The SSB (Services Selection Board) interview is a five-day intensive evaluation conducted by the Indian Armed Forces to select potential officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This highly respected procedure assesses a candidate’s personality, leadership qualities, decision-making skills, and overall officer potential through psychological and physical tests.
In this article, we provide a detailed day-wise breakdown of the SSB interview process, helping candidates understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how to excel in each stage.
Overview: What is the SSB Interview?
The SSB Interview is a standardized selection process used to assess candidates recommended through various entry schemes like:
NDA, CDS, AFCAT
Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
NCC Special Entry, JAG Entry
University Entry Scheme (UES)
Conducted at designated SSB centers across India, this five-day evaluation process is divided into two major stages:
Stage I: Screening (Day 1)
Stage II: Psychological, Group Tasks, Interview & Conference (Days 2–5)
DAY-WISE BREAKDOWN OF THE 5-DAY SSB INTERVIEW PROCEDURE
Day 0 – Reporting Day
Candidates report to the designated SSB centre in the afternoon.
Initial document verification, chest number allocation, and briefing by duty officer.
Orientation about SSB rules, schedule, and accommodation facilities.
This day is primarily administrative and sets the tone for the coming days.
Day 1 – Screening Test (Stage I)
The screening test determines who will continue for the next four days.
1. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
Two sets of questions assessing verbal and non-verbal reasoning
Time-bound multiple-choice format
Tests speed and accuracy
2. Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
A blurred picture is shown for 30 seconds
Candidates write a story in 4 minutes
Group discussion follows where each candidate narrates their story and discusses it collectively
Outcome:
Candidates who clear this stage are screened in and proceed to Stage II. The rest are sent back the same day.
Day 2 – Psychology Tests
These tests are conducted by a trained psychologist to assess a candidate’s subconscious mind and natural responses.
1. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
12 pictures shown (including one blank)
Candidates write stories based on each picture within 4 minutes
2. Word Association Test (WAT)
60 words shown on screen for 15 seconds each
Candidates write the first thought that comes to mind
3. Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
60 practical situations are given
Candidates write spontaneous responses within 30 minutes
4. Self Description Test (SDT)
Write descriptions from the perspective of self, parents, friends, teachers, and personal opinion
Objective:
These tests help in evaluating personality traits, thinking patterns, values, and attitude under stress.
Day 3 – GTO Tasks (Part 1)
Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks assess group behaviour, communication, physical coordination, and leadership.
1. Group Discussion (GD)
Discussion on current and social issues
Tested for clarity of thought, expression, and cooperation
2. Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
Given a problem scenario
Candidates suggest practical solutions as a group
3. Progressive Group Task (PGT)
Cross obstacles using planks, ropes, and other resources
Emphasizes teamwork and planning
4. Group Obstacle Race (GOR)
Teams compete in a race over obstacles while holding a “snake-like” object
Tests group coordination and stamina
5. Lecturette
Candidates speak for 3 minutes on one of four topics
Evaluated for confidence, language, and structure
Day 4 – GTO Tasks (Part 2) and Personal Interview
1. Half Group Task (HGT)
Similar to PGT but with fewer members
Tests individual contribution in smaller groups
2. Individual Obstacles
10 physical tasks like climbing, jumping, crawling, etc.
Time: 3 minutes
3. Command Task
Candidate is made commander
Must lead subordinates through obstacles
Tests leadership and problem-solving
4. Final Group Task (FGT)
Last team task involving strategic planning and execution
Similar to PGT, but more complex
5. Personal Interview
Conducted by an interviewing officer
Duration: 30 to 60 minutes
Questions on academics, family, interests, current affairs, life goals, etc.
Day 5 – Conference Day
A formal interaction between the candidate and the entire SSB board
Lasts 1–2 minutes
Assesses final impressions and clears any doubtful cases
Declaration of Recommended Candidates list
Post-SSB: Medical and Merit List
Candidates recommended by the board undergo a comprehensive medical examination. Based on:
SSB marks
Medical fitness
Vacancies
A final merit list is published by the respective defence service HQs.
Tips to Excel in the SSB Interview
Be honest and self-aware
Improve general awareness and communication skills
Practice time-bound writing for psychology tests
Work on physical fitness for GTO tasks
Stay calm, positive, and confident under pressure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long is the SSB interview process?
The SSB interview is conducted over 5 days, not including the medical exam and travel days.
2. Is the SSB interview the same for Army, Navy, and Air Force?
The core procedure is the same, but medical standards and entry eligibility may differ.
3. What happens if I fail the screening test on Day 1?
You will be screened out and sent home the same day. You can reappear in future attempts.
4. Is there negative marking in OIR or PPDT?
No, there is no negative marking, but speed and accuracy are essential.
5. How many candidates are recommended out of total?
Typically, only 6–10% of candidates are recommended depending on performance and vacancies.
6. Can I appear for the SSB interview more than once?
Yes, you can appear multiple times as long as you meet eligibility criteria for each entry.
7. Do I need coaching to clear the SSB interview?
Not mandatory, but coaching may help in structured preparation, especially for first-timers.
