The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is a key component of the Group Task (GT) series at the SSB, designed to evaluate a candidate’s planning, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. In a typical GPE, you will be presented with a map, a situation, and several problems to tackle within a limited timeframe. You and your group must come up with a detailed, logical plan to address all issues effectively.
Below, you will find a situation (Model 1). Read it carefully, analyse the information, and then propose a step-by-step plan in the comments section.
Group Planning Exercise 1 Map
Group Planning Exercise Map 1 Situation
You are (as many as in your group) returning back to your unit at Lalpur after some routine administrative duties at rear Division Headquarters. You halted at the tea shop to have a cup of tea and also allow the Daily Convoy coming up Soni Hill to pass you. While you were having your tea, you saw your 3-ton truck moving downhill on its own, as it had jumped over the stones kept under its tyres. You all ran after the vehicle but it rolled down the road. Suddenly you saw a jeep coming uphill.
By the time you could reach the 3-ton, it collided with the jeep. You found the driver unconscious and an officer sitting in the co-driver seat bleeding from a head injury. He told you that he is from the Intelligence Corps and had just learnt that some anti-national elements have placed dynamite near the bridge on the Yamuna River, and intend to kill the GOC as his vehicle crosses it on his way from the helipad to the Rear Divisional Headquarters.
The GOC is landing at 1800 hrs. They also intend to kill the headman of Betia village at sunset, i.e. 1830 hrs, as he is an informer. Saying this, he fainted.
As you were thinking of taking some action, the tea shop owner came shouting for help. He said his pony has slipped downhill, broken his leg, and can be saved if you can transport it immediately to the Betia village vet (doctor).
Additional Information
- Lilpur and Sonpur are border towns having quite a few army units.
- The windshield and headlights of the 3-ton are damaged. The jeep is badly damaged.
- The convoy returns down Lalpur every day and crosses the Temple at 1700 hrs.
- A civil bus leaves Betia village for Lalpur at 1645 hrs.
Time now is 1700 hrs. As bold young men, what do you intend doing?
Your Task
- Identify the Problems: List the primary issues (public safety, flooding risk, injured travelers, missing child, etc.).
- Prioritize: Decide which problem should be handled first, second, and so on.
- Resources & Personnel: Consider the availability of villagers, local police, medical staff, and any transport facilities.
- Execution & Timeframe: Outline a step-by-step plan to tackle each issue, specifying who does what, how, and when.
Thought for a couple of seconds
How to Respond
- Write your plan in a concise, logical manner, addressing all the problems.
- Mention how you will coordinate with key figures such as the village headman, police, medical staff, and construction workers.
- Use clear steps or bullet points to show the sequence of actions and time management.
Share Your Response
Please post your plan in the comment box below. Feel free to outline your thought process, as it will help illustrate your problem-solving approach. Constructive feedback and discussion are highly encouraged!
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