“It always seems impossible until it is done.” This quote by Nelson Mandela perfectly encapsulates my journey, culminating in the moment the training officer announced my chest number as the only recommended candidate in SSB Interview.
Day 1: Reporting and Screening Test
I reported to the Selection Centre Central in Bhopal on 10th March. After document verification, we were allotted chest numbers. We were taken to the examination hall for the OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) tests 1 and 2. The OIR questions were straightforward but required good logical and analytical skills, and accuracy was crucial.
After completing the OIR tests, the psychologist explained the PPDT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test) instructions and showed us a picture of 4-5 individuals trekking a mountain. We were divided into groups of eight for the PPDT narration and discussion. I initiated the discussion in my group and provided solid points to drive the discussion in the proper direction. Our group reached a common consensus, but the assessors did not ask us to narrate the common story. Everyone was happy and satisfied with their participation.
After lunch, the results were announced, and 21 candidates were screened in. I was allotted chest number 3. The result announcement was followed by a session from the Senior GTO, who explained the process for the next four days. Our documents were reverified, and we were given three copies of the PIQ (Personal Information Questionnaire) to fill out.
Day 2: Psychological Tests and Interview
The second day began with psychological tests. I completed all WAT (Word Association Test) stories truthfully, displaying my true self. I finished 55 WAT and 45 SRT (Situation Reaction Test) responses, ensuring all were logical and well-written.
My interview was conducted by the Board Deputy President and lasted around 1 hour and 15 minutes, longer than average. I was asked many technical questions due to my strong background in computer science. The interviewer also asked several questions about physics, given my JEE rank, including Bernoulli’s principle, buoyancy, conservation of energy, and torque. Based on my PIQ, I was asked about my hometown, Mathura, and current events happening there. I was also questioned about the training location for the SSC(IT) course and my understanding of the job.
I answered all questions confidently, and the interviewer seemed satisfied. I was grilled on most technical questions to ensure I understood the concepts properly. After the interview, I checked the answers to the questions I was unsure about at the center cyber cafe.
Day 3: Group Testing 1
We reported to the GTO grounds at 6 AM and were divided into three groups of seven each. Since my group consisted of freshers, we had interactive and healthy discussions in both GD (Group Discussion) and GPE (Group Planning Exercise). I initiated the discussions most of the time and provided logical points to drive the group to consensus. In GPE, I accounted for details like the time taken to reach a point by dividing the scaled distance by the approximate speed of the mode of travel.
After a small break for refreshments, PGT (Progressive Group Task) commenced. I actively participated, providing effective ideas and leading the group. I made sure to carry the load and all team members across obstacles while adhering to the rules. In GOR (Group Obstacle Race), our group faced challenging competition from the two repeater groups but managed to finish the race in second place. In the individual obstacles, I completed eight obstacles.
Later that evening, we watched the movie “Maidan” in an open-air theatre. Everyone enjoyed the movie, and the rainy weather added to the experience.
Day 4: Group Testing 2
The fourth day started with the lecturette. I confidently delivered my lecture on “Relations of India with Southeast Asian Nations,” discussing historical similarities, multilateral developments, common disagreements regarding China’s influence in the South China Sea, and military exercises. After the lecturette, we had the HGT (Half Group Task), which went smoothly with effective participation from everyone. During the command task, I completed my task well before the time limit, so the GTO asked for an alternative method. I quickly implemented my ideas with the help of my two chosen subordinates, and the GTO seemed satisfied. In the FGT (Final Group Task), the obstacles were tougher than in PGT, but I provided better ideas and completed the obstacle with some hints from the GTO.
After lunch, we were given an outpass to explore Bhopal for three hours. Our entire board visited Upper Lake and Manubhan Ki Tekri. After returning to the center, I played table tennis and watched TV for a while.
Day 5: Conference and Results
We got ready and reached the conference venue by 7 AM. Addl IO Sir briefed us about the conference procedure and asked for any feedback or concerns about our stay. I had to wait around five minutes before my turn. I greeted the board officers and sat at my designated place. The board president asked me to rate my performance in all three areas. I rated myself 8 out of 10 in GTO and 8.5 out of 10 each in Psych and Interview. When asked why I rated GTO lower, I provided my reasons.
They also asked about my visit to Bhopal the previous day. The conference concluded in around 3-4 minutes. Afterward, we were provided refreshments while waiting for all the candidates to finish their conferences. When the conference for all candidates was completed, we were called back inside the hall, and our chest numbers were taken back. We were given our mobile phones.
The psych officer then announced the results, mentioning that only one candidate was recommended. When he announced chest number 3, I was momentarily frozen as my entire journey flashed before my eyes. I stood up, spelled my name and date of birth, and was asked to stand outside the room. While standing there, I felt immense satisfaction and happiness. The psych officer came out, shook my hand, and congratulated me. It was an incredible moment, a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.
The SSB experience was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It taught me the value of perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief. To all aspiring candidates, remember that with determination and hard work, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved.
