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 3GD — Group 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 3GPE — Group 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 3PGT — Progressive 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 3HGT — Half 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 3GOR — Group 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 4IO — Individual 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 4CT — Command 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 4FGT — Final 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