I am glad to share my first SSB experience of 22 SSB Board BHOPAL. Every person comes into SSB with a dream of getting recommended and achieve their goal of becoming an officer. A SSB is an experience that every individual must have as it makes you understand what kind of a person you really are. My journey also started with similar thoughts and a determination to achieve the goal. I must thank Lt. Col P. Balasubramanian, Shankars SSB Academy, Salem to give the best guidance about the SSB, because of which I have been able to perform in the SSB to a good level.

On 28^th Nov 2015 I boarded the train to Bhopal from Chennai and reached Bhopal on 29^th Nov 2015 morning. I waited on platform no.6. There were many SSB aspirants waiting for the bus. The bus came at 3.30 pm and we reached the centre by 4.30 pm. We collected our luggage and got into a line of 6 each. We were allotted rooms and were briefed about the timings that were needed to be followed in the SSB centre.

DAY  1 : SCREENING TEST

We were asked to assemble at 7.15 am at the testing hall. The OIR test started at around 7.40am and we were given 17 minutes for completing 40 questions. Again we got another set of OIR with same number of questions and for same amount of time. Most of the questions were on dices, to match the patterns with dice of group A and group B. After completing we were given 5 minutes break. Then we were again called in the testing hall and the PPDT test started. The instructions were given and a picture was shown for 30 seconds and 1 minute was given to write the action and mark the characters and 4 minutes to write the story. For me the picture was 2 girls sitting, picture was hazy but it was easy to identify the characters. Then we were divided into groups for group discussion with 15 members in a group. I was the last person and made sure my narration must be good and I must complete it in 1 minute time. I narrated well and then the group discussion started. All started shouting and our batch was divided into two groups. We completed our discussion I could speak only few lines.

Then we were asked to assemble in testing hall at 1pm. The result was announced and 45 girls were screened in from 107 girls. I was in and my new chest no. was 05. We were given new rooms. After so many sleepless nights I felt I would be relaxed and would sleep well that night, anyways I kept thinking about the actual tests we were going to face in coming days.

It is very important to observe the picture well for the given 30 seconds. Write a story that is positive and relevant to the picture shown. Story must be practical and good narration really matters to be screened in.

DAY  2 : PSYCHOLOGY TEST

We assembled in testing hall at 7.15am and with proper instructions TAT started. 11 pictures were shown and we wrote stories on it. 12^th slide is a blank slide to write our own story. As soon as we completed it we were given WAT with 60 words. I completed all in time. After 5 minutes break we assembled to write SRT, 60 situations were in a booklet, I completed all in time. Then we were asked to write Self description Test, questions were “what your parents, teachers and friends think about you?”(All in different paragraphs), “what kind of a person you are?”, “what kind of a person you want to be in future?”

After completing the test we were asked to gather in a conference room where our interview timings were informed. My interview was scheduled on the same day from 11am. We came formally dressed and waited in a waiting hall. My interview started at 1.20 pm and lasted for about 40 minutes. I was asked questions on my name, family, college life, Placements, NCC experience, basketball and friends. I gave truthful answers and remembered all his questions and answered them smoothly. Finally the IO asked “any questions you would like to ask?” I said “No”. Came out of the room and went to my room. I felt relaxed as interview was over for me. I spent my evening playing basket ball in the ground with friends. Had dinner on time and slept.

Psychology part must be attended carefully. In TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT and Interview you should have a consistency. Contradictory answers will never get you through the SSB so it is always advisible to be who you are and try to project your qualities in a best way. I managed to write positive answers and completed all in time. In the interview I gave examples from my life mentioned about achievements and gave answers without hesitation. Dont think whether you are giving right answers or not, be calm. Do analyse your interview later and find answers for questions left unanswered.

DAY  3 : GTO TASK

We assembled at 6.30 am and were taken to GTO task ground. The first task was group discussion. We were given 2 topics we all voted for first topic “In the climate change issue India has important role because India is seen as a block, leader or it’s just the stature of India?”. All of us started giving points and no one was able to listen to anyone. GTO shouted at us for not having a disciplined discussion. Then we again started the discussion and we were going smoothly. The second topic given was “Relationships are important in life, what would you consider important while choosing your life partner 1. Family background,  2. Property,   3. Education ?”. again the discussion went smooth. In both the GD I spoke 2 times and allowed others to express their views by controlling the arguments and maintained disciplined discussion.

Next was PGT. We were shown the obstacles and were given 40 minutes to find solution to cross it. At first I was not able to give significant inputs but I learned the various ways to solve it.

Next task was group planning task. We were given various problems to solve. We wrote our solution first and then it was followed with a discussion to form a common group planning. I tried to convince my team mates on my ideas but as it varied large with all my planning was not accepted by my team mates and another girl was asked to give the common group planning.

Next task was HGT. I was able to apply what I learnt in PGT and was little satisfied.

Next we had snake race. It was very interesting and full of fun. I helped my team mates to cross the obstacles and kept holding the snake most of time. Our group performed very well and won the race. We were tired so break was given with snacks and tea.

Next task was lecturette. We had to take card in the time given and choose one topic amongst all the given. I chose the topic “India of my dreams”. I delivered a good speech and was very much satisfied. This was the last task of the day. We went to our room, few had interview. I went to play basketball in evening and then after dinner slept early.

For GTO test you must make yourselves ready by playin some games or jogging every morning or evening. Choose the topics which are not related to politics or any other issues that have controversies as you are expected to give positive speech and talk about progress or development. So choose lecturette topics wisely. Keep yourselves updated with day to day news.

DAY  4 : GTO TEST

We again gathered at 6.30am and went to the GTO ground. The first task was individual obstacles; we were briefed about the obstacles and how to perform it. I completed all the tasks on time.

Next we had command task. I was called almost 5 times for helping the candidates. In my turn I was given a task of diffusing the missile inside a circle by crossing the obstacles. I was able to complete the task in two ways in which GTO also kept giving hints on how to do.

Next we had FGT, it got over within few minutes and I was able to give points at the start. All the GTO tasks were completed. We went to our room. Took rest and I went for outing with my friends to see the Bhopal city in evening.

Physical workout is important before you start with GTO test. Stamina plays an important role in completing all obstacles. I used to play basket ball and thus kept myself ready for tasks. Learn to analyse the obstacles while GTO is explaining and try to give as many ideas as possible in PGT, HGT. Choice of team mates for command task must be done keeping the task in mind and not just because they are your friends.

DAY  5 : CONFERENCE

The day which makes every person nervous as we had to face more than 10 officers at a time and we would know the result of hard work we did in the past 4 days. I was in the last batch to be called. I went in, greeted the president and I was asked to sit. I was asked question about Chennai floods and what caused it, my perception on thinking of society that girls can’t achieve their aim, what I will do in army as it is male dominant, my views about girls, what all places I visited, how was my stay and suggestions. I gave answers confidently the way I felt.

Be calm and and listen to the questions carefully and answer confidently. Only look at the officer who is asking question and try to be relaxed. Opening or closing the door must be done gently don't let it bang. Suggestions are better if not given as it is considered that you are trying to find faults in the organisation. Stick to what you say and dont hesitate or keep changing your views.

We were asked to gather at the testing hall. It was time to announce the results. It is a different feel when my chest no. was called. No words to explain the happiness that I felt when I got recommended for “The Indian Army”. I felt upset for my friends who couldn’t make it. 9 girls were recommended and were congratulated by the Deputy President. We were made to fill lot of forms on the same evening.

We were told to be ready for the medical tests. Our medical test was over in 3 days. I was medically fit for army. Awaiting the merit list.

The 5 days of SSB are the most interesting experiences one can ever have in life. I realized and understood my mistakes and analyzed myself a lot. I had made various mistakes which I would improve in the future SSBs. Due to viral fever I couldn’t prepare much before the SSB but it was purely the guidance I got from Lt. Col P. Balasubramanian that helped me in SSB. I am ready to improve myself and go ahead to face more challenges.

My suggestion to all would be to give honest replies in interview, give best in psychology test and GTO test. Have enough preparation to improve on speed of answering. A positive attitude of “I can do it” is needed for the entire SSB process to keep your moral high. Do a thorough analysis about yourself and give truthful replies in test. Self analysis is the only way to do the SSB well and become an officer.

All the best to all the aspirants……

Dress code that I followed in SSB ( For the female candidates)

Day 1 : Chudidar/ suit / formals, shoes. (avoid wearing slippers or sandals of high heels)

Day 2 : Chudidar/ suit / formals, shoes.

Day 3: Plain White collar T-shirt with track pants, white sports shoes, white socks.

Day 4 : Plain White collar T-shirt with track pants, white sports shoes, white socks..

Day 5 : formal light colored shirt with a formal dark colored pant and formal black shoes with black socks

Take 2 set of formals and GTO dress , 2 set of suit/ chudidar and shoes.

PROFILE:  Miss R. Dharakeshwari, BE, Velammal Engg College, Chennai. Daughter of Ex-Serviceman. Recommended for CDS OTA and also Air Force Pilot