SSB is a highly secretive personality assessment examination, in terms of predictability of results and that’s why candidates try to gather information about SSB from various sources whether they are official or unofficial. Most of the sources they gather information from are not reliable and are hearsay and that’s what gives rise to myths and wrong notions related to SSB. There are many myths related to SSB, due to low; 1-3% selection rates. New candidates keep becoming victims of these myths and end up losing faith in the best available system of selection for armed forces officers’ cadre.

Let’s have a look at some of the common misconceptions along with possible clarification for them:

Regarding Rejection Boards
Candidates say that a particular centre, for example, Prayag Raj Centre rejects candidate more than it selects. It is a common myth amongst candidates that certain boards are tough and others are easy and it is based on their knowledge that is just limited to their friends. They do not have proof but just hear the rumours, panic and then spread the rumour endlessly just to create an impression that they know things. There is no such thing like selection or rejection board. Every board works on the same principle to shortlist, recommend or reject candidates. It’s as simple as that if you have OLQ’s and you project them at the right time at the right place you are in, else you are not. Get over this as soon as possible and just focus on your SSB.

English And Communication Skills
Candidates, who have weak English, are often worried about that they might lag behind due to poor English. People have this myth that if they have poor English then they will not get selected. It is certainly not the case. You need to have good communication skill as well as the power of expression, and it doesn’t consist of English only. You need to have a good way of communicating your thoughts and ideas. English certainly helps but doesn’t form the sole basis of selection. I met one candidate who was recommended from 1 AFSB and he told me that he belonged to a small village in Haryana.

During his Command Task, the GTO doubted the stability of a certain knot that he tied to a structure and he replied that, “Sir!! Aaj tak bhainsein nahin khol paayi is gaanth ko to ab kaise khulegi” means “Sir!! Till now the buffaloes that I used to tie with this knot haven’t been able to untie it then how would it happen now?” It means that you only need confidence in your work and decisions, rest will be taken care even if you are able to communicate it very little.

The Defence Background “Jack’
This is a myth that is prevalent among most of the SSB candidates. The only advantage of being from a defence background is that you have a heads up to the norms and traditions of the Armed Forces. It does not affect the recommendation process at all rather the parameters are high for you as they expect you to have the basic as well as extensive knowledge regarding forces in terms of your father’s/mother’s regiment or trade. The only reason many people from defence background are selected is that they are encouraged to lead a lifestyle that is suitable for developing a personality for forces in many diverse aspects.

Only Sports & Extra Curricular Will Lead You To Recommendation
They showcase that you are physically active but they do not form the entire criteria for being selected as no single task or action to determine your selection or rejection. Being an officer is much more than physically fit and good in extracurricular activities. Along with sports, try to improve your general awareness and academics to have an added advantage. Sports and extracurricular definitely hone your personality and psychology but other things matter too and you won’t get the recommendation just because you have played till nationals or so.

Raising Voice Is Leadership
Most of the candidates have a misconception in their mind that raising their voice shows their confidence level or aggressiveness is the only trait of an officer. Yes, it does, but not in every situation. Voice is not just a single factor that judges your confidence level. Some candidates turn aggressive and start shouting in the G.D. that becomes a negative point. Keep voice-controlled and make sure you effectively deliver your thoughts to your subordinates. Modulation of voice is very necessary according to the need of the hour.

Lying Fluently And Manipulating
Many repeaters try to bluff the SSB panel by framing a plan to hide their shortcomings and failures. They try to mask their weaknesses rather than working on them and eliminating them for good. Confidently accept your failures and speak out your efforts and steps taken by you to overcome them. The more you try to lie in SSB, the more you will get trapped in your own plan as the IO will find loopholes very soon and so will Psychologist and GTO. It will show your non-capability of handling situations as a leader as your subconscious will reveal itself through various testing.

Being Visible And Shouting Helps
During ground tasks, it is normally seen that the candidates try to stand in front of their group, showing their high confidence level and their leadership quality. But just standing in front of the group is not a trait of having a good confidence level because then it is expected from you that you will initiate action and implement ideas. The ultimate aim of the candidate should be to take the group to the next side of the problem, irrespective of the standing position.

Standing in front, but not helping the group is a waste, rather working in the middle of the group and helping the group to move ahead shows your confidence level of how you interact with subordinates and put up your idea in front of them and executing them effectively. Many candidates are fed that it is a good quality to shout loudly and prevent others from speaking in all discussions. It shows that you are assertive and have a good quality of taking initiative. But, making noise will irritate the GTO and will bring out your childish and immature behaviour. This behaviour shows that you are a dysfunctional member of a group, selfish & insecure. Being polite and considerate are good qualities, essential for team-work.

Writing Stories Related To Armed Forces And Officers Only
Some candidates try to impress the psychologist by writing the preconceived responses and stories, having the bulk of gallant activities and hero showing diverse acts and later managing to make a happy ending. Psychology is all about your reaction toward a particular stimulus in the form of a picture, SRT or WAT. You have to write as per your personality and be what you are. If you are limiting yourself to just stories and responses related to officers and armed forces then you are projecting that you have a lack of imagination.

You can prepare for  SSB Interview OIR Test Officer Intelligence Rating Test and PPDT Picture Perception and Description Test and other defence entrance exams such as NDA, AFCAT, INET, and CDS by taking Written Online courses as they will not only give you access to full-length quality lectures but will also provide the facility to take standardized mock tests for better study and strategic growth in the exam. You can take multiple quizzes after each lesson to ensure the full understanding of the subject along with creating your customized lesson plans. You can check out the course content along with other important specifics at SSBCrack exams.

You can also access them through the SSBCrack Exams app available in the google play store.

Jai Hind