Days 3–4 — GTO Tasks

The Group Testing Officer (GTO) observes you across 9 different tasks over two days. Every task assesses the same OLQs — consistency across tasks is what builds your GTO assessment.

The GTO is not looking for the strongest, fastest or loudest candidate — they are looking for the one who makes the group succeed.
Day 3GDGroup Discussion

Two rounds — one on a current affairs topic, one abstract. The group must reach a consensus (ideally).

  • Initiate if you have a strong point — but only if prepared
  • Build on others' points; don't dismiss them
  • Summarise the group's view when appropriate
  • Volume and clarity matter — speak to the far end of the table
Day 3GPEGroup Planning Exercise

A map-based scenario. The group analyses a problem, plans a solution, and the GTO picks one candidate to brief the group.

  • Read the map carefully — distances and time constraints are key
  • Prioritise tasks by urgency and resources available
  • If chosen to brief: speak confidently, structure your plan clearly
Day 3PGTProgressive Group Task

An outdoor obstacle course completed as a full group (10–12 people) using helping materials. Difficulty increases across 4 obstacles.

  • Volunteer to carry materials, but also delegate
  • Ensure all group members cross each obstacle
  • Help physically weaker members without embarrassing them
  • Call out the plan loudly so the GTO can hear you contributing
Day 3HGTHalf Group Task

Same format as PGT but with only half the group (~5 people). You have more visibility — use it.

  • This is your time to lead or at minimum strongly contribute
  • Speak up more than you did in PGT
  • Ensure the task is completed — the GTO is watching time management
Day 3GORGroup Obstacle Race

A physical race involving obstacles. Speed and teamwork both matter.

  • Don't sprint ahead and leave the group behind
  • Help the slowest member — this shows cooperation
  • Energy and liveliness are assessed here — stay vocal and positive
Day 3Lect.Lecturette

You get 3 minutes to speak on one of 4 topics shown on a card. 1 minute preparation.

  • Choose the topic you know most about — not the most impressive one
  • Structure: Introduction → 2–3 main points → Conclusion
  • Maintain eye contact with the entire group, not just the GTO
  • Use examples — personal or current affairs — to make it vivid
Day 4IOIndividual Obstacles

10 individual obstacles to attempt in 3 minutes. Each obstacle has a point value (1–3). You choose the order.

  • Plan your sequence: start with easy-medium obstacles to build momentum
  • Attempt higher-value obstacles even if risky — partial attempts score points
  • Courage and initiative are assessed — don't play it safe exclusively
  • Speed matters — keep moving
Day 4CTCommand Task

You lead a sub-group of 2–3 people assigned by the GTO to complete an obstacle.

  • Give a clear, simple briefing before starting
  • Assign specific roles — don't let people stand idle
  • Check on your sub-group during the task
  • Thank them at the end — shows social grace
Day 4FGTFinal Group Task

Last outdoor group task. Same format as PGT. The GTO is looking for consistency with your earlier performance.

  • Maintain the same energy as Day 3 — fatigue is normal but show stamina
  • This is your last chance to demonstrate initiative — take it

GD & Lecturette Topics

Women in Combat Roles in the Indian Armed Forcesdefense
  • Women are now commissioned in all three services
  • Permanent Commission granted after Supreme Court ruling (2020)
  • Physical standards debate vs equal opportunity
  • International precedents — Israel, USA, UK
Is India ready for a Two-Front War?defense
  • Simultaneous threat from China and Pakistan
  • Indigenisation through Make in India Defence
  • Role of nuclear deterrence
  • Strategic partnerships with US, Russia, Israel
Social Media: Boon or Bane for Youthsocial
  • Information access vs misinformation spread
  • Mental health impact on adolescents
  • Radicalisation and fake news
  • Entrepreneurship and career opportunities
Should Capital Punishment be Abolished?social
  • Deterrence debate — empirical evidence
  • Risk of executing innocent persons
  • India's rarest of the rare doctrine
  • International trend towards abolition
Artificial Intelligence — Threat or Opportunity?current-affairs
  • Job displacement vs new job creation
  • AI in defence (autonomous weapons)
  • Ethical frameworks and regulation
  • India's National AI Strategy
Uniform Civil Code in Indiacurrent-affairs
  • Article 44 of the Constitution — directive principle
  • Goa already has a UCC
  • Religious sensitivity and personal law
  • Uttarakhand UCC 2024 — first state implementation
Agniveer Scheme — Pros and Consdefense
  • 4-year short service commission for youth
  • Reduces pension burden on defence budget
  • Concerns about experience continuity
  • 25% retention to regular cadre
Is India a Global Superpower Yet?current-affairs
  • 5th largest economy, G20 presidency
  • Soft power — diaspora, culture, yoga, films
  • Military capability gaps vs China
  • Demographic dividend and tech leadership
Climate Change and National Securitycurrent-affairs
  • Water scarcity fuelling border conflicts
  • Extreme weather affecting military operations
  • India's glacier loss and Himalayan flashpoints
  • Net zero targets vs defence modernisation costs
Brain Drain — Challenge or Opportunity for India?social
  • Indian diaspora remittances and knowledge transfer
  • IIT graduates in global leadership roles
  • Improving domestic conditions to retain talent
  • Reverse brain drain post-COVID
Space Militarisation — Where Does India Stand?defense
  • DRDO's ASAT test — Mission Shakti 2019
  • Defence Space Agency set up 2019
  • Outer Space Treaty obligations
  • Chandrayaan-3 and dual-use technology
Reservation Policy in India — Time to Review?social
  • Constitutional mandate — SCs, STs, OBCs
  • EWS reservation — economic criterion
  • Creamy layer debate
  • 50% cap — Mandal case Supreme Court ruling