My attempts for SSB started with 10+2 B.Tech Entry for Navy and ended up with the SSC PILOT entry after a recommendation during my fourteenth attempt. Yes, every aspirant will be putting up efforts to succeed. But what we want is an effort with clarity. Once there is clarity on what to do, when to do and how to do, all those things which we aspire will come true. To obtain this vision family, friends and teachers helped me a lot. Lt Col Balasubramanian Sir’s guidance in approaching the SSB and mindset which I should develop to live as an officer is a milestone which paved my way towards defence services.

STAGE 1: 

SCREENING TEST

As usual I reported to the SSB, 30 minutes before the destined time and was waiting to get into the Selection Centre. Documents were checked and we were allowed to enter inside the premises and had a sound breakfast. 95 of the aspirants reported for the selection. OIR was conducted followed by PP & DT. I was able to complete the OIR in the best possible way and 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 a point during discussion. 35 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. So having a mind with focus and clarity is important to give our best. Thoughts destine us into 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. I have completed 12 stories in TAT, 60 words in WAT, 48 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 Position of India in United Nations Security Council and Diversity in India: Its impact on the country. I was able to give two valid points during the discussion. 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.

INTERVIEW

Interviewing Officer started with questions from Self-description test and asked about my family, friends, area of responsibilities, academics, NCC, 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 15 minutes and was based on the questions of GK and defence 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 and they also asked some questions which I have answered during my interview. After the conference we had a good lunch and then the results were announced. Four of us got recommended. The moment when they told my chest number, all 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 we were subjected to PABT and CPSS followed by aviation medicals and got fit.

I believe SSB make us to realise 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. 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   : S.SURAAJ
DEGREE : M.TECH (BIOTECHNOLOGY)
NATIVE : THE NILGIRIS (TAMIL NADU)