Dress Smart, Think Sharp | What To Wear For Each Day Of SSB

The SSB Interview is not only about OLQs, performance, or confidence — it is also about how professionally, neatly, and appropriately you present yourself. Your...

The SSB Interview is not only about OLQs, performance, or confidence — it is also about how professionally, neatly, and appropriately you present yourself.

Your outfit reflects:

  • your discipline
  • your grooming
  • your attention to detail
  • your seriousness toward the process

Dressing smart doesn’t mean dressing expensive, fashionable, or flashy. It means dressing clean, simple, disciplined, and officer-like.

This article breaks down exactly what to wear each day of the SSB, so you can focus on performing your best.

Reporting Day

This is your first impression day. You must look neat, confident, and well-prepared.

✔ For Men

  • Light-colored formal shirt (white/sky blue/pastel shades)
  • Formal trousers (navy blue / charcoal grey)
  • Black or brown polished shoes
  • Matching belt
  • Clean shave or well-trimmed beard
  • Simple wristwatch
  • No flashy accessories

✔ For Women

  • Formal shirt/blouse (light colors)
  • Formal trousers OR a knee-length formal skirt
  • Closed-toe formal shoes (1–2 inch heel optional)
  • Light makeup, neat hairstyle
  • Minimal jewellery

Why this matters:

This is the day assessors form an initial impression of your grooming and discipline.

Day 1 – Screening Test

This day includes PP&DT, OIR, and Group Discussion.
Wear something comfortable but formal because you need to feel confident and active.

✔ For Men

  • Clean, well-ironed shirt (light colors preferred)
  • Formal trousers
  • Formal shoes (no sneakers)
  • No loud patterns
  • Carry a pen, folder

✔ For Women

  • Formal shirt with trousers
  • OR a simple, smart salwar-suit (avoid heavy patterns)
  • Comfortable flats or formal shoes
  • Hair neatly tied

Tip:

Avoid clothes that restrict movement — you need to walk, sit, stand, interact throughout the day.

Day 2 – Psychology Tests

This is a writing-heavy day — you’ll be doing TAT, WAT, SRT, SD.
The focus is not on looks, but on comfort and neatness.

✔ What to Wear (Both Men & Women)

  • Same formal outfit as Day 1
  • Prefer cotton fabrics
  • Avoid bright colors or party wear
  • Keep accessories minimal
  • Keep hair neat

Why simple dressing works:

Your mind needs complete focus — your clothes should not distract you or others.

Day 3 – GTO Day 1 (Outdoor Tasks)

This is the most physically demanding day. You MUST wear GTO-appropriate clothing.

✔ Compulsory GTO Dress Code (Both Men & Women)

  • White T-shirt or white collared sports T-shirt
  • White shorts or track pants
  • White socks
  • Sports shoes (non-fancy, sturdy grip)
  • No jewellery
  • Hair tied (for women)

✔ Tips

  • Carry an extra pair of socks
  • Wear a sports bra (for women) for comfort
  • Choose sports shoes you have already broken in
  • Avoid makeup, accessories, perfume

Why this matters:

Your dressing should allow maximum movement—they observe your energy, coordination, and teamwork.

Day 4 – GTO Day 2 (Remaining Tasks + Final Group Tasks)

Same dressing as GTO Day 1.

✔ Additional Notes

  • Ensure clothes are clean and dry
  • Maintain fresh grooming
  • Avoid tight track pants that restrict leg movement
  • Stay hydrated but avoid sweating excessively before tasks

This day is about perseverance.

Neat, clean, functional dressing reflects consistency.

Day 5 – Personal Interview OR Conference Day

If your interview is scheduled on any day, wear your best formal outfit.

✔ Interview Dress Code: Men

  • Formal shirt (white preferred)
  • Tie (simple stripes/solid colors)
  • Formal trousers
  • Blazer (optional but recommended in winter)
  • Polished shoes
  • Clean-shaven / well-trimmed
  • Professional, neat look

✔ Interview Dress Code: Women

  • Formal shirt with trousers
  • OR a smart, formal kurti with cigarette pants
  • Blazer (optional)
  • Closed formal shoes
  • Light makeup
  • Neat hairstyle (bun/ponytail)
  • No loud accessories

✔ Conference Day Dressing

  • Same formal wear as Interview day
  • Maintain peak grooming
  • Look energetic, not tired
  • Keep posture straight
  • Wear a calm, composed expression

Why this matters:

This is where you project maturity, discipline, and responsibility.

Grooming Checklist for All Days

✔ Hair

  • Well-trimmed
  • Neat combed
  • No funky styles

✔ Face

  • No unshaven look
  • Light natural makeup only (women)

✔ Nails

  • Clean and trimmed

✔ Perfume/Deodorant

  • Subtle and minimal

✔ Overall Look

  • No flashy colors
  • No oversized outfits
  • No wrinkled clothes
  • No heavy jewellery

Final Tips: How to Dress Like an Officer

  1. Choose comfort over style
  2. Stick to light, sober colors
  3. Avoid new clothes you haven’t tested
  4. Dress neatly even on non-interview days
  5. Your personality, posture, and grooming complete the look

Remember:
Your dress doesn’t make you an officer —
but it shows whether you’re ready to become one.

Dress smart.
Think sharp.
Perform like a future leader.

Picture of Anuradha Dey

Anuradha Dey

Senior Lecturer, SSBCrackExams, M.A.(Psychology), M.A. English (Gold Medalist) from BHU; B.A. Hons from St. Xavier’s College (Kolkata). Poet, Writer & Translator. Certified Career Counselor. Knows Mandarin, German, English, Bengali & Hindi.