With SSB interviews lined up over the next couple of months, it is time to gear up for this prestigious exam. Wear the most positive and outright attitude to ace this test of endurance and intelligence

Gauri Chhabra

One of the most prestigious and coveted body known for analysing candidates holistically is the Services Selection Board (SSB). It conducts personality and intelligence tests and interviews to determine suitability of a candidate applying for Indian armed forces. With SSB interviews lined up over the next couple of months, here’s a look at what this test is all about:

SSB Examination

Candidates applying for the Army/Navy/Naval Academy and Air Force have to secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in written test and clear the “officer potential” test. Candidates applying for the flying branch of the Indian Air Force,  also have to qualify the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) & Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) separately.

SSB Interview for NDA 142 course will commence in  January 2019.

SSB (Service Selection Board) is an organisation set-up by the Ministry of Defence that schedules, organises and conducts the SSB interview of the candidates applying for comissioned officers’ posts in short service and permanent commission. SSB interview is a five-day-long procedure, which includes two stages of testing as stage I & stage II. This test is organised at the SSB Centers (designated by SSB). The interview  includes intelligence & personality tests.

Interview procedure

Only those candidates that qualify the Stage I on the first day of reporting to the board are permitted to appear for Stage II. In case you do not clear Stage 1 screening test, then be prepared to be sent back on the very first day itself.

Stage 1: This stage consists of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT). Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of combined performance in OIR Test and PP & DT.

Stage 2: This stage is usually comprises a bateery of tests spread over a period of four days. The tests include  psychology tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), Interview & Conference.

Scoring pattern

For selection in SSB, all three techniques — Psychology, Interview and Group Testing —  are important. Each technique has equal weightage. SSB is assessed out of 900 marks. Out of this, 225 marks are reserved for board conference and the remaining 675 marks are divided between the three techniques which mean each assessor has 225 marks to award. The conference marks are divided into three parts with the Interviewing Officer having a slightly larger share.It is not important to pass in all three techniques. In fact, most successful candidates  clear two out of the three techniques. Very few candidates clear all three, there are also a few candidates who actually pass in only one technique but get cleared by the Board after discussions during the board conference. It’s also possible that a candidate initially clears in all three techniques and yet fails at the Board conference.

When should you start preparing?

Well, the earlier you start  the better. The quantity of time never matters for preparations, what matters is the quality of time you put in and how sincerely you are preparing. The OLQ’s which are the most important aspect of SSB can’t be developed in a day.

Have an in depth knowledge of the pattern

To get through the SSB,  you should know what all would be asked in each test. What would be the pattern? What kind of candidates normally make it? The knowledge of all this would hold you in good stead since you will start practicing early. In the psychological tests, you cannot fake it. Give ample amount of time to know yourself, and analyse your positives and negative.

Introspect

Do a SWOT analysis of yourself. Write down everything you need to know about yourself and your near ones. This includes your positives, negatives, achievements. Basically an introspection of your personality. Your hobbies, interests and information related to that. Information related to your friends, family and their likes dislikes, and your likes and dislikes in them. Remember, you can’t fake it in SSB so either you have the personality they want or you don’t.

You come to know whether you have the right ethical values and whether you are cut out for the role.

Discipline your mind & body

The singular quality that would set you apart from others is discipline that becomes evident in the way you walk and talk. It is not just about walking in line and reaching on time. To be an officer you need to develop the qualities of an officer, and these cannot be developed overnight.

Therefore, if you have to gear up for the SSB, start preparing now. Wear the most positive and outright attitude you can and steal the show.

Selection drill

Day 0 (Reporting):

On this day candidates have to report at the selection center. Candidates’ original documents along with photocopies are verified on arrival. After this Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) forms are filled. In this form, the candidates have to fill their personal details regarding educational profile, family background, etc.

Day 1 (Screening Test):

Candidates have to take  an Intelligence Test (verbal & non-verbal) & Picture Perception Test. In PP test, slide (hazy or clear) is shown for 30 seconds and candidates have to write a story based on their perception. After this test, the group discussion round takes place. This sequence is commonly known as Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT).

Intelligence Test: It comprises verbal as well as non-verbal questions. It is a written test that includes multiple choice questions. The time allotted to answering each question is 30 seconds.

Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP & DT): This test includes story writing and discussion. A picture will be shown to the candidates for 30 seconds and candidates have to write a story based on the picture in 3 minutes.

Day 2 (Psychology Tests):

It is a set of written tests wherein candidates’ psychological suitability for the job is tested. These tests may include:

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): It is called as picture story writing. This test is very similar to PPDT. In this test, about 11 pictures are shown. Each picture is displayed just for 30 seconds, after that candidates have to write a story based on the picture within four minutes. After four minutes another picture is  displayed and the same procedure is followed till the last slide. The twelfth slide is blank where a candidate is supposed to write any story of his own choice.

Word Association Test (WAT): It is the second psychological test of SSB selection procedure. In this test, 60 words are shown back to back for a period of 50 seconds. The candidates have to write the first thought that comes to their mind for those words.

Situation Reaction Test (SRT): In this test, candidates get a booklet with 60 situations written on it and  they have to write their responses based on those 60 situations.

Self Description Test (SD): In this test, candidates have to write their opinion about their parents, themselves, friends, teachers & others. The time will be allotted 15 minutes.

Day 3 & Day 4 – Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO Tasks):

These tests involve interactive indoor and outdoor activities as a combination of mental and physical work. These tests are as follows:

Group Discussion: In this round, a certain situation or topic (mostly current affairs) is given to a group of candidates. They are expected to discuss the various aspects of the issue. Group Task Officer observes each candidate during the course of the group discussion.

Group Planning Exercise (Military Planning Exercise): In this round, a model of real life practical circumstances is presented to a group of applicants. They have to write their own plan of action for the mentioned problem.

Progressive Group Tasks (PGT): In this round, a group of candidates has to cross some obstacles with the help of supporting materials such as rope, plank, wood log etc.

Half Group Tasks: This round is the same as PGT,  but the number of group members is half. Thus, candidates get more chance to show their potential.

Individual Obstacles: In this round, candidates are required to attempt 10 obstacles individually.

Group obstacles race or snake race: In this round, all group members compete with other groups. Candidates are required to cross certain obstacles with the snake-like rope.

Command Task: In this task, one candidate is given the “role” of a commander. He will be required to cross some obstacles with the help of 2-3 subordinates.

Lecturette: In this round, each individual has to give a lecture for three minutes on a topic selected by them.

Final Group Task: It is same as PGT. Candidates have another chance to show their potential.

Day 5 (Conference):

On the final day, all candidates and SSB members sit together and have a chat wherein the candidates are asked a few general questions. The conference is just to decide whether a particular candidate has been recommended as an officer or not.

Medical

After the SSB result, the recommended candidates have to appear before the medical board for their medical test. This also takes 4 to 5 days.  NDA candidates are examined both for Army and Navy unless otherwise instructed and endorsement of fitness status will be made accordingly.

Gen. Rawat pays tribute to infantry soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in New Delhi. PTI photo

New Delhi, October 27

Stone-pelters in Jammu and Kashmir are overground workers of terror groups and should be dealt with sternly,  Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Saturday, a day after a 22-year-old jawan was killed in stone-pelting in Kashmir, even as he warned Pakistan to desist from supporting cross-border terrorism.

Sending a tough message to Pakistan, Gen. Rawat said if Islamabad continues to support cross-border terrorism, then the Indian Army can resort to “other actions” too.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to mark the Infantry Day, the Army Chief, however, did not elaborate on what could be the possible action he was talking about.

The Army had carried out “surgical strikes” on terror launchpads across the Line of Actual Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on September 28, 2016, following a string of terror attacks on military installations in India by Pakistan-based terror groups.

The Army Chief also asked Pakistan to desist from aiding and abetting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Indian State was “strong enough” to ensure that the border state remains a part of India and no one can take it away by force or any other means.

On the death of jawan Rajendra Singh in stone-pelting in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, Gen. Rawat reiterated his earlier stand that the stone-pelters are nothing but overground workers of terror outfits. “I still say the same… If they (stone-pelters) can kill people with such acts, are they not becoming like terrorists.” The 22-year-old Singh died at a hospital in Srinagar Friday after he sustained head injuries during stone-pelting by a group of youths on Thursday.

“I want to tell them (stone-pelters) that no one will benefit from stone-pelting,” said the Army Chief, adding tough action should be taken against them. He said the Army has got an FIR lodged in the case.

Talking about Pakistan’s support to cross-border terrorism, Gen. Rawat suggested that the neighbouring country was resorting to a “proxy war” to avenge its defeat at the hands of India in the 1971 War when Bangladesh was liberated.

The aim of Pakistan, he said, is to keep the Indian Army “embroiled in this proxy war that they have lost.” “But, let me assure you, Indian Army and the Indian State is strong enough to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir remain part of India… No one else can take it away by force or by any other means, because legally, legitimately J&K is an integral part of India,” he said.

Asked about the cross-border infiltration, he said Pakistan would be wise to know that by indulging in such activities, harm is coming to Pakistan only.

“We are capable of finishing any infiltrators who reach our side. But, if Pakistan continues to support infiltration, we can use other kind of action too,” Rawat said. He said Pakistan was continuing to fuel disturbances in Jammu and Kashmir, fully knowing that they will never succeed.

“Legitimately, legally and by all rights, J and K is part of India. Pakistan somehow has been trying to annex this part of the country, more so after they lost East Pakistan with liberation of Bangladesh,” he said.

The Army Chief said despite the passage of so many years, Pakistan still has a desire to succeed in that.

“And, with liberation of Bangladesh they decided to create a similar situation in Kashmir… Has Pakistan succeeded? They have not. And, Pakistan is fully aware they cannot succeed in Jammu and Kashmir, but they still hope they can succeed. It is just another way to keep the turmoil going and not allow development in the state,” he said.

The Infantry Day is observed every year to commemorate supreme sacrifices made by Indian Army’s infantry against Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rawat earlier laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to pay tribute to numerous infantry soldiers who died in the line of duty. PTI

Our Correspondent

Una, October 26

A pal of gloom descended on Nanavin village in the Dhundla panchayat of Bangana subdivision after the news of the death of an Army jawan, belonging to the village, reached here.

Brijesh Sharma (36) was killed in a grenade attack by terrorists while on duty in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

He is survived by his mother, wife and a six-year-old daughter. Recruited in 2003 in the 14 Punjab Regiment, Brijesh was currently deployed with the 22 Rashtriya Rifles.

His wife Shweta was inconsolable. It is learnt that Brijesh had rejoined duty after vacation 20 days ago. Bangana SDM Sanjeev Kumar said the body was expected to reach the village on Saturday. He would be cremated with full military honours. Local MLA and Rural Development Minister Virender Kanwar expressed grief over the jawan’s death.

Mandi, October 19

Ex-servicemen chairperson Brigadier Khushal Thakur (Retd) said the proposed Kargil War memorial would to be constructed at Indira Market, Mandi. The project has been hanging fire since long. He said on Thursday, a delegation of ex servicemen met Deputy Commissioner Rugved Thakur to discuss the issue.

He said earlier, the war memorial was proposed to be constructed at Kargil Park in Mandi town, but due to some reasons it could not executed. Now, the district administration had decided to construct it at Indira Market. “The apathy of the state government has led to the inordinate delay in the construction of the Kargil War memorial,” he added.

He said the thought of constructing war memorial at Kargil Park had come up post Kargil War by the then state government as there were 12 martyrs from Mandi district alone. The objective of the war memorial was aimed to honour the martyrs who laid down their life for the country.

Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda had announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh for the war memorial, while Mandi MP Ramswaroop Sharma had announced Rs 20 lakh, but the project did not see the light of day. — TNS

Pune: Four Indian Army personnel, who are posted at Khadki Military hospital in Pune, were booked for molesting and raping a speech-impaired woman. As per reports, the crime took place in the hospital premises.

The victim had filed a complaint in Indore with the help of an NGO. A report states that the letter was also sent to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Army Chief Bipin Singh Rawat.

As per Army sources, the matter dates back to 2015. It escalated in May this year after an NGO approached the Army. Court of inquiry was ordered in May and is believed to be in progress.

Pune ACP Kalyanrao Vidhate, while speaking to media, informed that the incident took place between January to June 2015. “Victim and accused used to work in night shifts at the same organisation. She can’t speak, so accused took advantage of her condition and committed sexual assault. She told her colleague and he also committed sexual assault. Two other men did the same thing,” he informed.

The Khadki police station on Tuesday registered an FIR against all four Army personnel, as per ANI. While FIR was registered against three of them under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), one was booked under Section 354 of IPC.

In a similar incident last month, an Army Major was booked for allegedly raping his domestic help in southwest Delhi. In her complaint, the woman also accused the Army Major and his relative of killing her husband.

The woman, in the complaint, stated that she was raped by the Major on July 12. The same day her husband allegedly killed himself.

In another incident, an Army man was arrested on September 25 in connection with the gangrape of a 19-year-old woman from Rewari district in Haryana. Identified as Navin alias Nikku, the Army personnel was nabbed by the SIT in Odisha.

The woman was abducted from a bus stop in Kanina town in Mahendragarh district, neighbouring Rewari, on September 12 while she was on the way to a coaching class. She was allegedly drugged and gang-raped at a room housing a tubewell for irrigation.

Tribune News Service
Jammu, October 17

The Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday violated the truce agreement by opening small arms fire on a forward post of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the Arnia sector of Jammu district.

Intelligence sources said the Pakistan Rangers resorted to ceasefire violation by opening small arms fire on the Pittal Post in Arnia sector at 1.15 pm. The BSF personnel of the 62 Battalion retaliated in equal and calibrated measure.

Sources said the exchange of fire lasted for a few minutes. “There was no loss of life or injuries on the Indian side,” sources said.

They said the extent of damage on the other side was not known but there was a possibility that the Pakistan side might have suffered a casualty.

BSF officers, however, remained tight-lipped over the incident.

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, October 14

The family of sepoy Palu Ram of Nagathla village, who went missing during World War II in Italy fighting the German army, was taken by surprise when the Indian Army broke the news about the recovery of his mortal remains.

The reports said Palu Ram was 19 years old and unmarried when he took part in the war. He participated as a soldier of the 4th Battalion of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles, which was under the British Indian Army, in 1944.

He went missing on September 13, 1944, fighting the German Infantry division at Poggio Alto in Italy.

Leelu Ram, a villager, said that it was a big surprise when the Army authorities approached him to inquire about Palu Ram’s family.

“After some inquiry, I came to know that his family is still live in the village. He is related to the family of Ramji Lal, a farmers’ family in the village. It was also news for his own family,” he said.

He said Palu Ram was one of the two sons of Pat Ram, Moji Ram being the other one. While the unmarried Palu Ram, who joined the British Army, went missing, his brother Moji Ram had two sons — Kana Ram and Ramji Lal.

Kana Ram has died. The family members of Kana Ram and Ramji Lal are marginal farmers.

Ramesh, grandson of Moji Ram, said that the Army contacted him on the basis of the pension records of Palu Ram. “My great grandfather Pat Ram had been getting pension for Palu Ram after he went missing in action. In fact, my grandfather Moji Ram too died early. My great grandfather Pat Ram brought up my father Ramji Lal and uncle Kana Ram,” he said.

“We are feeling relieved that the last rites of the mortal remains will be performed after 74 years of his demise. We will be able to immerse his ashes as per our religious rites. We are proud that our ancestor participated in World War II,” Ramesh said.

Reports had said that in 1996, human bones were found in Poggio Alto. The Italian authorities in 2010 began investigations to identify the remains. The DNA tests in 2012 revealed that the remains belonged to non-European adults aged 20-21 years who were later identified as Palu Ram of Nangthala and Hari Singh of Rohtak.

The last rites would be performed at Girone monumental cemetery in Florence, Italy, the Indian Army is reported to have decided.

Indian Army Recruitment 2018: Applications have been invited from eligible candidates for the post of Religious Teachers (Junior Commissioned Officers). Interested candidates can apply before the last date on the prescribed format.

Indian Army Recruitment 2018: The Indian Army recruitment wing has released a notification regarding the recruitment of Junior Commissioned Officers in the department. According to reports, there are 96 vacancies for Religious Teachers for RRT 87 and 88 courses. Interested and eligible candidates can apply through the prescribed format. Candidates are advised to check the official notification before filling up the application form.

As per reports, the last date for filling up the application form through the prescribed format has been scheduled for November 3, 2018. Moreover, the candidates applying for the posts must have the necessary educational qualifications for being eligible to apply for the post. Candidates must note that they should be in between the age of 25 and 34 years as on 01 Oct 2019 for being eligible for application.

Educational Qualification:

For Pandit: Hindu candidates with Acharya in Sanskrit language or Shastri in Sanskrit language along with one-year diploma in ‘Karam Kand is mandatory

For Granthi- Sikh Candidates and should be Gyani in Punjabi.

For Maulvi (Sunni) and Maulvi (Shia): Muslims candidates who have Maulvi Alim degree in Arabic or Adib Alim in Urdu are eligible for the post.

For other eligibility criteria, candidates can log in to the official website and go through the detailed notification online.

Important Dates for Indian Army Recruitment 2018:

Online registration starts: October 5

Closure of online registration: November 3,

Vacancy Details of Army Recruitment for Religious Teachers 2018:

Maulvi (Sunni) – 5 posts

Maulvi (Shia) -1 post

Padre – 2 posts

Pandit – 78 posts

Pandit (Gorkha) – 3 posts

Granthi – 6 posts

Bodh Monk (Mahayaana) – 1 post

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat