Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Ans. Ans. The SSB is seen as difficult because just a few candidates are selected from hundreds of applicants. It is a six-day learning experience during which you gain a lot of knowledge about yourself and your strengths. It is simple; it is only a matter of doing the right thing at the right moment.
Q2. Where is the SSB interview held?
Ans. There are four SSB Centres for the Indian Army, each located in a different Indian state. The Indian Army has services selection boards in Allahabad, Bhopal, and Bangalore that propose suitable applicants for Army officer positions.
Q3. How many days does the SSB interview take?
Ans. All candidates for the armed forces must be familiar with the whole SSB Interview procedure. Each day of the five-day SSB interview consists of a series of different tests.
Where is the NDA SSB Interview held?
Ans. The SSB conducts the interview at different places for NDA, AFCAT, and CDSE applicants, among others.
SSB Interview, Check DayWise SSB Process
The SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview is a comprehensive assessment process conducted over several days to evaluate candidates aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Nigam Sharma26 Feb, 2025
Share
SSB Interview:
SSB stands for Service Selection Board
.
It is an organization that conducts interviews for the selection of candidates for the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The SSB interview is a multi-stage selection process that includes various tests and interviews designed to evaluate the personality, intelligence, and aptitude of candidates.
What is SSB Interview?
The
Services Selection Board (SSB)
is an organization established by the Indian Ministry of Defence to evaluate candidates aspiring to join the Armed Forces as commissioned officers. Candidates can be shortlisted for the SSB interview through
direct entries
such as the Technical Graduate Course (TGC), University Entry Scheme (UES), NCC Special Entry, and others, or by clearing written exams like
CDS
(Combined Defence Services),
NDA
(National Defence Academy),
AFCAT
(Air Force Common Admission Test)
, and more.
The
SSB (Services Selection Board) interview
is a critical stage in the selection process for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. This comprehensive assessment spans five days and evaluates a candidate's mental aptitude, physical fitness, leadership skills, and overall personality. The SSB process includes a series of tests such as the Screening Test, Psychological Test, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, Personal Interview, and the Conference. These tests are designed to assess qualities like decision-making, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are crucial for an officer's role. Day 1 begins with the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and the Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT), which determine if the candidate proceeds to subsequent stages.
In the following days, candidates undergo detailed psychological evaluations through written assessments and group discussions to gauge their thinking process and behavioral traits. GTO tasks, such as group planning exercises and physical challenges, test their ability to work under pressure and lead teams. The personal interview focuses on a candidate's motivation, clarity of thought, and awareness of current affairs. The final conference determines whether the candidate qualifies based on their performance in all stages. Success in the SSB interview requires thorough preparation, self-confidence, and the ability to demonstrate officer-like qualities effectively.
SSB Interview Overview
The Indian Armed Forces use the SSB interview, which is a multi-step process, to judge the personality, intelligence, and skills of candidates for officer training. It is designed to identify individuals who have the potential to become effective leaders and officers in the military.
Parameter
Details
Full Form
Services Selection Board
Purpose
Selecting candidates for officer positions in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
Selection Process
Multi-stage process including Screening Test, Psychological Test, Group Testing, and Interview
Duration
Typically spans over 4 to 5 days
Location
Various SSB Centers across India
Tests Conducted
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT), Group Testing, Psychological Tests, Conference, and Personal Interview
Qualities Assessed
Officer-like qualities such as leadership, communication skills, decision-making, teamwork, and more
Commonly Known SSB Centers
Allahabad (Army), Bhopal (Army, Navy, Air Force), Bangalore (Army, Navy, Air Force), Kapurthala (Army), and more
Serving as an Officer
Successful candidates join the respective academies for training to become commissioned officers in the Armed Forces
SSB Interview Procedure
The
SSB Interview Procedure
includes two phases of selection: Stage I and Stage II. Only candidates who pass Stage I will take part in Stage II. The complete procedure is as follows:
Stage 1:
This stage involves an officer intelligence rating, picture perception, and description test.
Stage 2:
In this stage, candidates undergo a psychology test, interview, group testing officer task, and conference.
Five Days SSB Interview Procedure Details
The Service Selection Board interview is conducted after examining candidates through various parameters for 05 days. The candidates are eliminated on the first and fifth days of the SSB Process. Candidates who aspire to serve the nation must have a thorough understanding of the SSB Service Selection Board process and prepare themselves accordingly.
The SSB selection procedure includes physical, psychological, personality, and intelligence examinations. But how is it carried out? What would the candidate do? Curious? Find the SSB Service Selection Board's daily procedure.
SSB Day-1 Reporting Day
As soon as candidates come to the reporting centre, they must fill out a form with their personal and educational details. After completing and submitting the documents, candidates are assigned a temporary chest number. This chest number will be used to communicate with candidates throughout their whole interview with the Service Selection Board.
Candidates will only be called by their respective officials and seniors using their chest numbers. After completing the application, candidates have to take a screening exam. The SSB evaluation consists of the SSB OIR Officer Intelligence Test (OIR Test), the Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT), and the Story Narration and Discussion Test.
Officer Intelligence Test (OIR Test)
During the SSB Service Selection Board OIR Test, candidates must answer 50 verbal and nonverbal questions, respectively. Each question set is to be completed in 30 minutes by the candidates.
Test Type
Total Questions
Time Duration
Verbal Test
50
30 minutes
Non-Verbal Test
50
30 minutes
Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
In this test, candidates have either a clear or blurry image for thirty seconds. Candidates must recall the total number of visible characters in the image. Each candidate is then required to compose an approximately seventy-word story based on their observations of the image.
The applicant must include the character's mood, age, and gender. The Picture Perception and Description Test is to assess a candidate's expressiveness and observational abilities.
Story Narration and Discussion Test
The candidates are in small groups for a story narration and discussion. Each group member has one minute to tell their story. The group is then asked to create a story including elements from each of their individual picture stories.
Elimination
After the three initial tests are conducted on the first day, each candidate’s performance is evaluated both individually and as part of a group. Those whose performance is deemed unsatisfactory are eliminated from the Service Selection Board interview process.
Candidates who perform satisfactorily move on to the next stage of the SSB. Only these selected candidates are provided accommodation, while the others are asked to leave the center. Rejections during the SSB process occur only on the first and fifth days.
SSB Day 2 - Psychology Test
Candidates are evaluated psychologically using a series of psychological tests. During this round of the SSB Service Selection Board, mental health and perception abilities are evaluated. Candidates' personality traits, unconscious strengths, and stigmas are revealed by these psychological tests. The applicants have to answer the questions based on their understanding of the examination.
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
The SSB Service Selection Board TAT is conducted to shortlist candidates on the very first day to determine their viewpoint on interpersonal relationships. The applicants are given 12 ambiguous pictures, 11 of which are unclear and one of which is a blank placard. The contenders will get a picture for thirty seconds before being given four minutes to write a story.
Twelve similar images are sequentially displayed. The final image is a blank slide on which candidates have to write a story of their choice. The contestants get 30 seconds to think and four minutes to write a story.
Word Association Test (WAT)
The candidates have sixty simple words for 15 seconds each and asked to answer with the first thought that comes to mind after the stimulus is shown. The Word Association Test (WAT) is performed during the Service Selection Board interview to determine the schemas and information stored in a candidate's brain and memory.
Situation Reaction Exam (SRT)
The candidates are given a booklet comprising sixty questions based on real-world scenarios. The candidates must record their responses to these events within thirty minutes. The SRT helps the SSB Service Selection Board in evaluating the problem-solving and decision-making abilities of the candidate.
Self Description Test
The final event of the day is the Self Description Test, in which candidates have five questions regarding their perceptions of themselves or their closest life associates. The SDT assesses the candidates' self-image, self-esteem, and perspective of the world and other people.
SSB Day 3 - Group Task 1
The Group Testing Officer (GTO) conducts the SSB Group Exam, which assesses a candidate's ability to work within a group and engage effectively with others. During the Service Selection Board interview, the GTO evaluates both group dynamics and individual contributions. The third day at the SSB is particularly eventful for candidates, as outlined in the following list. For additional preparation, you can also refer to SSB interview questions with answers.
Group Discussion (GD)
The SSB Service Selection Board conducts two 20-30 minute group discussions. Common topics include social issues and current events. The candidates have to give their opinions on the provided subjects, and their speaking abilities, communication skills, and assertiveness are evaluated.
Group (Military) Planning Exercises (GPE)
The candidates are divided into groups of 10 to 15 people and given a model with specific problems. Candidates are expected to identify problems and propose solutions for them. The Service Selection Board interview includes group planning exercises to test the candidates' teamwork skills, problem-solving skills, and empathy levels.
Progressive Group Task (PGT)
The Service Selection Board (SSB) provides candidates with four obstacles and helpful materials. The applicants must utilise the provided materials skillfully and solve the hurdles as an unified group.
Group Obstacle Race (GOR)
The race course will contain six obstacles for the group of competitors. Here, the groups will perform in collaboration. The Service Selection Board uses this task to evaluate the applicant's sportsmanship, competitiveness, and teamwork.
Half Group Task (HGT)
This activity is similar to the SSB Progressive Group Task (PGT). The only difference is that the group is subdivided even further. For instance, if there were 10 people in a group, now there will be five in one group and five in another, competing against one another.
Day 4 of the Service Selection Board interview is packed with tasks for the candidates. The SSB Group Testing Officer (GTO) evaluates the candidates' task performance, which ultimately determines their prospects of advancing to the final day. The following are the activities for the SSB Service Selection Board:
Lecturette
The SSB Service Selection Board Lecturette more closely follows an impromptu speech competition. The contestants have to select a placard containing four topics. Candidates may select a topic of their choice from those provided. The contestants have three minutes to speak on the selected topic.
Individual Obstacles (IO)
In three minutes, the contestants must overcome ten hurdles. The hurdles are numbered from 1 to 10 according to their degree of difficulty, with 1 being the least difficult and 10 being the most difficult. Through this task, the Service Selection Board interview checks the candidate's individual capabilities.
Command Task
The candidates will be given leadership positions. While playing the role of a commander, the candidates must select the subordinates who will help them overcome the hurdles. The SSB Service Selection Board command task assesses the candidate's leadership and observational skills.
Final Group Task (FGT)
As before HGT, the groups of candidates are organised into a larger unit. The contestants must solve certain issues and barriers within a time limit. The task is similar to SSB Service Selection Board PGT, but more challenging.
Personal Interview
The SSB Service Selection Board interview begins on Day 2 and continues simultaneously with other events through Day 4. The interview is by the interviewer. The Service Selection Board's interview questions are based on the personal information candidates gave on day
The questions are also related to General Knowledge. The candidates are evaluated individually depending on their speaking abilities, body language, and expressiveness. You can also check for dress code for ssb interview.
SSB Day 5 Conference
The final day of the Service Selection Board interview is the day all candidates are evaluated. All officers who are in the evaluation process discuss the candidates' performances. Later, the candidates have to go to the conference room, where a panel of officers asks them questions and evaluates their answers. After analysing each candidate's performance, the SSB Service Selection Board announces its results and recommends qualified candidates for further consideration. You can also check for ssb interview syllabus.
How Many Types of SSB Interviews Are There?
The
Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
is conducted for candidates aspiring to join the
Indian Armed Forces
. There are primarily two types of SSB interviews:
Entry-Level SSB
and
Service-Specific SSB
. Entry-Level SSB is common for candidates applying through exams like NDA, CDS, and AFCAT, which cater to the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Service-Specific SSB interviews are tailored for direct entries like the
Technical Graduate Course (TGC)
,
NCC Special Entry
, and others, depending on the branch of the Armed Forces. While the process and structure of both types are similar, service-specific entries may have distinct criteria based on the role's requirements.
How Is the SSB Interview Conducted?
The SSB Interview is a
five-day process
designed to assess a candidate’s
Officers Like Qualities (OLQs)
. It includes a range of tasks and activities divided into different phases:
Screening (Day 1)
: Includes an Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and a Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT). Only shortlisted candidates proceed to the next phase.
Psychological Testing (Day 2)
: This evaluates the candidate’s mental aptitude and personality traits through tests like the
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
,
Word Association Test (WAT)
,
Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
, and a
Self-Description Test
.
Group Testing (Day 3 and 4)
: Includes group discussions, outdoor tasks, and individual performances to gauge leadership, teamwork, and decision-making abilities.
Personal Interview
: Conducted during Days 2 to 4, it assesses a candidate’s confidence, communication skills, and overall personality.
Conference (Day 5)
: A final assessment by the board members to decide the candidate’s selection.
The process is comprehensive and aims to evaluate candidates holistically.
SSB Interview Is of How Many Marks?
The SSB Interview carries a total of
900 marks
, which includes both the
SSB stage
and the
written exam stage
(if applicable). For entries like NDA and CDS, the written exam accounts for
300 marks (per subject)
, while the SSB process is evaluated out of
900 marks
. These marks are crucial in determining the final merit list. The SSB board allocates marks based on performance in various tests, including psychological assessments, group activities, and personal interviews. Candidates need to excel in each component to secure a higher position in the merit list.
How Many Times Is the SSB Interview Conducted in a Year?
The SSB Interview is conducted
several times a year
, depending on the type of entry. For examinations like NDA, CDS, and AFCAT, the SSB interviews are scheduled
twice annually
, following the declaration of written exam results. For direct entry schemes such as TGC or SSC Tech, SSB interviews are conducted
periodically throughout the year
based on the course schedule. Each branch of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) organizes these interviews independently, ensuring continuous opportunities for aspiring candidates to appear and qualify.
How Many Candidates Are Selected in SSB Interview?
The SSB interview is highly competitive, with only
5-7% of candidates
making it through. For every batch of approximately
100-120 candidates
, only about
5-10 candidates
are recommended, depending on their performance and the number of vacancies. The final selection also considers medical fitness and merit ranking. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most capable individuals with the desired
Officers Like Qualities (OLQs)
are chosen for the Armed Forces.
How Many Tests Are There in SSB Interview?
The SSB Interview process comprises
psychological, group, and personal assessment tests
, broadly categorized into four stages:
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
: Assesses basic verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Psychological Tests
: Includes TAT, WAT, SRT, and the Self-Description Test, evaluating a candidate's subconscious and personality traits.
Group Testing
: Includes group discussions, group planning exercises, progressive group tasks, half-group tasks, and individual obstacles.
Personal Interview
: Tests the candidate's communication skills, general awareness, and personality.
Each test is designed to evaluate specific attributes, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s potential.
