Candidates who pass the written exam are called for the SSB interview, an essential part of the selection process. The SSB interview is conducted over five days and evaluates a candidate's personality, intelligence, and potential as an officer.
Day 1: Screening Tests
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT) requires candidates to write and narrate a story based on a picture.
Day 2 to Day 4: Psychological and Group Tests
Psychological Tests include story writing, word association, situation reaction, and self-description exercises.
Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks involve group discussions, outdoor group tasks, command tasks, and individual obstacles.
Personal Interview assesses the candidate's general awareness, communication skills, and personality traits.
Day 5: Conference
Candidates' performance is reviewed by the panel, and a final recommendation is made.
SSB interviews are held at various selection centers assigned by the indian Army, Navy, and air Force.
2. Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the SSB are required to undergo a thorough medical examination. This ensures that they meet the health and fitness standards necessary for military training and service.
The medical tests check for:
Physical standards (height, weight, chest expansion)
Vision and hearing abilities
General health conditions like flat feet, color blindness, etc.
Candidates found medically unfit are given the option to appeal the findings and request a re-examination.
3. Final Merit List
After completing the SSB interview and medical tests, UPSC compiles a final merit list. This list is based on candidates' combined performance in the written examination and SSB interview.
Candidates whose names appear in the merit list are offered admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, or the indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala.
4. Training at the Academy
Selected candidates undergo intensive three-year training at nda or INA. The training includes academic studies alongside rigorous physical and military training.
After graduating:
Army candidates move to the indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.
Navy candidates proceed to the indian Naval Academy for further training.
Air Force candidates continue at the air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad.
Candidates also earn a bachelor's degree during their training, awarded by jawaharlal nehru University (JNU).
Documents Required for SSB Interview
Candidates must carry:
Class 10 and 12 certificates (original and photocopies)
Valid government-issued photo ID
SSB Call Letter
Other documents (like caste certificate, if applicable)
Conclusion
Clearing the nda written exam is a big achievement, but it's only the beginning. The journey ahead requires mental toughness, physical fitness, and leadership qualities. Candidates who succeed at each stage move closer to their dream of serving the nation as proud officers of the indian Armed Forces.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel