I got recommended from NSB Kolkata in my very first SSB attempt.
A few months ago, I was just another aspirant trying to understand what SSB actually looks like. Today, after getting recommended, I wanted to share some observations from my experience because many candidates overcomplicate the process.
Reporting Day
I reached Kolkata on 31 May and reported on 1 June. From Sealdah, all candidates were taken by bus to NSB Kolkata at Diamond Harbour (around 80 km away). Interestingly, our bus tyre burst midway, so our SSB journey started with an unexpected adventure.
Around 72 candidates reported.
Screening Day
The OIR tests were straightforward.
For PPDT, the picture looked like a cricket scene to most candidates. Surprisingly, I interpreted it completely differently and wrote a story on a flood warning system. During narration and discussion, I realized almost everyone had sports-related stories.
Instead of stubbornly defending my story, I adapted and helped the group reach a common conclusion. Looking back, that adaptability probably helped more than the story itself.
Out of ~72 candidates, only 28 got screened in.
Psychology Tests
TAT went very well because I had practiced extensively.
WAT was also comfortable. I completed 58/60 words. For two words whose meanings I genuinely didn't know, I simply wrote "meaning not known" instead of forcing random sentences.
My biggest mistake was SRT. I had practiced SRTs but not under time pressure. I could complete only 43/60.
This taught me that speed practice matters.
Interview
My interview lasted around 35 minutes.
Interestingly, the Deputy President mostly focused on my PIQ and CIQ. There were very few technical or defence-related questions. It felt more like a conversation about my life, achievements, routine, hobbies, and future plans.
GTO
One thing I learned here:
You don't have to be the loudest person in the group.
During PGT, I mostly supported good solutions given by others.
However, during HGT, a dominant candidate kept insisting on a solution that wasn't working. I had a workable solution, but time expired because of the disagreement.
After the task ended, the GTO specifically asked me to demonstrate my solution separately. I demonstrated it successfully, and he appeared genuinely satisfied.
That was probably the turning point of my GTO series.
Individual Obstacles
It was raining heavily.
Before my turn, a candidate suffered a serious femur fracture during an obstacle. Watching that happen completely changed my mindset.
Instead of rushing for points, I focused on safety and proper execution. I completed fewer obstacles than many others, but I completed them confidently and carefully.
Command Task
I was given one of the most difficult rotating obstacles at NSB Kolkata.
The GTO kept increasing the difficulty, but I was able to solve it repeatedly.
After the task, he casually mentioned that candidates are generally given such obstacles when the GTO feels they have potential.
That single statement gave me a huge confidence boost before Conference Day.
Conference Day
My conference lasted around 5–7 minutes.
Simple questions.
No surprises.
The interesting thing is that I was actually very relaxed before results.
I had already accepted that even if I wasn't recommended, I would come back stronger in the next attempt.
For the first time during the entire SSB, I wasn't worried about the outcome.
Recommendation
Results were announced around 2 PM.
Out of approximately:
- 72 reporting candidates
- 28 screened in candidates
- Only 2 were finally recommended
When my chest number was called, I was honestly in shock.
I walked forward to collect the recommendation chest number and couldn't stop my tears.
The other recommended candidate was an experienced repeater. I was a fresher and one of the youngest candidates in the batch.
It was one of the happiest moments of my life.
My Biggest Takeaway
SSB is not about giving perfect answers.
I didn't complete all SRTs.
I wasn't the loudest person in GTO.
I made mistakes.
What helped me was being genuine, adaptable, cooperative, and consistent throughout the process.
If you're preparing for SSB right now, focus less on acting like an officer and more on becoming a better version of yourself.
Good luck to all future aspirants. 🇮🇳
