My long journey began in August. When I had fill in the application for what lay ahead. It was continued by a long wait for the date of interview.One fine Evening the date was announced and I had been Ecstatic to know my center was Allahabad. The so called Mt Everest of SSBs. But I was up for the challenge and I said to myself yes I have it in me. So my journey continued I quit my job and started preparing for what lay ahead .I went through hundreds of blogs and experiences of the candidates who went to SSB earlier.
My first interaction with an officer came in the form of Lt Col .Batra Sir . Since being a fresher I had no clue or idea about the SSB format. And also being from Bangalore where I was pulled in by the software crazy society . Lt Col .Batra Sir gave me tips on how to face the interview, He told me the differences with the corporate world and the army. Immensely helped me mould myself to face the SSB with more confidence . He also advised me to join a coaching center so that I could better my skills. So then after a grueling selection process of different centers I choose cavalier.
Two weeks of training prepared me immensely . I learned a lot from the officers there namely Brig Josephs,Col Thomas, Brig Kathri And Com Prakash. All these people were instrumental in my success and my selection. Guys I am sorry to make this long but These people deserve the credit without which I would have not been recommended.
Now coming to the Experience . My SSB began on the 30th and my journey from Bangalore began on the 28th. I boarded the Rajdhani for the first time in my life along with a friend . The first day of the journey I met a candidates who had been recommended for the first time from SSB Bangalore. He shared his experience with us . Our talks went on till 1 in the night and we went to sleep . Next day he bid us farewell . My journey continued. I had to change trains at Jhansi and being to that region for the first time I had no clue about the region and having spent all my life in Bangalore I was not very fluent in Hindi. To make things worse the train would reach Jhansi at 1 in the night and my connecting train to Allahabad was not until 8 in the morning . This is when I say a light of hope. I met a retired Col in the train . I told him my situation and he along with his wife and son invited me to stay with them at the MCO at Jhansi station. I blessed my stars at this opportunity I showed him my preparation in Physcology . He gave me a brief idea on the interview . He told we to wear a neck tie for the interview , which I had only used on two occasions before this day. I took my Tie out and the Colonel himself tied it around my collar. This is when I knew that I had been blessed and this is my time to attain glory.
Next day 8 am I boarded the train to Allahabad. The worse train that I have seen in my life. Chambal express . There was no pantry and the journey was for nearly 10 hrs with the train delay. I had to do with just a bottle of water the whole journey. I reached Allahabad at around 6 in the evening . And outside were a bunch of rickshaw guys who spotted the SSB candidates in a instant. Couple of guys rushed to me asking if I wanted a room . Here I want to suggest something. If your going to take a room please stay alone. It may put u back by 400 Rupees but it worth it. The reason I say this is because is the entire SSB process is a mind game and the person who is stronger will prevail. You will generally see hundreds of candidates who come to SSB and some of them for the 13th and 14th time . These people give you the notion that the SSB is rigged and only influence will work. They also will tell you strange stories which will make you feel your wasting your time here. Guys ill tell you I have no person close or far who is or was In the army. Do not believe these rumor mongers .They believe that the competition is with the other candidates. What they fail to understand is he is his only competition . If you can mentally conquer your mind these 5 days success is yours.
Coming back.
Day 1
The first day. One truck and a bus came to pick us up. With the truck being for our luggage . The line for getting into the bus stretched for a hundred feet. The very sight scares you. So we reported to the center. Our luggage was kept at the entrance and we were asked to have breakfast. Guys first day try having a lot of sugar . It has been proved that consuming sugar makes you sharp and your responses are quicker. Since your IQ test is on the first day we can use all the help we can get.
So we were made to stand in line as per the number in our letter. The fresher’s , Screened out and conf out were put into separate groups. The fresher’s were given forms for TA. After the formalities were done. Chest numbers were given and mine was 65. We started with verbal and non verbal. A set of 50 questions each. Guys IQ is about a race against time. Only spend 6 seconds on each question . Not more, Then move on to the next question. After your done come back from the beginning and spend another six seconds on the questions you have failed to answer at first go. By practicing this method you can compete all the 50 questions. Also there will be some questions which are extremely difficult to finish. Such questions will usually have ticked answers which are worked out by the pervious batches. This is usually correct 99% of the time. So at the end if your falling short of time you can tick the one already marked In the booklet. I was able to do 47 in non verbal and all 50 in verbal. Guys verbal and non verbal are extremely easy. Everyone can finish it and get all correct if given ample amount of time. So what you need to practice is speed.
Next was the PPDT. We were shown a picture of a man in uniform with a rifle behind a tree and women working in the field. I wrote a story on a young man wanting to join army and stop infiltration in the region. Remember a few things here. The story should have a beginning. As in what led to his present situation. We can call it a flash back. What he is doing now. And his plans for future. And if deserved an award for his accomplishments. We are given a break of 30 minutes during this time please discuss your story with other candidates. Add points of other if it helps your cause and makes your story better. Also what I observed was that people who had a story out of the ordinary were screened in spite of not taking part in discussion . So try making your story a little different than that of the group . that will help u a long way. During discussion don’t be stubborn and stick on to your story. Guys it becomes a fish market. But don’t worry officers are trained to listen to you in the noise. Don’t add to the confusion but make a couple of strong and unique points and that can see you through the screening. In my discussion I only spoke a couple of times. Each time making a different point. This was noticed my the group and I was nominated by the candidates there to present the group story. I stood up wished the officers and went on with the story . I was given two minutes for the story but completed it well before time. After this I had a sumptuous lunch for the first time since I left home. So the long wait began for the result. Try to remain calm and composed . Do not listen to anyone and the rumors they tell you when you wait for the result. We were made to stand in the basket ball court under the sun. The one rumor we were told was the person who stands longest without moving will be screened in. Guys this is utter non sense. I went and sat under a tree and few followed after me. So finally after an hour and half results were announced by the GTO. And I was in and new chest numbers were given. Mine was 26. After which we were taken to the hall and make to fill PIQ and Identification forms. Guys PIQ is very important for interview. Please fill it in capitals and in a neat handwriting. This will create a first impression among the IO. Try practicing it as the format is available online. So the day ended and we were made to go our rooms . Settle in and get a good nights rest.
Day 2
Again during breakfast have something sweet. Helps you a lot. First was TAT. Eleven pictures are shown .The twelfth is blank. Guys you can prepare the blank picture before hand. What the assessor is looking for is OlQs which you can find online . Try to portrait it in the blank slide. Make up a story and practice it before coming to attend SSB . This will immensely help you. Also the assessor will check your blank slide first. So this makes a first impression. Also with the names try to be secular. Try including names of all religions in your story when you name the hero. Make sure you follow The format of PPDT with a flash back ,body and a fitting conclusion. All pictures are clear. So make a suitable story. And always have a positive ending and continuation to the story. As in he continued his good deeds or something on those lines.
Next was WAT but before I go to WAT let me tell you about SD. SD is the chance to market yourself. Prepare the SD before hand. And practice it. Usually a decryption about you is asked as viewed by yourself, your parents, teachers ,boss, your strong ,weak points and your goals. Your goal should be I want to be an army officer. Please prepare and practice it. You can complete your SD in under eight mins where you would be given 15 mins. Once you complete your SD you can come back to WAT to complete the ones you have failed to complete.
WAT has 60 words and 15 seconds for each word. That is a total of 15 mins. When you can pull 8 mins from SD to WAT it can make all the difference. I was only able to do 42 words in given 15 mins. The additional 8 mins Helped me complete all. And the rest 18 words power statements . Example I can give is curiosity , this was the word given. When I had ample time to think I made a statement that curiousity in science gives rise to new technology. I don’t think I would have got this statement if I was having the 8 mins I took from SD. So guys please practice SD. Its very very important. Also try doing WAT test available online. If your not able to write a sentence for the given word in 15 sec then write only the word. You can come back and write it during your SD.
Next was SRT we were given a booklet which contained 60 SRTs . SRT should be conclusive . Please be to the point and make full sentences. Its quality that matters in SRT. By practicing SRT you can also improve with speed. I was able to do 56 SRT. It is not difficult once you practice.
Then we have our SD 15 mins given to write about yourself, your parents, teachers ,boss, your strong ,weak points and your goals. Use this opportunity as this is something you can prepare for . This is your chance to market yourself and portrait your OLQs.This can make or break your Physic. So prepare well. So the day ended and again don’t discuss. Don’t listen to what others say. Try remaining calm and composed. Try blowing off some steam by playing something. We started playing basketball till 6 In the evening then returned and waited for the next day.
Day 3
GTO task. Wish the GTO . Try warming up before you come. Since it cold usually in the morning helps you . I started getting cramps because I failed to warm up. So please warm up. Then you have your GD. Be polite. Don’t point hands .Talk as many times as possible. Don’t add to confusion.Each time you talk make a new point which was not in discussion . Appreciate others when credit is due. Try making the people who didn’t take part talk. All these shows signs of a good leader. We were given two topics.
USA influence on the global politics-Justifiable or not Naxalism.
We choose naxalism . This discussion became a fish market and it was 15 mins of madness. Again don’t add to confusion make your point and remain calm.
The second topic was decided by the GTO. The topic was which is more significant . The number zero or the invention of wheel or the discovery of fire. Here there were few people who could speak . I started the topic. Remember starting shows initiatve and leadership qualities. Please try starting the GD if possible. Overall GD of the second topic was much more civilized compared to the first.
Best way to do well is to update yourself about current affairs. Also try mirror practice . This helps a lot.And most important its discussion not debate. In a discussion there is no right or wrong or conclusion. So be flexible in your approach and emphasize on facts and figures. Also do not negate anyone. Be confident and believe in yourself.
Next was GPE- Here a map is shown and the situation is explained. Write your plan neatly. Remember every plan show have alternatives in case first plan fails. It should be such that there should be a Plan A and a Plan B if time permits then a Plan C. Also Be systematic ,your solution should have a Aim. The present time . Distance from the spot. Time taken to travel to the location Etc. For example say Your at a distance of 20km from a village railway crossing and there is a accident at the railway crossing. The train starts In a hour from the station .
Here your solution should be as follows
Aim:Stop the Train and prevent the accident Say time now is 5 p.m. You travel to the spot which is 20 kms away by Bike or taking lift from passer by vehicles .Here the vehicles are hidden resources. So make use of them aptly . Every task has multiple hidden resources.
Task-1
Plan A:Call the other station by phone and ask the station master to stop the train from the railway crossing.
Plan B: Place red flags on the track at a distance of half a kilometer from the accident.
Plan C: Gather a group of People and walk half a kilometer and shout as the train approaches .
So like this be systematic in your approach and You will create a good impression.
Next was PGT , here go with the group . Give your ideas but do not get frustrated if your ideas are not implemented. Don’t try to dominate. Try to show you’re a team player. Correct someone if they go astray. Listen to the GTO he will constantly try to give you suggestions . And don’t worry if you cant finish all tasks.
Next is your GOR .Here Again go with the group. Help your team mates to finish the task. Try encouraging your team there is no winner in the race . Everyone is a winner. So help your team and your interaction with the team and your team sprit counts.
HGT was next . Same as PGT . Here groups are made smaller. So You would get more chances of implementing your ideas . Use this to your advantage.
After which we had lecturatte. Here we are given four topics . Two mins is given to prepare and three to speak. Again it’s a test against time. Don’t spend more than ten seconds on deciding a topic. And after which organize your topic and you can constructively speak for three mins easily.
Start with defining of your topic and what it means.
History /background for the topic.
Present situation or Body of the topic
Advantages and disadvantages for the topic
And finally your conclusion
If you can successfully do this . You can give a powerful speech in the three mins given to you. And again mirror practice and updating yourself on general knowledge is a must.
Topic given to me was Role of Judiciary in Indian democracy .This was the best I performed in the entire GTO.
Day 4
So the day ended for the group but my day was just beginning . My interview was scheduled in the next half hour . I went quickly changed and wore my lucky tie that the Colonel tied in the MCO. Interview is entirely based on PIQ. Please make sure your prepared for what is written in the PIQ. Information about Your hobbies and interests should be on the tip of your fingers. Also know your surroundings such as the room your sitting in. The color of wall behind you. The Color of the belt buckle your wearing . The length breath and height of the room. Also a situation such as Organizing a trek to Himalayas if your interests in trekking may be asked .A few technical questions were asked which are the basics of the subject you have studied. Also I was asked things about why switch from software to Army when we have a better pay and life style in software. Then GK about Army . Also GK about India and its Surrounding countries . Recent conflicts of international importance.
My interview went on for an hour and a half . After I came back I thought I didn’t do as well as I thought. Not Because I didn’t do well but only because I made a mistake to listening to others . Here one of the candidates spread a rumor that he had done so well in the interview that the IO himself stood up came to him and shoke his hand and told him that the army is honored to have a candidate like you.
Guys the reason I am telling this is at that moment we tend to believe everything and it effects us mentally. And once we lose the game mentally our chances our zero of succeeding. The same happen with me ,Being a fresher I believed what he told and felt my interview was horrible and not upto mark as expected by the IO . But I did in fact do better than what I thought.
But his rumors had already done the damage and I was not mentally focused on the fourth day. My cramps got worse. I was only able to do 7 out of the 10 given tasks. Also in the Command task I was very nervous and did not do as well as I expected. Trust me I would have done a hundred times better if not for these rumors. So please do not listen to anyone or anything they say.
The last task was FGT . Same as PGT try giving your ideas and be calm. Things will fall in place. Again here I hardly gave any ideas mainly being I was mentally out of the game .
So the day ended and I was dejected . I went away to a nearby mall and brought tickets to a movie which was in hindi. Even though my understanding in Hindi is limited . This calmed me down a bit and I prepared for the next day.
Day 5
Day of conference a mixed feeling of anxiousness and nervousness . Everyone had their theory of selection. Each candidate is called one by one. When my turn came I was asked to come in , I sat down and I was asked three questions.
How was your stay?
How are you ?
And finally ,Do u have any suggestions ?
Conference was done . officer came in with the list of selected candidates . He said three from your group have been selected . And we were asked to name them . Finally after the wait chest number 26 was called . And for a second I was stunned . I had tears of joy in my eyes on hearing my number. New chest numbers with a plus sign was given to selected candidates and I was the only fresher out of the three selected candidates which made me feel even more proud. The next day was my Birthday this was the best birthday gift ever. I was now a officer as I became 23. Four days of medical went on and I was medically fit.
Before I end I want to mention a incident that happened at the airport while returning. I was carrying my bag which had a chain that I used to lock the suitcase while coming in train. The person checking told me that the chain is not allowed , he went on inspecting further and my file which contained the interview letter and also the group photo taken at SSB . He asked me if I am from the army. I told him I would be joining the army in Jan. He immediate asked me for which post . I told after training to that ofLieutenant. He immediately put everything back In my bag saluted me and told me that the person who will protect our country need not be checked and I may go. Guys trust me these words made me feel like I was in cloud nine. So after returning and months long wait for the merit list I received my JI on the 16th and will be joining IMA on 30th for course beginning on the 8th of Jan. Guys I hope My experience will help you in some way . There is a huge shortage of officers in the army and every entry nearly 25 thousand candidates apply. One single selection is enough to fill all the vacancies. Guys we all have it in us to be officers. Just believe in yourself . If any of you have any queries you can get in touch with me on facebook http://www.facebook.com/sharan.reddy.771. or mail me at [email protected]. Hoping to see you all as officers . Serve the nation with pride and honor.
Author: Sharan Reddy: He is from Bangalore and got recommended for TGC-116. He is reporting at IMA on the 30th for the course starting on 8th Jan 2013. He was previously working for IBM.
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