Instructions

Common Instructions for Interview at all SSBs

REGD/UPSC Date ……………………….

(a) Telephone Number

(b) E-Mail
(c) Website : joinindianarmy.nic.in
(d) Fax No
SCE/SCC/SCS/ /CU
To
…………………………………….
…………………………………….
…………………………………….
SERVICE SELECTION BOARD INTERVIEW : COURSE NO. ……………………….
Dear Candidate,

1. We are pleased to inform that you are nominated to attend SSB interview for joining the Indian Military
Academy/Officers Training Academy/ National Defence Academy/Naval Academy. Please quote this reference along
with your Roll No in all future correspondence.

2. You are requested to report at Selection Centre __________ or at the Movement Control Office (MCO), Railway
Station, ________ at _______ on the dates given at Para 3 below. Our representative will receive you and arrange your
conveyance to the Selection Centre.

3. You are required to report as under :-

Ser. No Date of reporting Choice Batches (Regular/Absentee)
(a) Primary choice Regular
(b) Secondary choice Regular
(c) Absentee

4. For ease of management and better administration of test, it is advised that you avail of the opportunity with the
regular batch utilising the primary choice. In exceptional circumstances, you may decide to report for the regular batch
on the date given as secondary choice. If circumstantially, due to unavoidable reasons/ commitments, the two dates
mentioned in Para 3 (a) & (b) above do not suit your requirement, you may report with the absentee batch.

5. Our representative wearing an arm band (TOP HALF RED and BOTTOM HALF BLACK with the inscription ‘SSB’)
will be present at Movement Control Office (MCO) located at ___________ Railway Station, who will arrange your
reception and conveyance to this Centre. In case of difficulty you may contact the Call up Officer or the Duty Officer at
the Telephone No. given above.

6. Testing. This will last for five days, in two stages excluding the day of arrival. The details are as under:-

(a) Stage I. The Stage I testing shall commence at 0630AM on the first day and will comprise the following:-
(i) An Intelligence Test.
(ii) A Picture Perception and Discussion Test.
(b) In case of your rejection in Stage I, you shall be returned from the Centre by 1 PM that day.
(c) Stage II. The Stage II test comprises the following for the next four days:-
(i) Psychological Test.
(ii) Group Test I and II for two days (In case of excess no. of Candidates, GTO Test may be conducted in one day)
(iii) Interview.
7. Free boarding and lodging will be provided to you for the period of your stay at the Selection Centre.
8. Joining instruction for your guidance and compliance are enclosed.
9. Please bring this letter with you and deposit the same at the Centre on arrival.
10. You are entitled to get traveling allowance in case you are coming to SSB for the first time for this entry.
11. Please note that no lunch will be provided by the Selection Centre on the day you report to the Selection Centre.
12. Medical Examination.
(a) You should be physically fit and free from ailment or any health problem which may hamper your performance in the
physical test/interview.
(b) In case you qualify in the Stage-II testing, you shall be required to undergo a Special Medical Board (SMB) over the
next four to six days. In exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, it may take up to eight days.
(c) In your own interest you are advised to undergo a preliminary medical check-up for wax in ears, refractory error of
eyes, fungal infections of skin, eosinophilia, knock knee and flat foot or any other disease before reporting for SSB
interview.
Note :-
In case you are found unfit in the SMB, you are eligible for Appeal Medical Board (AMB) within 42 days from the date
of approval of the SMB. In case you are found unfit even in the AMB, a final appeal i.e. Review Medical Board (RMB)
application has to be submitted within 24 hours of approval of the AMB. Grant of RMB is at the discretion of the
Medical Authorities. For AMB candidates are required to prepare a MRO of Rs 40/-. The original MRO receipt is
required to be retained by the candidates to be submitted at the time of medical board at the requested Command
Hospital. The duplicate copy of MRO along with copy of request for AMB is to be forwarded to Rtg Dte within 7 days.
13. Candidates will adhere to laid down timings strictly.
14. Candidate will not visit testing areas after testing hours.
15. The conduct of the candidates both in the Selection Centre as well as when visiting outside areas should be correct
and gentleman like.
16. Any contravention of above orders or any act of indiscipline will invite immediate cancellation of candidature on
disciplinary grounds.
17. Cases of serious breach of discipline and conduct will be handed over to civil police and FIR registered accordingly.
18. Candidates are not permitted to use mobile phones during the conduct of tests.
Call up Officer
For Commandant
JOINING INSTRUCTION FOR GUIDANCE AND COMPLIANCE OF CANDIDATES
ATTENDING SERVICE SELECTION BOARD INTERVIEW

1. Items to Be Brought. The following items will be required for the interview :-

Ser.
Item Quantity Required Remarks
No
Gents Ladies

a Dark colour trouser and light colour shirt 1 set 1 set* *Suits/Sarees permissible

b Shoes 1 pair 1 Pair

c Neck tie 1 1 Optional

d Winter wear 1 1 Seasonal requirement during winter

e White shorts & T-shirts 1/2 sets - For GTO tests

1* * For winters only @ May wear

f Track suit 2 set @ appropriate Indian dress
g Sports shoes 1 1 Preferably white

h Socks white 1/2 pairs 1/2 pairs

Writing material (pen (blue/black),pencil, eraser, Adequate Adequate

i
A4 size white paper (10 Nos) quantity quantity

Background of the photo should be

k Passport size colour photograph 20 copies 20 copies
white

l Toilet items As required As required

m Lock and key for safety of personal belongings

2. Cash and Valuables. A maximum of Rupees One thousand over and above what is required for travelling expense
may be carried. No valuables should be carried. Safe custody of cash and valuables will be the responsibility of the
candidate.

3. Documents. Please bring the following certificates/documents at the time of reporting at this centre and adhere to
instructions in regard to documentation given below :-

(i) Original Matric/Higher Secondary or equivalent certificate along with one attested copy there of in support of your
age. In case you fail to bring these certificates in ORIGINAL, please note that you WILL NOT be allowed to appear for
SSB interview and NO REIMBURSEMENT of rail/bus fares/reservation-cum-sleeper charges will be permitted. Please
note that statement of Marks in lieu of original certificates or any other date of birth certificate is not acceptable.

(ii) Original/Provisional degree from the University/Institution and marks sheet of all the years/semesters along with a
photocopy of each.

(iii) Proof of identity with photograph such as voter ID (or ) PAN card (or) driving license (or) passport (or) UPSC admit
card. In case of candidates of NDA/10+2 TES, they are required to bring certificate with photo issued by principal as
proof of identity.

(iv) In case the result of final year/semester is awaited, then the candidate will submit a certificate from the principal,
stating that the result of final year will be declared by ……………….. all these documents will be verified by selection
centre.( Appx ‘A’ )

(v) For final year students only- if you are studying in final year of degree course, then please bring a certificate from
the principal of your College/Institution stating that you are in final year of degree course and going to appear the final
examination during………….failing which you will not be interviewed by SSB (Appx ‘B’).

(vi) Candidates who have submitted their certificates and marksheets in college or institution for pursuing higher
studies.Please bring a bonafide certificate along with certified true copy of those documents as per specimen attached at
(Appx ‘C’).
(vii) Risk Certificate Applicable to NDA and TES Candidates. You will bring Risk Certificate as per specimen
attached as (Appx ‘D’).

(viii) Original NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army/Navy/Airforce Wing) with one attested copy, if competing against reserved
vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders.

(ix) Bring certified copy duly authenticated/signed by the competent authority of every achievement you have obtained
in the field of NCC, Games, sports and other extra curricular activities.
(x) Candidates declared successful in the SSB interview are required to submit at the earliest a photocopy duly attested
by Class-I Gazetted Officer of all such provisional degree/degree certificate, acquired after the SSB interview to : Addl
Dte Gen Rtg, IHQ MoD (Army) West Block-III, R K Puram, New Delhi-110066.
(xi) Candidates are further advised that documents already verified at Selection Centre, need not be submitted again to
IHQ MoD (Army). In case of loss of such documents the onus will entirely rest with the candidate.
(xii) Photographs – Please bring twenty copies of the latest passport size photographs, unattested along with the negative
in white shirt (not in coat)
4. Travelling Allowance (TA).
(a) TA is admissible for the shortest route only.
(b) AC 3 Tier fare (including reservation-cum-sleeper charges) by main route from home station to
Allahabad/Bangalore/Bhopal and bus fare from home to the nearest railway station (if not connected by rail) will be paid
as per government rates on production of tickets.
(c) No re-imbursement of rail/bus fares/ reservation-cum-sleeper charges will be permitted in the absence of original
travel documents.
(d) You are entitled to TA when you attend the interview for a commission for the first time.
Such allowance is not admissible for second or subsequent attempts for the same type of commission.
Caution. You are liable to forfeit travelling allowance if you fail to :-
(a) Meet the eligibility criteria and educational qualifications as required.
(b) Produce the original documents as given in the instructions.
(c) Produce ID proof as mentioned at Para 8 above.
5. Change of address- change of address, if any, after submission of application will be intimated to Additional
Directorate General of Recruiting (Rtg-6), Adjutant General’s Branch, IHQ of MoD Army Headquarters, West Block-III,
R.K.Puram, New Delhi-900108, C/o 56 APO and this centre. (Appx ‘E’)
6. Warning. A candidate should withhold his move if he is a resident of Bangalore/Bhopal/ Allahabad, his permanent
address is Bangalore/Bhopal/Allahabad or has a relative/friend serving in the selection centre or his unit is located in
Bangalore/Bhopal/Allahabad (Serving candidates only) and intimate this centre immediately the particulars of the
person concerned and await further instructions. Any attempts made by candidates, their relatives or friends to influence
the members of Services Selection Board in their favour either verbally or in writing will result in his name being
removed from the list of candidates. In all matters of discipline, the Centre Commandant will be the final authority and
no appeal against his decision will be entertained.
7. Compensation. Government is not responsible for any compensation to the candidates or to their guardians/heirs for
injuries sustained by them during the period of testing. However, facilities exist to attend to the candidates falling sick or
sustaining injuries during their stay at the Centre.
8. Correspondence. In all correspondence please quote this letter No and date, UPSC Roll No/Name of the
Entry/registration number and full postal address. Email + Contact Number.
9. Service personnel only - In case you are already serving in the Army/Navy/Air Force, this letter will be put up to
your Officer Commanding and your move in connection with this interview will be treated as temporary duty under the
provision of TR-192 (f) (ii). As such you will bring return journey railway warrant for your journey. You are required to
bring one set of uniform.
10. For information of Officer Commanding Unit.
(a) In case the candidate has been posted out of your Unit please forward this letter to his
present unit immediately, under intimation to his Centre.
(b) Copies of movement order and DO Part II will not be endorsed to this Centre, Separate
movement order will be issued to every individual required to report to this Centre.
(c) In case the individual cannot present himself for interview, this Centre should be
informed immediately.
(d) No Arms and Ammunition will be carried by the candidate.
(e) Please advice the candidate to bring two passport size photographs.
(f) Candidates will be in possession of free return railway warrant and Identity Card.
(g) Apprise Selection Centre immediately in case you are at a local unit.

11. Physical conditioning- Candidates who qualify the SSB interview and medical examination are advised to follow
the under mentioned regimen daily in order to keep themselves in good physical condition at the time of reporting at the
Academy.-
(a) Running 2.4 Kms in 15 Minutes
(b) Sit ups-25
(c) Push ups-13
(d) Chin ups (minimum 06)
(e) Rope Climbing (3 to 4 Meters)
12. Candidate reporting for their SSB should take care of the following medical points failing which he/she is liable for
rejection :-
(a) Ideal Age, Height and Weight (Male) :- It should be within permissible limits i.e. 10% of the ideal weight given in
the table. In recording fraction lower than 0.5 Kg will be noted and 0.5Kg, above will be recorded as 1 Kg. a correlation
table between age, height and average weight is given below for guidance of candidates :-
Age Period 15-16 Yrs 16-17 Yrs 17-18 Yrs 18-20 Yrs 20-22 Yrs 22-24 Yrs 24-26 yrs 26-28 Yrs 28-30 Yrs
Height
Weight (kg)Weight (kg)Weight (kg)Weight (kg)Weight (kg)Weight (kg)Weight (kg)Weight (kg)Weight (kg)
(Cm)
157.0 43.5 45.0 47.0 49.0 49.5 50.5 51.5 51.5 52.0
160.0 45.0 46.0 48.0 50.0 51.0 51.5 52.0 53.0 54.0
162.0 46.0 48.0 50.0 51.5 52.5 53.5 54.0 55.0 55.5
165.0 48.0 50.0 52.0 53.0 54.0 54.5 55.0 56.0 56.5
167.0 49.0 51.0 53.0 55.0 56.0 57.0 58.0 58.5 59.0
170.0 51.0 52.5 55.0 57.0 58.0 59.0 59.5 60.5 61.0
173.0 52.5 54.5 57.0 59.0 60.0 62.0 62.5 63.5 64.0
175.0 54.5 56.0 59.0 61.0 62.0 63.0 64.0 64.5 65.0
178.0 56.0 58.0 61.0 62.5 63.5 64.5 66.0 66.5 67.5
180.0 58.5 60.0 63.0 65.0 65.5 67.0 67.5 68.5 69.0
183.0 60.0 62.5 65.0 67.0 67.5 70.0 70.5 71.0 72.0
* In case candidates belonging to the North East and hilly area like Gorkhas, Nepalese, Assamese and Garhwalis, the
height will be relaxed by 5 cms and weight commensurate with reduced heights.
(b) No wax in the ear.
(c) No skin disease i.e. Acne vulgaris, warts, fungal infection.
(d) No dental cavities including temporary filling and minimum 14 dental points.
(e) No vision defect i.e. vision corrected by glasses.
(f) No hernia/abdominal operation in past one year.
(g) No hydrocele, varicocele.
 No Claim Certificate

I Mr. Shahaji Anandrao Desai father of Mr. Samarjeet Shahaji Desai who is a candidate for NDA/ IMA /

OTA entry the Army, hereby certify that I fully understand that my son will, if required, attend the Service Selection

Board Interview with my full and free consent and at my own risk and that I or my son shall not be entitled to claim any

compensation or other relief from the Government in respect of any injury or disability which my son may sustain in the

course of or as the result of any of the test given to him at the SSB Interview, whether due to his own negligence or the

negligence of any other person or otherwise.

Signature of Father

Address : GF / F1, “Sane-Guruji” Apartment,

Savkar Colony, Islampur
Tal: Walwa, Dist: Sangli
Maharashtra 415414 (India)

Place : Sangli (Maharashtra)

Date :
 Appendix ‘A’ (Refers to Para 3 (iv) of Joining Instructions)
Candidates Who are Studying in Final Year of Their Academic Session/
Appeared for Final Examination/ Results Not Declared
It is certified that ____________ s/o Shri __________ is a bonafide student of ___________________ (School/ College)
and is presently studying in _____________. His final board / semester examination will be / was conducted during
_____ (month and year of exam) and the results are expected to be declared by ___________ (month and year of
expected date of declaration of exam results).
Place : (Signature of the Principal/Registrar of the College/University where studying with stamp) Date :

Appendix ‘B’ (Refers to Para 3 (v) of Joining Instructions)

For Pre Final Year Students of University Entry Scheme
(PRE FINAL YEAR) COURSE ONLY
It is certified that Mr ________________ is in Pre-Final Year of degree course and is going to appear in the Final
Year/Semester Examination during _______ and Final Year results will be declared by ______________ (herein month
and year of expected date of declaration of the exam results is to be mentioned, failing which you will not be
interviewed by SSB. Mark-sheets of all the semesters (upto IV semester for Pre Final year candidates) are also to be
brought along with two attested photocopies).
Place : (Signature of the Principal/Registrarof the College/University where studying with stamp) Date :

Appendix ‘C’ (Refers to Para 3 (vi) of Joining Instructions)

Candidates Who Have Submitted Their Certificates and Mark Sheets in
College or Institution for Pursuing Higher Studies
It is certified that ____________ s/o Shri _______ is a bonafide student of ________
(College/University/Institution/School) and is presently studying _____ (herein name of course pursuing is to be
mentioned). The following certificates and mark-sheets in respect of the above individual have been deposited with this
College/University/Institution in original for verification purpose:-
(a)
(b)
(c) ………………………….
It is further certified that photostat copies of above documents have been verified by the undersigned and attested.
Place : (Signature of the Principal/Registrar of
Date : the College/University where studying with stamp)
---------------------------------------------------------
Appendix ‘E’ (Refers to Para 5 of Joining Instructions)
Specimen Application for Change of Address
From
Roll No : __________________Name : _______________Father’s Name : ______________________
Postal Address : ______________E-mail ________________Mob No ________________________
To
The Call Up Officer, Selection Centre East, Allahabad-211 001
Application for Change of Address
Sir,
1. Please refer to your Call Up letter bearing No SCE/_____/CU dated ______.
2. As per your Call Up letter quoted above, I am required to report to your Centre on _____. My correspondence address
given in my application for subject course has now been changed. The details are as under :- Postal Address (as given
in the application) :- ---------
New Postal Address (To be changed in the application):- --------------
3. May I request you to please include my postal address in the application for correspondence.
4. Thanking you. Place : Yours faithfully
Date : (Signature of the candidate)
 Selection Center Central Bhopal
Selection Centre East Allahabad
Selection Centre South Bangalore

Appendix ‘D’
(Refers to Para 3 (vii) of Joining Instructions)

Risk Certificate

I Mr. Shahaji Anandrao Desai father of Mr. Samarjeet Shahaji Desai who is a candidate for NDA/TES

Regular Commission of the Army, hereby certify that I fully understand that my son will, if required, attend Service

Board with my full and free consent and at my own risk and that I or my son shall not be entitled to claim any

compensation or retest for the same course or any other relief from the Government if my son sustains any injury during

the course of /as a result of any of the tests administrated to him at the said Service Selection Board or while using

military transport due to any reasons.

Place : Sangli (Maharashtra)

Date : (Signature of father)

Mr. Shahaji Anandrao Desai

 5 Days Test Schedule
1 Day Stage I Screening Test (Intelligence Test)

Picture Perception and Discussion Test Result

Large number of candidates report for selection in SSB. All may not have the desirable qualities to be
selected for armed forces so there is no point to go through the stage-II tests. Hence, the need to filter
out these candidates on the very first day so that they can return to their home stations without wasting
time.
(Stage -1) The stage-I test has two distinct parts:-
 Intelligence Test This is a simple test of logic / analytical aptitude based on which an intelligence rating ranging
from I to V is awarded to the candidates which is based on the number of total correct answers. It is but
obvious that the candidate with a higher intelligence rating will benefit in the entire process of testing including
stage-II.

 Picture Perception and Discussion Test You were shown a picture on the screen which you were required to
perceive correctly. Time was thereafter given to pen down what you perceived by way of number of characters,
their age, their mood, etc as also to write a story relating to the pictures. Your perception needs to be correct in
order to do well in this test. This was followed by individual story telling and discussion test. Your power of
expression, clarity of language (both grammatical and logical), confidence, participation and ability to accept
 others' ideas were all important facets of this test. Your body language and attitude during the whole test is also
of consequence. What you must do is to remain involved with the test throughout.

 Result Passing of stage-I test is a combination of your intelligence rating, individual story content, method at
narration, command over language and overall performance in discussion and complete task. Once the results
are announced, relevance of your stage-I performance in no longer there except your intelligence rating which
still affects your overall results during the stage-II.

2 Day Stage-II Psychological Test

The stage-II tests comprise of three different techniques, namely the psychological tests, group tasks
and personal interview. This shall be elaborated separately. However, it is emphasised that in all the
three techniques the assessment is of your personality which is based on specified 15 OLQs (Officer
Like Qualities). The highlights of the three different techniques are as follows:

The Psychological Test The psychologist does not interact with you nor does he know you by your
physical appearance or attributes. He will assess your personality merely through the inputs which you
have given him in the answer sheet. It is a test of your mind. Your answers are required to be natural
responses and not preconceived. In case you have tried to think and modify your natural responses you
will run out of time and will not be able to complete the tests. Large gaps in your response will make it
difficult for him to assess you. An endeavor has to be made to complete all the SRTs, 60 TATs and the
60 WATs. Any candidate can achieve proficiency in completing these tests through adequate practice.
Various books are available which explain the essentials of these tests and may help you in practicing
them before you take on the actual test. You cannot change your personality but you can certainly
complete the tests in the given time and be in a better position to be assessed well by the psychologist.
What is important is you should be positive in thoughts and your application to the test.

3,4 Day Stage-II GTO Test

Unlike the psychologist, the GTO is actually interacting with you throughout the tests. Each and every
action of yours is observed. It is a test of your body and coordination between your body and mind.
Your physical and mental qualities get highlighted in these tests. Project your qualities to the GTO and
do not remain a passenger. Come out with work sense, ideas and ensure that others accept them. If they
are logical and workable they will be acceptable. While you expect others to accept your ideas you
should be willing to accept others ideas as well. You need to remain confident and cheerful throughout
the tests and learn to comprehend all instructions and ensure that no rules are violated. Your overall
performance in all the GTO tasks brings out your personality. You need to be good in every aspect.
Outstanding performance in some and poor in others is not acceptable. You need to introspect and find
out shortcomings which you noticed in your performance. You ought to be physically fit to do well
here. Focus on your shortcomings and you will surely be able to come up to the required standards.

2-4 Day Stage-II Interview

The interviewing officer discusses by way of questions and answers the opportunities you had in your
life and the positive or otherwise benefit you have derived from them. It is a test of your heart. The
interviewing officer is fairly senior and experienced in the armed forces. While he interacts with you he
discerns whether you have the qualities required to be an army officer. What you have done till date
with regard to your academics, competitive exams, your achievements in extra curricular activities,
your interests in life, sports you play, your feelings for your parents, friends, teachers and society at
large, your general knowledge and awareness and your physical and mental fortitude are all important
facets of his assessment. The interviewing officer understands and gives you more than adequate
benefit for shortcomings or mistakes which you may have committed, thus, do not try and hide
anything. The tendency of lying or making false pretences is negatively viewed and is easily
discernable.
5 Day Stage-II Conference

The three assessors have individually carried out their assessment. However, there is no discussion as
sharing of facts of assessment between them nor any results of your performance is known to them or
anybody else at the beginning of the conference. For the final result on the performance of a candidate
all the three assessors and all members of the board must interact as also meet the candidate in person.
Thus, we have the final board conference. During this, the individual assessments are discussed and a
candidate's plus points and weak qualities are deliberated upon in detail. All aspects of a candidate are
analysed to see if he / she has the required qualities to be trained to become a good armed forces
officer. Whereas benefit of any doubt with an individual assessor is given to a candidate; during the
conference benefit of doubt adequately probed normally is given to the organisation. Also, candidates
with higher intelligence rating can get an additional credit as compared to those with lower intelligence
rating. When the conference terminates the results are finalized and communicated to the candidate.
Suitable advice by one of the assessors is rendered to all Non Recommended Candidates.