SSB INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE

General

1. The system of selection of suitable candidates through the SSB’s envisages in finding out on individual,
who after training can became a successful officer of average calibre. Thereafter, with experience, maturity and
familiarity, it is expected that, he would attain higher goals. For this purpose, the SSB’s adapt three different
technique, which are as under:-

(a) Interview technique

(b) Group testing technique
(c) Psychological technique

2. Though the above three techniques are different in their rationals and application, the three assess
through their individual specialization, in trying to find out the degree, qutont, level and limitations of the same,
“ officer leadership qualities”. The requirement of the three technique is to provide a three dimensional view of
a personality, as it is like looking at a Tennis ball from three different sides, that an overall complete picture
is available, when assessment of the three accessors are put together, certain traits and qualities are more easily
tractile, through a particular technique. Hence, it is, for example, the interviewing officer has hit upon a ‘grey
area’ in respect of a trait in a particular candidate. Confirmation is available either with the GTO or the
psychologist. It is of immense satisfaction that this system has stood the test of time.

Requirement

3. If one is asked to summaries the requirement of a successful candidate at the SSB in one sentence, it
would go like this “ An individual has to project himself as an average individual of average intellect, who is an
involved responsible member of the society”. However more projection as such, will not suffice, because in
their technique mentioned above, there us ample scope to find out whether the individual is a ‘ put on ‘ or an
‘original’. To this extent, unless an individual of what ever age group he may belong to, has to realize his
responsibilities- social, moral, ethical, professional and what not.- towards the society of which he is a member ,
sorting from his family to the society as a whole, he cannot be an original. However, it is accepted that an
average individual will have weaknesses and failings, will have limitations and shortcomings. If an individual is
aware of these, then there is scope for this improvement as he grows up and through training. It is this
individual, the SSB looks for.

Interview technique

4. This technique is based on the theory of free association. The candidate is mades to talk or span up
freely and through this free association, the interviewing officer assesses the eligibility of the candidate to
become on average officer. He does not expect the candidate to be a “ know well” or a “ walking encyclopedia”,
but he is only trying to find out if the individual has a receptive mind, which can retain issues in his mind. Is he
a person , who keeps his eyes and ears open and is he a person, who keeps himself posted and almost events and
happenings around him.

5. The conduct of interview is as follows. The interviewing officer would already have the candidates
biodata with him. With this in hands he would try and find out the details of candidates family background,
educational background his extra curricular activities, interest in sports , hobbies and the like. Questioning on
those in details if necessary, he would access the candidates as to whether he is a person with clean clear and
healthy attitude and whether he is a person who wants to improve himself as the life goes on, whether he is a
person who appends his time usefully and thus he generally portrait the image of an individual with an
inquisitive attitude for e.g., amongst two candidates one has the hobby of stamp collecting or photography and
the other has none. It goes without saying that the former has a more creative mind.

6. There after, he would find out the general knowledge of the individual. Mind your general knowledge
should not be mistaken for general awareness. General awareness encompasses your whole attitude and way of
life of which GK forms only a small part. He would probe the candidate by asking questions on various national
and international issues and on aspects in which the candidates has special interest in current affairs. This is to
find out how done his interest in this aspect. Whether it is a casual and peripheral interest or whether he is a
serious student of that particular interest with the will to learn and improve himself.

7. Later he would put the candidate through an exercise in planning and organization, like organizing a
cycle trip or a picnic etc. The idea is to find out whether the candidate can think of obvious and the hidden
resources; whether he can organize the trip with due respect to time and space. During the course of this the
interviewing officer may deny you various resources to put the individual under stress. This only to find out
whether the candidate can think clearly under situation of stress. To show an example the candidate may be
asked to organize a basket ball match. Now the most important is the court. If you say that you would like to
use the court that is available in the SSB, he would deny it to you. You must have that much presence of mind
to think of another alternative in a local school or college. He may also pose problems of incompatibility in your
team. Like say one of your teammate opposing your appointment as captain. So your reaction should be that an
average responsible individual i.e., when firmness is warranted show it. In this case you have been given a task
and it is your responsibility tom carry it out. As for some is opposing your capacity, you have been appointed as
captain by some one in authority. So he firm with oppose. But at no time should one lose temper take law in
your hand or be rigid.

8. As far as social aspects are concerned, you should not have rigid or sarcastic view. For example, if one
is talking of Khalistan, the issue of courses is unreasonable, but you should not show hatred or castrigate Sikhs
as community Similarly, do not blame an organization, institution or individual for your shortcomings. Foe
example if your marks in Math are poor do not blame the school or the Teacher. If your search your mind, you
will realize that the fault lies with you than anyone else. You must project yourself as a broadminded individual,
who is aware of his weakness and has a will to learn and improve.

9. The essentials aspects that you have to bear in mind are:-

(a) Keep abreast of all that is happing around you.

(b) When you discuss any topic or express your views, you should have cognate reasoning to
support of your views.
(c) Speak clearly. If you cannot speak in English speak in Hindi.
(d) Avoid artificial way of speaking – be original
(e) Be respectful way of speaking –be original
(f) Be properly dressed.
(g) Do not sport a gloomy face.
(h) Listen to the questions carefully and do not answer in a hurry. If you have not flowed a question,
ask for the clarification politically.
(j) Do not bluff
Do not set upset or lose your temper.
Never show rigidity of views or mentality.

10. Group Testing technique:-

This technique i.e., based on a principle called “gestalt Principle” The group testing officer (GTO)
access the complete group as a form and he assesses the level of each candidate and his position in the group.
11. This technique is applied through a battery of tests. Some of which are indoor and other outdoor. Some
tasks are group tasks and others are individual. These are a total of nine such tasks. The details of which are
given in the succeeding paragraphs:-

12. Group discussion:-

This is an indoor task. The candidates are tested in two phases. In first phase, the CTO gives two
subjects to the group and the group is asked to discuss one subject is given and there is no choice. This subject
is also discussed for about 15-20 minutes. In group discussion it must be understand that it is just a informal
exchange of views amongst friends on any topical subject and you do not have to came to any conclunione. The
CTU tries to find out:_

(a) The candidates power of expression ( Not necessarily English)

(b) His manner of speech
(c) His awareness of the topic
(d) His ability to cogently put across reasons in support of his views.
(e) His ability in grasping details, facts and figures
(f) Is he receptive to others views on regard on his views.
(g) He give up succumb under opposition to other/when he knows he is right
(h) He encourages others specially weaker candidate to speak
(i) Is he alternative or casual
(j) Is he the person who cannot sat involved in the main stream, and is involved in side discussion
with the neighbors.
13. From the above, it is seen that the candidate should show in depth of the topic with details. He should be
able to put across to others clearly, confidentially with appropriate bearings even against opposition,. He should
also be flexible to accept others intelligent views. Also, he should encourage and give change to others,
especially weal candidates and be attentive.

14. Group planning exercise : - Here a situation is given to the group, in which there may be four or five
problems. These problems are to be solved, using the available resources, which should be practical and
reasonable.

15. It is conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the candidate has to write out his individual solution.
In the second phase, the group has to discuss the situation amongst them in about 15-20 minutes. They have to
arrive at a commonly accepted and corporate group plan. Once, having arrived at a group plan, the group has
to choose a spokesman, who should give out the group solution.

16. The exercise is meant to find out the candidates ability to solve day-to-day problems in which certain
amount of risk is also involved and to assess his general awareness, whereas, is he able to understand and
muster available and imaginary resources, which are practical ; further, is he aboe to function well in a group in
an effective manner.

17. The GTO is trying to find out :-

(a) The candidate power of expression.

(b) His ability to group the details of the problem as a whole

(c) His ability to identify the views or problems in the situation.

(d) His ability to accord the correct priority to the problems.

 (e) Is he above to identify the resources available? Does he have the ingenuity to identify the hidden
resources? Is he allocating the resources appropriately?

(f) Does he have sense of time and space and proportion or is he hophazard?

(g) Having grouped the situation n detail, is he able to concince others?

(h) Once again is he receptive?

(j) Does he give in easily?

(k) What is his contribution to the group solution?

18. The technique of writing individual solution is as follows :-

Firstly identify the aim or problem, priority – wise and write them down. Then write your plan in a narrative
form, giving due consideration to time and space. Utilize resources appropriately. To explain hidden resources,
it is quite reasonal to assume that facilities like hospital, Rly chowkidar may be there. He may have at least a
bicycle or at times even a telephone may be there.

19. During the discussion stage, always try and be the first one to speak saying, Gentleman, we have the
following four problems ----------------------------, which we can solve in this --------------------------------
this-------------------------------------------- we can solve in this way. Thereafter explain the plan in breed outline.
Note, that, write in your individual plan, you write, I will do this, that. You must be careful ________ the
discussion, even though you are crying, to self your idea. The moment you say, I, the other members of the
group may feel that you are trying to impose yourself. When you say “we”, you are rellying the others to you
and identifying yourself with the group. Remember to give and take ideas from other also. Active
participation, contribution of efforts to find a group solution, sacrificing your ideas for a better one or two
specidily arrive at a group solution, making the rigid, dieherd members understand tactfully and politely, are the
hellmark of an effective participation.

20. Progressive Group Task : This is the first outdoor group task. This is a set of four obstacles fixed in
serial manner on the ground, which the candidates have to cross in a matter of 45 minutes utilising the in-bound
structures on the ground and with the helping material such is planks poles, ropes etc. You (the group) may also
have in carry load at times.

21. There are certain rules governing the PGT :-

(a) Group Rule. Firstly your function as a group. Secondly, the group(including) the load and
helping material) can bgo from one obstacle to the other only if all members have crossed the previous
obstacle.

(b) Colour rule . Red colour is out of bound. structures that are painted whits can be used by
individuals as well as helping materials. There may be a central colour also apart from Red and White.
This differs from SSC to SSB. Structures painted with the central colour can be utilsed only by the
candidates and not to be utilized to keep load or helping material.

© Rigid material rule . This rule pertains to the rigid helping materials like planks, poles or stumps.
Firstly, you are not supposed to there it at such other. Secondly, do two rigid materials can be tied
together and used. For example, if you have a plan and a plank you are not supposed to tia them
together to increase the length. However, you can know one on top of the other and use it.
 (d) Distance rule . In the obstacles, it will be seen, that you are not allowed to ltouch the ground. So
also no helping material should also touch the ground. You have to utilise the permenent structures on
the ground and the helping materials to group the obstacle. The distance between the structures, not
withstandntg, you are not allowed to take a from jump if the distance is more than 4 feet. You have to
________________ the distance and to across ranucing the distance utilising the planks, poles or the
ropes.

22. To explain the obstacles further :- There will be a start line and a finish line, both of which are parallel
bound. You have to cross it utilising the structures and the resources given (helping materials). So, it emerges
that the ground is the obstacle since you cannot go from the sides also. You will rarely find structures in the
obstacles close, so that you can straight to across or for that matter.

23. Utilisation of the resources like plank and pole is to be based on simple principles of loverage, which a
common men with elementry knowledge should be able to do. Similarly, any average individual should be
endowed with some sense of preportion and practical imagination. It illustrate, if there are two poles of 6 feet at
a distance of say 10 feet, your practical imagination should prompt you that if somehow you can put on the
distant pole, you can tie the other and of a rope to the nearer pole and cross the distance by monkey crawlng.
Similarly if there are two small table like structures at a distance of say 8 feet or so and their height is
___________/____________ can you to monkey crawling? No, you would rather make a
______________from one table to the other using the plank.

24. The GTG is trying to find out :-

(a) Is the candidate able to function in the group as an effective member.

(b) Is he endowed with enough _______________________ and practical imagination to be an effective

member of the group?

(c ) Is he receptive to others ideas and also able to give his own ideas?

(d) Is he reluctant to soil his hands?

(e) Is he a hardworking individual?

(f) Is he an arm chair planner? Or both good planner and a person, who can implement his ideas

(g) Is he in the area of activity of away from it?

(h) Is he rigid obstinationist or flexible and amenable and receptive person, so that rthere is progress
in the efforts of the group.

(i) Is he aware of the rules? Does he realize, when he breakes rules and rectify the mistakes

(j) Does he respect time and space commensurate to urgency?

(k) Does he restain his cool and composure even under stress/ pressure?

(l) Is he scared to take risks? But then is he feelhardy too?

(m) Is he physically tough?

 (n) His work sense and practical imagination.

25. In order to be an effective member ina working group, it emerges that one has to do hardworking,
reasonable involved member, forgetting his physical comforts. He should understand and be alike to utilize the
available resoiurces and apply with economy of effort. He should retain his cool even under pressure,
preferably with a smile. He should actively, participate in the critical area of activity.

26. It will be seen that in the sets of four obstacles in the , are progressively increasing in
complexity. That is the first is simples than the second, the second is simpler than the third and the third is
simpler than the fourth. Once the candidate is familiar with the first and use of resourses,

27. Group Obstacle Race. This again is an outdoor group task also known as ‘ Snake race’. In this task the
group is made to race against another over a set of six obstacle. The group is also required to carry a snake,
which is actually a tent rolled into the shape of a huge snake and it is cumbersome to carry it especially over
obstacles, some of which are high.

28. Here in the rationale of the task is , Having worked and functional as a group as for how much can you
contribute as an effective member of your group, especially when there is an actual threat in the form of another
group racing against you. This task is more of physical one, but this distinctly should reveal the individuals
cooperation, helpful nature, sacrifice of his comrades for the sake of the group, courage, physical fitness,
coordinated movement, responsibility, healthy cooperative spirit and rule conciseness. The rules governing this
task are:-

(a) Colour rule

(b) Group rule
(c) The snake should be held by at least 3 persons at any time.
(d) Between the obstacles and while starting and finishing all the members of the group should held the
snake.

29. Apart from the aspects mentioned above , the CTL is also trying to find out certain social attributes of the
candidate. Like does the volunteer, when a common punishment is awarded does he help the physically weaker
members , does he lose temper with slow and clumsy member, who is slowing the progress of the group. Is he
aware of sharing the common lead? Is the scared of heights? Is he amenable to rules and discipline? Does he
realize his mistakes and endeavor to rectify it? would he volunteer to do the task or a particulars obstacle, in
case a weak member cannot do the obstacle?

30. From the above, it emmenates that one has to prove himself as a healthy participant in the groups apart, who
is not concerned about his personal comforts, but would do his best for the sake of the group. To this extent he
should be helpful, rule conscious, volunteer, responsible, courageous and physically tough. Further, this task
lasting for about for 5 minutes is under immense stress of time.

31. After the obstacle race, tea break for 20 minutes is given.

32. Half Group Task: this is next task after the snake race and this again is group task. Here the group is select
into two half groups . There is only one task on obstacle here, something is the nature of the second obstacle of
the PCT. The rules of the PCT are applicable, except that this group rule is applicable to the extent of
functioning the group only. Since there is only one obstacle both the half groups, as same tasks, one after the
another. The time given is 15- 20 minutes.

33. The GTO is attempting to find out the same trend as in PCT, but the only differenced is that he cans now
concentrate on small group and has a wider scope to get date of almost of each candidate.
34. The requirement is same as PCT.

35. Lacturate. This is an individual indoor task. each candidate is required to give a lecturate on a small talk on
a subject. The time given for preparation is 3 minutes and 3 minutes to deliver the lecture. The candidate gots
four topics on a card, and he has to choose one.

36. In order to give good lecture on a topic, the candidate should be aware of the topic in detail with facts and
fissures. He should be able to put across his views in a manner, in the time given:-

37. The GTO’s is assessing the following aspects:-

(a) The general knowledge of the candidate.

(b) The general awareness
(c) Power of expression
(d) The matter ,
(e) The manner of the delivery of the topic
(f) The method
(g) Confidence of the candidate which will naturally come out of his awareness and know of the topic
(h) The planning of the effort, in that has he been able to cover the topic he has chosen in the time given
in a cogent concise manner.
(i) As the first individual task, has he been affected by the phenomenon of isolation from the group in
which he was sharing the tension.
(j) His views, whether they are balanced and what are his social attitude.
38. For any topic to be covered in 3 minutes needs in-depth knowledge of the topic so that one can select and
shift the essential and put it across to the audience successfully. The technique of achieving this is as follows:-

(a) Selection of topic :- Select a topic in which you are confident of speaking for about 2.5 minutes
without reflex ion and hesitation. Because the last half minute , you would be winding up or
concluding your talk.
(b) Recollect 4-5 main thrust points of your topic add collaborates on them.
(c) When you face the audience and speak, introduce and explain the topic. For example, if you have
chosen, to talk an environmental solution , start like this:-
Respected Sir, and friends, the topic I have chosen for
(d) In many problematic issues affecting the society and humanity as a whole you as a responsible
individual have to play a port- you are expected to contribute your might to it, you should say, “ The
govt is doing this, that and this ---------, we as the younger generation can and should do this.
Thereafter, and the topic, properly winding it up with the optionistic note.
(e) Never resort to mannerisms and notice.
(f) Never try to put on an artificial accent.
(g) Your natural self and concentration on the whole group and don’t patronize one side of the group or
an individual.
(h) Stand erect in a balance manner. Even the way you stand and face the group, suggest something of
your personality and demeanor.
(i) Don’t give wrong facts and figures.
(j) Do not overshoot a the time given and do not give up before time.
39. With the lecturate, the day of the GTO –1 day ends.
40. On the GTO –2, defending on the availability of the ground, it could start with the individual obstacles
(1B), or the command task, both of which are individual outdoor tasks, we shall take the ideal condition of the
day starting with individual obstacles.
41. Individual Obstacles. As the name indicates, this task is an individual task. The candidate hs to go over a
course of 10 obstacles during the time of 3 minutes. The obstacles are remembered from 1 to 16. The number of
obstacles denote two things:-

(a) The serial numbers.

(b) The marks you score, if you do it successfully.

42. Though, they are numbered, they are not arranged in a serial fashion on the ground. Hence you will find
that no 1 is in one corner and no2 may be in the other corner. Meaning thereby, that they may be arranged or
laid in a haphazard manner. The candidate can go over the course in any sequence that he wishes to do. That is,
he does not have to do it serially. Supposing a candidate completes all 10 obstacles successfully he can start
repeating the course again not necessarily serially. The successful way of doing it is the exact way. The GTO
has explained it to the candidates. But then the repetition is allowed/possible only if you have completed all the
10 obstacles successfully once.

43. If the serial number of the obstacles also denotes the marks that you obtain, 18 obstacles should give you
55 marks (N x N + .5) if you add us 1 to 10, your endeavor should be to score maximum marks possible in the
allotted 3 minutes.

44. How can you do it?

(a) Do not try to do it serially.

(b) Plan your course in such a manner that in one unhesitating, uncompress sense, you do all the ten
first.
(c) Sometime, in certain boards, you find that the obstacle are placed in cluster of 2-3. So you plan
in such a manner, that you do certain clusters first.
(d) If your feel that there is a certain obstacle that is difficult for you, try and do it successfully so
that there is one thing less to worry about and also because you can repeat the course only, when
you have successfully completed the whole courses. If you keep it for the last may be due to
exhaustion, you may not be able to complete it and hence even if you have time, you may not be
able to repeat.
(e) Show urgency and a sense of purpose in your effort.
(f) Plan your course in such a way that the GTO go to impression as such and also that you know,
what you are doing.
(g) A confused person is one who gets lost on the course.
(h) Do not hesitate on heights or pits. There is a lot of difference in being cautions and showing
cautions. If a follow shows or exhibit caution in doing something it is but natural, but if he is
always cautions in doing something, his courage is suspect.
(i) Do urgent at business lines in your efforts , but not foolhardy or blash in your efforts.
(j) Do not walk away from the course, till your time is up.

45. The GTO is trying to find out ;

(a) Physical fitness

(b) Planning of effort
(c) Coordination of mind and body
(d) Sense of urgency and purpose
(e) The courage
(f) Complex at heights and falls
(g) Rule of consequences.
46. Command Task. This system is an individual task. Here, each candidate is given an assignment – a task
he is responsible for planning, execution and completion of the task in the given time of 15 minutes. He can
take 2-3 colleagues as his subordinates from the group to do the task. The rule governing the task are the same
as in other outdoor tasks, less the group rules, since there is only one obstacle and since it is an individual task.

47. In this task, what is being known is :-

(a) An individual capability in planning, organization and completion of a task assigned to him.
(b) His work sense & practical imagination.
(c) His use of resource including imagination.
(d) His ability to command his subordinate.
(e) His ability to work in a close manner, under go stress of time, alone.
(f) Has he been able to learn from the previous task? Has the previous day experience in the outdoor
and with the group enabled him to retain ideas?
(g) What is his attitude to subordinates?
(h) Is he rule conscious?
48. The main thing to understand in this task, that it is an individual task and the subordinates are provided
to assist you. It is your responsibility to plan to execute and complete your task. You are the one to give ideas;
you have to implement them, you have to direct your subordinates. Finally it is you, who is being assessed
though the conduct of the subordinate is also under scrutiny.

49. The requirement as follows:-

(a) Understand the task thoroughly, when the GTO explains it. Clarify, if some feature are not clear, but
do not ask double regarding rule to him, which he would have explained earlier. This will only reveal the fact
that your are incapable of remembering simple instructions.

(b)The helping material and relate them to the structures and imagine the utilities of the same.
(c) Choose your subordinate not because you traveled together or he is your country cousin but be
discriminate him further, you may like to have a suitably held working fellow. But avoid the
rigid die hard persons, who may question you.
(d) Try and retain ideas from the previous task and if they are handy as them. But do not use them
blindly or in an unimaginative manner.
(e) Do conscious of the rules. Do not break them. In case of your subordinates breaks rules, check
them , do not punish or abuse them.
(f) Work along with the subordinates. A good commander is one, who will work along work with
his subordinates. In any case , it is your task and unless you get physical involved, the
subordinates will not get motivated.
(g) Treat your subordinates with politeness in a business like fashion. If somebody has done a good
job encourage him.
(h) If you get stuck due to some reason, or because GTO has denied out some resources , do not ask
suggestions from your subordinates. Out work solutions yourself. Remember all the outdoor task
have a maximum of 3 independent workable solutions.
(i) Some times, the GTO may done some resources helping material or certain structures. This is
only to pressurize you. So do not get nervous or come under stress. Be cool, think and find a
workout.
(j) Endeavor, should do to complete the task. But do not worry, if you could not complete the task
because it may also be due to the fact that the GTO has put impediments in your way. So, when
he asks later, explain clearly, as to what you have planned to do.
(k) Never blame your subordinates for your inability to complete the task.
(l) Before you begin the task, explain the task and rule to your subordinates briefly. After the task,
when they are to go, thank them.

66. Another example You are walking on the road you found that a group of fellows are teasing
and troubling a girl. You will ---------------. Again imagine if it was your sister, how would you react ?
Isn’t that the way to eact , as involved responsible individual.

67. TAT. Like in the SRT, (SRT) where the situation are passed and as in WAT, words are
stimulus, here they are pictures. The candidates are shown a set of 30 pictures . Having seen them for
about 30 seconds, the candidate has to write a short story covering about half a page. (12 to 15
sentences). In about 3 minutes. Note that the pictures will not be sharp. This is to find out your
imagination.

68. The Psychologist apart from trying to find out the traits as mention in WAT, and SRT. The
psychologist trying to find out your plight or imagination, fantasies which are moving around an
individual object- relationship. It also gives clue about your emotional setup, frustrations, fear, guilt
complexes, if any ambitions , interests and group tendencies. This also gives the assess an idea about
your power of expression.

69. The requirement is observe the picture carefully for all details: including persons, items matter,
the background of activity. Having assimilated the data, weave a short story relating to the picture
making here. You must imagine the events that lead to the particular situation. Develop the present
situation and end the story with an appropriate, pleasant, optimistic ending.

70. Generally the stories have three approach:

(a) A hero and other characters

(b) A theme
(c) Actions, events leading to the situations, the present situations and suitable end.

71. Always remember the following:-

(a) Give a short name to the hero

(b) Build a simple plot for the theme
(c) Write the story in about half a page say 12-14 lines only
(d) Do not describe the picture – you will be wasting time
(e) Relate your story to practical life and do not the wishful .
72. In general the story should :-

(a) A healthy, positive and realistic story with a happy optimistic theme, underline the story
(b) Do not be maroon or pessimistic
(c) Avoid ante social thoughts
(d) Do not show fear, at the same time do not show over confidence and bravery
(e) Do not show tendency to give up under stress and strain.
(f) Do not show inferior complex
(g) Show cooperative, adaptable group spirit and helpful attitude.
(h) Show concern for others
(i) Show urgency in your efforts
(j) Write logically in short crisp sentences
(k) Practice as many stories as possible.