The SSB Process
SSB (Services Selection Board) is a 5-day assessment that evaluates whether you have the personality, intelligence and character of a commissioned officer.
Day 1
Screening Tests
07:00Reporting, document verification, chest number allotment
08:30OIR Test 1 & OIR Test 2 (verbal + non-verbal + numerical)
10:30PPDT — Picture shown for 30 seconds, story writing (4 minutes)
11:00PPDT Group Discussion — narrate story, then GD on common story
12:30Screening result announced — recommended candidates proceed
Assessor tip: About 30–40% of candidates are screened out on Day 1. OIR determines initial shortlisting; PPDT assesses communication and officer-like qualities. Be confident, speak clearly, and present a positive story with a clear hero.
Day 2
Psychology Tests
08:00TAT — 12 pictures + 1 blank, write a story for each (4 min/story)
10:00WAT — 60 words, write a sentence for each (15 seconds/word)
11:00SRT — ~60 situations, write your response (30 sec/situation)
12:30Self Description — 5 parts: self, parents, teachers, friends, ideal self
Assessor tip: All psych tests assess the same 15 Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). Your responses must reflect consistent themes — positive, action-oriented, socially responsible. Avoid negative associations and passive responses.
Day 3
GTO Tasks — Day 1
07:30Group Discussion (GD) — 2 rounds, free and structured
09:00Group Planning Exercise (GPE) — map-based team scenario
10:30Progressive Group Task (PGT) — obstacle course as a group
12:00Group Obstacle Race (GOR)
14:00Half Group Task (HGT)
15:30Lecturette — 3-minute speech on a chosen topic
Assessor tip: In GTO tasks the Assessor is observing initiative, cooperation, and effective communication — not just physical performance. Help others, volunteer ideas, and ensure the group achieves the task.
Day 4
GTO Tasks — Day 2
07:30Individual Obstacles (IO) — 10 obstacles, self-paced in 3 minutes
09:30Command Task (CT) — lead a sub-group to complete a task
11:00Final Group Task (FGT) — last group obstacle task
Assessor tip: Command Task is your opportunity to demonstrate leadership directly. Give clear, simple instructions. Involve all members. Stay calm under time pressure.
Day 5
Conference & Departure
08:00Personal Interview (PI) — conducted by IO/Deputy President throughout Days 2–4
All dayConference — board deliberates; candidates appear briefly if called
EveningResult announced — Recommended / Not Recommended
Assessor tip: The conference is where all assessors — GTO, Psychologist, IO — compare notes. Consistency across all stages matters most. There are no 'right answers' in the conference — just be genuine.
15 Officer Like Qualities (OLQs)
Every test at SSB — OIR, Psych, GTO, PI — is designed to measure these 15 qualities.
1.Effective Intelligence
2.Reasoning Ability
3.Organising Ability
4.Power of Expression
5.Social Adaptability
6.Cooperation
7.Sense of Responsibility
8.Initiative
9.Self Confidence
10.Speed of Decision
11.Ability to Influence the Group
12.Liveliness
13.Determination
14.Courage
15.Stamina