The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is a key component of the Group Task (GT) series at the SSB, designed to evaluate a candidate’s planning, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. In a typical GPE, you will be presented with a map, a situation, and several problems to tackle within a limited timeframe. You and your group must come up with a detailed, logical plan to address all issues effectively.
Below, you will find a situation. Read it carefully, analyse the information, and then propose a step-by-step plan in the comments section.
Sample GPE Map

Sample GPE Story
You are 8 students from city Diggal who had gone boating on the riverside. You had parked yourself on the southern side of the river at a point A. While your friends were boating, you were going to Almora village to bring drinking water. While crossing the railway line, you noticed that one fish plate of the railway line has been found completely removed. A boy came running to inform you that he overheard 5 terrorists plant a powerful road mine to kill the chief minister who will be passing in one hour’s time. The terrorists were hiding in the nearby jungle. At the same time, one villager came to inform you that a tigress has mauled 2 young girls and they are lying unconscious in the jungle. Just then another man informs you that his haystack was on fire and wanted your help. There is a police post and a PCO in Dilnagar. A messenger from PCO inquires your name and informs that your mother is seriously ill and your presence is immediately required. When you start moving, you see a young beautiful daughter of Pradhan of Almora who was walking along with you just slips and falls in the ground well. But you do not know swimming.
Additional Information:
•The train will pass through your location at 1600 hours.
•The village Pradhan has got 5 guns with him.
•A half an hour bus service is available between Diggal and Arki.
•A number of carts are available in Mandwa village.
•There is a motorboat which can travel at a speed of 10 km per hour.
•You have got a jeep with you.
Being young and brave students, what will you do?
Sample GPE Priority-wise Problems
PRIORITIES | REASONS | PROBLEMS |
1 | Threat to human life | Tigress mauled 2 girls in jungle |
2 | Mass disaster | Fishplate missing on railway line & train passing at 1600 hrs |
3 | Urgent | Road mine planted to kill CM in 1 hr |
4 | Important | Girl fallen in well |
5 | Important but not urgent | Mother is seriously ill |
6 | Minor | Fire in haystack |
Sample GPE Group Division
GROUPS | MEMBERS | ASSIGNED TASKS |
A | 2 | Secure Railway Line (Fishplate issue) |
B | 2 | Stop CM Convoy, inform police (Terrorist threat) |
C | 2 | Rescue mauled girls in jungle |
D | 2 | Save girl fallen in well + Fire Alert |
Sample GPE Solution Timeline
TASKS | TIME SLOT |
Group splits, alerts initiated | 3:00 – 3:15 pm |
Police & Pradhan alerted, bus to Arki taken | 3:15 – 3:30 pm |
Terrorists contained, fishplate secured | 3:30 – 4:00 pm |
Mauled girls brought to PHC | 3:30 – 4:00 pm |
Girl rescued from well, fire put out | 3:10 – 3:40 pm |
Train crosses safely | 4:00 pm |
CM convoy diverted/secured, mother visited | 4:00 – 5:00 pm |
For detailed solution, check out Sample GPE With Detailed Solution For SSB Interview – Part 21