Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT) in SSBs is conducted on Day-1 and is the second objective of Stage-I tests. PPDT is a screening test which is almost an elimination test of the candidate. It is conducted to know about the imagination power and description ability of a candidate within a limited time allotted.
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is one the psychologist tests conducted on Day-2 of the SSB. It is one of the Stage-II tests; candidates who get screened-in, are retained for stage 2 testing.
This test is geared to know about the intellectual, cognitive, emotional and behavioural functioning of the candidates and identify their intelligence, personality style, interpersonal processes and adaptive skills.
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 1
Rekha, a young village girl, had always been passionate about education. However, in her conservative family, girls were expected to stay at home and help with household chores. Despite opposition, she convinced her parents to let her continue her studies. One morning, as she left for school, her father and mother observed her. Her father, who worked in the fields, hesitated, feeling uncertain about her choices. Her mother, standing near the house, was silently proud but unsure of what the future held. Rekha remained determined, excelling in her studies while also helping her family. She later secured a scholarship for higher education and proved that knowledge could bring prosperity to their lives. Over time, her success changed her father’s mindset, making him an advocate for girls’ education in the village. Rekha became an inspiration, motivating other girls to pursue their dreams.
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 2
Asha, the eldest daughter of a farmer, always wanted to become a teacher. However, her father expected her to help in the fields, believing a girl’s duty was to support the family. One morning, as Asha prepared to leave for school, her father called out to her, suggesting she should stay and help with farming instead. Her mother, though silent, understood Asha’s aspirations and hoped her daughter would find a way to balance both responsibilities. Asha respectfully reassured her father that she would complete her education and still contribute to the farm. She studied diligently, returned home every evening to help, and eventually became a schoolteacher in her village. Her father, once reluctant, realized the value of education. Asha not only improved her family’s financial condition but also educated many children, bringing growth and awareness to her village.
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 3
Meena, an ambitious young woman, had always dreamed of becoming a writer. However, coming from a farming family, her aspirations were often dismissed as unrealistic. She found solace in books and wrote in her free time. One day, Meena was returning from the village library when her father, working in the fields, noticed her and called out. Her mother, standing nearby, observed their interaction. While her father was skeptical about her passion, Meena was determined to prove herself. Meena continued writing, submitting her stories to newspapers and magazines. After years of effort, one of her books was published, gaining recognition. Her success brought pride to her family. Her father, who once doubted her dreams, proudly spoke of her achievements. She became an inspiration for others who wished to break free from societal norms.
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 4
Suman, a young girl from a farming family, had a deep love for agriculture and science. She wanted to introduce modern farming techniques to her father, who relied on traditional methods. One morning, as Suman returned from a research institute with books on advanced farming, she saw her father plowing the field. She hesitated but decided to discuss new techniques with him, while her mother watched from a distance, wondering how her husband would react. Suman explained modern irrigation, better fertilizers, and efficient crop rotation techniques to her father. Initially skeptical, he agreed to try her suggestions on a small portion of their land. The new methods increased their yield, improving their financial condition. Other farmers adopted these techniques, leading to agricultural development in their village. Suman’s knowledge bridged the gap between tradition and progress.
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 5
Neha, a bright student, had completed her schooling and wanted to pursue higher education in the city. However, her father, a hardworking farmer, was hesitant to send her far from home. As Neha prepared to leave for college, holding her books, her father called out to her, expressing his concerns. Her mother, standing nearby, looked on with a mix of pride and worry. Neha understood their fears but was determined to follow her dreams. She reassured her parents of her commitment to both education and family. She worked hard, graduated with honors, and secured a respectable job, proving that daughters could balance ambition with responsibility. Her father, once hesitant, encouraged other villagers to educate their daughters. Neha’s success became a beacon of hope for many young girls in her community.
