The aim of this article is to apprise willing and motivated youngsters aspiring to join the armed forces in the officers’ cadre of some commonly unknown facts about the Service Selection Boards (SSBs) and the unique selection procedure they follow so as to assist them in acquiring some very practical tips for achieving success.

It is often observed that lack of information leads to lack of motivation. A well-informed and well prepared candidate is, therefore, likely to perform well in the SSB. Basic information about SSB

The administrative control of Service Selection Boards is with three Headquarters, Army, Naval and Air Headquarters. So far Army is concerned, the Recruiting Directorate under the Adjutant General’s Branch is responsible for exercising administrative control on the service selection centres which are located in Allahabad (04 Boards) , Bhopal (02 Boards) and Bengaluru (02 Boards). In case of Naval entries, the Boards are in Bhopal and Bengaluru. Air Force selection Boards are located in Mysore, Dehradun and Varanasi under the command of training command, Bengaluru, Western Air Command, New Delhi and Central Air Command respectively.
        
 The technical guidance to all the Boards and the training of personnel employed in SSBs is provided by the Defence Institute of Psychological Research. Each Board consists of technically trained, qualified and experienced service officers as well as civilian psychologists.

Schedule of Selection Board

The basic procedure of selection at the Service Selection Boards (SSBs) aims at assessment of candidates on the officer-like-qualities, popularly known as OLQ. Each candidate is assessed simultaneously yet independent by three assessors on same variables or traits of personality, using three different techniques.

They are as under:

a. Interviewing officer (IO) - Using the interview technique

b. Group Testing Officer (GTO) - Using Group testing technique by assigning various interesting situational, leaderless group tasks to the candidates.

c. Psychologist or Technical Officer (TO) - Using series of Intelligence tests and psychological tests, mostly projective tests.The combined aim of administrating all the above tests is to obtain maximum inputs on the candidate’s potentials through three modes of impressions i.e. writing, verbal conversation and actual actions both under individual and group scenario.

    After evaluating and analysing all inputs obtained by the three assessors they finally assemble in a Board conference to discuss each individual case in detail and come to a conclusion about the “acceptance” of the candidate.

The normal testing programme at the Service Selection Boards spreads over five days. Normally, candidates are instructed to report to their respective selection centres in the forenoon. As a matter of practice, the day of arrival of new batch of candidates overlaps with the last day of the previous batch of candidates.
   All candidates who attend SSB and go through this uniquely designed , three-tier selection system thoroughly enjoy going through the tests irrespective of the fact whether they finally get selected or not. The candidates are treated like officers and get their first exposure to a decent, disciplined and dignified life style.

 On arrival, candidates are briefed by the GTO on duty, representing the president of the Board. Thereafter, candidates are asked to complete certain formalities and documentation. Among these, filling up Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ) carries greater importance from assessment point of view and need to be filled in carefully.
  
• Basic Screening Test (BST) – The second day starts with Basic Screening Test which consists of (a) Intelligence Test Battery, (b) Picture Perception and Description Test (PD & DT). The combined result of these tests decides whether a candidate needs to be screened out or permitted to go ahead with the main series of tests.

a. Intelligence Test Battery consists of both verbal and non-verbal intelligence test items. These tests are designed to measure the basic intelligence giving due importance to ‘speed’ and ‘accuracy’ components. In other words, speed should not be achieved at the cost of accuracy and vice-versa. Quick decision making, ability to reason out, comprehend relationships, spatial equations, language ability etc are the keys to success. 

Candidates attempting these tests are advised not to waste too much time in any single test item. It is better to switch over to the next and return to the difficult one at a later stage if time permits. During preparation or training session, though nothing much can be done about one’s basic intelligence, a little practice can definitely enhance the speed factor and of course, the comfort and confidence levels. 
Example of pictures used in PP and D Test

  This test is a miniature of the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), which is part of the main psychological test series. Candidates are shown a picture for 30 seconds. They are then asked to write down a story based on the ideas that strike their mind after observing the picture. Four minutes are given to write a story. Each candidate is then given one minute to narrate their respective stories to the group. After every member takes his turn, the group is asked to discuss the story, reach at a group decision and one nominated member is asked to present the story.

    A candidate to qualify this screening test is expected to write a reasonably balanced story with clear action component, present the same confidently and take active part in the story discussion. The results of the BST are announced soon after the test is over. Those who are declared passed are required to stay on and appear in the tests prescribed in the main series.

(The author is an ex-Technical Officer (TO/psychologist) who served in selection centre central, Bhopal and selection Centre, East, Allahabad during his service career. The author can be contacted at busie.ray@gmail.com or 040/23556602.)