2nd October, 2012 was as usual a very normal day for me till 1400 hours. I reached Bhopal Junction at 1400 hours and was astonished by seeing a huge crowd, around 500 candidates, all having the same dream: TO BE RECOMMENDED. Although I was not a fresher this time, I have given SSB for TGC entry only two times earlier at Allahabad and I was use to witness huge crowd.
Also Read: Recommended In 10th Attempt
So the Day 0 begins with proceeding to centre. No bed was available for me at selection centre because all beds were occupied by candidates who reached centre before time just to reserve their bed, and hence I was forced to sleep on ground. After keeping our belongings, we were moved to testing hall where documentation was being held. Around 20 candidates were returned the same day because of their ineligibility with respect to course’s advertisement.
Any how the Day 0 passed and now comes the Day-1. At 0600 hours, we were divided into groups and made to appear on intelligence test. It was not that hard and I completed almost all within time. Then in PPDT, the picture shown was that of 2 ladies, one crying and other old lady consoling her. After writing stories, our group was moved inside a hall. We were 16 and we narrated our stories quite well. Some gentlemen made very surprising stories. But anyhow discussion part was over and to my surprise group nominated me for the common group story. I gave the story and went for lunch. At 1600 hours, result was announced and I along with 49 more candidates were in. 50 got screened-in. Next step was very surprising for all of us, the board officials confiscated our cell phones. After that we were provided with our new chest numbers, mine was 31.
The Day 2 begins with photography sessions and immediate after that we had our Psychology test. This time I made very simple stories. For the blank story, I wrote my life’s story up till now only. WAT words were very easy and I attempted all 60. In SRT, I did 56 situations and I did my SD quite well. There is a fair advice to all my colleagues and aspirants, don’t write anything after the psychologist says, “GENTLEMEN, PENS DOWN”. In SSB, quantity never matters, it is the quality that matters. I was having interview on the same day, hence I groomed myself and reached interview venue. My interview officer was Captain Joseph (Naval Board). I entered the room and he pointed that I was suppose to pull the door, but I pushed it. I said sorry and he indicates me to sit. He asked my day to day routine and educational background, I answered them all. Then he asked me few general knowledge questions, which i couldn’t answer, but I said, “Sir, I will get back to you”. He repeated the same questions in conference also; thank god I prepared them and could answer it correctly. He asked me about my weakness and few technical questions, I answered him smartly. My interview lasts for 40 minutes.
Then comes the very exciting Day 3 and Day 4, the GTO day. Our group’s GTO was Lt. Commander Sumeet Shrivastav (naval pilot of Dornier aircraft). What a pleasant personality he was having. GTO starts with GD and we all did very well in our GD. GTO was impressed and he gave GPE according to that. GPE was easy but group solution was not agreeable to our GTO. He made a few modifications and disperses our group for PGT. In PGT, we could complete only first two obstacles, the third one was a bit tricky, what I felt. The GTO scolded us so badly and gave our group a name, “NO BRAIN PEOPLE”. He didn’t let us complete next obstacle and we were moved to GOR ground. This task is always a fun. Friends, in GOR GTO will never let anyone win or lose, just help your team members, show co-operation. In my group, one guy’s weight was around 100 kg. He was not able to climb 7ft wall. I helped him to climb and GTO noted that. IN HGT, easy obstacle was placed. Your HGT obstacle is directly proportional to PGT performance. Last task of that day was Lecturette, my fear factor.
Friends, chose the simplest topic as topic doesn’t matters and present it in a very lucid manner. Try to speak for at least 2 mins. Now the next day of GTO begins with IO. I really love this task. I completed 9 out of 10. Friends, some of you might have height phobia, but on tiger leap, commando walk and double ditch, don’t hesitate for a second over the obstacle. In case you fall, sand is there on ground to protect you from external injury. Just jump. In Command Task, try to be subordinate atleast once. Be friendly with the group. When you are the commander, make your subordinates understands the plan quite well and then move ahead. If GTO is scolding you, it means he is really interested in you. Show him yours leadership skills. Last task of SSB is FGT which I don’t think plays even a minute role as our GTO has closed his copy of records at FGT. Next day was conference and to my surprise, seven of we 50 were recommended, out of which 3 were from our group.
Also Read: Recommended In 10th Attempt
Piece Of Advice:
- GTO is the sharpest key in whole SSB. Never try to fool him. Show him your qualities, help and cheer your team members.
- You never know who is keeping a strict vigil over you, so follow all instructions and rules strictly.
- Update your current affairs and have adequate knowledge of yourself.
- Give natural responses to any problem don’t try to be a superhuman.
At last, ALL THE BEST TO EVERYONE WHO READS THIS ARTICLE. GOOD DAY.