My SSB Experience

I finished my Engineering and applied for Indian Navy under University Entry Scheme (UES) for the post of Navy Officers in the rank of Sub-Lieutenant – Course July 2010.

My Service Selection Board interview was held at Bhopal. We were supposed to report Bhopal Railway Station by 2.30pm.

Day 0 - Reporting:

As scheduled, I reached the railway station by morning. Similar to me, I got many friends who completed their engineering and came for SSB. So we grouped together (all from Tamil Nadu) because of language barrier. We reported by 2.30pm at Bhopal Railway Station – Platform No.1. A group of 100 students in batch were brought to Bhopal Military Centre – Indian Army by a bus. We were asked to take rest till 4.20pm. The day 0 is meant for reporting and certificate verification. We assembled at Selection Central Hall (33 SSB-Navy) at 4.30pm. An introductory speech was given by Commander and also gave the entire schedule for next 5days. They also allotted a room (6 members per room- too spacious and much comfortable like 2star hotel), chest no (an identity number engraved on a cut coat where we were supposed to wear all official timings)

Day 1  (Initial Screening)

The reporting time at SCH is 6.30am. Before which we have to finish our bathing and breakfast. The breakfast will be available in mess between 5.45am to 6.30am. Accordingly we have to wake. In my batch, there are totally 147candidates appeared (many were absent). The first test was Intelligence test where 2 tests were conducted consisting aptitude, logical etc). The second test was Picture Perception Test where a blurred picture will be displayed for 30 seconds and we need to write a own story for 3mins). Followed by it, a Group Discussion about that story what we have written. A total of 15 members per team was conducted. Initially they gave chance for everyone to post their view. After that the discussion become hot. Many people (especially from North India) dominated. However whoever convince their view and arrive at the final solution will be notified. We need not describe the exact picture which was displayed. We can say what we perceive and so its called Picture Perception Test.

After test, they asked us to assemble again by 2.30pm for results declaration. Those who got selected in today’s rest have to retain for the next 4days and rest of the candidates can return. Transportation and Dearness allowance were given. After lunch, we assembled at SCH for results. Thank God!, I got selected and asked to retain for next 4days. We were given new rooms and chest number.

Day 2 (Psychology Test)

Today s psychology test. Sharply by 7am, the test starts. The first one is Thematic Apperception Test (12 pictures will be shown for 30seconds at the interval of every 3mins where we have to write a story based on picture in that gap. The twelfth picture is a blank screen where one has to write his own story based on 11pictures). The second test is Word Assertion Test (60words will be displayed at the interval of every 15seconds. One has to write a sentence containing the meaning of that word). No extra time will be given at last. The third test is Situation Reaction Test (where 60 questions will be given and asked us to write the reaction for that situation in 90minutes). The last test is the Self Description Test (five paragraphs need to be written. Its about what your parents, teachers, friend think about you, what you think about you and finally, how you want to be). Some of my colleagues had Interview today (Interview will be scheduled on Day2 or 3 or 4) based on their chest number.

Day 3 (Ground Task Day 1/2)

We were asked to assemble at large ground where Ground task will be held by 6.30am. Among total 35candidates, 5groups of 7each were distributed. Every group will be having GTO (Ground Task Officer). The first task is Group Discussion I and II. Two GDs longed for 30mins each were conducted. For the first one, the commander will give two topics. Out of which we can select any one (Remember group cohesion will be checked while selecting the topic). For second GD, one topic will be given where we have to speak mandatory. GTO will be watching all our activities individually either directly or indirectly. The next one is Military Planning Exercise. A large map will be explained by the GTO initially. Later a situation will be given to every individual. We have to go through for 5mins. After that, we need to arrive at the solution for the situation individually through pen and paper. After that, a group discussion for common arrival of the decision is required where everyone is expected to put forth their own ideas. The next one is Group Task. We will be given enough instruments and a load in a hurdled area. With the given norms, we have to cross the hurdle (totally 5) in the given span of 45mins. At all stages, the GTO will be watching and any discrepancy if noted, then GTO will order to start from the initial point. The next test is Half Group Task where only half the total member of group will be participating and handle the same task. In group tasks, everyone has to come up with their ideas intelligently to handle the situation. The next test is Lecturate. We will be given 4topics before a minute for preparation and asked to give lecture infront of our group members and GTO for 5mins. The next test is the Snake Race. A large snake like object (weighs heavily) have to be carried by 5groups such that we have to cross 5hard hurdles in group. While negotiating hurdles, the snake has to be carried atleast by 3members. Likewise there are many norms (previously it will be explained by GTO) such that one among 5 will be coming first in that race. With these test, the Ground Take for Day 1 is over. I had Interview with the President (of SSB). Normally interview will be conducted among the President, the Deputy President  or the Interviewing Officer. My interview longed for 90mins.

Day 4 (Ground Task Day 2/2)

We assembled at the same ground for the ground task day 2. The first test toady is Individual Task. A total of 10 task will be numbered based on its difficulty is first explained by GTO. In the span of 3minutes, we are expected to complete all 10 tasks. The next task is Command Task where one will be assumed to the Commander. He has to command two people from his group to handle a hurdle. 5mins time will be given. Our performance will be appraised. The next test is Final Group Task where the same hurdle of Group Task will be assigned and asked to perform again. The ground tasks end here for that day.

Day 5 (Conference and Results)

We were assembled at SCH. Closing address was given by Interviewing Officer. Later every person is supposed to enter Conference room. The conference room contains a single chair for us to make our seat. In front of the person, a group of 10members will be sitting (The President, The Deputy President, The Interviewing Officer, The Psychologist, The GTOs). All will be wearing Navy Uniform. To my knowledge, everyone is in the rank above Commander.

Food & Environment: 

Bhopal Military Centre is really a good place with widespread land for conducting military activities. The room which was provided were adequate (more than enough) and common toilets (very neat) with hot water facility. We were supposed to be woke up by 5.30 in the morning. Every room will have speakers which will start singing at 5.30 (like a weird alarm). Even we had to rush for breakfast or other activities, the bathrooms were never overcrowded. Morning breakfast timing is 6.30 to 7.15. You will be given bread, butter, boiled egg and oats. No other option. For lunch it was variety and heavy and dinner will be really awesome with non-veg (Pure veg also avbl).The dineer closes by 8.30 pm and lights of the entire military basin will be switched off by 9.30pm.

In the leisure time, you are allowed to go around (not outside the boundary) the place and take your time. Sports like badminton, volley ball, basket ball, foot ball are also allowed.

If you are so desperate about joining defense, then give 2-3 tries of SSB (if you dont get into first). Because the GTO (Ground Training Officer) are trainied to select the appropriate candidate. Thats why there are so many ground test. They really wanted to see how capable are you. If you are over-capable or under-capable, results are same. But dont give up.

Wish you all the best!