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 fourteenth 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
Meera, a college student, volunteered to conduct a communication skills workshop for underprivileged women in her locality. She created modules, gathered participants, and managed the entire session herself. On the day of the workshop, she welcomed everyone warmly, ensured all women felt safe to speak, and guided them through group activities to build confidence. By the end, many had found their voice. Meera’s initiative left a lasting impact and inspired more such programs.
Ø OLQs Highlighted: Leadership, Social Initiative, Empathy, Communication Skills, Organizing Ability
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 2
Kavya joined a new training program where the batch was hesitant to interact. Sensing the unease, she suggested an icebreaker activity, got everyone in a circle, and shared a funny personal story to encourage others. Her initiative energized the room, and soon, laughter and engagement followed. Trainers appreciated her ability to bring people together. Kavya continued helping shy participants open up, proving to be a natural leader.
Ø OLQs Highlighted: Initiative, Group Influencing Ability, Liveliness, Empathy, Social Adaptability
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 3
As the cultural club head, Priya was tasked with preparing a team for an inter-college skit competition. The group had internal conflicts and lacked direction. Priya arranged a team meeting, heard everyone patiently, resolved misunderstandings, and redesigned roles according to individual strengths. She organized practice sessions and ensured motivation stayed high. The team won second prize, but more importantly, they won each other’s respect.
Ø OLQs Highlighted: Planning and Organizing, Conflict Resolution, Team Spirit, Leadership, Decision Making
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 4
During a college group project, Sneha noticed that female students were being assigned only clerical tasks while boys handled presentations. She raised her voice, called for a meeting, and proposed a fair role distribution. Despite initial resistance, her composed arguments and leadership changed minds. The project was a success, and her actions encouraged more equal participation in future groups.
Ø OLQs Highlighted: Courage, Integrity, Persuasiveness, Social Initiative, Fairness
Sample TAT & PPDT Story 5
Anjali, a final-year student, volunteered to mentor first-year students. During orientation, she created welcome kits, prepared fun games, and designed an informative session about college life. She made sure every fresher felt comfortable and heard. When a few girls hesitated to speak up, Anjali encouraged them gently, making space for their voice. The entire batch remembered her warmth and guidance.
Ø OLQs Highlighted: Responsibility, Encouragement to Subordinates, Planning Ability, Mentorship, Interpersonal Skills
Conclusion
Cracking the PPDT and TAT segments isn’t just about imagination—it’s about showcasing the OLQs (Officer Like Qualities) that lie within you. Through these 5 sample stories, we’ve highlighted various themes that align with the ethos of the Armed Forces and the unique perspective women bring to leadership. Practice them, personalize them, and most importantly—believe in your potential. Stay tuned for the next part of our “Ladies Special” series, and remember: your story could be the one that inspires others to serve.
