In the journey toward becoming a part of the Indian Armed Forces, the SSB interview holds a place of immense significance—especially for women candidates aspiring to break barriers and serve the nation with pride. As a part of our ongoing “Ladies Special” series, this sixteenth installment brings you 5 fresh and thoughtfully crafted sample stories for Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT) and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). Each story is designed to reflect the qualities of an ideal officer—leadership, presence of mind, empathy, and determination—while also staying relatable to real-life scenarios women might envision. Whether you’re just starting your SSB preparation or looking to refine your narrative skills, these samples aim to guide and inspire.
Sample TAT & PPDT Picture
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 1
Anita, a responsible and caring 15-year-old village girl, noticed her younger brother often fell ill after drinking water. Instead of ignoring the issue, she researched water purification methods using sand and charcoal filters from her school textbooks and the internet. She educated her family and community on boiling water before drinking. She took the initiative to speak with her teacher and organized a small awareness session at the village temple. Her sense of responsibility, problem-solving skills, and willingness to take initiative for public welfare reflected strong qualities.
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 2
Poonam, a social work intern, saw a young girl fetching water from a polluted river and recognized the larger issue of unsafe drinking water. She used her analytical and planning skills to draft a proposal for a water tank and filtration system, then reached out to an NGO working in rural development. She coordinated with villagers and local authorities, conducted surveys, and ensured the installation of the water system. Her actions highlighted leadership, effective communication, cooperation, and planning abilities.
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 3
Kiran, a schoolgirl and nature lover, found the riverbanks littered with plastic. Instead of blaming others, she took the initiative to launch a “Clean River” campaign in her school. She organized weekly clean-up drives, created posters, and worked with the local panchayat to install dustbins and educate people about proper waste disposal. Her persistent efforts led to visible improvements. Her initiative, environmental awareness, team coordination, and motivation of others showed influencing ability, planning, and social adaptability.
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 4
Savita, a nurse, discovered that frequent illness in the village was due to contaminated water from the river. She quickly collected water samples, got them tested, and confirmed contamination. She then used her position to conduct hygiene workshops focusing on boiling, filtering water, and proper handwashing techniques. She collaborated with ASHA workers and schools to spread the message. Her proactive approach, logical reasoning, empathy, and ability to educate and lead a team highlight qualities like initiative, organizing ability, and social effectiveness.
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 5
Meena, a determined village girl, never let poverty or responsibilities stop her dream of becoming an IAS officer. She woke up early to fetch water, studied late under a kerosene lamp, and created a timetable balancing her studies and chores. She sought mentorship from her teachers and borrowed books from seniors. Her planning, time management, and dedication helped her clear the UPSC exam. She returned to uplift her village. Her strong willpower, self-confidence, resource management, and goal orientation demonstrate excellent qualities.
