NDA EXAM SSB Interview

Around 6 Lakh students appear in the exam out of which 30,000 make it to the list, which is further refined to select around 300 students for the various services in the academy. The exam is one of the toughest in the country but with a strategic plan, you can ace it. But before starting the preparations, you should be well-versed with the NDA exam pattern. The exam is divided into two stages that include a Written Examination and SSB Interview. In this blog we will focus on the interview stage and its detail analysis.

Stage 2 of NDA EXAM – SSB Test/Interview

This stage includes Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence Test that carries a total of 900 marks and is conducted over a period of 4-5 days. It is important for candidates to qualify both the levels of SSB test to get into NDA. The SSB/Interview is vital in the NDA exam pattern. The candidates who qualify the first round are cleared for the SSB Test. In this stage, the candidate is tested on various parameters and his performance is evaluated and later recommended for the selection in the academy. The SSB test further comprises of stages which are explained below:

1. Screening Test: The test aims at filtering in the potential candidates to be cleared for the next round. The screening test consists of Verbal and Non-Verbal tests, and Picture Perception and Discussion Test.

• Verbal & Non-Verbal Tests: This test contains questions regarding Verbal and Non – Verbal Reasoning. The count of Verbal questions is 50 to 60 to solve in 30 minutes and Non – Verbal around 50 questions to be solved in 40 minutes. Verbal questions are asked from the topics like series, the odd one out, speed/ distance/ time and blood relations. In the case of Non – Verbal: seeing the picture, mirror image, and picture distortion.
• Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT): P.P.D.T is a projection test, which is a part of the screening. In this, the candidates are shown a hazy picture for a duration of 30 seconds and the candidate has to write down a story in 3 minutes by noting down the basic seven parameters such as: Age, Sex, Character, Mood, Past (what he did), Present (what is going on in the story), Future (what will he do)
• Aptitude Test: The candidates who clear the screening test are allowed to sit for the aptitude test which consists of Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation, Reaction Test (SRT), Self Description Test (SD).

2. Psychological Test: A psychological test is a tool that helps in the recording of candidates various emotional and behavioural reactions. Candidates have to clear the four psychological tests during SSB which are as explained below:

3. Group Task: It consists of a 9-different type of tests to be performed in the group which is conducted by Group Testing Officer. These 9 tests are mentioned below in order as they are scheduled. Check Also Type of Questions Asked in NDA.

• Group discussion: Two topics of common interest (social issues and current events) are discussed. It is an informal discussion and not a debate. Each topic is allotted 20 minutes each. No definite conclusion is required to be deduced.
• Group planning exercise (Military Planning Exercise): It comprises of five stages viz, explanation of the model, reading of the narrative by GTO, five minutes for self-reading by candidates, 10 minutes for individual written solutions and 20 minutes for group discussion. The narration of the group solution and a definite conclusion is required.
• Progressive Group Task: This is the first outdoor task in an interview with GTO. A set of four obstacles with progressively increasing level of difficulties are to be completed in 40 to 50 minutes. Structures, helping material and load are provided to the group.
• Group Obstacle Race (Snake Race): This is the fourth task in which all the groups have to complete a race through a series of six obstacles while carrying a rolled tent that looks like a snake. In this task, the group is pitched against each other over a set of six obstacles with a snake-like load to carry.
• Half Group Task: It is the same as PGT, the difference is only with the division of the group i.e. group is divided into two sets. If the group contain a total of 10 persons, then it is divided into 5 of two groups. Rules for HGT are similar to PGT.
• Lecturette: It is an individual task and the candidate is required to give a short talk to the group. Three minutes are allowed to prepare any chosen topic from the four given in the Lecturette Cards for the talk. Candidates confidence, attitude, his/her views are some of the factors to successfully clear this exercise.

4. GTO: This consists of a series of outdoor tasks to check the performance, teamwork, coordination and confidence of the candidate. This includes Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Task and Half Group Task.

GTO Session 1:

•  Individual Obstacles: A Set of 10 obstacles is set to be tackled individually. Obstacles are numbered from one to ten, denoting the points each one carries. Each individual will be given three minutes.
• Command Task: This task is held before FGT with the aim of finding candidate capability. Candidates can choose two members from the group. The obstacle should be completed within allotted time and resources availability.
• Final Group Task: This is the final task of the SSB GTO task. There is only one obstacle. Groups are provided with Fatta, Balli, Latha around 5 feet, Steel Pipe, 2 rope, and Load of 5 kg. The time given to complete this task is 15-20 minutes.

5. Personal Interview Session 2: The Interview is conducted for 35-40 minutes. The selected candidates' list is forwarded to the Medical Board. After clearing the Medical candidates will be in the merit list. Then the candidates join the Medical Board.

6. Conference / Final Selection: The final process at SSB scheduled on the final day. Candidates are required to face the Board Officers. This includes the following: -

• Closing address by Deputy President of the Board.
• Conference.
• Announcement of results.
• Dispersal.