Page 194 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

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Section 3 – Group Testing

Basis of Group Testing

Group Testing is based on the theory of Gestalt, wherein the GTO looks at
the candidates performing in a group, then gradually singles them out and

gives a closer look and finally, once again observes them perform in the
group. There are a total of nine tasks/activities conducted by the GTO. These
are divided into three distinct phases as described below.

Basic Series

In the basic series, there are four tasks, namely Group Discussion (GD, two

rounds), Group Planning Exercise (GPE), Progressive Group Task (PGT) and
the Group Obstacle Race (GOR). All these tasks are group tasks and

performance in these is very important. In this series, the group goes through
three stages of development. The first stage is called the exploration stage. As
the candidates are unfamiliar with each other, they explore and try to gauge

each other’s abilities. This typically happens during the two rounds of the
GD. The second stage is the competition stage which happens during the
GPE. The candidates tend to impose their supremacy on others and try to get

control of the group. Thus, this task generates a lot of heat and most often,
the group is unable to arrive at a conclusion. The exploration continues
through the PGT as this is a practical field work. The tendency of the

candidates will be to take control of the activity and other group members.