The SSB Interview is not just a test—it’s a personality evaluation designed to pick the future officers of the Indian Armed Forces. It is conducted over five days, where assessors—Interviewing Officers (IOs), Group Testing Officers (GTOs), and Psychologists—observe you closely through a series of structured tasks.
If you’re a defence aspirant, understanding what actually happens during the 5 days of SSB is crucial to prepare confidently. This blog breaks down each day’s schedule, tasks, and expectations so you can walk into the selection centre with clarity and confidence.
Objective of the SSB Interview
The primary goal of the Services Selection Board (SSB) is to assess whether you possess Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) that the Indian Armed Forces require. These include:
-
Effective Intelligence
-
Reasoning Ability
-
Communication Skills
-
Leadership
-
Team Spirit
-
Decision-Making
-
Confidence
-
Emotional Stability
The SSB process is uniform across Army, Navy, and Air Force, although the board centres differ (e.g., 19 SSB Allahabad, 1 AFSB Dehradun, etc.).
Overview of the 5-Day SSB Interview Process
| Day | Stage | Main Focus |
|---|
| Day 0 | Reporting | Document verification, briefing |
| Day 1 | Screening | OIR Test + PP&DT |
| Day 2 | Psychological Tests | TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT |
| Day 3 | GTO Day 1 | Outdoor group tasks |
| Day 4 | GTO Day 2 + Interview | Command tasks & Personal Interview |
| Day 5 | Conference Day | Final assessment & result declaration |
Let’s understand what happens day by day in detail.
Day 0: Reporting Day (Not officially counted)
You are expected to report to the SSB centre on the date mentioned in your call letter.
What Happens:
-
Reporting at the Railway Station
-
Verification of documents (Admit card, ID proof, 10th/12th certificates, etc.)
-
Allotted chest numbers and accommodation
-
Briefing by Duty Officer about do’s and don’ts
-
Submission of PIQ (Personal Information Questionnaire) form
✅ Tips:
Day 1: Screening Test
This is the elimination round. Around 60–70% of candidates are screened out on this day itself.
1️⃣ Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
Two sets of written tests assessing:
-
Verbal Reasoning (analogies, series, odd one out, coding-decoding)
-
Non-Verbal Reasoning (patterns, spatial orientation)
⏱️ 17–40 questions in 10–17 minutes per set
2️⃣ PP&DT – Picture Perception & Discussion Test
-
A blurred image is shown for 30 seconds
-
You have to write a story in 4 minutes
-
Then, narrate your story and discuss with group
✅ Objective: To test your perception, imagination, clarity of thought, and group behaviour.
Result: Shortlisted candidates move to Stage II (Psychology + GTO + Interview).
Day 2: Psychological Testing
The psychologist wants to see the real YOU—your natural thought process, not the ideal one.
1️⃣ TAT – Thematic Apperception Test
Assesses: Imagination, problem-solving, attitude
2️⃣ WAT – Word Association Test
Assesses: Subconscious thought pattern
3️⃣ SRT – Situation Reaction Test
Assesses: Decision-making under pressure
4️⃣ SDT – Self-Description Test
Write about:
-
Yourself
-
What your parents, friends, teachers think of you
-
Your weaknesses and strengths
-
Your goals
Assesses: Self-awareness and maturity
✅ Tips:
-
Don’t fake it, be natural
-
Keep your handwriting legible
-
No overwriting or cutting
-
Stay calm and manage time
Day 3: GTO Tasks – Part 1
The GTO tests your group behaviour, cooperation, planning, and leadership in outdoor tasks.
1️⃣ Group Discussion (GD)
Two topics discussed for 10–15 minutes each.
Assesses: Communication, reasoning, dominance
2️⃣ Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
A map-based problem-solving task. Write a plan and discuss with the group.
Assesses: Logic, planning, teamwork
3️⃣ Progressive Group Task (PGT)
Group crosses obstacles using rope, plank, and wooden log.
Assesses: Group cooperation, innovation
4️⃣ Snake Race / Group Obstacle Race
A fun competitive task where groups run through obstacles with a “snake” (rolled cloth).
Assesses: Team bonding and stamina
5️⃣ Lecturette
Pick one of 4 given topics and speak for 3 minutes.
Assesses: Clarity, confidence, GK, structure
✅ Tips:
Day 4: GTO Part 2 + Personal Interview
1️⃣ Half Group Task (HGT)
Similar to PGT, but with fewer members. More chances to lead.
2️⃣ Individual Obstacles
10 obstacles in 3 minutes (zig-zag balance, Burma bridge, wall jump, etc.)
Assesses: Fitness, courage, speed
3️⃣ Command Task
You act as a commander and give tasks to subordinates (other candidates).
Assesses: Command ability, communication
4️⃣ Final Group Task (FGT)
Last outdoor group task—same setup as PGT but more challenging.
5️⃣ Personal Interview
Conducted by Interviewing Officer (IO), it lasts 30–60 minutes.
Questions are based on:
✅ Tips:
-
Stay honest
-
Be calm, respectful, and clear
-
Don’t bluff—IOs know when you lie
Day 5: Conference Day
The final day where your performance is discussed by all assessors.
What Happens:
This lasts 1–2 minutes unless your result is borderline (then deeper questions may be asked).
After all candidates are interviewed, results are announced.
What Happens After the Results?
Being recommended is a major achievement—it means you have OLQs the Armed Forces admire.
Psychological Angle: Why the SSB Process Is So Effective
The 5-day SSB process:
-
Tests your personality from different angles
-
Eliminates coached or fake behaviour
-
Makes you reveal your natural self under pressure
Unlike academic exams, this isn’t about marks—it’s about how you think, feel, behave, and lead.
How Cavalier Delhi Prepares You for All 5 Days
At Cavalier Delhi (Since 2001), we understand the SSB process inside-out. Our coaching is designed to prepare you for every stage:
Why Choose Cavalier?
-
Ex-GTOs, Psychologists & IOs as Mentors
-
Live Practice on India’s Largest GTO Ground
-
Personal Interview Mocks with Real Feedback
-
TAT, WAT, SRT Psychological Training
-
Group Planning & Lecturette Practice
-
Personality Development & Confidence Building
Get expert mentoring, one-on-one sessions, and mock drills that mirror the actual SSB.
Call now: 8766375168
Visit: www.cavalier.in
Location: C-73, Shardapuri (Marble Mkt.), Rajouri Garden, New Delhi
✍️ Final Words
The SSB Interview isn’t a one-day test—it’s a journey that reveals your true personality under pressure. The 5-day structure ensures you’re tested for your:
-
Mental sharpness
-
Emotional stability
-
Team spirit
-
Leadership qualities
-
Adaptability and courage
Whether you’re appearing for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, or TES, understanding what happens during the 5 days of SSB Interview is your first step towards clearing it with confidence.
Need Help in SSB Preparation?
Join Cavalier Delhi’s specialized SSB Interview Coaching course and prepare under the mentorship of India’s top defence trainers.
✅ Realistic Mock Interviews
✅ Live GTO Practice
✅ Psych Test Workshops
✅ Interview Guidance
✅ Daily Communication & Confidence Building
Call now: 8766375168
Get a free counselling session today!