Are you a young female SSB aspirant wondering how to start showcasing Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) right from school or college? Your participation in school—be it academics, sports, or extracurriculars—is a powerful launchpad. This article is your actionable guide to becoming more visible, confident, and impactful in school settings, aligning your daily life with the OLQs that are evaluated in the SSB Interview.
Understanding the Connection Between School Life & SSB Preparation
- School is your first leadership lab.
- Classroom discussions, group projects, sports teams, and clubs offer real-time opportunities to practice OLQs.
- Active participation prepares you for GTO tasks, interviews, and even psychological testing.
How to Be More Active in the Classroom
- Ask questions: Don’t shy away from seeking clarification. It shows curiosity and clarity of thought.
- Volunteer for presentations or to lead group assignments.
- Support classmates academically – shows cooperation.
- Maintain eye contact and clear speech – helps develop power of expression.
- Track your weekly classroom contributions in a Participation Tracker.
How to Engage in School Sports
- Join team sports like basketball, volleyball, or relay races.
- Participate even if you’re not the best – effort matters more than outcome.
- Learn to encourage your team, take responsibility, and stay positive even after a loss – all traits valued in the SSB Interview.
- Tips for female aspirants who might feel hesitant to join male-dominated teams.
How to Take Part in Extracurricular Activities
- Join debate clubs, quiz teams, theatre, or music – they build communication skills and stage confidence.
- Organize school events – this builds organizing ability.
- Don’t just join – take initiative. Volunteer to be in leadership roles (e.g., house captain, club secretary).
Overcoming Fear & Hesitation
- Many girls hesitate due to social pressure or lack of exposure.
- Tips to overcome:
- Start small – one classroom question per week.
- Practice speaking in front of a mirror.
- Join female support groups or NCC for a motivating peer environment.
- Watch and reflect on strong female leaders in the armed forces.
How to Track Your Progress
- Download the “School Participation & OLQ Development Journal”
- Includes:
- Weekly goals for classroom, sports, and extracurricular participation.
- Reflection space on what OLQs were showcased.
- Self-rating on initiative, confidence, and teamwork.
Real Stories from Female Officers
- Narrate inspiring short stories of women like Lt. Shivangi Singh (IAF) or Lt. Col. Sophia Qureshi, who began showing OLQs during school/college.
- Encourage viewers to draw inspiration and believe in their journey.
Action Plan
Challenge for the Week:
- Ask 2 questions in class.
- Participate in 1 group activity.
- Take initiative to lead a task (small or big).
- Record your actions in the template journal.
