The SSB Interview is not just about IQ or knowledge—it’s about how aware, responsible, and opinionated you are as a future officer. Your awareness of current affairs, defence news, national issues, and your ability to critically analyse them shows your Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
From PPDT to Lecturette, Group Discussion (GD), Interview, and even Psych tests, knowledge of current & defence affairs plays a vital role.
Which Newspaper to Read?
- The Hindu or Indian Express – for national, international, and opinion-based articles.
- PIB (Press Information Bureau) – for government schemes and defence updates.
- Economic Times (optional) – for economy-related questions (especially for graduate entries).
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs Magazine (like from DRISHTI, AffairsCloud, or SSBCrack).
How to Read the Newspaper Effectively? (30–40 mins/day max)
🔹 Divide your reading into 4 key areas:
- National Affairs – Focus on policies, bills, Supreme Court rulings, initiatives (especially youth and defence related).
- International Relations – Summits, treaties, India’s position globally, recent diplomatic visits.
- Defence News – Missile tests, induction of aircrafts, naval exercises, new appointments, joint drills.
- Editorials & Opinions – To develop speaking content for GD/Lecturette.
🔹 Skip irrelevant topics like Bollywood gossip, political mudslinging, regional news with no national impact.
How to Take Notes?
✅ Use a section-wise notebook or digital tool like Notion/Evernote.
Sections:
- National News
- International Affairs
- Defence & Security
- Awards & Appointments
- Space & Science
- Important Dates
✅ Keep it bullet-pointed, short, and easy to revise.
✅ Add a “Why is this important?” note to link it to your thoughts—this helps in Lecturette & GD.
How to Use This Knowledge in SSB Interview?
1. In GD & Lecturette:
- Always start with facts & context, followed by balanced opinions.
- Quote schemes, treaties, or real-life defence examples.
- Avoid extreme views; reflect a mature and inclusive mindset.
2. In Personal Interview:
- Be ready for questions like:
- “Tell me 3 major international issues India is facing.”
- “What is your opinion on Agnipath Scheme?”
- “How will India balance its ties with Russia and USA?”
- The trick is to show clarity, awareness, and logical reasoning.
Defence Affairs – What to Focus On?
🛡️ Key Areas to Cover:
- Latest Defence Equipment (Tejas, BrahMos, INS Vikrant, etc.)
- Military Exercises (Yudh Abhyas, Malabar, Vostok)
- Important Defence Appointments (CDS, Service Chiefs)
- New Schemes (Agniveer, Make in India in Defence)
- Border issues (India-China, India-Pak)
- Role of DRDO, HAL, ISRO, BEL, etc.
Use YouTube Shorts or quick weekly summaries from official defence sources or SSB preparation channels to stay updated.
Bonus Tips for Retention & Practice
- Daily discussion with a friend/group.
- Practice 2-minute summary of one news item in your own words—helps in Lecturette.
- Use mock GD topics like:
- “Is India prepared for modern warfare?”
- “Role of youth in national defence.”
- Create a “Defence Diary” – just one page per week summarising major events.
Conclusion
Reading the newspaper is not about mugging up facts—it’s about building awareness, opinions, and confidence. It shows your preparedness as a future leader and officer. So stay consistent, stay curious, and stay confident!
