My attempts for SSB started with 10+2 B Tech entry for Navy and ended up with the SSC Tech Electrical Navy entry after a recommendation during my third conference attempt.  Yes the journey was with many ups and downs. All we require is the clarity and a precise approach towards our goal. We all need that someone who can carve out of the best in us and guide us to the our goal. To me, that someone was Lt Col Balasubramanian Sir, I attended his 10 days coaching at Salem. He helped me in mending the right attitude and building the right qualities which is required by a man to don the uniform. He encouraged to make and maintain the right mindset that paved my way towards defense services after clearing the country's toughest interview, yes, its the SSB interview.

STAGE 1: 

SCREENING TEST

I reported to SSB Bhopal, 60 minutes before the destined time as there was a temple near the defense Gate. After a wait for some time, there were 70 candidates. We were called in and the  Documents were checked as initial checks. After having a sound breakfast we entered a room for OIR that was conducted followed by PP & DT. I was able to complete the OIR in the best possible way with leaving some 4 to 5 questions in each of the two set. For PPDT I weaved a story of my first thought. Narration was done after 20 minutes of completion of story writing which provided ample time to recall the story. I did a brief narration of my story for 40- 50 seconds approx and winded up. During discussion, there was lot of commotion among the aspirants to deliver their point of view and I was able to put forth two points during our discussion. However the commotion spoiled the expectations of achieving a commonly agreed story. 15 of the aspirants were screened in for further stages.

STAGE 2: 

PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING

Even though every tests of SSB is equally important, but I feel that psychology decides our expression and actions and even our fate as the armed forces is looking for a person who can match the ideals of the academy and the service. So having a mind with focus and clarity is important to give our best. Thoughts destine us to actions. All of us will have good thoughts and we may be clear about it, but during the testing process it is mandatory to exhibit them. Lt Col Balasubramanian Sir’s guidance will aid in developing the right thoughts and exhibiting them in our life which ultimately comes out naturally during SSB procedure. The thoughts in psych tests are time bounded so yes, we don’t have a speck of the time to manipulate or create a false self-image. Thus, for psych test it is the guidance of sir that helped me in projecting my natural thoughts in an easy and straight forward way. I have completed 12 stories in TAT, 58 words in WAT, 45 situations in SRT. Doing a self-introspection and gathering perception of parents, friends and teachers helped in writing Self-Description. Having a good psychology will influence every testing process.

GROUP TESTING

We were assigned into a group of nine. Our GTO started with mind activating exercises followed by Group Discussion .We discussed about the economic situations of Pakistan, whether it can fail like that of Sri-Lanka and how China can influence in India's relations with neighbouring countries. Secondly, about Keeping India Clean mission. I was able to give valid points during the discussion and also I took the lead in both the discussions. GPE was very interesting and there was heated discussion on prioritizing the tasks and giving out the best solution. Successively everyone narrated their points and I have also given the best responses possible. PGT, HGT, CT and FGT were good and handling them requires practical approach and good observation in noting down the minute details along with a rapport in the team. CT was not very challenging but moderate. I have given a lecturette on Food preservation as I had sufficient idea on the topic, organized them into sections and conveyed it confidently. GOR and IO were very interesting to perform as it tested our determination and stamina in performing them. Maintain a healthy body will give you an edge over in completing the obstacles

INTERVIEW

Interviewing Officer started with questions from Self-description test and asked about my family, friends, area of responsibilities, academics, adventures taken, hobbies, sports and games, SSB attempts, information related to navy and general knowledge. Self-introspection helped in knowing about self. Jotting down about my friends, hobbies and awareness about things I do was helpful in answering questions. I have answered only a part of general knowledge questions. But I told whatever I knew confidently focusing on giving the best for whatever I knew. I believe a gentle smile, eye contact, confidence, bold way of expressing, awareness about self and the surroundings will be good.

CONFERENCE

I felt I have did whatever I can but if there is something which can be done further, I am glad to work on it and improve. This was my mind set before and after every SSB. Conference lasted for 20 minutes and was based on the questions of Navy-Technical and which I answered partly or for I didn’t have an answer. This time I have answered them, with a few questions unattended. It was like a mini interview presumably to check if I had really paid attention to the details missed by me in the interview- which shows quality of mental resiliency and they also asked some questions like Naval bases I have heard/know. After the conference we had a good lunch and then the results were announced. Only one of us got recommended that was me! The moment when they told my chest number, 3, the efforts of family, friends, teachers and self, flashed through my eyes in a second. I told to myself, this is not the end; there are lot of tasks to do. Later My Medicals were conducted where i was given a Temporary rejection due to flat foot.

However later during the review medical board, I was cleared and marked FIT. Then finally I took a moment to relax that finally I have achieved something.

I believe SSB make us to realize the self, it improves our personality and imparts good and right thoughts into us. Perseverance is very important for everything we do. Working persistently towards the goal and right guidance will lead us to goal. Every situation teaches us something, we should learn from it, employ it whenever the need arises and the right shall follow. Lt Col Balasubramanian Sir guided me, clarified my doubts, and made me to realize the potential. Every defence aspirant must follow a routine which makes them learn and improve. Try to know as much as you can about the surroundings. The quest for development should be endless. Work continuously till the task is achieved.

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PROFILE
NAME   : G KIRAN
DEGREE : BE (Electrical)
NATIVE : Dindigul (TAMIL NADU)