Services Selection Board, commonly known as ‘SSB Interview’, is a Personality and Intelligence Assessment Test which is conducted specifically to analyze the potential and compatibility of candidates for commission into the Armed Forces of India as officers. The SSB interview is a 5 days selection process through which candidates are selected for joining the Indian Armed Forces such as the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Coast Guard. During the span of five days, a number of tests are conducted during the SSB Interview. However, we can classify all the test into three main techniques which are the Psychological Tests, the Group Tasks, and the Personal Interview.
Each technique grades and evaluates the qualities which are essential for defence services by allowing least time and under stressful condition, which is the practical requirement for an officer during emergencies like wars.
Psychological Tests:
The Psychological Tests are conducted by well-experienced civilians scientists from DRDO. There are 4 different kinds test namely Thematic Apperception Test, Word Association Test, Situation Reaction Test and the Self Description Test.
Group Tasks:
The Group tasks are conducted by an officer of Army/Navy/Air Force with an experience of about 7 to 10 years in Service. The officer is known as Group Testing Officer and he/she will be administering 9 different tests which will test your Social, Intelligence and Leadership qualities. The tests Conducted by GTO are Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercises, Progressive Group Task, Snake Race, Half Group Task, Individual Obstacles, Lecturette, Command Task and Final Group Task.
Personal Interview:
The Personal Interview during the SSB interview is conducted by an officer having around 15 to 20 years of service. During the personal Interview, a number of basic questions related to the candidate’s personal life are asked and the questions are based on the information given in Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) which you will have already filled on the first day.