Page 20 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

members. Towards this, reading newspapers and listening to the news will
also help build your vocabulary.

Thirdly, build knowledge of the service/arm that you are aspiring to join.

For example, if you have opted for the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy
or Technical Branch of the Indian Army, find out details of the service, the
various arms, their roles, your likely job profile, etc. More often, it is seen
that candidates do not even know what they have applied for and this is a sure

cause for rejection.

Fourthly, you must exercise regularly and keep fit. Simple exercises like
jogging, sit-ups, pull-ups and push-ups will help to build strength and

stamina. This will come handy in the physical tasks.

Fifthly, remember the old adage, “First Impression is the Last Impression”.
The way you present yourself will matter a lot to the assessors. While it may

be normal to have a ponytail and a tattoo in the civil world, understand the
likes and dislikes of officers of the armed forces. Though you are not

expected to take a zero cut, any abnormal dressing or accessories will draw
everyone’s attention towards you, which may not be very desirable. Hence,
dress up in a normal and decent way. Gentlemen should shave and ladies
must keep their hair bundled and not left loose. Service personnel are

particular about rules, regulations and discipline. Hence, be conscious of the
Dos and Don’ts that are told to you and make sure you adhere to them

meticulously. Though these are not stated, they are expected of any
gentleman and lady and hence, keenly observed by all the assessors during
the tests and otherwise.

Testing Schedule

Unlike other organisations, the selection process in the armed forces is very

elaborate and is done over five days. Three different assessors, namely the
Interviewing Officer, Group Testing Officer and the Psychologist, test each
candidate from three different perspectives and arrive at their respective

decisions. Thereafter, on the last day in the board conference, they all sit
together and discuss each case to arrive at the final decision. The schedule of