. Whole team will be divided into 2 parts. In 15 minutes of time your team will have to solve the problem given and individually the contributions get counted
    2.  http://www.ssbguru.com/gto/half-group-task.php

  7. Individual Obstacles
    1. You will get 10 obstacles each of different marks
    2. You will get 3 minutes of time, prefer to attempt obstacle give you more marks
    3. Avoid wastage of time if you are stuck in any
    4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI008xM5F0g
    5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QptKFj9I6tU
    6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QptKFj9I6tU
  8. Command Task
    1. You will have to call any 2 candidates from your team who will play your subordinates and they will follow your orders but they couldn’t give you suggestions and even they will not talk
    2. You will have to play the role of a commander and your subordinates should follow your orders but avoid abusing them
    3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRhkSdkK0Co
  9. FGT – Final Group Task
    1. Like the above tests, in 10 mins span this will also be carried on but with the complete group
    2. After completing the task you will be called individually to ask SSB related your queries
    3. The candidates qualified will be called for the personal interview.
 5th Day: Interview
    1. Go through your resume in details
    2. Keep PIQ Form and Self-Description Test in Mind
    3. They will test your General Knowledge
    4. Your Hobbies will be asked
    5. Questions related to Family, Academics, Friends and Extra-Curricular activities will be asked
    6. Your achievements in Life
    7. Carry Blank Sheet and Pen in pocket
    8. Be in formal attire and properly dressed like a gentleman
    9. Avoid Mobile, Wallet, Gold Chain, Wrist Watch and Bands
    10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icjC_G4qP6w

2 comments:

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