RECOMMENDED IN SEVENTH ATTEMPT : RAMASUBRAMANIAN M

           I am happy to share my SSB experience from 12 SSB, Bangalore. This was my 7^th attempt. I was twice conference out(both from 24SSB) & 4 times screened out earlier. After these unsuccessful attempts, I thought of attending SSB coaching and attended Shankars SSB Academy, Salem, which remained my career turning point in my life. Through the Academy, I was able to correct my earlier committed mistakes and rectify them. This time I was just being myself & I got recommended for Navy Observer entry on Navy day ie, Dec 4 .

DAY 1: SCREENING TEST

                A group of 125 candidates including me reported for 1^st day(29/11/15), out of which 21 were screened in. In both the Intelligence tests, I answered around 40 questions out of 50. In PPDT, we were shown a picture of two men talking in a place which seemed to be a library to me. I assumed them as scientists and wrote a story in which they were discussing to find a medicine for cure of an epidemic. I narrated well and my story was supported by few other candidates and I was screened in.

DAY 2: PSYCHOLOGY TEST

As per guidance of Lt Col P Balasubramanian, I attended all the questions with a positive attitude. I completed all SRT, TAT and WAT. In TAT, I made sure all stories carried a different theme/profession. In WAT, I wrote whatever stroke my mind at that instinct without considering quality based answers. In SRT, I just put myself in that situation and thought positively.

DAY 3: GTO TASK

We were separated into 3 groups, 7 in each. I told my GTO that I went for coaching, when he asked our group. There was another coached candidate from my group, but he was not recommended. Most of our tasks except Command Task & FGT got over on this day. We were so cooperative in our group to give everyone a chance during GD that our GTO mentioned we were such a harmonious group. I spoke once during both the GDs, and in group planning I put forth two of my ideas.

During other tasks, I stayed along with the group and it went well. In physical obstacle, I completed 13 obstacles. In snake race, our group was the last to complete. Being physically fit, I was able to lead my group in this task.

DAY 3: INTERVIEW

I had my interview on the same day. All the usual questions were asked. I am an athlete (200m/400m)-few questions from here.

What did I improve upon from my previous SSB? My life was just sports/job every day. My social awareness was less. I felt I have to be more socially responsible. So, I started spending more time on reading newspaper/history. And I joined an NGO, started teaching kids and socializing more with different people. This is what I really felt and I improved upon from my previous SSB. I told the same to my IO.

What if I am not getting recommended this time? – I recently figured out I wish study more in the field of Physics. Physics has always been my interest. So, i found out there are few entrance exams like JEST/NET, and I am going to appear for those exams. I am not very much happy with the current software job. I have opportunities to learn and improve in my company but I want to study Physics. This was my reply

What if you don’t clear those exams? – Sir, this isn’t like SSB where the test is personality related. My personality may or may not change in a way suitable for the forces but this is knowledge related, so I will study and clear it 100%.

All other questions were related to my family/job/time I spend everyday, etc.

DAY 4: GTO TEST

Command task and FGT was fine. In CT, I was asked to try and finish all the possible ways. So, all the tasks were over.

DAY 5: CONFERENCE

The day where our hearts beat a million times faster. This time I felt different. I am getting selected or not, I was just being myself during the whole process. I felt satisfied. My conference was kind of stress interview. It went on for 10-15 mins. Few of the questions were repeated from the interview and I was put into hypothetical situations relating to my family. When I came out of the hall, I was blank and so stressed. I was so confused about what happened inside.

The results were announced and I was recommended, along with other two.

Medicals:

 I was very happy and then a week later I was told ‘temporarily unfit’ due to a scar on my right hand. I was upset. I appealed against their decision. I was rejected stating there was a tissue on my hand named ‘Keloids’. I asked opinion from civil doctors and they stated that its ‘hypertrophic scar’ and not keloid. The certificates were not useful during appeal. I told him orally, and the doctor examined and agreed the same. I am declared medically fit and waiting for the merit list now. J

Profile: M. Ramasubramanian, BE (Automobile Engg), Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu.