CDS SSB Interview Process – Complete Guide for Aspirants

The SSB Interview after the CDS exam is conducted over 5 days. Each day has specific tasks and assessments:

Day 0 – Reporting and Document Verification

• Candidates report to the SSB center and undergo document verification.

• An introductory session and briefing about the process are conducted.

Day 1 – Screening Test

The screening test is the first elimination round, and only shortlisted candidates proceed further. It includes:

1. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR Test): Verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.

2. Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT): Candidates view a picture for 30 seconds, write a story, and later narrate it in a group discussion.

Outcome: Candidates who qualify are retained; others are sent back.

Day 2 – Psychological Tests

These tests analyze the candidate’s subconscious personality and thought process. Key tests include:

1. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): Writing stories based on given pictures.

2. Word Association Test (WAT): Writing quick responses to words flashed on a screen.

3. Situation Reaction Test (SRT): Writing responses to 60 real-life situations.

4. Self-Description Test (SDT): Writing opinions about yourself from perspectives of parents, teachers, friends, and yourself.

Objective: To understand how you think, react, and behave in different situations.

Day 3 & 4 – Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

These tasks test teamwork, leadership, and physical as well as mental endurance. They include:

1. Group Discussion (GD): Discussion on current affairs or social topics.

2. Group Planning Exercise (GPE): Problem-solving tasks in a group.

3. Progressive Group Task (PGT): Overcoming obstacles with group coordination.

4. Half Group Task (HGT): Similar to PGT but in smaller groups.

5. Individual Obstacles (IO): Completing 10 obstacles in a given time.

6. Group Obstacle Race (GOR): A race between groups, testing team spirit.

7. Command Task: Candidate leads a team to solve an obstacle.

8. Lecturette: Short speech on a random topic.

9. Final Group Task (FGT): The last group coordination task.

Outcome: Candidates are assessed for leadership, cooperation, and problem-solving.

Day 5 – Personal Interview & Conference

• Personal Interview: One-on-one interaction with Interviewing Officer (IO). Questions usually cover academics, personal background, hobbies, general knowledge, and situational judgment.

• Conference: All assessors (Psychologist, GTO, IO) discuss each candidate’s performance. Every candidate faces the Board for a short interaction.

Result Declaration: Selected candidates are recommended for medical examination.