Success can be delayed but cannot be denied. Recommended from 21 SSB Bhopal for SSCT 46 [Rank #2]
Landed up in Bhopal railway station day before SSB date. Good city, my first visit to the city, excitement. This was my 2nd SSB, 1st medical out because of myopia (NDA batch 121). I did LASIK 2 years ago for that and came again. SSB after 8 long years and nervousness to prove “I HAVE IT IN ME” second time. I am accompanied with 2 more friends and tried to get some hotel but all hotels are previously occupied and others are too costly. Then one of friend told me about Gurudwara, we checked the availability of rooms there and yes we got one. Good start and help by god itself.
Day 1:
Documents verified, and filled up some forms. We all had breakfast, fueled with tea. Screening test took place, I wrote proper story and did as instructions given. At the time of discussion fish market is formed, as expected. Everybody was trying to express himself. One of the officers stopped us and divided group into half. I was in 2nd group, 1st group discussion was messed up. Nobody was listening to anyone, they just went on. Same thing happened with our group but I jumped into the discussion with loud voice and others came down. Discussion last for 2 minL, that’s it 2 min!! Then aptitude test was good, almost attempted all questions. And to my joy when result came out I was screened in. 37 out of 332 were screened in. Out of 37, 10 were already recommended, 15 repeaters, 12 freshers. What I understand that to get screened in most imp is to express yourself good and be good listener. Then we filled up PIQ forms and other documents. Then I had dinner with friends.
Day 2:
Got up early (most of engineers sleep at that time) and took bath with cold water as all geyser bathrooms were occupied. TAT was good. WAT was not as I expected even I have attempted all. And I messed up sequence in SRTL. Not feeling good because the mess I have done and here come another shock, I was called up for interview and I am first to get interviewed.
TAT- attempted all stories.
WAT- 60 words
SRT- 40
PI: Interviewing officer started with my performance in physiological tests. Then he asked about my day and previous SSB interview. Then he asked about my whole life from 4th standard to engineering and my previous job. 2 long questions in between and then he asked me about sports and I messed up here. I was not aware of dimensions of Hockey field; even I am not able to answer him about HILL. Then he asked me technical questions and I answered some of themL. He asked me speed-distance-time question and general knowledge about India. Most of my interview was based on my personal life and relation. Question to think on was “WHY DON’T I HAVE ANY GIRLFRIEND?” My dear single friends please prepare for this question, don’t ignore. Any question will make you a hero from a zero in front of IO. Overall interview was not up to my expectations; I could have done better. I was feeling too bad for day 1, all I did was mess. In the evening I called up mom, she boosted me up for day 2.
Day 2 and 3:
GTO was best thing about SSB.
Group discussion: listen more, talk sense, give valid and logical points and support good points. Quality matters here.
Group tasks: be listener, supporter, give new solutions, encourage team.
Lecturette: if you are good with group you can get through as it gives you confidence to speak on and give a shit.
Overall GTO tasks were good. I had given my best. Well done!! Went to Vanvihar with friends, did cycling and enjoyed a lot. All stress went off. You must do something to remove your stress and to give a best next day.
Day 4:
Everybody was tied up for conference. We exchanged each other’s contacts. When my turn came it was good to see everyone in uniform. My IO asked me few simple questions about stay and all. He asked me to leave and I thanked him and left. One of the officers came up with results and he announced randomly. 4 were recommended and I am the last to be announced. Out of 10 already recommended people they selected 4, this means it doesn’t matter if you are previously recommended or not but what matters is your performance during SSB. I felt sad for friends but it’s just a part of life (haar k baad hi jeet hai J). Most imp thing is I got 36 more friends.
Medicals went smooth. Got 2 temporary rejectionsL. I cleared them in BHDC. I cleared all the tests.
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Yes success can be delayed by 8 years but cannot be denied. Even if you cannot did best in one task or day, you can still have chance to win; don’t lose hopes. Thanks to all my batch mates (especially Rohan and Sachin).
Happy with the merit list, 2nd in merit list of SSCT-46, and ready to.SERVE THE NATION WITH HONOUR.
“VANDE MATARAM”
Pankaj Bendre
