Five Common Myths You Shouldn’t Be Having About SSB

SSB being a highly secret examination, in terms of predictability of results candidates try to gather information about SSB from various sources. Most of the sources they gather information from are not reliable. So that gives rise to myths and wrong notions related to SSB. One of these common myths is that SSB is a very difficult interview. A few days back, a friend of mine, a total layman about this asked me, ‘should I attempt SSB?,I have heard that it is very difficult’. Well for beginners I would like to say that do not have myths in your mind, it is not good. Sometimes even veterans of SSB have myths about it. Here I am dealing with such few myths, if you guys have any more, please share it:

1. Regarding rejection boards: Candidates say that a particular board rejects candidate more than it selects. It is a common myth amongst students that certain boards are tough and others are easy. They do not have a proof but just hear the rumors, panic and spread the rumor endlessly. There is no such thing like selection or rejection board. Every board works on the same principle to shortlist, recommend or reject candidates. It’s as simple as that, if you have OLQ’s and you project them at the right time at the right place you are in, else you are not!
2. English and your selection: Candidates who have weak English, are often worried about that they might lag behind due to poor English. People have this myth that if they have poor English then they will not get selected. It is certainly not the case. You need to have good communication skill, and it it doesn’t consist of English only. You need to have a good way of communicating your thoughts and ideas. English certainly helps but doesn’t form the sole basis of selection.
   
3. The secret agents: This is a rather funny myth. People have all sorts of belief that the selection board people are spread everywhere, all round the corner in the city in which they are giving their SSB in. They feel that they are monitoring and assessing you all the time, endlessly. You are marked only during the tests. Otherwise there is nobody ‘assessing’ you as such. You are supposed to behave like a gentle person, and it is a very small thing to ask for.
4. Fauji kids-cake walk: Another wrong thought people hold is that SSB boards are partial towards the Fauji kids. This is certainly not the case, in fact there is more expectation if you are from Fauji background.
5. Notion of leadership: Candidates think that yelling, dominating and getting ahead in the group is a way to demonstrate leadership. It doesn’t show your leadership skills, it only show what a big bully you are. For being a real leader, you need to be a team player. Take your group in the right direction by being with them, instead of rushing to go ahead.

Also Read

• Five Must Have Qualities For SSB Interview
• The Importance Of Handwriting In The SSB

 Tashi Mishra, Editorial Team

I am Tashi, basically from Varanasi, currently pursuing my Masters in Computer Science from Christ University, Bangalore. I am interested in reading and football. It has always been my dream to join the forces,so here I am to share my experience with all the aspiring faujis. Remember with determination you’ll be triumphant!