NDA SSB Interview - Detailed Procedure

Stage I

Day

Test

Description

1

Officer Intelligence rating

It is conducted to test the candidate’s intelligence.

Verbal Reasoning:

• Approximately 50 to 60 verbal questions are presented to candidates.
• Candidates have a time limit of 30 minutes to answer these questions.
• Verbal reasoning topics include series, identifying the odd one out, speed/distance/time calculations, and questions related to blood ties.

 Non-Verbal Reasoning:

• Around 50 non-verbal questions are included in this section.
• Candidates are given 40 minutes to complete these questions.
• Non-verbal reasoning tasks involve analyzing and interpreting visual information.
• Non-verbal questions include observing an image, identifying its mirror image, and recognizing picture distortions.

1

Picture Perception Description Test (PPDT)

Test Overview:

• Candidates are presented with an image for 30 seconds.
• After observing the image, they are required to construct a story based on the given image within a time limit of 3 minutes.

The Projection Test, or PPDT, in the NDA SSB interview, serves as a measure of candidates' ability to observe details, think creatively, and construct a coherent story based on limited visual information.

Stage II

Day

Test

Description

2

Psychological Test

During the NDA SSB Interview process, exams are designed to test the candidates' personality traits and overall suitability for the armed forces.

. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): Also known as the Picture Story writing test.

• Candidates will be presented with approximately 11 pictures during the test.
• Each picture will be displayed only for 30 seconds.
• Candidates will have 4 minutes to construct a plot or story based on each picture.
• Only once the 4 minutes are over, the next image will be displayed.
• The 12th slide is left blank. Candidates are expected to write any story as per their choice.

 2. Word Association Test (WAT): It is the second psychological test conducted during the NDA SSB selection process.

• Candidates are presented with a series of sixty words.
• Each word is displayed for only 50 seconds.
• Candidates need to write down the first idea or concept that comes to their mind upon seeing the word on display.
• Candidates must record their responses on paper.

 3. Situation Reaction Test (SRT): Candidates receive a booklet with 60 written situations.

• These situations serve as the foundation for the candidates' written solutions.
• The test requires candidates to address all 60 situations within a given time frame.
• Candidates have 30 minutes to respond to the 60 situations.

 4. Self-Description Test (SD): 

• Candidates are given a total of 15 minutes to complete the Self-Description Test.
• Within this time frame, candidates must write five separate paragraphs, each focusing on the opinions of different individuals: parents/guardians, friends, teachers, and superiors.
• The paragraphs should reflect the candidate's understanding of how these individuals perceive them.

3

Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

Over two days, the group testing officer administers nine tests in groups. These exams involve mental and physical tasks indoors and outdoors.

Group Discussion:

• A group of candidates is given a scenario or topic, often related to current events.
• Candidates engage in a conversation rather than a formal debate, discussing various aspects of the problem.
• Each group discussion lasts for 20 minutes.
• The Group Task Officer (GTO) monitors the candidates' participation and performance throughout the activity.

 Group Planning Exercise (Military Planning Exercise):

• Candidates are presented with a practical situation and must develop a written strategy to address the problem.
• Candidates outline their group's answer and draw a firm conclusion during the exercise.
• It is important to demonstrate planning and decision-making skills while collaborating with the group.
• The exercise is conducted within a timeframe of 20 minutes.

 Progressive Group Task:

• This task takes place during a GTO interview and is the first outdoor task.
• Candidates must complete a series of four obstacles within 40 to 50 minutes, with increasing difficulty.
• The group is provided with structures, assisting materials, and loads to overcome the obstacles.
• Candidates are expected to work together to overcome difficulties, utilizing aids like ropes, planks, and wood logs.

 Half Group Task:

• The group size is reduced by half compared to the Progressive Group Task (PGT).
• Candidates have additional opportunities to showcase their abilities and leadership skills.

 Lecturette: It is an individual activity where candidates deliver a three-minute presentation.

• Candidates have three minutes to prepare from a set of four lecture topics.
• The focus is on the candidate's self-assurance, perspective, and presentation skills.
• Each participant presents their chosen lecture topic.

4

Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

Individual Obstacles:

• Ten obstacles are set up for candidates to handle one at a time.
• Each obstacle is assigned a point value ranging from one to ten.
• Candidates are given three minutes to complete these obstacles.

 Group Obstacle Race (Snake Race):

• All groups participate in a race where they have to pull a rolled-up tent resembling a snake through a series of six obstacles.

 Command Task:

• A candidate is designated as the commander and is assisted by two or three subordinates.
• Candidates can select two individuals from their group to assist them in this task.
• The obstacle must be cleared within a specified time frame using the available resources.

 Final Group Task:

• This task is similar to the Progressive Group Task (PGT)
• It involves a single obstacle.
• Each group is provided with specific items such as a 5-foot long Fatta, a ball, a latha, a steel pipe, two ropes, and a 5-kilogram load.
• The task must be completed within a time limit of 15 to 20 minutes.

 Candidate Interview:

• The interview with the candidate takes place on the same day as the other activities.
• It is a one-on-one interview conducted by a recruiting officer.
• The NDA SSB questions typically last around 35 to 40 minutes.

5

Conference

Conference/Final Selection:

• On the final day of the NDA SSB Interview process, all board members, including the President, Deputy President, psychologists, technical officers, and GTOs, gather with the candidates.
• The purpose of the conference is to have a conversation with the candidates and ask them general questions.
• The board members evaluate the candidates based on their overall conduct, thought process, and words.
• The main objective of the conference is to make recommendations for officer positions in the Indian Defense Forces.

 Medical Examination and Result:

• After the conference, candidates are sent for a medical examination.
• The medical examination is conducted to ensure that the selected candidates meet the required medical standards.
• The NDA SSB result is made public approximately one hour after the board meeting concludes.
• Candidates who are selected undergo an additional three to five days of  medical tests .
• The final  merit list  is released after the candidate successfully passes the medical examination.