The candidates are seated in a room in circle, in the centre of which a sand model or sketch map showing various signs and land marks, is placed. A printed narrative describing the situation is given. The GTO explains the various details and situations existed in the sand model.

• While the GTO is explaining the situation, listen to him quite attentively. Do not interrupt him while he is explaining, When he asks, if you have any doubts, do not put silly or irrelevant questions.
• The candidate is to write on a piece of paper his individual solution to the problem involved in the situation in 10 minutes. While you are reading the narrative, try to locate the problems involved in the situation land accord them priority.

• The following guidelines are to be followed:  (1) Manpower :  For solving any problem, detail 1/2/3 & so on, but you should be able to justify for its detailment. You should participate in the Priority – 1 task, which is the toughest/imp nature. No outside help is to be obtained. If received, fully justify. All detailment are to be made simultaneously, whether it is important one or a trivial nature and should be completed successfully within the time limit. (2) Transport : The mode of transport or conveyance available has also an important bearing on a prompt and timely execution of the plan. The mode of conveyance from one place to another is to be mentioned invariably. (3) Resources : Fully justify for utilizing the given resources  (men/materials/arms/transport) and see how best these resources can be employed. In addition to the resources at your disposal, you have got to think if you need any other material. For example , if case of Org situations, in an emergency, you may take the assistance of the villagers of nearby village etc., (4) The time & distance factors are to be meticulous followed and never lose sight of it. Due attention should also be paid to the Zero Hour, if any, in regard to the operations involved. (5) Avoid using imaginary/ presumed resources, which have not been given either in the sand model or in the narrative.
• The plan that you ultimately devise or decide upon should be simple, practicable and safe enough.  It should be based on some reasoning and not on whims and fancies.
• Sometimes side-issues are deliberately introduced to distract your concentration from the main issue.  Avoid them in fixing your priorities.
• Time factor is an important one. Take quick decisions.