As we are having few conversations with SSB recommended candidates, during this process, we got an opportunity to ask Mr. Abhishek Parihar few questions which would help defence aspirants to analyze their performance and how Mr. Abhishek has done it.
SSBCrack.com: Congratulations for clearing SSB interview back to back?
Abhishek: Thank you very much.
SSBCrack.com: No success in first two attempts and then clearing two SSB interviews back to back, how you made it possible?
Abhishek: The first two unsuccessful attempts were a huge factor for the success. I analysed my performance and found out my mistakes and rectified them. Self-analysis is something which can take you a long way as no one knows you better than you know yourself.
SSBCrack.com: What do you think what differences are in your performance made it possible?
Abhishek: The first time I faced SSB, I was very nervous and thought it as a competition which completely ruined my performance. I, then, understood SSB is just a method or as my father says “a frame” to check whether you fit in it. I just made sure that all the qualities that are there in me which make me fit to be an officer in the Indian Armed Forces, I show them.
SSBCrack.com: Tell us something about your preparations?
Abhishek: The first preparation I did was to ask my father about his SSB experience as he, himself, is serving as an Army officer, and learn from that. I got to know more about it from his colleagues who helped me a lot to tackle different tests. Then, I came to know about ssbcrack.com which has some really good articles and give a clear insight of SSB. I also came to know about Lt. Col. P. Balasubramanian who motivated me immensely and helped me to rectify the mistakes I was doing. He has been an amazing mentor and guided me to the right direction, throughout.
SSBCrack.com: Do you think past SSB performances affect your current SSB interview?
Abhishek: Yes. Though, every SSB interview is a new experience, but, our past performances have already made us familiar with the different tasks and in the current SSB, we can look at the tests with different angles than earlier and definitely perform better.
SSBCrack.com: What is your performance mantra for Psychology, Personal Interview and GTO ?
Abhishek: As I said, SSB is just a method to check our OLQ’s. Our Psychologist Officer at Bangalore told us that every individual has the OLQ’s; what matters is that there must be nothing to counter those qualities. So, never show or say anything that can go against you. Be yourself and be extremely positive during your 5 days of stay at SSB and you will see the change, yourself.
SSBCrack.com: Why do you want to join Army/Navy, what did you answer?
Abhishek: I just said that the quality of life the armed forces give is very good and I would like to be a part of it. I have lived among the Army officers all my life and I have seen the respect they receive. I want to be a part of the same organization for the same reason.
SSBCrack.com: What kind of questions you have faced during personal interviews?
Abhishek: Most of the questions were from my PIQ regarding my hobbies and my achievements. I was also asked about my preparation for SSB and the reasons for myself getting out in my previous attempts. There were some personal questions regarding my family and what I learnt being as an Army officer’s son. I was asked about the reasons for why I want to join the forces. My percentage of marks isn’t very good so I was also asked about it and I gave a satisfactory answer.
SSBCrack.com: Do you think SSB coaching helps aspirants to clear SSB, have you ever taken any professional coaching or guidance?
Abhishek: Well, yes; guidance/coaching always help. Getting to know about the tasks before actually facing it will only make you do it in a better way. But, in SSB it’s only helpful when we are putting our efforts too during the tests and not just doing what we were taught during the coaching. We can always ask the officers and our friends about the tests in SSB and get an idea about how to perform well.
SSBCrack.com: What you would be if not an officer in Indian Navy or Army?
Abhishek: I would be a journalist.
SSBCrack.com: What is your message for repeaters and freshers for SSB interview?
Abhishek: For freshers, go prepared. It’s one of the golden chances you can have in your life to be among the selected few to serve the nation being in the defence services. It’s not a competition with anybody. SSB is just a method for the assessors to know you and find out if you have the perfect amount of OLQ’s.
For repeaters, think of your previous SSB as an experience and learn from it. Analyse your performance, yourself and try to find out your mistakes and discuss them with your friends and find out the possible solutions to them. Sometimes, it’s just one little thing that goes against us. Find it out and get a solution for it as soon as possible. If we didn’t get recommended in our previous attempt then some changes are sure to be made.
For repeaters, think of your previous SSB as an experience and learn from it. Analyse your performance, yourself and try to find out your mistakes and discuss them with your friends and find out the possible solutions to them. Sometimes, it’s just one little thing that goes against us. Find it out and get a solution for it as soon as possible. If we didn’t get recommended in our previous attempt then some changes are sure to be made.
SSBCrack.com: Army or Navy and why?
Abhishek: I am facing this question a lot these days. Well, I am still waiting for the merit lists for the both and only after that I am going to decide. I am still discussing, though, about what I must do among my friends who are in the academy undergoing training and various other officers. Let’s hope for the best.
SSBCrack: Thank you for speaking to SSBCrack.com
Abhishek: It was my pleasure. And you are doing a commendable job by helping the defence aspirants to know about the SSB and how to face it. Thank you.
