SSB Interview, Day wise Process, Do’s and Don’ts, Tips
Nigam Sharma5 Dec, 2025
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SSB Interview is a 5-day selection process through which future officers of the Indian Armed Forces are selected. It includes screening tests, psychology tests, GTO tasks, personal interviews, and conference rounds. Every single part tests various qualities, such as leadership, confidence, teamwork, and decision-making.
The candidates who qualify for NDA, CDS, or AFCAT examinations attend this interview. Proper preparation, fitness, honesty, and awareness help the aspirant perform better to crack both the selection and medical standards.
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 |
What Is the SSB Interview?
SSB Interview is not just one face‑to‑face talk; it's a complete selection process. It consists of the SSB 5‑day selection procedure: screening, psychology tests, GTO tasks, personal interview, and conference.
The SSB interview process aims to test "officer‑like qualities", such as leadership, teamwork, courage, and responsibility. For entries like NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and others, students who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview stage.
SSB Selection Procedure Overview
The SSB 5‑day selection procedure follows a clear pattern. Each day focuses on a different part of your personality and skills.
Basic structure of the SSB interview 5‑day selection:
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Day 0: Reporting and document check
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Day 1: SSB OIR & PPDT test (screening)
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Day 2: SSB psychology tests
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Day 3 & 4: SSB GTO tasks list, activities, and personal interview
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Day 5: SSB conference round and result.
Day 1: SSB OIR & PPDT Test
On Day 1, you face the SSB OIR & PPDT test, which is called the screening test. Many students are sent back after this stage, so it is very important.
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OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating): Verbal and non‑verbal questions to check IQ and speed.
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PPDT (Picture Perception and Description Test): You see a picture, write a short story, then narrate and discuss it in a group.
Main Parts of Day 1
You can see the key parts of the SSB OIR & PPDT test below. This helps you plan your SSB interview preparation for screening.
|
Component |
What it checks |
Key skill tested |
|
OIR test |
Basic maths, reasoning questions |
Intelligence and speed |
|
PPDT story writing |
Story based on one picture |
Imagination and clarity |
|
PPDT narration |
You tell your story to the group |
Confidence and speaking |
|
Group discussion |
Group talks on the picture story |
Teamwork and listening |
Day 2: SSB Psychology Tests
On Day 2, you face the SSB psychology tests, which check your inner thoughts and natural behavior. These tests are written, timed, and need fast but honest answers.
Common SSB psychology tests:
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TAT (Thematic Apperception Test): Write stories about the shown pictures.
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WAT (Word Association Test): Write sentences on words flashed on screen.
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SRT (Situation Reaction Test): Write how you will act in given situations.
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SDT (Self Description Test): Write what you, your friends, and your parents think of you.
Good SSB interview preparation for psychology includes daily writing practice, staying positive, and being truthful in all responses.
Days 3 & 4: SSB GTO Tasks List and Interview
On Days 3 and 4, you face the SSB GTO tasks list and your personal interview. These days, test your physical ability, courage, and group behavior in real‑life‑like situations.
Main GTO Tasks List
Below is a common activity in the SSB GTO tasks list. These are key to your SSB interview preparation plan.
|
GTO Task |
Type |
What it checks |
|
Group Discussion |
Indoor |
Ideas, logic, listening |
|
Group Planning Exercise |
Indoor |
Planning and decision‑making |
|
Progressive Group Task |
Outdoor |
Teamwork and problem-solving |
|
Half Group Task |
Outdoor |
Leadership and cooperation |
|
Individual Obstacles |
Outdoor |
Fitness and courage |
|
Command Task |
Outdoor |
Command and responsibility |
|
Lecturette |
Indoor |
Public speaking |
|
Final Group Task |
Outdoor |
Overall group performance |
The personal SSB interview usually happens on Day 2, 3, or 4. In this part of the SSB interview, the officer asks about your family, studies, hobbies, and general awareness.
SSB Conference Round: Final Day
On Day 5, all candidates go for the SSB conference round, which closes the SSB 5‑day selection procedure. All three assessors, including the psychologist, GTO, and interviewing officer, sit together to decide your result.
In the SSB conference round, officers may ask a few simple questions about your stay, performance, or future plans. It usually lasts only a few minutes, but it is the final part of the SSB interview process before results.
SSB Medical Test
After you are recommended in the SSB conference round, you must clear the SSB medical standards. The medical test often takes 3–5 days at a military hospital.
Common SSB medical standards include checks for:
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Height, weight, and body mass
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Eyesight and colour vision
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Hearing and ENT
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Heart, lungs, bones, and overall physical health
The process is repeated until the ratings given by all team members are close enough to each other.
You may get time for review or appeal in some entries if you do not meet the SSB medical standards at first. Smart preparation for SSB interview includes proper diet, exercise, and early health check‑ups.
SSB Interview Preparation Tips for Students
Good SSB interview preparation starts months before your call letter. Focus on daily habits, not last‑minute cramming. Useful SSB tips for freshers:
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Understand the full SSB interview process and SSB 5‑day selection procedure.
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Read newspapers to improve general awareness and lecturette content.
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Practice SSB psychology tests like TAT, WAT, and SRT with a time limit.
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Improve fitness for GTO tasks list by running, basic exercises, and sports.
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Practice group discussion and PPDT narration with friends.
These simple SSB tips for freshers help you stay calm and natural during the SSB interview.
SSB Interview Do’s and Don’ts
Before you attend your first SSB interview, you should know what to do and what to avoid. Below are quick SSB tips for freshers.
Here you can see clear dos and don’ts for the SSB interview process. Read them many times while planning your SSB interview preparation.
|
Do’s |
Don’ts |
|
Be honest in answers. |
Do not copy others’ stories or ideas. |
|
Listen to others in group tasks. |
Do not shout or fight in discussions. |
|
Stay active in GTO tasks list. |
Do not stay silent all the time. |
|
Maintain good posture and eye contact. |
Do not look nervous or lazy. |
|
Prepare basic current affairs. |
Do not guess wild answers. |
Following these SSB tips for freshers makes the SSB interview feel more natural and less stressful.
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.