SSB Interview Process 2026 – Complete 5 Days Selection Explained
- Surinder Chhabra
- 6 hours ago
- 12 min read
The SSB Interview (Services Selection Board Interview) is one of the most prestigious and challenging selection processes in India. It is conducted to assess candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard as officers.
Unlike traditional exams that only test knowledge, the SSB Interview evaluates a candidate’s personality, psychology, leadership, and decision-making skills through a series of scientific tests spread across five days.
The SSB Interview is not just about answering questions correctly. Instead, it measures whether a candidate possesses the Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) required to lead troops in real-life situations.
These OLQs are divided into four key factors: Intelligence, Social Adjustment, Social Effectiveness, and Dynamic Qualities. Every activity during the five-day process is designed to evaluate these traits in different ways, from group tasks to personal interviews.
Different branches of the armed forces conduct this interview under various boards:
SSB – Services Selection Board for the Army
AFSB – Air Force Selection Board for the Air Force
NSB – Naval Selection Board for the Navy
CGSB – Coast Guard Selection Board for the Indian Coast Guard
For aspirants preparing through NDA, CDS, AFCAT, INET, or direct entries, clearing the SSB Interview is a crucial milestone. It is often said that “SSB is not a test of knowledge, but of character and potential.”
This makes the process unique and highly respected. In the following sections, we will explore the complete five-day SSB Interview process step by step.
SSB Selection Centres in India
The Service Selection Boards (SSB) are spread across India to ensure aspirants from every region have access to the selection process.
Each branch of the Indian Armed Forces has its own set of selection boards, but the assessment process remains largely similar, designed by the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR). Below is a detailed breakdown of the key selection centres for each service:
Army Selection Centres (SSB)
The Indian Army has multiple selection centres, strategically located across the country:
Prayagraj (Allahabad): This is the largest and oldest SSB centre, hosting boards such as 11 SSB, 14 SSB, 18 SSB, 19 SSB, and 34 SSB.
Bhopal: Known as the Central SSB, it accommodates 21 SSB, 22 SSB, and 23 SSB. It also serves as a selection centre for the Indian Navy.
Bangalore: South SSB boards, including 12 SSB, 17 SSB, and 24 SSB, operate from here.
Jalandhar: North SSB, which includes 31 SSB and 32 SSB. (Previously, it was located in Kapurthala.)
These centres conduct the full 5-day personality assessment for Army aspirants, focusing on Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
Air Force Selection Boards (AFSB)
The Indian Air Force has five AFSB centres:
Dehradun
Mysore
Gandhinagar
Varanasi
Guwahati
Air Force aspirants undergo the same 5-day SSB procedure, with slight variations in schedule and tasks, especially for flying branch candidates who also appear for Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) after the standard SSB process.
Naval Selection Boards (NSB)
The Indian Navy operates two primary Naval Selection Boards:
Visakhapatnam
Kolkata
These centres conduct the same 5-day evaluation process as the Army and Air Force, adapted for Navy-specific roles.
Coast Guard Selection Boards (CGSB)
The Indian Coast Guard conducts its selection in two stages: Preliminary and Final Selection Boards.
Final Selection Boards are located in Noida, Chennai, Goa, Shillong, and Kolkata.
Preliminary selection is conducted at more than 30 locations across India to screen candidates before they are shortlisted for the final assessment.
Each of these centres is staffed with trained officers, psychologists, and GTOs (Group Testing Officers) to ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment of every candidate.
SSB Interview Process – 5 Days in Detail
The SSB Interview is a rigorous 5-day personality assessment designed to evaluate candidates on Officer Like Qualities (OLQs), leadership potential, psychological stability, and group dynamics. Each day has a specific purpose, progressing from screening to in-depth psychological and group evaluation, and concluding with the board conference.
Day 0 – Reporting & Document Check
Candidates report at the allotted SSB/Air Force/Coast Guard/Naval selection centre.
Document verification is carried out to ensure eligibility, including educational certificates, identity proofs, and other service-specific requirements.
Some centres combine Day 0 with Day 1 activities depending on schedule.
Day 1 – Screening Test (Stage I)
The screening test is the first hurdle. Only candidates who clear this stage proceed to the main assessment.
OIR Test (Officers Intelligence Rating Test)
Two papers: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Each paper contains 40–50 questions, typically 30–40 minutes
Tests basic intelligence, reasoning, and problem-solving skills
PP&DT (Picture Perception & Discussion Test)
Picture Perception: Candidates are shown a blurred or unclear image for 30 seconds and write a story in 4 minutes
Discussion: Candidates narrate their story to the group, followed by a group discussion to arrive at a common group story
Screening Results
Only candidates who pass Stage I tests move to the next stage
Others are sent back, while shortlisted candidates rest and prepare for Stage II
Day 2 – Psychological Tests (Stage II)
The psychological tests assess the mental stability, thought process, and personality traits of candidates:
TAT (Thematic Apperception Test)
12 pictures (11 shown, 1 blank)
Candidates write stories in 4 minutes per picture, analyzing motivations and emotions
WAT (Word Association Test)
60 words shown one at a time
Candidates write a sentence immediately reflecting their first thought
Evaluates subconscious mind, reactions, and thought patterns
SRT (Situation Reaction Test)
30 real-life situations
Candidates have 30 minutes to write responses
Assesses decision-making and problem-solving under pressure
SD (Self-Description Test)
Five segments:
Parents’ opinion
Teachers’ opinion
Friends’ opinion
Self-opinion
Future goals
Total time: 15 minutes
Day 3 & 4 – GTO Tasks (Group Testing Officer Tasks)
GTO tasks evaluate teamwork, leadership, initiative, and problem-solving skills in outdoor settings.
Group Discussion (GD)
Two rounds of discussion on topics provided by GTO
Evaluates communication, clarity of thought, and leadership
Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
Hypothetical problem-solving in groups
Members propose solutions individually, then arrive at a common group plan
Progressive Group Task (PGT)
Outdoor obstacle course (plank, rope, etc.)
Entire group participates, focusing on coordination and cooperation
Half Group Task (HGT)
Group divided into halves, negotiating obstacles individually
Assesses initiative and adaptability
Group Obstacle Race (Snake Race)
Physical team task with multiple obstacles
Evaluates physical fitness, team coordination, and problem-solving under pressure
Lecturette
Each candidate speaks on a random topic for 3 minutes
Tests confidence, communication skills, and thought clarity
Individual Obstacles
10 obstacles per candidate, e.g., high jump, zig-zag balance, Tarzan swing
Tests courage, agility, and determination
Command Task
Candidate acts as commander, delegating tasks to team members to complete objectives
Evaluates leadership and decision-making
Final Group Task (FGT)
Entire group negotiates a complex obstacle together
Measures team spirit, leadership, and problem-solving
Personal Interview (PI)
Conducted one-on-one by senior officers, often between Day 2–4
Covers academics, hobbies, family background, current affairs, motivation, and officer-like qualities
Timing: Day 2–4 include both psychological and outdoor GTO tasks, along with personal interviews.
Day 5 – Conference
Panel discussion: All assessors (GTOs, psychologists, interviewers) evaluate each candidate’s performance
Final results are announced:
Recommended: Candidate is suitable to become an officer
Not Recommended: Candidate did not meet the 15 OLQ criteria at present
Key Point: A “Not Recommended” does not label a candidate as a failure. With proper preparation and practice, aspirants can attempt future selections.
AFSB vs SSB vs NSB vs CGSB – Key Differences Explained
Many aspirants get confused between AFSB, SSB, NSB, and CGSB, but each serves a specific role in the officer selection process for different branches of the Armed Forces. Understanding these differences is crucial for preparation and scheduling your attempt.
1. AFSB (Air Force Selection Board)
Purpose: Selects candidates for Indian Air Force (IAF), including Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches.
Who Attends: Only candidates applying to the Air Force.
Selection Process:
Conducted at AFSB centres in Dehradun, Mysore, Varanasi, and other locations
5-day SSB assessment (Screening + Stage II) for direct entry
Includes psychological tests, GTO tasks, personal interview
Special Focus: Physical fitness suitable for aircrew, technical aptitude (for flying and technical branches)
2. SSB (Services Selection Board)
Purpose: Umbrella term for officer selection across Indian Armed Forces – Army, Navy, Air Force, and sometimes Coast Guard.
Who Attends: Candidates for all services appear under the SSB framework.
Selection Process:
Stage I: OIR + PP&DT
Stage II: Psychological tests + GTO tasks + Personal interview
Special Focus: Tests Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) such as leadership, teamwork, mental alertness, and communication skills.
Note: When people say “SSB cleared,” it usually means Stage II cleared at any SSB centre, not necessarily Air Force.
3. NSB (Naval Selection Board)
Purpose: Selects candidates specifically for the Indian Navy, including Executive, Technical, and Education branches.
Who Attends: Candidates applying for Navy SSC, Permanent Commission, or Technical Branches
Selection Process:
Conducted at Naval Selection Boards in Mumbai and other centres
Follows the SSB pattern but may have slight variations in physical tasks and interviews
Special Focus: Nautical aptitude, marine technical skills, and Navy-specific leadership qualities
4. CGSB (Coast Guard Selection Board)
Purpose: Selects candidates for Indian Coast Guard Officer and Assistant Commandant posts
Who Attends: Applicants for Coast Guard Direct Entry or GD branches
Selection Process:
Conducted at Coast Guard Selection Boards in various centres
Stage I Screening: Similar to SSB (OIR + PP&DT)
Stage II: Psychological tests, GTO tasks, personal interview, with Coast Guard-specific evaluation
Special Focus: Physical endurance for maritime environment, rescue operations, and leadership
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | AFSB | SSB | NSB | CGSB |
Branch | Air Force | All services | Navy | Coast Guard |
Physical / Technical Focus | Aircrew, tech | General OLQs | Nautical/Tech | Maritime fitness |
Centres | Dehradun, Mysore… | Various SSB centres | Mumbai, Kochi… | Pan India |
Stage I | OIR + PP&DT | OIR + PP&DT | OIR + PP&DT | OIR + PP&DT |
Stage II | GTO + Psych + PI | GTO + Psych + PI | GTO + Psych + PI | GTO + Psych + PI |
Special Traits Tested | Technical aptitude | Leadership & teamwork | Nautical knowledge | Physical endurance, maritime skills |
Important Notes for Aspirants
Pattern Similarity: All selection boards follow the same 5-day SSB pattern, with minor service-specific modifications.
Preparation Strategy: Focus on psychology tests, OLQs, group tasks, and personal interview, adjusting for branch-specific requirements.
Multiple Attempts: Candidates can attempt SSB for different services, but must meet service-specific age and educational eligibility.
SSB Interview Day-Wise GTO Tips – Crack the 5-Day Selection
As a GTO, my focus is on observing Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) in real scenarios. Each day is designed to test different facets of your personality—mental, physical, and social. Here’s a day-wise breakdown with actionable guidance.
Day 0 – Reporting & Document Check
First impressions matter. Reporting punctually and presenting your documents neatly shows discipline and responsibility.
Tips:
Arrive early, dressed in neat casuals or formal attire as instructed.
Carry all certificates, mark sheets, ID proofs, and photographs in organized folders.
Be courteous to staff and peers—your behavior is observed even at this stage.
Use this day to observe your surroundings and settle your nerves. Calmness reflects maturity.
Day 1 – Screening Tests (OIR & PP&DT)
This is the first filter. Your mental agility, observation skills, and communication are assessed.
Tips:
OIR Test (Reasoning): Don’t panic under time pressure. Accuracy over speed wins. Practice both verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Show logical thinking and clarity in answers.
PP&DT (Picture Perception & Discussion): Your story should be coherent, structured, and realistic. Avoid fantasy or exaggeration. During group discussion:
Listen first, contribute intelligently.
Support others’ ideas if they are logical; conflict for dominance is frowned upon.
Observe your body language and tone—confidence without arrogance is key.
Day 2 – Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD)
These tests reveal your personality at a subconscious level. Honesty, positivity, and initiative matter most.
Tips:
TAT (Thematic Apperception Test): Stories must reflect proactivity, problem-solving, and empathy. Avoid blaming others or passive characters.
WAT (Word Association Test): Respond with your first instinctive thought; overthinking may dilute authenticity. Show optimism and a solution-oriented mindset.
SRT (Situation Reaction Test): Focus on practicality, decisiveness, and courage. Even small acts of leadership count.
SD (Self-Description Test): Be truthful and self-aware. Highlight strengths without exaggeration, acknowledge weaknesses with a plan to improve.
Day 3 – GTO Part 1 (Group Tasks & Indoor Activities)
This is where group dynamics and leadership potential are closely observed.
Tips:
Group Discussion: Pick a topic strategically. Don’t dominate, but ensure your points are heard. Leadership is subtle—persuade, encourage, and synthesize ideas.
Group Planning Exercise: Contribute ideas but listen to your peers. Arrive at consensus logically. Highlight organizational skills and analytical thinking.
Progressive Group Task (PGT): Physical courage, teamwork, and helping others matter more than individual speed. Observe others and motivate teammates.
Half Group Task (HGT): Show initiative and decision-making even in a smaller group.
Day 4 – GTO Part 2 (Outdoor Tasks & Individual Assessment)
Your physical endurance, risk-taking ability, and command skills are tested today.
Tips:
Group Obstacle Race (Snake Race): Teamwork is key. Lead when necessary but never force your ideas. Help weaker members.
Individual Obstacles: Be confident, plan your route, and execute with courage. Hesitation is observed negatively.
Command Task: This is your opportunity to lead a team. Assign roles, guide subordinates, and take responsibility for failures or delays.
Lecturette: Speak on a topic confidently. Structure your content: introduction, main points, conclusion. Time management matters.
GTO Observation: Every movement, every decision, and your attitude towards teammates reflects OLQs like courage, leadership, and cooperation.
Day 5 – Conference & Final Assessment
This is where all assessors deliberate on your performance across five days. Your consistency, behavior, and interactions are evaluated collectively.
Tips:
Maintain composure while waiting for results. Nervousness or complaints may reflect poorly.
Understand that recommendation means suitability for officer training, not life-long judgment.
Accept outcomes gracefully; take feedback as a roadmap for improvement if required.
Key GTO Insights Across All Days:
Consistency matters: Excelling in one day cannot compensate for underperformance on others.
Authenticity is critical: Fake confidence or forced leadership is easily noticed.
Leadership is subtle: It’s not about dominating others but bringing out the best in the group.
Small gestures count: Courtesy, punctuality, and discipline are evaluated alongside physical and mental tasks.
Tips for Each Day
Cracking the SSB interview isn’t just about studying—it’s about thinking, acting, and reacting like a future officer. Every stage tests your leadership potential, decision-making skills, and authenticity. Let’s break it down:
How to Prepare for Screening
The screening stage is your first impression. It checks basic fitness, intelligence, and aptitude, but your mindset matters more than raw knowledge.
Be mentally alert: Screening is about observation—even simple tasks reveal traits like confidence, patience, and adaptability.
Physical preparedness: Practice basic fitness tests—push-ups, sit-ups, running, and balance tasks. A fit body reflects a disciplined mind.
Knowledge readiness: Brush up on current affairs, defense-related topics, and general knowledge. It shows awareness, not memorization.
Mindset tip: Think proactively, not reactively. Even small lapses in screening can reveal hesitation.
How to Handle Psychological Tests
Psychological tests are designed to uncover your thought process and natural personality. Here’s how a GTO-level approach looks:
Trust your instincts: Tests like WAT and SRT measure first reactions. Don’t overthink.
Stay consistent: Your stories, reactions, and self-description should reflect the same core values. Contradictions can raise red flags.
Be solution-oriented: Even when describing challenges, emphasize initiative, problem-solving, and ethics.
Show self-awareness: In SD tests, acknowledge strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate plans for growth.
GTO Preparation Hacks
Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks are about leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure. Preparation is more mental than physical:
Lead subtly: Leadership is about influencing, not dominating. Encourage team participation and make decisions collaboratively.
Observation is power: Notice group dynamics—who is quiet, who dominates, who hesitates. Adjust your approach without being pushy.
Time management: In group tasks and planning exercises, structure your thoughts quickly and communicate clearly.
Problem-solving mindset: Focus on practicality and creativity. GTOs are looking for efficient solutions and initiative, not perfect outcomes.
Personal Interview Tips
The personal interview evaluates your personality, clarity of thought, and motivation.
Be authentic: Avoid memorized answers. Authenticity and honesty leave the strongest impression.
Know yourself: Be clear on your hobbies, achievements, and life experiences. Connect them to leadership and learning.
Stay calm under pressure: Interviewers may challenge or question aggressively. Respond calmly, logically, and politely.
Demonstrate awareness: Show knowledge about the armed forces, current affairs, and social issues. It reflects maturity and preparedness.
Importance of OLQs and Natural Personality
Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) are the core traits SSB looks for—leadership, adaptability, courage, initiative, and integrity.
Don’t fake traits: OLQs are assessed through behavior, not claims.
Consistency matters: Every test—screening, psych, GTO, and interview—evaluates your natural behavior.
Self-reflection: Work on weaknesses naturally, don’t try to mimic an ideal candidate. Authentic growth is visible to assessors.
Myths & Realities of SSB Interview
Many aspirants enter the SSB with half-truths, hearsay, or misconceptions. Understanding the myths vs realities is as important as preparation itself. Let’s break them down:
No Shortcut to Success
Myth: “There’s a magic formula or shortcut to clear SSB.”Reality: There isn’t. SSB evaluates your natural personality, leadership qualities, and decision-making. You can’t fake courage, integrity, or initiative.
Consistency over cramming: Success comes from daily effort, self-awareness, and exposure to group dynamics and challenges.
Small wins matter: Every exercise, discussion, or planning task is an opportunity to show your thought process and OLQs.
Mindset shift: Instead of seeking shortcuts, focus on developing skills and self-confidence. This is what SSB measures, not memorized tricks.
Personality > Knowledge
Myth: “If you know everything about defense and current affairs, you’ll clear SSB.”Reality: Knowledge alone won’t get you through. Personality, initiative, and problem-solving skills outweigh facts.
Knowledge complements personality: Awareness of current affairs or defense matters helps communicate clearly and make informed decisions.
Behavior is decisive: How you approach tasks, lead a group, and interact with others matters far more than your ability to recite information.
Authenticity wins: Natural confidence, honesty, and a positive attitude create a stronger impression than rote knowledge.
Coaching vs Self-Preparation
Myth: “Joining an expensive SSB coaching is mandatory.”Reality: Coaching can guide and structure preparation, but self-preparation often works better if done diligently.
Coaching helps: It provides exposure to mock tests, GTO tasks, and interview techniques. Useful for first-timers.
Self-preparation works: Daily practice, self-reflection, observation, and physical conditioning can be as effective—or even more—than coaching.
Balanced approach: Use coaching for feedback and exposure, but internalize lessons and practice independently. Real success comes from personal growth, not imitation of others.
The SSB interview is not just a test of knowledge but a comprehensive personality evaluation designed to identify candidates suitable to lead in the Indian Armed Forces. Over 5 days, candidates face psychological tests, group tasks, personal interviews, and physical challenges, all measured against Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
Key Takeaways for Aspirants:
Consistency and authenticity matter more than shortcuts.
Personality, leadership, and initiative outweigh pure knowledge.
Understanding the process, practising GTO tasks, and preparing for psychological tests significantly improve success chances.
If your goal is to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard as an officer, start your preparation today. Focus on building your confidence, self-awareness, and decision-making skills—because SSB measures who you truly are, not who you pretend to be.