FACTOR I
Planning & Organising
- Effective Intelligence
- Reasoning Ability
- Organising Ability
- Power of Expression
SSB Selection Procedure · At a Glance
A colour-coded guide from screening to the final outcome.
SSB SELECTION PROCEDURE5 Days · 2 Stages · 3 Assessors
Reporting & DocumentationVerification · Briefing · Chest Number
STAGE IDAY 1 · SCREENINGOIR (Verbal & Non-Verbal) · PPDT (Story, Narration & Discussion)
Screened OutDispersal
Screened InProceed to Stage II ↓
STAGE IIDAY 2 · PSYCHOLOGYTAT · WAT · SRT · SDT
DAY 3 · GTO TASKS IGD · GPE · PGT · HGT · Group Obstacle Race · Lecturette
DAY 4 · GTO TASKS IIIndividual Obstacles · Command Task · Final Group Task
Personal InterviewScheduled individually during Stage II, commonly on Days 2–4
DAY 5 · FINAL CONFERENCEBoard Assessment · Declaration of Results
Not RecommendedDispersal
RecommendedMedical Examination ↓
Final Merit & JoiningSubject to medical fitness, merit, vacancies and eligibility
Indicative sequence only. Reporting arrangements, interviews and GTO scheduling can vary by board.
15 OLQs & Assessment Framework
Explore the four OLQ factors, the three SSB assessors and an unofficial student self-review guide.
FACTOR I
FACTOR II
Social Adjustment
- Social Adaptability
- Cooperation
- Sense of Responsibility
FACTOR III
Social Effectiveness
- Initiative
- Self-Confidence
- Speed of Decision
- Ability to Influence Group
- Liveliness
FACTOR IV
Dynamic Qualities
- Determination
- Courage
- Stamina
OVERALL OFFICER POTENTIALPractical Judgement · Teamwork · Leadership · Resilience
PSYCHOLOGIST
TAT · WAT · SRT · SDT
Thoughts, judgement and self-perception
GTO
Group & Outdoor Tasks
Teamwork, initiative and leadership
INTERVIEWING OFFICER
Personal Interview
Experience, responsibility and self-awareness
ASSESSMENT INDICATORSJudgement · Initiative · Cooperation · Responsibility · Communication · Resilience
FINAL CONFERENCECombined board assessment · Recommendation decision
Student Self-Review Rubric
An educational reflection aid, not the SSB's official marking system.
| Indicator | Developing | Progressing | Demonstrated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judgement | Needs guidance | Usually practical | Consistently practical |
| Initiative | Hesitates | Acts with prompting | Acts responsibly |
| Teamwork | Limited participation | Cooperates | Contributes constructively |
| Responsibility | Inconsistent | Usually dependable | Dependable and accountable |
| Communication | Unclear | Understandable | Clear and relevant |
| Resilience | Easily discouraged | Recovers with support | Persists and adapts |
This rubric is for mentoring and self-assessment only. It does not represent official SSB scores, cutoffs or recommendation criteria.
STAGE I
Screening Practice
Build your reasoning skills and prepare for the first stage.
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
10 timed simulations with separate verbal and non-verbal booklets and answer review.
Start OIR Practice Unofficial practice; the question bank is being refined.PPDT · Picture Perception and Discussion Test
Five original one-picture mocks with timed observation, character/action notes and story writing.
Start PPDT Practice Optional narration and group-discussion practice follow each story.STAGE II · PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology Tests
Choose a test. Follow its instructions and write your own responses.
Word Association Test
12 sets · 60 words per set
15 seconds per word
Situation Reaction Test
Practise clear, practical responses to everyday situations.
Start SRT PracticeSelf-Description Test
Reflect on your strengths, responsibilities and areas to improve.
Start SDT PracticeSubmit Your SSB Responses
Submit typed answers or handwritten scans for WAT, TAT, SRT and PPDT for possible administrator review. Individual feedback is not guaranteed.
Submit Practice Responses My Uploaded ResponsesTAT
Thematic Apperception Test
11 pictures + 1 blank slide in each mock.
30 seconds to observe · 4 minutes to write each story.
Choose your mock test
Each complete mock takes 54 minutes.STAGE II · GROUP TASKS & INTERVIEW
Prepare Beyond Psychology
Develop your speaking skills, teamwork and self-awareness.
GTO Practice Centre
30 Group Discussion topics and 15 Lecturette cards covering 60 topics, with preparation and speaking timers.
Explore GTO Practice PGT, HGT and Command Task resources are planned. GPE practice is available.Personal Interview
PIQ-style profile builder, 200 categorised questions, rapid-fire practice and self-review.
Start Interview Preparation Educational preparation; no official scores or selection predictions.Interview · Group Discussion · Lecturette
SSB Current Affairs & Awareness
Choose a coloured category tab to open its topic cards.
50 topics · 500 points12 April – 12 October 2026
Defence & National Security
10 topics · Choose a card to read its ten points
Open this section to load your topics.
“Start here” highlights a suggested first-revision route. All topics are preparation priorities, not guaranteed SSB questions. News updates are dated; background points explain the wider issue.
SSB Tests: Guidance & Practice Examples
Read one test at a time. Use the arrows to turn the page.
Page 1 of 6
01 · PPDT
Remember: These are practice examples, not fixed answers to memorise. Follow the instructions and timings given by your selection board.
You can also use the left and right arrow keys.