Day-by-Day Breakdown of the 5-Day SSB Interview Process Explained

Cracking the SSB Interview (Service Selection Board) is every defence aspirant’s dream. After clearing the written exam (NDA, CDS, or AFCAT), candidates face this rigorous 5-day personality and intelligence evaluation. The SSB isn’t just about academics — it’s about assessing the Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) that define a true leader of the Indian Armed Forces.

If you’ve ever wondered “What exactly happens during those 5 days?”, this complete breakdown explains everything you need to know about each stage of the 5-Day SSB Interview Process.

Overview of The SSB Interview

The SSB Interview is conducted over five days and includes psychological tests, group activities and personal interviews. The process evaluates your personality, leadership, decision making, communication and team spirit.

There are two major stages:

1. Stage I – Screening Test (Day 1)
2. Stage II – Psychological Tests, GTO Tasks, Interview & Conference (Days 2–5)

Let’s break down what happens on each day.

Day 1 – Screening Test (The Elimination Round)

Day 1 is crucial – around 60–70% of candidates are screened out on this day itself. It determines who proceeds to the next four days.

Tests Conducted:

1. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test:
   • Verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.
   • Similar to aptitude tests.
   • Aim: Assess logical thinking, problem solving and analytical ability.
   • Tip: Practice from books like Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal.
2. Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT):
   • A blurred picture is shown for 30 seconds.
   • You write a short story based on your perception (who, what, when, where, why).
   • Then, you narrate your story and participate in a group discussion.

What Assessors Look For:
Confidence, communication, creativity, observation and teamwork.

✅ If you clear Day 1, you stay for the next 4 days. Others are sent back the same day.

Day 2 – Psychological Tests

Day 2 tests your subconscious mind and thought process. The assessors want to understand your true personality — not rehearsed answers.

Tests Conducted:

1. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT):
   • 12 pictures shown for 30 seconds each.
   • Write a story about each picture within 4 minutes.
   • Focus on positive themes and problem-solving attitude.
2. Word Association Test (WAT):
   • 60 words displayed one by one.
   • Write a sentence for each within 15 seconds.
   • Responses should be optimistic, disciplined and clear.
3. Situation Reaction Test (SRT):
   • 60 real-life situations given; you write how you’d react.
   • Judges quick decision-making and practical approach.
4. Self-Description (SD):
   • Write what your parents, teachers, friends and you think about yourself.
   • Reflects self-awareness and honesty.

Tip: Be natural. Psychologists read between the lines — they can detect forced or exaggerated answers.

Day 3 – Group Testing Series (GTO Part 1)

From Day 3, the Group Testing Officer (GTO) will assess you in group settings.
These outdoor and indoor activities test your leadership, teamwork, planning and stamina.

GTO Part 1 Activities:

1. Group Discussion (GD):
   • Two topics — one social and one current affairs.
   • Speak logically, listen actively and contribute meaningfully.
2. Group Planning Exercise (GPE):
   • You get a map and a situation (like an accident or rescue).
   • Discuss and present a group plan to solve the problem efficiently.
3. Progressive Group Task (PGT):
   • Team crosses obstacles using ropes, planks etc.
   • Encourages teamwork and problem-solving.
4. Group Obstacle Race (Snake Race):
   • Fun yet intense team task.
   • You carry a snake-like rope and cross hurdles together.
   • Shows energy, coordination and sportsmanship.
5. Half Group Task (HGT):
   • Similar to PGT but with fewer members — tests individual initiative.

Tip: Take charge naturally — don’t dominate or remain silent. Team coordination is key.

Day 4 – GTO Part 2 + Personal Interview

This day includes more individual assessment and a personal interview.

GTO Part 2 Activities:

1. Lecturette:
   • Speak for 3 minutes on one of four given topics. * Tests confidence, clarity and depth of knowledge.
2. Individual Obstacles (IO):
   • 10 physical obstacles to be completed in 3 minutes.
   • Tests courage, agility and determination.
3. Command Task:
   • You act as a commander and guide your subordinates through an obstacle.
   • Evaluates leadership, planning and communication.
4. Final Group Task (FGT):
   • Last team challenge.
   • Confirms your consistency and team spirit.

Personal Interview (PI):

Conducted by an Interviewing Officer (IO), it’s a one-on-one session lasting 30–60 minutes.
It covers:

• Educational background
• Family and interests
• Current affairs and defence knowledge
• Personal goals and reasons for joining the Armed Forces

Tip: Be yourself. Honesty, awareness and composure impress assessors more than memorized answers.

Day 5 – Conference Day

This is the last and most formal day of the SSB Interview.

What Happens:

• All assessors (Psychologist, GTO and IO) sit together in a panel.
• Each candidate is called in for a short discussion (2–5 minutes).
• You may be asked questions about your stay, learning or general knowledge.

After the conference, the results are announced. Candidates who are “Recommended” move on to the medical examination.

Tip: Stay calm till the end. Even if you think you made mistakes earlier, your positive attitude and consistency matters most here.

Bonus: What are we looking for in SSB

Assessors look for 15 Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) over 5 days including:

• Effective Intelligence
• Reasoning Ability
• Initiative
• Self-Confidence
• Courage
• Team Spirit
• Leadership
• Communication Skills
• Determination
• Social Adaptability
• Sense of Responsibility

It’s not about being perfect – it’s about being natural and honest.

Conclusion

The SSB Interview is not an exam you can study for. It’s a personality test to reveal the real you – your confidence, logic and leadership potential.

Instead of looking for shortcuts, become a disciplined, aware and confident person. Every task — from writing a story to leading a team over an obstacle – is a reflection of how you think, decide and act under pressure.

With self awareness, consistent effort and positive attitude you can not only clear the SSB but also become a better version of yourself – one ready to serve the nation with pride.