The SSB Interview is not only a test but a transformation journey that chooses the future leaders for the Indian Armed Forces. It is an evaluation that lasts over five intense days, which goes beyond academic knowledge and focuses on personality, aptitude, and leadership potential. Most of the aspirants look for guidance through institutes like SSB coaching in Agra to gain a competitive edge. Understanding the process and preparing diligently will make your aspirations a reality.
What is an SSB Interview?
The SSB Interview is a rigorous and extremely interactive evaluation process of candidates conducted by the Service Selection Board. It is conducted to ascertain selected candidates for being intelligent, reasoned reasoners, well-communicative members, and potent leaders.
This process evaluates the overall personality of a candidate through psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
Where Are SSB Interviews Conducted?
SSB interviews are held in various centres in India, which have been strategically planned to ensure smooth and effective assessment processes. The centres have been categorized under the service branches: Army, Air Force, and Navy.
Indian Army SSB Selection Centers
| SSB Center | Location | SSB Boards |
| East (Prayagraj/Allahabad) | Uttar Pradesh | 11, 14, 18, 19, 34 |
| Central (Bhopal) | Madhya Pradesh | 20, 21, 22 |
| South (Bangalore) | Karnataka | 17, 24 |
| North (Kapurthala) | Punjab | 31, 32 |
Air Force Selection Boards (AFSB Centres)
| AFSB Center | No. | Location | Address |
| AFSB Dehradun | 1 AFSB | Uttarakhand | 112, 1, Post Office Rd, New Basti, Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248002 |
| AFSB Mysore | 2AFSB | Karnataka | CV Complex, Sidharth Nagar PO, Mysore – 570011 |
| AFSB Gandhi Nagar | 3 AFSB | Gujarat | Electronic State, GIDC Rd, Sector 25, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382024 |
| AFSB Varanasi | 4 AFSB | Uttar Pradesh | Mint Road, Nadesar, Chaukaghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002 |
| AFSB Guwahati | 5 AFSB | Assam | Near VIP Chowk, Guwahati, Assam 784015 |
Naval Selection Boards (NSB) Centres
| NSB Center | Location | Address |
| NSB Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu | INS Agrani, Red Fields, Coimbatore – 641018 |
| Selection Centre South (SCS) | Karnataka | Cubbon Rd, FM Cariappa Colony, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560042 |
| Selection Centre Central (SCC) | Madhya Pradesh | Jaipur-Guna Road Chandukheri, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001 |
| SSB Kolkata | West Bengal | Chhota Nadir Road Down Town Diamond Harbour, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal-743331 |
| NSB Vizag/Vishakapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | 9-IRSD Area Next to Material Organisation, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-530008 |
The Detailed 5-Day SSB Interview Procedure
This process of SSB Interview is integrated and competitive as it analyses those aspirants getting selected into the Indian Armed Forces.
Here is the day-wise procedure for the SSB Interview:
Day 1: Screening Tests
The first day is a filtering day, where candidates who qualify to go to the next stage are filtered out. This is a performance-based day where performance determines whether the candidate qualifies for further assessment.
1. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
This test is conducted to assess verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
- Format
Multiple-choice questions to test logical reasoning and problem-solving.
Topics include series completion, pattern recognition, coding-decoding, and analytical puzzles.
2. PPDT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test)
- Picture Perception
Candidates are presented with a blurred image for 30 seconds.
They are required to write a story based on the image within 4 minutes, which should include characters, their activities, and results.
- Discussion
Groups of 10–15 candidates narrate their stories one by one.
After that, there is a group discussion in which all of them agree on a single story.
- Knowledge Areas Tested
Imagination, clarity of thinking, communication, and teamwork.
Day 2: Psychological Tests
The second day is the beginning of Stage II, which addresses the psychological capability and personality of a candidate.
1. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Process
12 pictures are shown to the candidates one after the other.
Each picture is flashed for 30 seconds, and after that, the candidate is provided with 4 minutes to write a story.
- Purpose
To assess imagination, judgment, and solving skills.
2. Word Association Test (WAT)
- Process
60 words are given to the candidates one by one for 15 seconds each.
Candidates respond with the first thought or sentence that comes to mind.
- Purpose
Analyze spontaneity and personality through subconscious responses.
3. Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
- Process
Candidates respond to 60 real-life scenarios in 30 minutes.
For example: “You see someone drowning in a river. What will you do?”
- Purpose
Decision-making, presence of mind, and adaptability.
4. Self-Description Test (SDT)
- Task
Candidates write about themselves from the perspectives of:
- Friends
- Family
- Teachers/superiors
- Personal thoughts and ambitions
- Purpose
Explain aspects of self-consciousness, social interaction, and goals.
Day 3: GTO Tests – Group I
The third day is about group behaviour and cooperation. The tasks serve to assess leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving capabilities in a group.
1. Group Discussions
- Format
Two topics are presented, mostly on topics of current affairs or abstract subjects.
Candidates discuss the topics without any barriers.
- Purpose
Communication, logical thinking and teamwork.
2. Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
- Format
A scenario is given (for instance, a small village affected by a natural disaster)
Candidates present solutions in consultation with each other.
- Purpose
To evaluate strategic, resource use and teamwork.
3. Progressive Group Task (PGT)
- Format
Teams are handed ropes, planks, and barrels to pass a series of obstacle courses.
- Purpose
The task is conducted to evaluate collaboration, planning and time-bound working.
Day 4: GTO Tasks – II
Day four again repeated everything the team had done on day three but with leadership and capability added to it.
1. Obstacles by the Individual
- Format
Candidates undergo a series of 10 physically challenging tasks. A few examples include wall climbing, net crawling, and rope walking.
- Skills Tested
Body fitness, self-esteem, and tenacity.
2. Command Challenge
- Format
Each candidate is assigned a task to lead and complete with team members.
The candidate must plan and execute strategies while guiding the group.
- Skills Tested
Leadership, problem-solving, and flexibility.
3. Lecturette
- Format
The candidate is given 3 minutes to prepare a brief speech about a given topic.
The speech must be given confidently and briefly.
- Skills Tested
Communication, knowledge, and composure.
Day 5: Conference
The last day is a group assessment in which the candidate’s performance on all the tasks is assessed.
- Personal Interview
It is conducted by senior officers to dig deep into the personality, aims, and reason for joining the Armed Forces.
- Final Conference
A board comprising psychologists, GTOs, and interviewing officers discusses the overall performance of each candidate. Candidates may be asked a few final questions during this session.
- Outcome
Successful candidates receive a recommendation, while others receive constructive feedback.
SSB institute in Agra and across India helps prepare for these selection processes.
How to Prepare for the SSB Interview
- Understand the Process
Know about the stages and tasks well in advance so that you are not surprised during the interview.
- Enhance Communication Skills
All group discussions, lectures, and interview activities need effective communication.
- Stay Physically Fit
Regular exercise and fitness regimes are essential for the physical tasks in Stage II.
- Time Management
Activities like WAT and TAT need smart thinking as well as time management skills.
Reach out to the best SSB institute in Agra to prepare for the SSB interview and increase your chances of selection.
Conclusion
The SSB Interview is one of the biggest processes for entering Indian Armed Forces. Having knowledge about interview centers and the minute protocol can also uplift preparation greatly.
At Sudershan Chakra, we provide practical training, guidance from experts and personalized coaching to candidates, which help them to move ahead in the SSB Interview process at all stages.
Ours is a renowned institution for SSB coaching in Agra with an excellent track record of candidates’ selection in this highly competitive examination.
FAQs:
- How many days would the SSB interview take?
The SSB interview process takes 5 days comprising screening tests, psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview.
- Can I choose my preferable SSB centre for the interview?
No, candidates cannot choose their SSB centre. The recruiting authorities decide the centre by the type of entry and the candidate’s region.
- How will Sudarshan Chakra SSB Coaching help me clear the SSB interview?
The Sudarshan Chakra SSB institute in Agra provides personal training that involves mock interviews, group discussions, psychological tests, and physical exercises.
