The NDA Psychology Tests are a crucial component of the SSB Interview and often decide a candidate’s recommendation. Unlike written exams, these tests evaluate your subconscious personality traits, decision-making, and Officer Like Qualities (OLQs)—not memorised answers.
This SEO-optimised, in-depth guide explains all NDA psychology tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT) with sample questions, model responses, preparation strategies, common mistakes, and FAQs to help you perform confidently.
What Are NDA Psychology Tests?
Conducted on Day 2 of the SSB Interview, the psychology tests are administered by a trained Psychologist to assess:
Leadership potential
Initiative & responsibility
Emotional stability
Problem-solving ability
Integrity & consistency
📌 There are no right or wrong answers—only genuine or inconsistent ones.
Types of NDA Psychology Tests
TAT – Thematic Apperception Test
WAT – Word Association Test
SRT – Situation Reaction Test
SDT – Self Description Test
1. TAT (Thematic Apperception Test)
What Happens in TAT?
12 pictures shown (including 1 blank)
30 seconds to observe the picture
4 minutes to write a story for each
What Assessors Look For
Positive approach
Practical problem-solving
Leadership & responsibility
Realistic actions
TAT Sample Question
Picture: A boy standing near a broken bridge after heavy rain.
Good Story Outline (Model)
Character: 18–20 years old student
Problem: Bridge damaged due to rain
Action: Informs authorities, helps villagers find safe route
Outcome: Temporary solution arranged, long-term repair planned
📌 Keep stories realistic, positive, and age-appropriate.
TAT Preparation Tips
Practice 1–2 stories daily
Avoid dramatic or filmy endings
Show action, not emotions alone
2. WAT (Word Association Test)
What Happens in WAT?
60 words shown
15 seconds per word
Write the first thought that comes to mind
What Assessors Look For
Natural thinking
Positive attitude
Consistency with other tests
WAT Sample Words & Responses
| Word | Good Response |
|---|---|
| Leader | A leader guides the team by example |
| Failure | Failure motivates me to improve |
| Discipline | Discipline builds a strong character |
| Fear | Fear can be overcome with courage |
⚠️ Avoid memorised or artificial sentences.
WAT Preparation Tips
Think naturally
Keep sentences simple
Avoid negativity
3. SRT (Situation Reaction Test)
What Happens in SRT?
60 real-life situations
Limited time (approx. 30 minutes)
Write your immediate reaction
What Assessors Look For
Initiative
Responsibility
Decision-making under pressure
SRT Sample Questions & Answers
Situation: You see a road accident on your way to college.
Good Response: I would help the injured, call emergency services, and manage traffic until help arrives.
Situation: Your team is failing to complete a task on time.
Good Response: I would motivate my team, redistribute work, and ensure timely completion.
SRT Preparation Tips
Focus on action-oriented responses
Be practical, not idealistic
Don’t overthink
4. SDT (Self Description Test)
What Happens in SDT?
You write opinions about yourself as perceived by:
Parents
Teachers
Friends
Yourself
Areas of improvement
SDT Sample Structure
Strengths: Disciplined, cooperative, hardworking
Weakness: Sometimes overthink decisions
Improvement Plan: Practising time management and prioritisation
📌 Honesty and balance are essential.
How Psychology Tests Are Evaluated
Consistency across all tests
Natural responses
Alignment with OLQs
No single test decides the result
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Memorised answers
❌ Overly heroic or unrealistic responses
❌ Contradicting answers in different tests
❌ Excessive negativity
Daily Psychology Test Preparation Plan
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Read about OLQs & self-reflection |
| Afternoon | TAT & WAT practice |
| Evening | SRT practice |
| Night | SDT self-analysis |
Can Coaching Help in Psychology Tests?
Coaching may guide you, but self-awareness and practice matter more. The psychologist easily identifies coached or fake responses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are psychology test answers judged as right or wrong?
No. They are judged for personality traits and consistency.
Q2. Can I write negative responses in psychology tests?
Occasional realistic negativity is acceptable, but avoid pessimism.
Q3. Is speed important in psychology tests?
Yes, but clarity and honesty are more important than speed.
Q4. How many days are psychology tests conducted in SSB?
Psychology tests are usually conducted on Day 2.
Q5. Can I clear NDA SSB with average psychology performance?
Yes, if overall performance across IO, GTO, and Psychology is balanced.
Conclusion
The NDA Psychology Tests are not meant to scare you—they are designed to understand the real you. With consistent practice, self-awareness, and honesty, you can perform confidently and significantly improve your chances of recommendation.
