A Learner At SSB

Hi, I am Gaurav Saini, a working journalist with Press Trust of India in the national capital city New Delhi and a defence aspirant since last many years. I would be happy if I could contribute to the pool of experiences, interact and share ideas here at this common platform. Cheers. 

Give credits to Farhan Akhtar, for he had lit up the spark in me and my friend. I count some people on my side while I make this assertion that reality is far from whatever was projected by our hero as he easily elucidated about the Indian army recruitment procedure in the inspiring movie using these words.

                “Ek written exam, ek chota sa interview aur…  😀

Nevertheless, it has been a kind of learning experience which we can share. To begin with, was it the olive green uniform, essentially, or haircut of the flamboyant army men that motivated us, or was it something else? We have the idea today. We are yet to achieve that uniform and haircut though. As I narrate my experiences, I will try to stay away from what all transpired in my attempts, in a bid to avoid any excessive stretching, but would happily share the lessons learnt.

Also Read: Giving Up Was Never an Option 

I have seen the exit doors much before I could see anything else. I have even flunked written exams and gone through the whole process many times before they showed me the doors again (referring to Conference here). Same goes with my friend. Honestly, we made mistakes, and we laugh at them whenever we sit together. But we have a fair idea of the fact that the mistakes need to be rectified.

Seven years in flashback, twice I failed to pass the NDA written exam before I could clear CDS entrance and face my first SSB interview in mid-August, 2010. I barely had the idea of things lying ahead. A confident, ambitious Journalism graduate couldn’t do better than four of his bright fellows.

Since then, possible outcomes have generally been two – Not Recommended or Screened Out, taking the total no. of unsuccessful attempts to five. My friend’s report card is not very different. Ornate with complex pattern of few rejections under absolute different circumstances, it still has a place for a much sought after ‘plus’ sign. In fact, both of our report cards have it.

But as we reckon errors committed, we jot them down and try to improve upon them. Let’s skip few more things and come to the point. Things that are important.

Lesson learnt – Being confident is good. But one needs to be clear about his/her ideas related to any damn thing in the world, ranging from personal life to military issues. And, by the way, nobody expects us to be aware of everything under the sky. But whatever you know, projects it clearly. Communicating in an unfocused or imprecise manner can cost you heavily.

Secondly, we are expected to follow rules in army life but inside your head you are a free bird. You enjoy the luxury to write any story, any idea, and any reaction. There is no limit to what you think. Forcefully writing down positive stories and ideas to make everything appear rosy doesn’t help either. You are never expected to write down positive sentence for every negative word, write down whatever comes to your mind first.

This shows you are human being and not a robot programmed to do few specific functions. Saying no as a response to a question is not a punishable act, until and unless the query examines your knowledge about yourself. Assessors may not like judge you in other areas if they are unsure of your goals, relations, plans and such things.

Third, nothing is as healthy for defence aspirants as reading is. Reading is panacea to all the maladies related to interviews. One is free to read even Champak, if it serves the purpose. Again, no limits over what you read till you can substantiate it with your knowledge of things. Be fearless, open but not excessively coercive.

There is no sure shot funda for cracking SSB as far as what I know at this stage. But you gotta keep working hard, keep improving chances you have. Most importantly, don’t be afraid of rejections. Things may push you hard against ground. It is up-to you whether you want to resist or lie as it is. Many may differ with what has been said above. Opinions are welcome.