Hello,  I’m Vidul Thimanna AIR 1 TES 38. I wrote an article Quora a month ago on some tips on getting recommended. I hope it would do. I used to read a lot of articles on SSBCrack during my preparation. 

Screening in

The key to getting screened in is confidence: if you narrate your story confidently, 90% of your work is done. It will form a good impression on the assessors as well as the other candidates before the discussion.

Interview

Face the interview like you are having a conversation with an inquisitive old friend of your father. Smile, laugh, enjoy the interview. Introspection is highly important to keep your thoughts organised for the interview- delve deeper into your personality, family members, hobbies, interests, memories, habits, teachers, friends. Writing is a great way to introspect. If your dad’s in the army know his history- his regiment, postings, when was he commissioned, courses he’s done, etc. Be thorough with current affairs, general knowledge, latest defence deals and procurements, etc. If you don’t know the answer to a question say “I don’t know, Sir” boldly and assure him that you will find out and tell him the answer in the conference.

Psychology

Hello friends my name is Anish Desai and I got recommended from 24 SSB Bangalore for IMA-144 DE. I have completed my graduation in Mechanical Engineering in 2016 & currently, I am working in a Pvt firm. This was my 5^th attempt, the previous attempts were as follows:

So the journey was long and demoralizing, but with persistence and determination I kept on working hard and eventually nailed it.

I would like to quote that:

“Each struggle, each defeat, sharpens your skills & strengths, your courage and your endurance, your ability and your confidence and thus each obstacle is a comrade-in-arms forcing you to become better……or quit.”

And one more;

“When heaven is about to confer a great office on any man, it first disciplines his mind with sufferings”

So, I would divide this in 3 parts:

1. My success story
2. How did Dr Cdr Natarajan Sir’s video lectures help.
3. Personal inputs.

So my story goes as follows;

I had to report @ 2pm to Bangalore. 50 students reported out of which 2 were sent back due to lack of documents and then we were allotted our barracks.

Day 1: Our screening process started @6.30 am. The OIR was difficult. In 1^st test (Verbal) I could attempt only 30/45 {There were people who could complete 15-20 and were screened in) and in 2^nd test (Non-verbal) I attempted 42/45. After OIR it was time for the PPDT. We were shown a quiet clear picture (a man playing with his child) and I was not able to think a story on it. I started with a bad story and when 3 mins were done, I had a different story in mind. So I messed up completely during writing the story. My story was only of 5-6 lines. After 4 mins our paper was taken back and told to wait for DT. During this time I kept on making a different and meaningful story in my mind. After around 30 mins we were called in for DT. We were 13 in our group. We were given our story paper to read the story. I didn’t open it and after 20 secs the paper were taken back and the narration started. My turn was 3^rd and I narrated my story confidently and maintained a smiling disposure. After everyone’s turn the GD started and it was complete fish market. I kept calm and tried to contribute. After around 50 secs one of the officer got up and told us to stop and said ‘the discussion was chaotic, it could have been better. You may get up and leave now’. And our discussion was over in a minute.

After around 1 hr results were declared and 24/48 students were selected. Out of 24 only 6 were fresher’s/screen-out. (From our group 4/13 students were screened in.)

{In my story, I focused on details and narrated it confidently by proper introduction and voice modulation & completed my narration in 1 min.}

Later we were given new chest numbers and told to fill up PIQ and other forms and allotted barracks. My chest number was 11.

Day 2:  Psychology & Interview (Of 12 candidates)

We were told to report at 7.30 am and our tests started at 8.00 am.

The psychologist came in and explained us about the various tests which will be conducted. Later he told us to close our eyes and relax by taking deep breaths for about 20 secs after which he started with TAT.

TAT: Out of the 11 pictures 3 were accident scenes, 3 were of camping/trekking, 2 were related to group-studies, 1 was people working in a group, 1 was of a person climbing a ladder and 1 was of a person rushing out of his house. I observed the pictures carefully for full 30 secs and wrote short and crisp stories by focusing on the details. In blank slide I wrote about the road trip which I went with my family.

WAT: 60 words back to back…..boom the test was done in 15 mins. I could write about 50-52 sentences only. I couldn’t think about sentences on many words, so I skipped them and went ahead. I wrote what came to mind first and took care that my beliefs, GK and opinions are reflected in my responses.

SRT: I could attempt only 38 SRT’s in 30 mins, but my responses were crisp and complete.

SDT: We were told to write paragraphs on:

1. What your parents think of you
2. What your teachers/employers think of you
3. What your friends think about you
4. What you think about yourself
5. Qualities you would like to improve

This time I had not prepared my SD before-hand. I wrote all the responses on the spot. I wrote about my strengths in the 1^st four paragraphs and weaknesses only in the last paragraph.

Overall my psychology was not so good but I had followed the thought “Quality matters over quantity” and hence I was optimistic about my performance.

{I was totally free-minded and positive during the entire test which helped me write down my thoughts in a natural flow. I wrote down whatever came to my mind first and thus it projected my originality.}

Later on from 12pm, interviews started and 12 candidates were interviewed.

We interacted with them and got to know about the GK and technical questions been asked by the IO.

Day 3:GTO-1 and Interview (Of 9 candidates)

We were divided into 3 groups of 8 each and our testing started at 7.00am.

GD-1: Topic 1: To make India a better economy which of the system will be better.

1. Make all transactions cashless
2. Scrap all denominations above Rs100
3. The current system

           Topic 2: For India to be a superpower which country would be better?

1. USA
2. China
3. Israel

We decided to speak on the 1^st topic. We had a healthy GD and everyone got chance to speak. All were having good points to say. I entered the GD early and kept on adding points. I contributed to the group 5-6 times and appreciated others view as well. We discussed for about 20 mins after which sir told us to stop.

GD-2: Topic: To make Swaach Bharat Abhiyaan a success which one of the following is required.

1. Recycling waste
2. Severe punishment for those who throw away the wastes in open
3. River cleaning

I initiated this GD by supporting my point with a fact. Later on I kept contributing to the GD and spoke for 6-7 times. This GD was also very good and we could give out good points. Again I appreciated good points of others. This GD also went for about 20 mins.

{In both the GD’s I continued to speak on one lead only. I followed Cdr Natarajan Sir’s advice; speak crisply, come back, let others speak, again speak crisply and so on……}

GPE: Sir explained us the setup and read out the story. Then we were given out the narrative to read and figure it out with the layout in front. Then we were given 10 mins to write down our individual story. I wrote the story by mentioning the Aim, Priorities, Resources, Solution. After writing the story our sheets were taken back and discussion started. Initially it was fish market but later on everyone was discussing nicely. Again I contributed to the discussion about 6-7 times with logical points. After 15 mins sir told us to conclude our discussion and nominate one person from group to explain the solution to sir. My group nominated me to narrate it and I did it properly by considering everyone’s point. No one objected the common story.

After GPE our sir told us that we didn’t discuss about time as distance and also scolded us that despite been repeaters we didn’t do it and continued his scolding for about 5 mins.

PGT: After GPE we were taken to GTO grounds for PGT. Sir explained us about the task and also briefed about the rules. Then we were given 45 mins to complete the PGT. The 1^st task was very easy and everyone had ideas. I also gave an idea once and helped others to place the planks and ballis and also gave a helping hand to people going ahead. We completed 1^st obstacle in 5 mins. The 2^nd was little difficult. I gave ideas but I couldn’t go inside as everyone was trying to go in. I decided to stay out and give my ideas and help team members as much as I can. We completed 2^nd obstacle in 10-15 mins. Then we went ahead on to 3^rd obstacle which was very difficult. Again everyone wanted to go in. I helped and started giving ideas from start line. Then 3 candidates who were inside were not getting ideas, so sir told them 2 of them to come back and told that those who have ideas please go ahead and implement it. I went ahead along with 2 other and as we were 3 in total, sir shouted at me and told, chest no. 11 who told you to come ahead, go back! That was devastating. I thought my chances of been recommended by GTO have ended. But never the less I kept on giving ideas from the start line and helped the group to clear the obstacle. After we completed the 3^rd obstacle, sir told to stop and PGT was over.

HGT: We were divided in 2 groups according to odd-even chest no. So I was in group with odd no. Our task started and 1 guy was continuously saying I have an idea. I tried to give ideas but he dominated. We went ahead with his idea and our HGT was done in 5 mins.

GOR: The most exciting GTO task. 3 groups were told to race against each other and tackle a total of 6 obstacles. Our war cry was ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and the GOR started with full josh. Our group was stuck for long in 2^nd obstacle (8 Shaped) and other groups went ahead. None the less we were cohesive and continued with same josh. Eventually during high wall obstacles we went ahead of both the groups as we tackled those very efficiently and completed all the 6 obstacles. As we were much ahead of other groups(By 45-50secs), our GTO told 4 members of our group to repeat an obstacle and even after that other groups were behind us, so he told us to count reverse from 10-1 and then after all group completed 6 obstacles we ran towards the final line and all groups completed the race at almost same time and thus GOR came to an end.

{I always helped others while tackling the obstacles.}

Lectt: After GOR was our lecturette, the most stressful tasks in the GTO series. We had to select a card one by one and speak on 1 topic. My topics were:

1. Charity begins at home
2. Movie censorship
3. Journalism in India
4. Endangered Species

I choose to speak on endangered species. Out of the 3 mins time given to prepare I spent almost 2 mins to decide the topic. Then I decided to speak on 4^th topic and finalize 4 parts in which I will deliver the lecture. I started with full confidence and continued speaking anything that was coming to my mind. After 2.5 mins the GTO rang the warning bell and I started concluding and then to my disappointment he rang the final bell after 10 secs and I couldn’t conclude. I was shocked and couldn’t believe what happened. After lectt GTO-Day1 was done.

9 candidates were interviewed after GTO-1. My Interview was still pending……

Day-4: GTO-2 and Interview (Of 3 candidates)

IOR: We were told to report @6.30am and then started with IOR. Sir explained us about all the 10 obstacles and gave us 1 min to go around and decide the sequence we would like to follow. After which the test started in sequential manner. I started with balancing beam and completed all the 10 obstacles in 3 mins. Everyone in our group completed 10 obstacles. (We were told by the JCO in the initial briefing that do balancing beam at start or the end.)

CT: After IOR we had our Command task. The most important task in the GTO series. Sir told us that he will be calling us randomly. So the tasks started and I was called as sub-ordinates 2 times. Later on my turn came 7^th in the group. While taking me towards the task sir asked me about my current job, previous attempts and what improvement have I done in this attempt. I answered them properly and then sir told me call 2 subordinates. I wished good morning to my subordinates and then briefed them about the task and also explained them the rules. My task was little difficult. It had 3 paths to cross the obstacle. I choose 1 path and worked along with subordinates to bridge the gaps. I had to make improvised cantilever to cross over and sir also created little pressure by reducing my time. Thus I completed the obstacle in around 10 mins. Later on sir told my subordinates to go back and asked me to cross the obstacle using other path. During this time he put lot of pressure on me. He also told me to assume certain structures to be red. After all this I was able to complete the task in 10 mins after which sir told me to keep the helping materials at start line and go back. I was very satisfied after my CT.

[In our group there were 3 candidates (including me) to whom sir told to send back their subordinates during CT and work alone; and we 3 were recommended from our group of 8.]

FGT: Our FGT was done in fast forward mode and completed in 2 mins.

With this GTO ended.

{During the entire GTO series I adhered to the instructions given by the JCO and the officer. I was careful not to be break any rule during the outdoor tasks. I always stayed with the group and did not dominate in any task}                                                                                      

Interview: Now only 3 of us were left (chest no 9, 10, 11). Chest no 9 was called immediately after the GTO and 10 and I were told to change into formals and report back in 10 mins.

I was called in for interview immediately after reporting back in formals. I was totally relaxed and calm. I entered the room with full confidence with permission of sir. Sir came to me wish me good morning and we had a handshake. He told me to take my sit and the interview started.

He started by “Tell me something about Mumbai” to which I was thoroughly prepared and spoke for 5 mins. Later on he started rapid fire questions. 1^st rapid fire was related to my job and answered everything properly by sticking to the sequence as far as possible. He grilled me over my management of salary when I said that I save specific amount of my salary. He asked me about all the various investment options which I choose for saving. I answered all the question properly. 2^nd rapid fire was about my education, teachers, placement,extra-curricular activities etc. Again I answered all the questions properly. He grilled me over the placement as I choose to join Analytics Sector instead of going for my Core sector. 3^rd rapid fire was about my friends….tell me about your friends, close friends, why do you consider them to be close…how do you spend time together etc. He asked me to tell 1 thing which I would like to improve in my close friends and 1 thing which your close friends would like to improve in you. 4^th rapid fire was related to family like, how many members….how do you contribute to home…how you spend time together…etc. When I told about the travelling I had done with my family, he started pressurizing me by asking a lot of counter questions. During this I also told about the road trip which we went. Then from this started the technical questions. How much CC car do you have….types of engines….difference between 2 stroke and 4 stroke…..difference between SI and CI engines…..Doppler effect. Then he asked me about the international time line and date line. After this he asked me about my neighbourhood friends and which all activities we do together. Then he asked me about my sports and hobbies. Then he asked me about my college days….how much pocket money I used to get and how I use to spend it. Then he asked about my performance in Psych….how did u perform….how many WAT and SRT did you attempt and then he gave me a SRT and kept on pressurizing me. I answered it properly. Then he asked about my GTO performance….which task did you like etc. After this he said, “Thank you gentlemen it was pleasure talking to you. Now all your tasks are over, go to your barracks and relax. You have done your best. All the best.” And the interview was over.

{My interview lasted for around 50 mins. Overall I was very calm and confident and maintained a smiling face and proper body language as well. I was pretty confident about the selection after the interview.}

Day 5:Conference

Finally the day arrived. We were told to report @7.00 am. After which the JCO came in and gave us the basic instructions. He then took us to the conference room and explained us about the proceedings and how to enter and leave the room. After which we were taken to an auditorium where the Dy President of the board briefed us about the conference. He also told that, before applying for any job we first go through the Job Description of the role, similarly the Job Description for joining the Armed Forces is those set of 15 OLQ’s which we look for in candidates. He explained us the meaning of each OLQ and then wished us luck for the conference. Soon after the conference started.

I was made to wait for 4-5 mins outside the room. When the bell rang, I went in confidently and wished the president of the board and he told me take my sit. I was asked 3 questions. How was your stay in Bangalore? Where all did you go during these 5 days? Any suggestions?

I answered all properly. Sir then wished me all the best and I said thank you and got up from my chair. As I was going out, sir wished me all the best again, I said thank you and left the room happily. After this I was sure about my recommendation. After everybody’s conference was over we were called back in the same auditorium. This time different officer came in with a file in his hands. He briefed us a little. Told us not to lose hope if we don’t make it this time and so on……Later he told, now I will announce the results and started with chest no 3….8….10…and I was waiting for number to be called and it came….chest no 11….with tears rolling down my eyes I went ahead, told my name and stood in the line….later he told chest no 13….and that’s it gentlemen.

All our friends congratulated us and they were told to go back to the luggage point. The moment had finally arrived, for which I was waiting from long. I informed my parents and then we were taken for further documentations.

So a total of 5 candidates were recommended out of which 4 were repeaters.

About Bangalore Selection Board: The board is situated in the centre of the city and is very vast and comprises of 3 boards, 12SSB for Navy and 17SSB & 24SSB for Army. There is very good library which vast collections of books and internet room as well. They also have a movie hall where movies are screened. There is ground for volleyball & basketball. Indoor games like pool, chess and carom are also available.

How did Dr Cdr Natarajan Sir’s video lectures help?

Well, I would say that this is by far the best product available in the market for SSB preparation. Each and everything is explained in a lucid manner. I watched the video of OLQ’s many times and ingested those definitions in myself. After coming to know what exactly is seen in the candidate, I started preparing with new zeal. I went through all the lectures and came to know about the points where I need improvement. The GTO lectures proved to be a boon as I came to know about the application of cantilever practically. Also, the whatsapp group created by sir helped in practising Psychology on a daily basis. Other members of group also helped each other by providing the GK material and related stuff. I would like to thank Chetan Kumar for his support and help. Finally I would like to thank sir for such a wonderful product.

Personal Inputs;

Friends, I would like to say that;

• Always have faith in your abilities, you are the best and you can do it!
• Be natural and prompt in your responses during the SSB
• Don’t be anxious about the result
• Always be positive, happy and motivated
• Keep working hard and most importantly keep improving. Never stop learning
• Don’t let your emotions control your mind.

Whenever you feel low watch this video;

Unbroken- Indian Army Officer Motivational video.

I also suggest you to watch the following TED talks:

1. Your body language may shape who you are by Amy Cuddy; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc&list=LLYRXbuEFs4W-CUbut7uoe1w&index=1&t=4s
2. How to stay calm when you know you’ll be stressed by Daniel Levitin; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jPQjjsBbIc&t=14s
3. The skill of self-confidence by Dr Ivan Joseph; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-HYZv6HzAs

And there are many more….just browse over and find relevant videos to keep yourself charged up.

Start reading on Quora, we might get to know a lot of things. Here’s some interesting stories;

1. Read Jayanth Sai Shiva’s answer: https://www.quora.com/I-have-read-lots-of-books-but-forgotten-most-of-them-Whats-the-purpose-of-reading-2
2. https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-thing-that-you-read-today/answer/Harsh-Dalal-12?share=a983f14b&srid=uh6nC

I would like to end by saying that:

“Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will”

So be motivated and never give up.

Jai Hind!

BEST SSB INTERVIEW VIDEO COURSE BY DR CDR NK NATARAJAN

There is a famous quote of a famous book “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho:

‘And, when you want Something, All the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve It’

Hello future officers, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to tell you about my story to join the Indian Army and the efforts that went into it. The first step was 6 years ago when I cleared NDA exam but couldn’t attend SSB due to certain circumstances. During Bachelors, I got notification of UES. I prepared hard for it and was shortlisted for Indian Army. I went to attend SSB in Bangalore on 17 February 2015 and unfortunately, during that time, I was completely unaware about the procedure but still I got screened in. During next 4 days, I studied a lot about current affairs of that time and about Armed Forces but was conferenced out. It was really painful as I didn’t foresee any reasons of my rejection. I was unable to handle this rejection and it made me down spirited for a few days.

Lesson learnt: Isn’t it foolish not to learn about the selection procedure of one of the toughest recruitment process beforehand? You know the answer!

For first-attempters: First attempt is a golden opportunity. I would say that there are good chances of going in if you put decent efforts.

After my Engineering, I got to know about TGC-122 and I applied for it, few weeks later I got SSB call for the same in Bhopal and it brought contentment in me. Now I began to analyze the chances of getting in based on my previous experiences. I assumed that working a little than the previous time would pave me into success easily. So, I searched for coaching institutes in New Delhi and enrolled there. To this day, I regret that as one of the worst decisions of my life. Joining a coaching institute killed my conscience and I was made to think in a way which they wanted everyone to think. This is not only deterring my abilities, but also diminishing my confidence levels as I could not keep up with their ‘trained’ methods of cognition. I had to mug up so many models of TAT & WAT and attempted SSB Bhopal.I was necked out the very first day.

Lesson learnt: Coaching is something that helps you in pushing your limitations as a person in achieving your goal. But, as the businesses are prevalent, it is rare to see any support to a candidate. Instead, one is coached to remember and memorize methods and models which would only take you a step away in the other direction. Let me narrate an anecdote, Every time I see a picture showing a cricket playing scene in TAT, I was asked to remind myself of Sachin Tendulkar imagine him parading his batting skills in his favorite ground. When I went to the SSB, I did the same ignoring the subtle differences in the picture displayed.

I got a job offer from a company and joined the corporation and I also started CDS preparations. I gave CDS, it went really well and after few months of waiting, I got a call for SSB. I started preparing for SSB, practiced psychology test, prepared lecturette topics and current affairs. Whenever I got free time from my busy schedule in office I prepared for my SSB. I took a leave for 5 days and went to Allahabad travelling for 36 hours without a hint of tiredness as the excitement of SSB took me over. Next day, I got screened in and I was a step closer towards my dream. During psychology test, due to time constraints, I was anxious and couldn’t let my mind run. I ended up attempting illogical and preconceived answers in WAT. Also, my performance in Interview and GTO was worse than expected. I got conferenced out and I travelled those 36 hours to Mumbai, but this time, the journey was so tiresome after a few hours.

Lesson learnt: Ingenuity matters; SSB is one of the procedures where you will be analyzed for being you by various well-established techniques by experienced assessors. If one goes in with pre-conceived notions, also make sure to get your heart broken in a very nasty way.

Have you ever heard ‘Imitation is the death of Knowledge’? Joining a coaching center exactly does the same as long as one loose themselves in the process. Just be inspired from the success and work on a way that fits you the most. Often people who imitate the successful person is likely to fail. This is more evident in the psychology test. An experience in GTO and Interview always helps. Even if you wish to seek help, just keep an advice in mind not to compromise your true self, always maintain originality of your responses.

I’d suggest a book ‘An appointment with a Psychologist’ by Krish Nair and Anoop.T and ‘Breaking The Code of SSB Psychological Tests’ by SSBCrack to understand the vulnerabilities that we possess and methods to overcome them. I also believe that it is available online for Minimal Cost.

Here are the tips for modules of SSB that I feel would help a prospective candidate:

TAT:

Life has different ways of teaching different things to people and also not in the same way. I had to retrospect each instance of my life that is worth a memory to correlate them to the sequence of Problems, Actions and Positive Outcomes. Be it in any instance like, school camp, basketball tournament, volleyball tournament, vacations with family and friends, study plans for competitive exams, friends and family matters, each has an aspect, and poses at least a problem or a complexity for me to resolve.

I formed stories on all the events and framed it in a well-versed sequence includes 3 things – Problem, Actions, Positive Outcome. During SSB I tried to relate these stories with TAT pictures. For example, I was shown a picture where few students are looking at notice board. For that, I wrote my story on campus placement interviews where an imaginary main character saw a notice pasted on the notice board that a company is visiting the college for recruiting and how the character is planning to be successful in this Interview.

In another picture, a boy is talking to his father in a room. So, I wrote my own instance of how I convinced my father to study at Symbiosis Pune after 12th class.

So that’s how I linked the TAT stories with everyday instances of my life. I would also suggest not to throw up everything about your instances in your life as this may put the entire SSB in jeopardy. But in general, try showcasing a positive sense and avoid social issues like stealing, robbery, rape, molestation, murder and suicide.  Also, try to link your PIQ with Psychology test. Like, I mentioned Basketball, volley ball, weight training, Sudoku in my PIQ, and in TAT, I wrote most of my stories on them.

WAT: This is the most challenging test I found during my first few SSB attempts because here I used to give responses that are mugged up. As hard as it is to believe, I learnt more than 600 scenarios of WAT and I used to shoot the same during the test. Every time I encountered any WAT, then my first response was not my original one and to get rid of it, which I consider is very essential, I did brain storming exercises and concentrated on being original in many ways.Like, during one WAT I had to generate 5 sentences and I followed it for many days and it helped me in opening of my saturated mind.

Tips: Avoid words like I, can, should, could, may, would and third person like He, She in the sentences as it mostly shows uncertainty. Also, avoid advisory sentences, idioms and phrases to be on a safer side.Try to give short responses so that one can finish before 15 seconds.

SRT: This test, I emphasize again, would be easy if you try to be original and understand the limitations of you as a normal human being. Don’t be a Superman here. Let’s say you’ve encountered a group of armed robbers with pistols in their hands and they wanted all of your belongings and you were asked about your response.

Most Superman candidates respond that I will fight and snatch their weapons and make them run. Seriously? Fighting a group of armed robbers with bare hands? Remember that there is fine line between courage and stupidity so analyze the given situation and act accordingly.

This response is ideal in this case: I didn’t make much argument with them, gave my belongings, later went to Police station, lodged FIR and helped Police to identify them.

Tips: Don’t ignore punctuation as this has the ability to alter what you meant. You can do a lot to solve a given problem. But the question is, will you really do, or is it at least feasible to do all what you write? Write short responses to save the time.

SD: Seek honest feedbacks from the people around you. Friends, Teachers, Siblings, Parents, Colleagues, Boss and take their opinion about you. Like, what are the qualities they like and what they don’t. I filled more than 3 pages about what my parents think about me, and around 2 pages with what my friends and teachers think about me. Later, I curtailed everyone’s information to form a SD of my own.

Tips: Prepare SD beforehand and this is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted at any costs.

After doing this I was almost sure that I will get through in my next SSB and waiting for my next SSB call and I got TGC 123 in Allahabad again. I had to convince my Boss for a 7 day-leave for SSB and then I booked my tickets and went to Allahabad. My train supposed to reach there at 5.00 and I am supposed to be at the center by 6. And, the train was late, yet somehow, I managed to reach on time and I was shocked to see more than 600 students on the reporting day and it made me nervous again. I did well in OIR, but being in a repeater group, I hardly spoke in GD and got screen out on the very first day. Although it was very painful to be rejected in the first day, I had to accept it and go back to Mumbai the very next day.

Tips: Don’t be anxious and just concentrate on your deed. If not, pretend that you are the best among all of them.

I don’t want to leave any stone unturned so I attempted CDS and AFCAT exams and cleared both. Now, I was very optimistic about SSB of CDS, AFCAT back to back. I choose my AFCAT Center in Dehradun in May 2016 and reached there with high spirits. But in an unfortunate turn of events, the names are mismatched on the documentation and I was sent back. I was so reluctant to go back but I had to. I left the place in tears cursing my ill-luck. But, you can never change the past and there is no point in crying over it. I went back to my work place and resumed my office work.

Tips: Fill the forms with extreme care. You wouldn’t want to be sent home like this.

Before CDS, I had to attend naval SSB in Coimbatore in July 2016, I was unable to ask for a leave from my Boss again because he was already furious with my frequent leave for SSBs. So, I didn’t inform my boss and went Coimbatore and attended SSB and got screened out and I came back on the same day and went office next day and told my Boss that I got sudden headache and that’s why I didn’t come office yesterday.

Then something strange started happening with me that despite of hard-work and well-versed preparations, I faced a long streak of failures. See them:

• CDS SSB (July 2016 Bhopal)- screen out
• TGC 124 (Oct 2016, Bangalore) – Screen out
• SSC Tech (Dec. 2016, Bangalore) – Screen out
• CDS (Feb 2017, Bhopal) – Screen out
• TGC 125 (Mar 2017, Bangalore) – Screen out

I was at the lowest and most depressing phase of my life because these continuous failures were making me sleepless and I was not able to figure out the improvements I had to work on.The preparations for psych tests, GTO and Interview were in vain because I couldn’t even clear the first step.

All I wanted for some time is to get screened in and then I got CDS SSB (July 2017, Bangalore). And this time, after 1 year of long wait, I got screened in. My confidence was on peak after it and I did Psych test with calm mind and first time I enjoyed it. In first day of GTO series I was good in both GD and gave logical points. But here comes the sad part. In GPE, in order to finish quickly I misjudged the scale given and made my plan according to it. Then in GD, I realized my blunder and in a second all my confidence came down collapsing. I ended up being quiet in GD to hide my mistake in front of officer. Then, I carried this stress in all further tasks and my performance was not upto my own expectations. I was conferenced out from here but at least, I got to know on which factors I still need to work on.

My life was taking so many turns and I got admitted in one of the top 30 Technological universities in the world for higher studies in Sweden. I have two months before leaving for Sweden so I left my job and instead of preparing for new life in Sweden, I was preparing myself for my next SSB, I knew it is my last chance so this time there should not be any room for the mistakes. I prepared for OIR by solving aptitude questions on regular basis, practiced psych test by taking care of the time, improved my writing speed and even tried to improve my handwriting to a legible level. I used same type of pen for 2 months so that I can have good grip on it and can save my few seconds during test.

I prepared myself for personal interview and recalled all my previous SSB interview questions and framed my answers, I refreshed my technical knowledge and practiced mock interviews in front of mirror, many times my siblings helped me being the interviewer and sometimes my friends.

I asked GD topics to all people I’ve met during all these SSBs of their batch and prepared all of them by making notes. I have few friends who want nothing else in their lives but to join Army. So, on mobile conference call, we used to have group discussion on any random topics. For GPE, I practiced few sets that I downloaded from internet, I prepared more than 100 topics for lecturette on which I can speak more than 10 minutes and practiced these with my siblings and friends. Here are a few topics that I prepared:

• India and its relationship with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Bhutan, China, Russia, USA, Israel.
• Kashmir issue
• INDO-US Nuclear Deal,
• Terrorism
• ISIS
• Politics of South China Sea
• OBOR
• CPEC
• String of Pearls
• Paris Climate summit
• Climate change, Global warming and Pollution
• Tourism in India
• Media’s role
• Women Empowerment
• Crime against Women
• Sports in India
• Obesity
• Make in India
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
• Land acquisition Bill
• Corruption
• Digital India
• DRDO
• ISRO,
• BRICS
• Net neutrality
• Doklam problem
• Qatar crisis
• GST
• Demonetization
• E-payments
• Globalization
• India as a next Super Power
• India seat in UN security council
• E-education
• Naxalism
• Article 370
• AFSPA
• Sustainable energy

I ran daily and spent hours in gym to have good stamina, read daily newspapers to keep me updated with world. I kept hunting for knowledge about anything and everything relevant to Fauj.

I had my tickets for Sweden on 20th August and my TGC-126 SSB on 3rd August and was hoping to crack SSB in this attempt. I went to Allahabad and witnessed around 500 students and yet I felt confident. I gave OIR with a stress-free mind and later PPDT and narrated my story confidently and spoke well in GD after PPDT I was more than sure that I will be selected and it happened. Then in psych test I performed good and I still consider it as my best Psych test till date because I did 60/60 WAT and in every WAT, I used to have 3 to 5 seconds in hand, I did 60/60 SRT before time. I was called for Interview and it went for around 1 hour, I gave point replies and my I.O looked fairly satisfied with me.

Then comes the GTO,

My both GD was good. I spoke on all 3 leads mentioned, listened to others calmly and giving other members a chance to speak. In GPE, I made good plan and had good participation in its GD. In PGT, I was confident enough to do all 4 obstacle ground tasks and when officer asked me how much time your group need to finish all 4 and I said 20 minutes, he looked at me and said a yes. We were doing great as a group and kept crossing ground one by one. But in last one, he yelled that my time is running out, and was yelling at us to do fast, do fast and it brought stressed me out in me that was clearly visible on my face. With my over enthusiasm and excitement blew my GTO tasks after PGT my other tasks were good but in command task my GTO officer played the same time game and kept pressurizing me by criticizing my ideas of solving task due to which I was looking confused boy without any ideas.

On the conference day, I was expecting my chest number among the recommended candidates and when the results were announced, I was nowhere in it. I waited for a little while hoping that the officer hasn’t completed the results. But it became clear that I was not selected when the officer declaring results walked away. I think this is the time I felt that my dream of joining the Army has come to an end.

I went home and then I decided to move to Sweden for higher studies as this is the next best option. I was ready to face everything and went to Stockholm leaving behind all failures. I unfollowed all SSB related pages from my Facebook account because every single post from those pages reminded me of my failures and a dream left unachieved. Life in Sweden here come on a better track and I was studying hard in the first few courses.

It’s always wonderful how the almighty works. On a Sunday morning, I woke to a mail from joinindianarmy.nic.in  saying that I have been shortlisted for attending SSB interview for SSC-T Army. I ignored the mail as the study schedule was very hectic and I wanted to concentrate on this. But after a few more days, I got another mail from the same that the reporting date for Army SSB is 22/10/2017 in Bangalore. A little thought of giving it a last shot crept into my mind as it was fortunately coinciding with my 2-week vacation. I was too busy to give a serious thought to it as the deadlines to complete certain coursework is fast approaching. But when the term is over 18th October, and I was free but all of sudden the thought of SSB gripped me and I started looking for air tickets to New Delhi. My brain was most confused whether to attempt this SSB or not as this would be last shot and I had to leave everything in Sweden to visit India. This confusion is inclusive of all the past 10 failures and the amount of money that goes with it.

Anyhow, I booked a ticket on 19^th October to visit India to travel the very next day after taking consensus from my father who has been supportive to me during every step. I didn’t tell anyone in my family except my father that I am appearing for SSB. Next day I put 2 pair of formal wears and documents file in my bag and flew to New Delhi from Stockholm, from New Delhi I had my other flight to Bangalore and I reached there on 22nd morning and had haircut and got prepared for the big day….

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11^th Attempt :

On the reporting day, I saw 310 students but I told myself that I am trying to motivate myself that I am the one here to get recommend. After documentation, I had good sleep and next day I was geared up for screening. I never found OIR test challenging and this time too I did all 50/50 in both tests in half of the time allotted. In PPDT I made good story relevant to the picture shown to us and then in discussion I narrated my story confidently and had a good involvement in GD too.

Results came and only 26 candidates got screen in out of 310 and I was one of those 26 with a new chest number 25. I was happy yet I controlled my emotions because there is still a long way to go.

Psych test: It was really well and I was writing whatever first thought come in my mind. I did 60/60 WAT, SRT 45/60. The best part of this psych test was that I was not at all prepared for it and that was the only reason I was showing my real personality in my responses.

Interview:  I was called immediately after my psych test for personal interview and was asked to go to commandant office. I waited 30 minutes before I was called in. I went in room and wished IO and then we had a confident handshake. We had 15 minutes conversation near to his table related to my interest in modeling (I am still unaware why he was checking my interest in modeling and acting). Then he asked me to sit on chair and started his first set of rapid fire that I answered in proper sequence and covered all questions. He asked me about Sweden, my studies, how I reached there. He then asked me about my family, friends and their good and bad qualities, about my hobbies and interest, about basketball and volleyball. My reasons of failure in last 10 attempts. He then asked me that which god I believe in the most, and I said that it’s Lord Hanuman. He then said Lord Hanuman is here for next five minutes and you have to ask him 3 wish and he will immediately fulfill these wishes. I started thinking and he reminded me that I still have four minutes left. Then I said my first wish will be that Peace prevails everywhere in the world. The IO said Thataasthuvatsa. Now second wish, I said that my father got hit by bullet 2 years before due to which he is not able to walk properly so I want Lord Hanuman to make my father fit as he was 2 years before. He said Thataasthuvatsa. Then he asked about third wish saying that only 30 seconds left so I asked my third wish that Pollution nowadays is serious problem to world so let’s remove it and save our planet. (He gave a big laugh on it). He then asked me many technical questions like CI and SI engines, 1TR, Gas laws, laws of thermodynamics, horse power, braking horse power, types of compressors, types of fits, bearings and applications and few others, I answered all technical questions that is my strongest part. He then grilled me on geography questions and gave me few countries and asked me to tell their capitals and their neighboring countries with their capitals which I hardly spoke and apologized for not knowing. He later asked me about Doklam and Rohingya Crisis which I answered in a legible way. Few question about Indian Army like regiments, fighting and supporting arms, EME, defence budget of India, names of 10 Param Vir Chakra winners, types of guns Indian army use, tanks and aircrafts and I answered all. Later he asked me about types of books I read, about my blank story in 12th slide, ask me how to arrange a Sudoku event in college if given a chance (I mentioned Sudoku in my PIQ). I told him that I know German and Swedish language so he asked me to give introduction in both language. My interview went around 2 hours that was lengthiest amongst the ones of my previous interviews. My IO seemed happy with me and asked to me to leave after knowing if I had any questions.

Tips: Honesty in responses, fill your PIQ with proper care because your whole interview circulates around this form. There are many sure questions that every IO ask so better if you prepare them. Learn more about armed forces, few international and national news, for technical entries brush up basic concepts of your engineering branch. Don’t exaggerate your responses, give point to point answers to IO. Don’t get into argument with IO as it projects rigid personality, control unnecessary body movements

GTO:

I was lucky that I got best and cooperative group I ever got in my all SSB till date. Our GTO tasks started with Group discussion on how to curb frequent train accidents in India and second one on why India got an image of polluted country by world. This time I was a good listener and gave my unemotional and logical opinions 3 to 4 times in both discussion topics.

Tips: While speaking never go beyond 30 sec mark, once you do that you make others insecure and they are naturally hardwired to be defensive to your opinion. Listens other calmly and never show disagreement openly. Positive and friendly body language.

GPE:

I understood model and read the manual carefully and later wrote a very concise and practical plan. Later in discussion I was confident in my ideas and other group mates supported my ideas to solve problems in given model. I helped my group by removing disagreement. Our GTO tried many times to pressurize us by mentioning time factor but our group was very sane and did not become a victim of his tactics. “Toast of Beers for my group members”.

Tips: Listens to GTO carefully, while reading manual focus on time mentioned there, prioritize problems accordingly. Take given scale into consideration while calculating distance and time required to reach from one place to other.

PGT, HGT, FGT, GROUP RACE: This time I was very calm and composed in my approach and didn’t feel the need to shout my suggestions instead I kept on analyzing the obstacles and as soon as I discovered the solution I implemented it politely by taking consensus from my group. When I was not getting ideas, I was very much active in helping other candidates who were proposing their solution. Here GTO’s job is to put pressure on you and distract you and if you fall in is tactics then you are making GTO the Winner so keep doing your task with the same body language.

Tips: Cooperation is key of every group task, don’t get loud on others.

Individual Obstacles: I did 14 obstacles this time so I felt all my past workout on ground and gym worth it.

Tips: Select your starting point from where you can cover maximum obstacles in a circular circumference. If you are spending more time on ground and less on obstacles then it shows you lack organizing ability.

Lecturette: I spoke on Climate change very confidently and covered whole 3 minutes.

Tips: Select your topic in 5 seconds from card and then divide the topic into sections like – Intro, causes, advantages, disadvantages, future and conclusion. Now frame your words and sentence and kill it in next 3 minutes.

Command task:

I got my task of good difficulty level and for once I was not getting any ideas from where I should start. I called my subordinates and proceed it. As I crossed my first obstacles, my GTO said the given structure turns red. So, I found new way out and went ahead, later he said I can’t use rope. So, I solved that structure using plank and then he said you can’t use plank. So, I solved it using bally given. He was timely criticizing me to check me how I react in pressure. But guess what, I didn’t give a damn and was focusing on my job and solved it with same spirits.

Tips: Lead from the front, instead of sending your subordinates go yourself to cross obstacles. Don’t succumb to pressure generated by GTO, maintained positive body language.

And now it comes the final Day,

Conference Day:

We all are dressed up nicely and went to a hall where an officer came and briefed us about the qualities they are looking for in a candidate. After that, we were called by one by one in conference room. My chest number was second from end (25). So, I had to wait long and then finally when 24 went in, I occupied the chair outside room, 24 came out in hardly 40 seconds and I was ready to go. But, they kept me waiting and I couldn’t figure out the reason behind it. The attendant (jawan) who was letting us in one by one to conference asked me “aisa kya kar dia tune jo tere baare mai itna discuss kar rhe sahab log” (What did you so much? The panel are discussing so much about you?), then finally a bell sound and I walked straight to conference room and greeted President of board. Here’s the conversation:

President: Take a seat Mandeep.

Me              : Thank you Sir!

President: What are you doing nowadays?

Me              : Sir, I am doing Masters in Sustainable Energy from Sweden.

President: Why Sweden? Why this course? Which exams you gave for it.

Me             : Answered all

President: Tell me something scope of solar, wind, tidal energy in India.

Me             : Answered

President: What are the types of wind turbines and why every wind mill has 3 blades?

Me             : Answered

President: How can you use your technical knowledge in Army?

Me          : Sir, in India there are still many places where there is no electricity reach so using my technical knowledge I will bring electricity there.

President: Your father is a police officer so why don’t you try for Police services.

Me           : Sir, I don’t have interest in Police and to be blatantly honest I don’t like police profession, though my father is in Police. My father works for the improvement of the society and wellness for the people, in his 32 years of police service he got 45 transfers and all because of the political pressure. He got hit by bullets twice on his duty and also got Police medal for gallantry but still he can’t work independently and whenever he works by going against odds he gets transferred. So, my father never motivated me to join Police and encourages me for Army instead and being his son if I fulfill my father’s dream then would be the biggest achievement of life for me.

President: What if you aren’t get selected?

Me            : If I make it then it is great but if not then I will consider this SSB as a chance to come back to my country.

President: What are your expectations from this SSB?

Me            : Sir, I started my SSB journey from Bangalore and I want to end it here only.

President: Mandeep, suppose you are failed by one mark in this SSB and you have one chance to convince us to pass you. How will you do that?

Me            : Sir, I give me grace of one mark and you will going to see best army officer you have ever seen in your entire life.

President    : (With a big smile on his face ), Mandeep, You are living in Sweden from last two and half month and you lived around 23 years in India, what the difference you found ?

Me              : Sir, I have experienced life in both country but I will say only one thing SAARE JAHAH SE ACCHA HINDUSTAN HAMARA.

President   : He got a smile on his face and asked me “Any suggestions?”

Me              : No Sir

President:  Ok Mandeep, Best of luck for the results.

My conference went around 25 minutes and this is the longest I have ever witnessed in my life. And fortunately, it was my own. After 10 minutes, we all assembled in results hall and then an officer with a file came and suddenly a scary silence gripped whole room. He started with same outdated lines of SSB attempts by Sharukh Khan, Amitabh Bachan, APG Abdul Kalam, Cap. Vikram Batra and OLQs and then said result of this batch not good as only one student got recommended. I will call his chest number and that candidate will come ahead and speak his name, father’s name and date of birth loudly. He opened his file and said“Chest Number 25”, I didn’t stand and he again called it out and then I stood up.

Have you ever stayed in hostel and been home after 6 months and eat your favorite dish cooked by your mother and feel that it’s the best feeling in the world? Also, have you ever had a sibling tell you that you are the best sibling in the world and had your eyes glistened with tears? Then you would know how it would feel or at least comprehend to feel how it would be to achieve a dream after 10 disastrous attempts and getting in the last attempt of your life. I went on the stage and cried my name out with a shaky voice“Mandeep Rana son of Shree Premveer Singh Rana, 18th April 1994”. The Officer had to ask me the reason for me crying and asked if I were a little girl? Then, he tapped on my shoulder and congratulated me.

I called my father and as he picked up I was crying so he assumed that this happened again and told me “koi baat nahi ye fail-pass to chalta reheta hai bete” (Don’t worry Son! People pass and fail in it all the time). But, when I told him that I made it this time, he got emotional and congratulated me a quivering voice that I would remember for the rest of my life. I waited years to listen to this kind of happiness in my father’s voice. My other family members were completely unaware that I was in India in the first place. When I called them from my Indian phone number, I told them that I got selected for Army and after hearing it they assumed that I am pulling a prank on them. I had to send them my location and my photo to prove them this.

Gamble but having this “+” sign on my chest is worthy of all the past and the pain it encompasses.

I added every detail in the process to emphasize how you will feel disappointed at times and how you have to be up-spirited during all the process until your final goal is reached. This also reminds me of a Greek saying, “Greater the difficulty, greater the glory surmounting it” and its stand valid in all the senses at every point of your life.

If you have any doubts regarding anything, I’d be pleased to help you not because answering every question is pleasurable, but to see every dream fulfilled is. Hopefully, I’d listen to your success story someday soon! Remember:

“A succession of eye-openers each involving the repudiation of some previously held belief”

JAI HIND

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