2. Indian Defence Services
Selection Process and SSB interviews

3. Do YOU have it in YOU?

4. A little Homework
• To start with the three wings of
the Indian Armed forces is the
Army, the Navy, the Air Force.
– Though the army is the most popular
among the three, it demands a good
physique in testing conditions at high
altitude(compulsory for all officers-
executive and technical), the air force
and Navy on the other hand are more
tough with the medical requirements
– All the three armed forces invite
application from men and women
candidates. One must keep in mind
the age and eligibility criteria for each.

5. A little Homework
• The websites of the armed forces are:
– Army: http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/
– Navy : http://www.nausena-bharti.nic.in/
– Air Force: http://careerairforce.nic.in/
Navigating these sites or finding out what you`re exactly looking for might be little
troublesome, but patience, It`s a dream job! 
Note: Each of the websites has a page dedicated to help the candidate find out which entries
and posts he/she is eligible for. Make sure you make a note of these so that when the
advertisements come out you know which you need to take really seriously. Also, if you
aren`t sure of the options, try with 2/3 options. E.g.: in the navy website for B.Tech-
electronics and electronics (any discipline), opens different options)

6. Read the advertisement
• Not many will miss the salary section and the various perks that you
are entitled to but there are other important parts of the
advertisement.
• Be very careful to check your eligibility in the particular post or
service being applied for
• There are many types of entries
– Executive, Technical, Submarine(Navy), Flying Officer and
Observer(Navy and Officer), Artillery Army, Medical (Armed forces
Medical Corps), ground duty(Air Force) and Logistics.
– Each of these entries have different qualifications and requirements in
terms of physical and medical standards, make sure you are eligible in
the type of entry you are applying for.
– For further classifications please visit the respective websites.
• Though advertisements come in leading newspapers make sure you
Subscribe to http://upscportal.com for mail updates in inbox.

7. Types Of Commission
• There are types of commission.
– Permanent Commission
– Short Service 10yrs extensible to 14yrs
• Entry in to permanent commission secures your
job in the defense forces for a period of 25/26yrs.
It is rewarding as promotion to higher ranks
depends on selection after a certain stage.
• Short Service commission is extensible to
permanent commission depending on the
directive of the government at the end of tenure.

8. Application- Carefully
• Do not fill the application with too much of self appraisal. Be clear
and concise.
• When the application demands certain certificates or details do
attach or mention them failing which your candidature might be
cancelled.
• READ THE ADVERTISEMENT CAREFULLY. A lot of instructions on how
to apply and how the form is to be filed, the correct format is
mentioned in some fine print. Make sure you adhere to the
instructions and format.
• Mail the application to correct address, and choose the most
suitable address for communication since the letters sent to you are
confidential and will be returned if not delivered to you.
• If you have to apply to more than one post in an advertisement,
make sure you send one application in which you mention your
order of priority.

10. The Process
• First there would be a written test or a Campus
selection(as in the case for UES entry).
• For written test brush on history and sharpen your
English and Analytical skills. Basic math and logic are
crucial . Only you can help yourself here.
• GK is also a very important, what to do? READ READ
READ.. Overnight GK study will hardly make a
difference.
• For campus selections, do not be choosy, attend all,
every attempt is a learning experience but don’t loose
heart if you don’t make it. Learn and change, it will add
to your personality – Go in stronger next time.

12. • For Campus selection drives group discussion and interview are the usual
protocol.
• Group Discussion: they look at your communication skills here. Speak and
speak sense. Making note points will definitely help. If you talk non stop-good,
but non sense- they are not interested! Be in control of the GD you don’t have
to talk all the time. If you move the conversation with your bold clear and
strong few points you are through to stage 2. Give others a chance will show
you are in charge and will earn you brownie points for aiding more
participation.
• Interview: there are many questions that might be asked. Technical entries get
ready for those technical skills to be quizzed. The famous questions that
everybody faults at are
– Why join Indian ARMY/NAVY/AIR FORCE?
Make sure you come up with wise answers. They are good and trained selectors they would
know when you are faking it. DON`T say sir, because I love my country, you`re expected
to, rather say you have decided to contribute in your own special way to the nation and
you have it in you to face the challenges.
– Tell me about yourself
Its about YOURSELF not your parents and sibling or your pets at home!!! Be concise and
keep it short and sweet. Sweet because too much seriousness would make you a
machine. They are fun loving people. But don’t make a fool of yourself in trying to be
humorous.
• Wear a smile always
so what if it’s the defense, they don’t want a sadist. Plus a smile would mask the
nervousness and racing heat beat rate.

14. What they look for
• Confidence • Personality
• Communication • Body language
• Analytical skills • Problem solving ability:
• Logical thinking How you tackle
• Decision Making situations
• Technical Knowledge in • Attire and well groomed
respective Field. – Men: clean shaved and
• Commitment smart haircut.
• Quick thinking – Women: hair in a bun
and less make up.

16. The results of the preliminary selections will be based on performance in
the written test and/or the campus selection short listed candidates. The
candidates who clear the preliminary round will be called by the
SERVICES SELECTION BOARD for a 5 day interview. The interview is a full
proof method that examines the candidates with scrutiny of every detail.
SERVICES SELECTION BOARD
INTERVIEW

17. Services Selection Board
A 5 day SSB interview extensively examines the candidates. This is a fool
Proof method, been used for years for recruitment in armed forces. The
two main stages are preliminary screening and remaining interview
process of four days

18. Services Selection Board-What Happens

19. Services Selection Board-What Happens
• Preliminary Screening
– Aptitude test(Analytical and Non Verbal Reasoning)
An aptitude test that has the usual questions and is divided into two parts. Each
of the tests have a defined time limit.
– Picture perception test
A picture is shown to the candidates and 4 minutes are given to write a story by
portraying the lead character i.e. the protagonist. A rectangle on the paper is
given, the lead character and the other supporting characters have to be
indicated here. The lead character should have the OLQ`s that you should
portray though the story.
– Group Discussion
First, you will be asked to read out your interpretation of the story, later the floor
will be open to a discussion. Be sure to make an impact during the group
discussion or else you will go unnoticed. Prepare and practice group
discussion skills before hand to avoid goof ups.

22. Psychological tests
FINISH all the test questions in sequential order. Leaving out a question
without attempting would mean the particular question could not be
dealt with by you. Practice would be a solution to do well here.
– TAT(thematic appreciation test)
• picture story writing; 11 slides are shown and 4min to write a story
revolving around the story. 10 slides have some graphic/picture, while
the 11th picture is a blank slide.
– WAT(word association test)
• 60 words are displayed on the screen, with each word displayed for
about 15 secs each. You have to read the word, make a sentence and
write it down- after 15 secs, next word.
E.g.: Courage soldier dame nation steal Knife
– SRT(situation reaction test)
• A situation is given where the reaction to each situation is to be written
down in 4-5 lines each. About 15 situations are given.

23. Personal Interview
• The most fundamental factors to a successful interview is
the time and quality of preparation.
• Normally the President/Vice President of the Services
Selection Board will conduct the personal Interview. They
are very senior Officer from the Armed forces, so they
cannot be fooled. They will ask you about every small detail
you have mentioned in the PIQ (personal information
Questionnaire), so don`t mention anything that is false, you
will be grilled
• Your Preparation helps reduce the nervousness and
develops Confidence and gears you for the anticipated
grilling.
• At the same time remain to be you natural self and not

24. Group Testing Officer's (GTO's) Test
– Group discussion (2 topics)
• groups of 8 to 10
• time for discussion is approximately 20 minutes
• tests the expression, argumentative capabilities, depth of
knowledge, initiative, flexibility, participation and authenticity
• Comprehend, Initiate, Control, Conclude
– Group planning exercise
• situation is given to the candidates
usually on a sand model or cloth
model.
• First asked to write down (2min) then
group discusses amongst themselves
and nominates one person to explain
the conclusion to the GTO (tip: always
take initiative)

25. Group Testing Officer's (GTO's) Test
– Group obstacles
• PGT Progressive Group Task
• Snake Race
• HGT Half Group Task
• Final Group Task Above: lecturette
below: Group
Obstacles
– Command Task
– Individual obstacles
– Lecturette

26. Group Testing Officer's (GTO's) Test
– Group obstacles
• PGT Progressive Group Task (each successive task getting
tougher)
• Group Obstacle Race (Snake Race)
• HGT Half Group Task
(dividing the group into two sub-groups, facilitating the GTO in
observing the candidates in a better manner)
• Final Group Task
(repeat exercise to facilitate the GTO to observe only the
potential candidates)

27. test the behaviour of a candidate in a group
qualities like cooperation, group belonging feelings, natural leadership
qualities, planning, initiative and task orientation
entire group has to cross the obstacle within a given period of time with
the assistance of tools like ropes, planks, wooden logs, etc with
particular parts "out of bounds“

28. Conference
• The last stage in the selection process is the conference
which takes place on the last day
• During the earlier three stages, three selectors i.e. the
psychologist, G.T.O. and the President carry out their tests
independently. At the conference all the three selectors sit
together, call the interviewee and ask two-three formal and
routine questions. Candidates who qualify in all the three
tests independently are declared successful.
• those failing in all or any two are declared unsuccessful. A
few candidates marginally failing in one of the tests, may
expect a couple of more absorbing questions, including a
situation, and on the basis of reply offered by the
candidate, final decision about his/her selection is taken

29. Prepare the following
• How to Tackle
• Appearance
• Stuff You must Know
• OLQ
Officer Like Qualities

30. How to Tackle?
• Write down in a neat and legible handwriting the PIQ form given to you (Please copy it down it is given in this CD).
Try to put down everything in an orderly and crisp manner. Revise your Bio-data thoroughly. Try to form your own
questions based on it. Answer them to your full satisfaction. Check your Bio-Date for grammatical and spelling
error. Remember discerning interviewer expects Zero error in the Bio-Data. Try and collect as much information
about the City in which you live, your School, College, place of interview and places you have visited. Be sure
regarding your hobbies. For example, if you have written reading as a hobby, be sure about what you have been
reading. Interviewer expects a serious reply. He expects the names of the authors and then will ask questions
based on their themes. A serious reader will score over others who refer cheap detective, thriller novels. The logic
holds good for any other hobby you have mentioned in your PIQ. Be clear of your favourite subject and area of
you interest in the subject, which you are/have specialized.
• Refresh your knowledge. Then interviewer might ask you a few technical questions. A well-groomed look gives an
image of thoroughness and professional look. Your achievements should be brought out in a systematic order as
and when you are asked about it. Follow the normal etiquette for the interview., Wait for the officer to speak first-
Listen carefully before you speak. Take a few long breaths this will calm down your nerves, after listening to the
question carefully, clarify your doubts if any, before you answer the question. Think well before you answer. For
more questions will follow your answers.
The New Technique adopted at the SSB Interview is RAPID FIRE questions. Listen to the questions carefully. Think
well before you answer, elaborate your answers and tactfully take him on to your strong points. Do not over
emphasize them.
Be very clear in your thought and expression. Don't speak in a low voice, be loud enough so that interviewer don't
have to strain their ears. Be brief, brevity is the hallmark of a good communicator. Answer all the questions in a
sequence. If you don't know an answer be Honest. The Interviewer will respect integrity and honesty. NEVER
Exaggerate. Never boast about anything including your achievements. Never enter into an argument with the
interviewer on any topic.

31. Your Appearance..
• You should dress up for the occasion. Most of the time you will be asked to attend the
Interview in the PT if not dress in formals preferable with tie. Kit it is better for you to keep a
small pocket Comb and a neat and clean Handkerchief. Freshen up yourself before you set
foot in the interviewers room. Your warm smile, excellent etiquette and a firm handshake will
be starting Please listen to the question carefully. If you have not understood the question
then ask for the clarification. Try and answer the questions in the same sequence as put forth
to you. Since the distance between you and the interviewing officer would be about 6 feet,
you are expected to talk in a loud and clear voice. Take your time think and answer questions.
• DO NOT TELL A LIE. You will be caught.
Interviewing Officers are usually hold the Rank of Colonel or its equivalent rank in the
Navy/Air Force. Here are some of the tips which you will find it useful while facing the
Interviewing officer:
a) Be tidy and well dressed. Wear simple clothes but well fitting clothes. Do not wear
Jewellery
b)On entering the room wish the panel and do what they say.
c) Do not get over anxious. A minor degree of nervousness is expected from everyone.
d) Be Yourself
e) Be polite and use words like "Please", "Sir", Do not sound egoistic.
f) Be natural and never convey extravagant ideas like " I would die for my country" or " The
best profession is the Defence Forces ".
g) Do not lie or beat around the bush. If you are not sure of the answer say that you do not
know. You are not going to be penalized for say it.
h) Be brief, loud and clear.

33. • i) The major questions like Why do you want to join the Army/Navy/Air
Force?. There are no perfect answer to this question. While answering it try
to convey 4 or 5 facts such as:
i. Defence services offers a Challenge to a young person
ii. Merit is given due recognition in the Forces.
iii. I will get an opportunity to learn and experience the latest
technological inventions.
iv. I like an out door life rather than a 10 to 5 desk job.
v. I will get an opportunity to mingle with all sorts of people and
persons from different parts of the country.
vi. In my opinion the Uniformed forces offers reasonable pay and perks
vii. One of the most respected professions in Indian is that of a soldier.
• j) Be truthful in stating your hobbies. be prepared to answer questions about
it.
• k) High light your achievement in sports, NCC and other extra curricular
activities.
• l) Current affairs be a regular reader of magazines and news paper.
• m) When a situation is given to you think and answer be very specific and
answer in the most practical way.
• n) Thank the Officer for his time before you leave the room.

34. Must Know these Stuffs:
1. The rank structure of the forces
2. The current events
3. Knowledge about your town
4. Your projects
5. Why you want to join the forces?
6. What will you do in case you do not get selected at selected?
7. this is to see how determined you are in achieving your aim.)
8. Have a plan B in case you exhaust all the chances then you will
9. Take up ------- job.
10. When the interviewer asks you to organize a trekking event
remember the following points; or any other event the
heading under which you can cover the preparations are:
11. Initial Preparation
12. Venue
13. Event
14. Specific Items need for the event.

35. Must Know these Stuffs:
15. Communication
16. On the day
17. Hospitality
18. Budget
19. Keeping the journal and recording the event
20. After the event
21. Maintain proper Eye contact with the person who asks you the
22. Question. This shows your Confidence and honesty.
Avoid using frequently words and phrases like" I mean", " You
know", "well", "as such" etc.
23 In the end you want to ask the officer any questions please do
so, if not then so politely "I have no questions to ask you sir."
24 Last but not the least, BE NATURAL. When the interview ends.
If offered a Handshake, do so, if not just say, "Thank you for the
wonderful evening and put the chair back to its original position
before leaving. Leave the place with a warm smile and a nod of
head. Close the door gently and leave the room.

37. THE 15 Commandments
OLQs (Officer Like Qualities)
• PLANNING & ORGANISING • SOCIAL EFFECTIVENESS
• 1. EFFECTIVE INTELLIGENCE • 8. INITIATIVE
• 2. REASONING ABILITY • 9. SELF CONFIDENCE
• 3. ORGANISING ABILITY • 10. SPEED OF DECISION
• 4. POWER OF EXPRESSION • 11. LIVELINESS
• • 12. ABILITY TO INFLUENCE
• SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT A GROUP
• 5. SOCIAL ADAPTABILITY • DYNAMIC
• 6. COOPERATION • 13. DETERMINATION
• 7. SENSE OF • 14. COURAGE
RESPONSIBILITY • 15. STAMINA

39. FAQ`s
• Why do you want to join the air force/navy/ army?
– Keep it short and realistic.
– Don’t make statements e.g.: when you were born you knew you had to join the army- ridiculous
– Tell the, how you will contribute- that’s what they are interested in.
• You have a B.Tech degree(or any other) in Media, how did you decide to
take up the defence line?
– There is no harm in admitting when exactly you were inspired to join.
– Don’t give the feeling that you have come b`coz you did not get a job elsewhere.
– Show a 100% commitment even 99% is less than satisfactory
• If you get selected how would you contribute to the defence?
– It is obvious that you will be a part of a bigger plan but make sure you don’t be over confident about
yourself because the armed forces is not a one man show, its team work. And for the first few years
at least the rule is DO ONLY WHAT YOU ARE TOLD. So shape your answer accordingly.
– Be short and simple. 5 sentences to the max.
• How would you relate what you have learnt to the defence forces?
– This is each ones perspective. prepare this one well because you should be able to show promise to
deliver, with these few lines.
• What do you know about the string of pearls?
– Don’t know? Find out now!

40. FAQ`s
• What is your take on the ever increasing to India`s security?
– Talk about china
– Read Editorials of news papers to get a broader outlook such topics are crucial and can also be
discussed at large by the interviewer or even in GD.
• Have you been following our website or in the news? If so, what are the recent developments
you are aware of?
– Be Well informed- It’s a matter of pride for the officer interviewing you, your lack of knowledge
won`t really impress.
– Sources are news papers and defence news websites
• What is the hierarchy of ranks in the Indian Army/Navy/ Air force? Find it.
• Do you have a girlfriend/ Boyfriend?
– However deeply in love you might seem to be this time give it a pass. When you say you are a
focused individual - Show it! Everything else besides your career in only a distraction.
• What if you haven`t got a chance to extend short service commission to a Permanent
Commission?
– again, can`t give any fixed answer. Be smart while answering this one. The interviewer is looking at
your foresight and self-confidence as well.

41. FAQ`s
• If you don’t happen to know something, be frank- don’t
make up something. Same with if you are not sure about
something don’t make false statements
• Be sure to answer personal questions and in depth about
your hobbies your parents and sibling and your life at
college-which means they find you interesting, so bring up
a confident smile that lightens the room. Not too much.
• Defence personnel are smart and they have an interest in a
gamut of activities. If you are a photographer, trekker or an
avid reader be sure to answer intriguing questions that may
not be to test you, but a mutual interest.

42. • The ships in the Navy
• The tanks in the Army
• The aircrafts and helicopters in the Air Force
• All the recent updates on commissioned
ships, new fighter jets, missiles,
missions (e.g.: mission blue water,
Project Sea Bird)
All The Best.. JAI HIND !