7 Do's and Dont's for SSB Interview: Must Read

In this blog post, we'll discuss the 7 do's and don'ts for the SSB interview, which are essential to know before going for the interview. You'll learn what you should and shouldn't do, so you'll be better prepared to tackle the SSB process.

We'll look at the right body language and interaction skills required to make a lasting impression, as well as specific techniques to tackle group tasks and tests. So if you want to ace the SSB interview, this blog post is a must-read! Don't miss out - read on to find out all the do's and don'ts you need to get the job!

SSB Interview, also known as the Service Selection Board interview, is a 5-day recruitment process organized by the Indian Armed Forces to assess the personality traits and qualities of the candidates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces. The interview process includes an Initial Test, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychological Tests, Group Discussions, etc.

An SSB Interview provides the opportunity for the candidate to showcase their personality and abilities. It is an effective process designed to assess the mental aptitude, intelligence, and leadership skills of the candidates. SSB Interview also helps in building confidence and self-discipline in the candidate. Additionally, it helps the Armed Forces to select the best candidates who have the potential to excel in the service.

In order to successfully pass the SSB Interview, it is important to prepare adequately. It is essential to gain knowledge about the Indian Armed Forces and the recruitment process. Candidates should also make sure to be physically fit and study general knowledge, current affairs, and psychology. Practising mock interviews and group discussions is also a good way to prepare for the SSB Interview. Furthermore, it is important to be confident, stay positive and remain calm during the interview process.

The 7 Do’s

1. Prepare in advance

• Research the Indian Army and its various roles, duties and responsibilities.
• Read up on the selection process and the various tests that you may need to take.
• Become familiar with the environment and the people who may be conducting your interview.
• Familiarize yourself with the preparation materials available online or in books.
• Start to practice the physical tests that form part of the selection process.
• Begin to develop and practice your communication skills to make sure you are able to represent yourself in the best light.
• Practice answering questions related to the Indian Army, such as why you want to join, what you believe you can contribute, and how you will be an asset.
• Attend conferences and seminars related to the Indian Army to gain more knowledge and insight.
• Take mock interviews to prepare for the real one.

2. Conduct research about the interview

• The SSB interview is a crucial step in the selection process of the Indian Armed forces. It is designed to evaluate an aspirant’s personality and suitability in the three-dimensional facet of officer-like qualities: intelligence, presence of mind, and social awareness.
• Therefore, researching and preparing deeply for the interview is essential for success. It enables one to be familiar with the format for the SSB interviews, understand the key requirements of the board, and, most importantly, be better equipped to handle them.
• Researching for the interview beforehand helps the aspirant form a clearer idea of the value system of the Indian Armed Forces and hone their interpersonal communication and the capacity to collaborate with others. It also allows them to work on the challenges that may come up during the interview, like problem-solving and analytical skills.
• In order to do justice to the interview and to be successful in being selected, conducting thorough research into the specific topics of the SSB in advance is of paramount importance.
• Understanding the principal criteria and the core values of the Indian Armed Forces is essential to becoming a good leader. This research helps in developing the necessary skills that will allow aspirants to present the best version of themselves.

3. Dress in formal attire

• Be well-groomed. It is important to be neat and presentable from head to toe. Make sure your hair is groomed, and your nails are trimmed.
• Do make sure you have dressed appropriately for the occasion. A formal business suit or professional dress is appropriate for an SSB interview.
• Keep accessories to a minimum. Avoid extra jewellery and any other accessories that might be distracting. Stick to a classic watch and a leather belt.
• Check the weather. Make sure you’re aware of the weather on the day of your Interview. Choose the right fabric and layering to dress according to the climate.
• Check the dress code. Pay attention to the dress code provided by your interviewer.
• Be comfortable. It is important to be comfortable while you are in your dress. Make sure you have tried out the clothes prior to your Interview and did the necessary alterations.
• Do make sure your clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
• Do make sure your hair is neat and groomed.
• Do shine your shoes.
• Don't wear jeans, shorts, high heels or anything that might seem distracting.

4. Arrive on time

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time of arrival.
• Familiarize yourself with the area and the place where the interview is being held in advance.
• Do not rely on public transport or cabs to reach the venue.
• Avoid traffic during peak hours by leaving your home or hotel earlier.
• Make sure you have all the necessary documents and other items that you need for the interview, as forgetting any important document might even result in disqualification.

5. Maintain good posture

• Sit up straight and maintain an erect posture while in the interview.
• Avoid slouching or leaning forward or backward.
• Keep both feet firmly on the ground.
• Avoid crossing your legs.
• Place your hands calmly on the table.
• Make eye contact with the interviewer.
• Maintain confident and composed body language.

6. Speak confidently

• Make sure to answer the questions in the most confident manner and do not give too many pauses in between.
• Do not stammer or hesitate when you are speaking.
• Avoid over-answering the question to appear overconfident.
• Do not use slang language or a casual tone when speaking in an SSB interview.
• Speak in clear and concise language to get your point across clearly.
• In group discussions, remain calm and don’t shout while answering. Don’t wait for your opportunity to speak up in the GD. Instead, grab an opportunity and answer the question in the most humble way.

7. Show enthusiasm

• Showing enthusiasm is essential during the SSB interview. It does not just show that the candidate is serious about joining the Indian Defence Forces but also demonstrates their interest in their chosen profession.
• Furthermore, enthusiasm during the SSB interview conveys to the interviewer that you are passionate about the job and ready to face any challenge that comes your way.
• Moreover, it also displays that you are ready to work with a team and adapt to the organisation's rules and regulations.
• Showing enthusiasm is essential in order to make a lasting impression on the interviewers.
• It shows your eagerness to become a valuable asset to the Indian Defence Forces and build a successful career.
• With enthusiasm, you can make a strong case for why you should be chosen for the job.

The 7 Dont’s

1. Don't be late

• Punctuality is the key to success, not just in life but in the SSB interview as well.
• Arriving late to the SSB interview shows a lack of dedication and discipline and will affect your overall performance.
• Be sure to leave plenty of time for traffic and prepare for your interview in advance so that you arrive on time.
• Also, come prepared with all necessary documents and a positive attitude.

2. Don't be discourteous.

• Avoid sarcastic or disrespectful comments towards the interviewer.
• Don't use negative body language such as crossed arms or slouching.
• Don’t make jokes during the interview, as it may be interpreted as unprofessional.
• Maintain a polite and courteous attitude throughout the interview.
• Avoid complaining about past experiences or situations.

3. Don't be negative

• Don’t talk negatively about yourself or make negative comments about your past experiences.
• Don’t talk negatively about others.
• Don’t be dismissive or critical of any advice or criticism given by the assessors.
• Don’t become anxious or frustrated; stay positive and focused.

4. Don't be unprepared

• Make sure you are aware of the latest happenings in the world and the country.
• Research about the defense forces, latest reforms and policies, etc., to be in the know.
• Review the SSB procedure and guidelines you have received.
• Prepare a list of questions you expect to be asked at the interview and try to answer all of them.
• You can also prepare yourself by undertaking mock interviews.

5. Don't be vague

• Vagueness or unclear responses during the interview can hinder the selection process. It leaves the assessors without a full view of the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses due to not having concrete answers that can be verified.
• Take time to think before answering any questions. Avoid giving vague responses such as “it depends” or “I don’t know”.
• Listen carefully to the questions - take time to understand what is being asked before attempting to answer it.
• Additionally, vagueness or the use of clichés in answers shows a lack of self-awareness on the part of the candidate. It may lead assessors to question the candidate's capacity for understanding their true motivations and goals.
• Provide precise and concise responses that directly address the question asked.
• Being honest and direct about one’s strengths and weaknesses and offering concrete answers to questions will help the candidate to come across as sincere and allow the assessors to assess the candidate more accurately.
• Therefore, candidates must ensure they are not vague and instead provide candid, honest answers which enable assessors to make the best decision regarding the candidate's selection.

6. Don't be aggressive

• Remember, the SSB interview is a psychological evaluation and not a battle of who can dominate the conversation.
• Being too aggressive can put off the interviewers and reflect poorly on your personality.
• Keep your tone of voice calm and polite, and don't interrupt the interviewers.
• Focus on expressing yourself in an assertive manner and answering questions in a friendly and cooperative way.

7. Don't be overconfident.

• Avoid arrogance and boasting about your skills, achievements, and experiences.
• Prove your presence of mind by keeping a humble and modest attitude.
• Do not get carried away, and make sure not to give any statement that might be considered as overconfident.
• Try to maintain a balanced level of confidence.
• Don’t be boastful or have an air of superiority over others.
• Acknowledge the hard work and effort put in by others as well as by you.

Conclusion

SSB Interview is a critical part of the selection process for any defence force. The dos and don'ts for the SSB interview listed in this blog post must be followed to ensure a successful interview and higher chances of selection.

Knowing the significance of the SSB interview, studying the above tips and being prepared for it can help candidates immensely. It is important to remain calm, confident and positive throughout the interview, and it will surely prove to be rewarding in the end.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What should we not do in the SSB interview?

Ans: The 7 do’s and dont’s of the SSB interview are discussed in the above blog post. Aspirants can go through them to avoid any silly mistakes during the interview.

Q2. What happens on Day 1 of the SSB interview?

Ans: During the first day of the SSB interview, the screening test is conducted consisting of the OIR (Officers Intelligence Rating) and the PPDT (Picture Perception & Description Test).