Intelligence Test

Intelligence Test This is the first test conducted in SSB, in order to determine the basic intelligence of a candidate. For certain entry passing written exams not a criteria then it is termed as screening test also. The test consists of two tests of papers, which the candidates have to tackle. Each test may contain maximum of 60 questions in such case the time allotted is maximum of 40 minutes. In case the questions are less the time should be correspondingly reduce. The questions are of two types Non verbal (Fig or Diagrammatic) and verbal. There for the first test may be exclusively non verbal or second test verbal vice versa or both the test may be mix of both. 

Tips 

1.Be quick in tackling the question other wise you will not be able to complete the test on time. 

2.In the first round attempt the question that strike you straight away and than go for second and third round etc.. 

3.Establish the logic of question before you look for answer at times the answer may appear similar in that case get back to the question and establish the second point of logic so that you can able to hit the correct answer. 

4.Be very careful that the answer serial no. correspond to the correct question no. 

5.At time when you find the forward calculation or approach is difficult for you then you may from the answer backwards and trail and error method get correct answer. This method is time consuming and there for do so in last round. 

6.You may practice intelligence from any book of intelligence because more you practice more you will familiar with the variety of problem and you would score better. 

7.Remain cool and do not be tensed up while undergoing test.

Individual Obstacle

Individual Obstacle

In this task you have to cross over around 10 obstacles placed in series within 2 minutes or so. If you complete the entire obstacle once, you can repeat till the time is over. Here GTO will watch how you attempt all obstacles and complete. The obstacles are not that risky in nature but will be challenging one. Some of them are walking over a belly, jump to a ditch from a risen platform, jump over some vertical barrier, climb over a wall, walk over a nylon net, cross through a horizontal rope hanging on it, walk on a narrow bridge over a pond, monkey rope, climbing on a vertical rope, coming down on a vertical rope etc. 

Tips

1.In this task GTO gets an opportunity to check your physical and mental strength,when you have to do it alone, so be bold .

2.Attempt each obstacle without hesitation.

3.Do attempt all the obstacles irrespective you succeed or not.

4.If you have time after completing one round with all the obstacles, go for a second round.

5.Concetrate on your task, look only at the obstacle and do your best.

Command Task & Tips

Command Task (CT)

In this task each member of the group turn wise gets an opportunity to be nominated as a commander and is to required to tackle one out door obstacle of moderate difficulty independently.

The entire responsibility of the decision-making and completion is that of commander, who ever to assist the commander. He can choose any 2 to 3 subordinates as specify by the GTO to assist you in completing the task. In case that you happened to to subordinate of a commander just do what commander tells you as a true subordinate.

The rules are generally same as that of PGT. Each commander gets 10 minutes for the task.

Tips

1.Accept the responsibility willingly. i.e., without any hesitation.

2.Make judicious choice of your subordinates. Select those you feel are the best.

3.Your outline plan should be ready even before the arrival of your subordinates.

4.Commense your task after a short briefing to your subordinates, which should include your plan in outline.

5.take pride in your task as a commander by displaying interest and enthusiasm and urgency.

6.Have a total control over team.

7.Give orders like orders. i.e., be firm and clear in your instruction.

8.Though you are the commander be polite in your dealings at no stage loose temper and display aggressive tendencies.

9.Don’t give vague instructions.

10.No stage you should take suggestion from your subordinates in this task.

11.As a commander you should physically work along with your subordinates.

12.Take quick and correct decision particularly when you face difficulties.

13.As a commander do take initiative when you get an opportunity.

14.remain cool and composed when in difficult situation. 

15.remember there are many a solution in the task, there fore when you get stuck think of alternative solution opened to you.

16.When the task is completed thank your subordinates before you sending them.

17.At the end of the task when the GTO calls for other solution offer as many solution as possible.

18.Ensure you follow the rules and your subordinates also follow it. In case any rule is broken do the remedial action without delay.

19.Also read tips for PGT.

Half & Final Group Task

Half Group Task (HGT) 

In this task the group is divided in to two equal halves and each half group is required to tackle one out door obstacle of moderate difficulty since the task is same for both. When one group is doing it the other group will not permit to watch. Each group will get 10 minutes. The rest of the conduct and rules are same as that of PGT. 

Tips 1.All tips applicable to PGT are applicable in this task also. 2.Since the task of moderate difficulty and members are few all of them are watched closely so that your performance should be better. 

Final Group Task (FGT) In this category this is the final task where in the group together to tackle one major task in about 15 minutes. Rest of the conduct and rules are same as that of PGT. 

Tips 1. All tips applicable to PGT are applicable in this task also. 2. Don’t being relaxed during the last task.

Progressive Group Task (PGT)

Let us now discuss PGT, an outdoor task. The group as a whole required to tackle four obstacles. These are arranged in such a manner than the first obstacle is simple and each successive obstacle becomes progressively difficult. 

Each obstacle is bounded by a set of parallel lines called the start line and finish line and the ground between the two is declared out of bounds. It is a leader less task. That is there is no specific authority and individual. However to tackle this ground certain permanent wooden structures are there and at the start line of first obstacle certain helping materials (planks, bellies and ropes) provided which could be made use of to help you to crossing over. 

In addition a common group load is provided of the start line of the first obstacle, which become the group responsibility to take it alone as the final responsibility. Total time is 15 minutes. While negotiating this obstacles certain rules are to be observed which the GTO will explain to you and this rules are the same for other outdoor as well. 

Rules 

1.Out of bound rule: The ground between the start and final line is out of bound for both man and material. 

2.Group Rule: Unless all the members of the group reach the finish line of previous obstacle you can’t proceed to the start line of the next successive obstacle, which means at one time the whole group tackling one obstacle. 

3.Distance Rule: You can’t jump across between two points having a distance of more than four feet.Either you bridge the gap or reduce the gap to make it less than four feet with the help of helping material so that you can jump. This distance restriction is applicable both in horizontal and vertical plane. How ever in case you decided to swing any distance with the help of a rope you may do so because swinging in any case is not jumping. 

4.Color Rule: a. White: Any thing painted white can be used by both men and material. b. Red: Nothing can touch what is painted red. c. Black: It has no significance there for consider black as the color which is immediately above it. d. Forth Color: GTO will specify it.It may be yellow, green, blue or brown. Only human beings can touch it, not helping material. 

5.Rules for helping material a. Two rigid helping material can’t tied to each other with the help of a rope, but it can be placed one at the top of other as long as its not tied. b. Any number of helping material can tied separately to any number of structures. c. Any number of ropes can be joined to each other. 

Penalty: In case you break any of the above rule even unintentionally get back to the previous point to the breaking of the rule and there after repeat it or change your idea so that you will not break the point again and again. This remedial action , you do it on your own without pointing out to you by GTO. 

TIPS: 

1.Be an active participant through out the outdoor task, which means you must make both mental and physical contribution towards achieving the progress for the group. 

2.Give as many ideas as possible even it is minor in nature. 

3.In case your idea is superior to those of other try to convince them to accept yours. But in case some one else idea better than yours accept it. But there after don’t withdraw but physically involve yourselves in the completion of that idea. 

4.Always be there in the active orbit of activity. 

5.Display interest, enthusiasm, zeal, buoyancy, and urgency in the task. Your own body language should be smart and energetic. 

6.Take initiative to step in first and when ever you get an opportunity. 

7.Show concern for the weaker member of the group. 

8.No stage show, aggressive words or action. 

9.Display a cooperative attitude in the task otherwise the group would not progress. 

10.Be conscious on observing the rules and take remedial action whenever you break it. 

11.Show interest in the common group load. 

12.Last person at each stage is going to pose problems and there fore have to plan something to take him along. 

13.every obstacle is at least three solutions therefore when you get stuck at any stage think of alternative solution open to you (left, right, centre). 

14.To get the ideas frequently look at the structure as well as helping material then alone you will be able to establish the link between two which come to you in the form of an idea.(use the plank as cantilever beam,both end supporting beam etc..) 

15.when the task is terminated GTO call for ideas of our as many as possible.Talk loudly, clearly and convincingly. Otherwise member wouldn’t pay attention what you say.

Planning Exercise (PE)

In Planning Exercise, GTO will explain a situation of events having different problems to be reacted by the group. Each one in the group has to study the situation and to prepare his/her action plan for the group, as he/she is the leader of the group. Then the group has to discuss individual plans and arrive at a final plan of the group. 

Now let us see how we should approach the situation to derive our own solutions. It can be done in the following steps: 

1.Identify the problem in the situation. 

2.Identify the priorities of the problem. 

3.Identify the given resources. 

4.Identify the hidden resources. 

5.study the following: a. Location of problem areas b. Type of routes and distance to them. c. Type of transport available to you. d. The suitability of particular transport in a particular route and their speed on such routes. e. Various timing f. Allocate the resources g. Write your solution 

Tips for writing solution :

1.Be very attentive when GTO explains the model. Because, that will help you to identify the hidden resources. 

2.Properly understand the situation, aim to the change you want to bring in the situation at the end and prepare the action plan/solutions according to priority. 

3.Approach the situation step by step as explained before. 

4.Be fast in writing the solution, so that you can complete on time. 

5.While discussing for a common solution from the group,the tips given for Group Discussion is also applicable here. 

6.Be active and convince your points with supporting reasons. 

7.However, when your point being opposed by valid reasons, except it and continue to be involved in the discussion. 

8.Don’t get in to heated arguments and loose temper. 

9.Do give weaker member a chance. 

10.after half way through the discussion take on the role of a moderator to help the group to reach to a common agreed solution. 

11.Back the leader when he gives out solution. But minor points/changes can point out.

12.In case you have to be give group solution do give that group have arrived not own.

Serving with Honour

Officers Training Academy (OTA) is the prestigious training establishment of the Indian Army that takes in men and lady cadets to be commissioned as Short Service Commissioned Officers. 

The entry into the OTA is through Combined Defence Service(CDS) examinations conducted by the UPSC followed by an SSB interview(for non-technical cadets). 

Technical cadets (those with an engineering degree in the notified discipline), NCC special entry scheme cadets and Women cadets will have to clear the SSB interview only. 

The OTA offers short service commission to its cadets who pass out, which means that at the end of year five, an officer has three options: leaving the force ;opting for permanent commission or opting for an extension of another five years. 

Till recently there was no provision for extension of period of service for women officers beyond 10years.Now they can serve up to 14years. 

But men only have the option of seeking permanent commission. Women Officers however, enjoy the same perks and privileges as male officers. 

The job involves much more than handling a battlefield situation or a low intensity conflict. 

It is as much about intellect, quick thinking and judgment as it is about courage. And of course, you should have it in you to make it to the course. 

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Group Discussion & Tips

Group Discussion

It is one of the task in the group testing technique .In this task group seated in full circle and required to discuss the topic allotted by G.T.O. The discussion is of informal nature where in the members are free to express their opinion on the topic of discussion .Any speaker can speak any direction in any number of times the member desires. There is no conclusion required to arrive by the group. We may preferably speak in English,Hindi or mix of both. It is conducted in two parts as given below. 1.the GTO offers two subjects the group and give half a minute to decide the topic. He repeats the selected topic once again to allow 20 minutes of discussion time and abruptly stop the discussion. 2.GTO offers only one subject and allows 20 minutes of discussion time and end of which he terminate the task. 

TIPS 

1.Take initiative even in the selection of topic in case you want the topic of your choice. 

2.Initiate discussion if possible in both the parts. ie, you should be first to speak if not possible at least be second or third to speak. 

3.Be active participants through out the discussion. ie, speak as many number as possible. 

4.Convey depth in what you speak. Do not come out only with shallow level views. 5.Each time you enter the discussion do not repeat what you already said and what others are already added. Therefore come out with fresh views and new arguments. 

6.Give as many examples as possible, quotation, proverbs and factual data related to the topic because such details are more convincing to others. 

7.Be brief and to the points. ie, don’t drag your views because others would get irritated and cut it short that will interrupt you. 

8.In case some one is dragging you may interrupt otherwise don’t interrupt some one is just giving the point. 

9.At no stage you should display quarrelsome or aggressive attitude or show annoyance through words or via, expressions 

10.Don’t be conscious of the presence of the GTO. 

11.Give weaker numbers a chance to speak by encouraging them. 

12.Once in a way do appreciate the good points of others 

13.even when opposes other views be polite. 

14.Do not intent to talking only to those sitting on your adjacent sides. 

15.Talk loudly and clearly otherwise your views will go unheard in the group.

What is Lecturatte?and the Points to follow

As I told ,Lecturatte is one of the test by GTO.The task is to give a short talk in front of the audience.Some of your qualities are assessed from this test. In your team, each one turn wise will get an oppurtunity to give a short talk in front of the rest of the team.Regarding the lecturate topics, you will get three/four topics to select one topic to talk.The topics written on paper slips will be handed over to you just three minutes before your turn to talk.That means your preparation time will be three minutes.The time for speaking is also for three minutes. when you complete two and half minutes you will get a reminder that you left with half a minute to conclude.You may talk in English/Hindi. 

Some tips for the test: 1. Select a topic on which you are confident and feel easy,but not by looking at the importance of the topic. 2.Take some breathing time to decide and once you select the topic don't change it. 3.Be systematic in preparing and remembering the points on the topic.Group the points coming to your mind one bye one under Introduction,Body and Conclusion as headings.Then again those points can be divided under subheadings to remember the points well and to recollect while speaking. 4.Stand straight in front of the audience and face them squarely.Keep eye contact with the audience all the time.Turn your face to all the sides to see everyone in rotation. 5.Give an interesting introduction to your topic after addressing the audience. 6.Do not give gaps while speaking .Maintain an average and uniform speed.In case you forgot any point ,coolly get to next point. 7.Avoid peculiar mannerisems and gestures while speaking,because that will distract the listners. 8.Speak on more number of points briefly rather than dwelling only on a couple of points. 9.Have a hidden smile while speaking and if possible include some humour if your topic wants. 10.Speak loudly and clearly. 11.To make your lecture interesting add as many examples,proverbs,quotes and factual data related to the topic. 12.Vary your pitch while speaking. 13.Speak on topic for two and half minutes and give a conclusion on topic in half a minute. 14.Give some critical and personal views on topic during conclusion. 15.Stop on time with the same tempo as you started and walk back gracefully. 16.Practice the above points many times to be perfect during the test.

SSB Testing Procedure

Hai ,Happy New Year to all of you. 

My hearty wishes for Prosperous, Healthy, Meaningful, Successful and ever happiest days .

I was talking about the efforts taken by me to pass through one of the milestones ,I had set in my life, that is to serve in Indian Armed Forces.Now I want to share with you what I learned while achieving it. As you know the entry in to the Armed Forces as an Officer is restricted with a unique testing procedure by a board of officers called Service Selection Board (SSB).We have to clear various tests conducted by SSB. Before that we have to qualify in the Intelligence/screening test to appear in all the tests conducted by this board. These test are mainly grouped as Phychological,Group Testing Officer's(GTO),Interview and concluded with Board Conference. Psychological Tests include

TAT(Thematic Apperception Test),

WAT(Word Association Test),

SRT(Situation Reaction Test), 

Self Description. 

Group Testing Officer's(GTO): 

Group Discussion(GD), 

Planning Exercise(PE), 

Progressive Group Task(PGT), 

Group Obstacle Race(GOR), 

Half Group Task(HGT) ,

Lecturatte, 

Individual Obstacle(IO),

Command Task(CT),

Final Group Task(FGT).

Personal Interview and Board Conference. I will be discussing these tests one by one. 

Read on.........