Clearing the CDS written exam is only half the battle. The real test of your officer-like qualities (OLQs) happens at the SSB Interview, where your personality, leadership skills, mental ability, and suitability for the Armed Forces are assessed.
The CDS 2026 SSB Interview is a 5-day personality assessment process, divided into Stage I (Screening) and Stage II (Psychological, GTO & Interview). This article explains the entire CDS SSB process step by step, helping aspirants prepare with clarity and confidence.
What Is CDS SSB Interview?
The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is conducted to select suitable candidates for:
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)
The SSB does not test bookish knowledge. Instead, it evaluates Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) such as:
Leadership
Effective communication
Decision-making ability
Team spirit
Mental robustness
Integrity & discipline
Overview of CDS 2026 SSB Interview Process
| Stage | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Day 1 | Screening & elimination |
| Stage II | Day 2–5 | In-depth personality assessment |
| Conference | Day 5 | Final decision |
Only candidates who clear Stage I are allowed to appear for Stage II.
Stage I: CDS SSB Screening Test (Day 1)
Stage I is an elimination round, where nearly 60–70% candidates are screened out.
Components of Stage I
1. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
Verbal & Non-Verbal reasoning
Series, coding-decoding, analogies
Time-bound (quick thinking required)
Tip: Accuracy matters more than attempting all questions.
2. Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)
PPDT has 3 steps:
A blurred picture is shown for 30 seconds
Candidates write a short story based on the picture
Group discussion on the picture and story
Assessors look for:
Logical thinking
Communication skills
Confidence
Initiative in group discussion
Clear expression and originality matter more than dominance.
Result of Stage I
Candidates who clear Stage I are screened in
Others are screened out and sent back on Day 1
Stage II: CDS SSB Interview (Day 2 to Day 5)
Stage II is a detailed evaluation of personality, conducted over 4 days.
Day 2: Psychological Tests
These tests assess your thought process, attitude, and emotional balance.
Psychological Test Series
1. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
12 pictures shown
Write a story for each
Last picture is blank
Focus: Positive thinking, leadership, realistic solutions
2. Word Association Test (WAT)
60 words shown
Write first thought that comes to mind
Focus: Natural responses, positivity, clarity
3. Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
60 real-life situations
Write your reaction
Focus: Presence of mind, responsibility, decision-making
4. Self-Description Test (SDT)
Write about yourself from:
Parents’ view
Teachers’ view
Friends’ view
Your own view
Areas of improvement
Day 3 & Day 4: GTO Tasks (Group Testing Officer)
These tests evaluate teamwork, leadership, and social effectiveness.
Outdoor & Indoor GTO Tasks
Group Discussion (GD)
Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
Progressive Group Task (PGT)
Half Group Task (HGT)
Individual Obstacles
Command Task
Snake Race
Lecturette
Final Group Task (FGT)
What GTO Observes:
Initiative
Cooperation
Confidence
Ability to influence group positively
Helping others and staying calm is more important than winning.
Personal Interview (Day 2–4)
The Interviewing Officer (IO) interacts with you one-on-one.
Common Interview Areas
Education & academics
Family background
Daily routine
Hobbies & interests
Current affairs
Defence awareness
Personal achievements & failures
Key Tip: Be honest, clear, and confident—fake answers are easily caught.
Day 5: Conference Day
All assessors (Psychologist, GTO, IO) discuss your performance
Short personal interaction
Final recommendation made
Possible Outcomes:
Recommended
Not recommended
Conference out (borderline cases)
Medical Examination After SSB
Candidates recommended at SSB undergo:
Detailed medical examination
Vision, hearing, physical standards checked
Final merit list depends on:
SSB marks
Written exam marks
Medical fitness
Vacancies
Marks Distribution in CDS SSB
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| SSB Interview | 300 |
| Written Exam | 200 / 300 (academy-wise) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in CDS SSB
Memorised answers
Dominating group discussions
Being silent in tasks
Overacting leadership
Negative body language
Lying in interview
How to Prepare for CDS 2026 SSB Interview
Improve communication skills
Read newspapers daily
Practice psychological tests
Participate in group activities
Develop physical stamina
Work on self-awareness
SSB preparation is personality development, not rote learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many days is CDS SSB Interview?
CDS SSB is conducted over 5 days.
Q2. Is Stage I compulsory for everyone?
Yes, all candidates must clear Stage I screening.
Q3. Can average students clear SSB?
Yes. SSB looks for potential officers, not toppers.
Q4. Is coaching necessary for CDS SSB?
Not mandatory. Self-preparation with awareness is sufficient.
Q5. How many times can I appear for CDS SSB?
As many times as you clear the written exam and meet age limits.
Q6. What is conference out in SSB?
Candidates close to selection but not finally recommended.
Conclusion
The CDS 2026 SSB Interview is a scientific and fair personality assessment system. It does not expect perfection—it expects honesty, balance, leadership potential, and willingness to learn.
Focus on being the best version of yourself, not someone else. With clarity, confidence, and consistency, clearing SSB is absolutely achievable.
