I was unaware of the SSB procedures when i cleared the CDS exam and decided to take up coaching. I found Shankar's SSB coaching centre from internet and decided to spend my 10 days in Salem as the review about the centre was good. After the first day of coaching i realized that what i read from internet is so true. There were only 10 admissions in a batch. So each candidate is taken special care and we were given lot of situations which made us think and develop our own solutions.

                I was able to understand my strength and weaknesses within those 10 days. I concentrated on developing myself to overcome the weaknesses, and it played a major role in recommendation. Here I am giving a brief note on my SSB days at Bangalore.

DAY 1

We were asked to report at Bangalore Railway Station. 148 candidates were in the reporting list and only 53 reported. We were taken to South Selection Centre in bus. Many forms were given to fill including the PIQ. Then were taken to the candidate mess for the stay.

DAY 2

We were asked to assemble at 7am and the OIR test started at 9am. Its was very easy and i completed everything within time. Then comes the PPDT test. A blurred picture was shown and asked to write a story. The picture was about a guy climbing a mountain. I wrote the story about an engineer surveying. During the discussion, as expected 12 out of 15 in the group wrote the story about mountaineering. I was able to project my story well and cleared the screening test. 23 out of 53 were screened in.  we were given new chest numbers and allotted new rooms.

DAY 3

PSYCHOLOGY TEST started at 9am. As i had practiced very well it was not a tough job for me. However i could complete only 53/60 and 59/60  - SRT AND WAT respectively. The TAT pics were very clear and i was able to write 12 different stories. The blank picture story was prepared in advance, so i just memorized and wrote it. 

INTERVIEW

I was expecting my interview on 4th or 5th day, But was actually shocked to know that my interview will happen in a few hours. I tried to calm down. It was informed at 1pm that the interview will start only at 4pm. So i went to the mess and had a nap. I went near the interview room and waited till 6 to start the interview. The interview went very well and the Sir who took interview was a very nice person. All my stress and tension went away once i saw the smile in his face. Interview lasted for hardly 40 minutes.

DAY 4/DAY 5

GROUP TASKS

The first task was group discussion and I did well by initiating both discussions. I supported everyone in group tasks and gave good ideas whenever others were searching for ideas. I was totally happy with my performance in the group tasks. While doing the individual obstacles i fell twice , but luckily didn't get injured. I completed 9/10 tasks in 3 minutes.

DAY 6

CONFERENCE

Everyone except me was much tensed before the conference. We were made to wait for 2 hours before the conference started. Instructions were given about how to enter the room and all. I entered the conference hall and my interviewing officer asked about the stay and facilities. Then he asked me to evaluate my performance in 3 sentences, the places i visited, favorite place etc. I responded well and the conference ended in one minute.

The results were ready in another half an hour. Chest number 15, Chest number 18(me) , i almost jumped up as i couldn't believe that i am in.

PROFILE:

NAME: MITHUN K SURENDRAN

NATIVE: KANNUR, KERALA

EDUCATION: B.COM

JOB:  SORTING ASSISTANT IN INDIA POST

QUALIFIED IN CDS EXAM

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