It is often said that clearing the NDA written test is very tough. However, you should note that this is not the only round that you need to clear in order to get selected in the Indian Armed Forces as a commissioned officer. In fact, you will have to go through a rigorous five-day Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. In the NDA SSB Interview, authorities will determine the physical strength, mental strength, intelligence, and overall personality of candidates.

If you also have a dream of clearing the SSB Interview and serve the motherland then this post is just for you. In this post, we are going to provide all the necessary details related to NDA SSB Interview.

Five Day NDA SSB Interview Process – Day by Day

SSB is one of those rare interviews in which candidates have to participate for multiple days. Many candidates keep wondering what is the actual selection process of the SSB Interview. Such candidates can check the complete process given below.

1st Day – Reporting Day

• On reporting day, candidates have to report at the place mentioned in their call letter.
• After reporting, a short document verification process will take place. Most of the time, candidates are asked to report at MCQ (Moment Control Office). Apart from this, candidates will also fill the PIQ forms.
• You will not face any difficulties during reporting because many other candidates will also report at the centre along with you.

Stage – 1: Testing

After reporting, the testing process will start. Please note the testing process may take place on the same day of reporting or on the next day. If you are reporting early like 7: 00 AM then testing will take place on the same day. In case you are reporting late then testing will take place the next place.

• Screening – The screening process is organized to select the potential candidates from all those who will report to the centre. Please note that the screening process consists of the following activities.
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Test –  You should know that the first screening test that you will need to go through is the Verbal and Non-verbal test. Although this round is simple you should prepare as the competition level is high. You will get some rest after verbal and non-verbal test. An this time, you may prepare for PPDT test.
• PPDT – PPDT is one of the most important rounds in the selection process. In this round, you will be shown a picture for 30 seconds then you will have to write a story based on the picture you have seen within 3 minutes. Next, all candidates will be divided into subgroups of 14 – 15 members. Each candidate will then come and narrate his/ her story. Along with this, you will have to take part in the group discussion with the members of your group. Those who will clear the PPDT test will be invited to participate in Stage – 2 testings.

Note – Those candidates who will clear the NDA SSB interview will get a new chest number.

Stage – 2 Testing 

The tough rounds of selection will start only after clearing the first stage of testing. Getting eliminated in the stage – 2 test can be very disappointing. So, you must prepare well for these tests.

Psychological test

A psychological test is actually a series of tests. The aim of this test is to check the overall psychology of a candidate. Candidates will be asked to provide their answers on the basis of the particular test. In these tests, the time limit is very important. The tests under Psychological test are as follows.

• Thematic Apperception Test [TAT]
• Word Association Test [WAT]
• Situation Reaction Test [SRT]
• Self Description Test [ SD]

Let’s discuss each test in detail.

• Thematic Apperception Test [TAT]

In the TAT exam, you will be shown 11 pictures. Each picture will last for 30 seconds only. Then, you will get 4 minutes to write a story on the basis of pictures you have seen. After that, the next picture will appear on your screen for 30 seconds. This process will continue till the last picture appears.

• Word Association Test [WAT]

During this test, you will be shown a series of 60 words one after another. After each word, you will get 15 seconds to write a sentence on the basis of word you have seen. In a similar way, you will have to write sentences on each word.

• Situation Reaction Test [SRT]

You will receive a booklet having 60 situations written in it. You will have to write your responses to these situations. The time allotted for the same is 30 minutes.

• Self Description Test [ SD]

This is the last one of the Psychological tests. In this test, you will be asked to write an opinion about yourself from your friends, parents, teachers. The time allotted for this round is 15 minutes.

Tip – Clearing psychological test depends upon your thinking and writing skill. So, you should hone your writing skills to do well in this examination.

Stage – 3 – GTO Series

GTO stands for Group Testing officer. This is also a test of series supervised by Group Testing officers. The aim of this task is to judge candidates’ abilities during group performance. In these tasks, you will have to support your group in different tasks. The tests under this series are as follows.

• Group Discussion (GD) – You will have to 2 topics with your group.
• GPE (Group Planning Exercise) – Every candidate has to write his/ her planning on the problem and map given. Later, group members have to match their plan and come up with one common plan.
• PGT (Progressive Group Task) – In this test, you will have to cross some obstacles with the team with the help of supporting materials like rope, wood log, plank, etc.
• HGT (Half Group Task) – This task is quite similar to PGT. Here, you will get a lot of chances to show your individual talent.
• IOT (Individual Obstacles Task) – You will have to go through 10 obstacles. You will get points from 1 to 10 after crossing each obstacle.
• Command Task – You will get a role commander in this task. You will have to cross some obstacles with the help of your 2-3 subordinates. Authorities will provide you a chance to choose 2-3 candidates from your own group that can help you.
• Snake Race/ Group Obstacle Race – All groups will be competing with each other. All the members will hold a snake-like rope and cross the obstacles.
• Individual Lecturette – You will have to select one from four topics. Then, you have to give a lecture on this topic for 3 minutes.
• Final Group Task – The final group task is quite similar to PGT.

Stage – 4: Personal Interview

• Those successful candidates who will clear the group rounds will be allowed to take part in the personal interview.
• During a personal interview, you should discuss what are your ambitions and why you want to join the Indian armed forces.

Stage – 5: Conference

• The last round of the NDA SSB interview is conference.
• During the conference, authorities will ask you questions like how was your stay or what did you learn during the selection process, etc.
• The assessor will judge your suitability to join the Indian armed forces.
• This test hardly goes for 1-2 minutes.