PIQ stands for Personal Information Questionnaire, and it’s the first and most important document seen by the Interviewing Officer (IO) before he meets you.
With the new system:
- The PIQ form is filled online after you receive your SSB call letter.
- You may be asked to print and bring a copy with you or verify it at the centre.
The information you provide is used to:
- Frame questions during the personal interview.
- Cross-check with your answers in the Self-Description Test.
- Assess your achievements, personality, and consistency.
What Are the Sections in the Online PIQ Form?
Here’s a typical breakdown of the fields you’ll find in the online PIQ form:
🔹 1. Personal Details
- Full Name, DOB, Gender, Place of Birth
- Permanent and Present Address
- Father’s & Mother’s Occupation and Education
✅ Tip: Be honest and specific. E.g., write “Father – Head Clerk in Railways” instead of just “Government Employee.”
🔹 2. Educational Qualification
- Class 10, 12, Graduation/Post-Grad (School/College Name, Stream, Percentage)
- Year of Passing
- Languages Known
✅ Tip: Ensure all data matches your certificates. Use full names of institutions. Mention if you had any gaps or backlog truthfully.
🔹 3. NCC / Sports / Extracurriculars
- NCC Certificate (A/B/C, Wing, Rank)
- Sports played (school/college/state/national level)
- Any cultural or literary achievements
✅ Tip: Don’t exaggerate. If you write “State Level Debater,” be ready to answer questions on it.
🔹 4. Hobbies & Interests
- Reading, Painting, Cycling, Coding, Yoga, etc.
✅ Tip: Be genuine. Choose hobbies that you actually pursue — the IO will ask detailed questions on this.
🔹 5. Previous Attempts
- Have you appeared for SSB before? When and where?
- Recommended or not?
✅ Tip: Mention all prior attempts honestly, even for entries like TES/NDA/CDS/NCC/AFCAT.
🔹 6. Choice of Arms/Service
- For Army candidates – Infantry, Engineers, Signals, etc.
- For Navy/Air Force – preferred roles if applicable
✅ Tip: Choose logically based on interest, background or NCC experience (if any).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Lying or Exaggerating Achievements – The IO will find out through cross-questioning.
- ❌ Inconsistent Information – Self-description, interview, and PIQ should match.
- ❌ Neglecting Details – Don’t leave sections blank; fill each field carefully.
- ❌ Poor Grammar or Typing Errors – Take your time to review before submission.
- ❌ Copy-Paste Answers – Make every answer unique and personal.
Tips to Make Your PIQ Stand Out
✅ Use clear and precise language.
✅ Mention leadership roles – Head boy/girl, event organiser, team captain, etc.
✅ Highlight defence-related interests – NCC, drill, weapons training, trekking, etc.
✅ Reflect your Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) subtly — teamwork, responsibility, initiative.
What Happens After You Submit Online PIQ?
Once submitted:
- The SSB Board receives your PIQ before you report.
- IO studies your PIQ and prepares personalised questions.
- The Psychologist also considers the PIQ for cross-reference with TAT, WAT, SRT, and SDT.
So filling it wisely = better alignment in the Interview + Psychology Tests = higher recommendation chances.
Bonus Segment: Practice Questions Based on PIQ
The IO may ask:
🗨️ “You mentioned cricket. Who’s your favourite player and why?”
🗨️ “You said you organised a college event. What challenges did you face?”
🗨️ “Why did your percentage drop in Class 12?”
🗨️ “You have no sports/NCC – how do you maintain physical fitness?”
Be prepared to elaborate every single line in your PIQ confidently.
Conclusion
Your PIQ form is your first impression at SSB. Fill it honestly, thoughtfully, and strategically to reflect the best version of yourself.
