The Group Discussion will be conducted as a part of the Group Testing on the Day-3 of the SSB Interview process. As part of the Group Discussion, the candidates are given two topics to discuss one after another. While they are given the choice to choose the first topic by voting among themselves but the second one is of GTO’s office. The topics cover important International issues, national issues, social issues and current events. They are allotted 20 minutes each for a healthy discussion on each topic.
Group discussion is a process where the candidates get an opportunity to formally exchange their opinions and ideas on subjects and issues of common interest and controversial nature. Fundamentally, three personality traits are assessed through group discussions, namely, communication abilities, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of the subject. You can plan out the below-mentioned things for your optimum performance in group discussions and GTO testing too.
1. Some of us are blessed with good oratory skills and have been associated with debate and other clubs. But, if you speak well then it doesn’t mean that you should just go on and on without permitting others to communicate. A candidate should be a good listener as this quality directly reflects the fact that you have patience and perspective for team activities and can give space to diverse outlooks. If you will be dominant in the group discussion that it will mean that you have problems in social adjustment.
2. When you initiate a group discussion in the SSB or conclude it when the group nominate you, it gives the impression that you have the ability to influence the group and have traits of a leader. Don’t try to show any kind of over smartness or sense of superiority over your peers. As much as it is important to put across your points, similarly, it is better to listen to your group members few. You can formulate your points in a better way and then put speak out your opinion in a firm way.
3. The good dressing sense is a must that armed forces demand from its officers. It is extremely important for the candidates to dress according to the occasion, because if you appear in the testing dressed shabbily or in a casual manner, then it indicates directly to the assessors that you are not serious about the entire process. The assessors may or may not judge you on the basis of dressing appropriately but it won’t go down well with them as it indicates poor hygiene and carelessness.
4. If you have a different opinion about a point made by a candidate, then you don’t have to prove that candidate wrong or raise your objection in any way. You are there to have a discussion and not an argument and therefore, you should maintain your calm and state your point with poise. You can also say that “Yes! Chest number 9. You may be right but this is my opinion regarding the above point.” The moment you adopt an adamant stance, you will start sounding like a rigid person. Talk formally and politely to the group members.
5. Some of the candidates make the mistake of looking at the assessors during the group discussion frequently, mostly in the hope of watching their reaction for their performance. While it is quite normal to glance once or twice in the direction of the assessors but you are required to pay attention and make proper eye contact with all the candidates. You are in a group discussion with them, and not the assessors.
6. Your body language plays a pertinent role in deciding your selection for Stage 2, so you must pay utmost attention to this aspect of your personality. You should sit in an upright manner with your backbone in the 90-degree position. Your shoulders should be firm and alert and shouldn’t slouch on the chair at any point of the time. Try to maintain a good smile and don’t stare at any candidate or assessor in particular. Do not show any hostile stance for anyone. Keep your hands on your knees or thighs while sitting while the legs should be apart by the shoulder distance. Don’t fidget with anything.
7. Sometimes it happens that by the time your turn comes up all your relevant points have been already said by other candidates. In such a situation, you don’t have to panic and should keep your calm. Try to think of other points of the story that can be said in an effective manner. You must remember that a group discussion is meant to assess the candidates on different parameters of Stage 1. You can listen to other candidates and pick up pertinent points from them and can state them when the time comes.
8. Try not to point in the direction of a particular candidate while speaking your point or while contradicting his point. Try to put forward your point in such a manner that it won’t seem like you are leading a personal attack. Address everyone in the group and not just one or two candidates and never engage directly to another candidate in a heated way. You are there for the testing and not to show your superior knowledge or common sense of entitlement.
9. Don’t nominate yourself for the group consensus story as it seems that you are trying to grab attention. Maintain your position and let the entire group decide whom they want to nominate for giving the group consensus. Similarly, try to initiate the discussion but realize when you have to let others speak. You don’t have to be submissive but you don’t have to be dominant either.
10. Sharpen your communication skills as if they are poor then you will not be able to express yourself freely in front of so many candidates. You have to find ways to keep improving your communication skills. You can practice with your friends and family or can talk in front of the mirror. Nowadays, most of the cities have some kind of public groups where people come and improve their speaking skills in groups. You can watch informative videos about debates on various news channels or on YouTube or can read articles in books as well as in newspapers to get more understanding on improving your communication skills.
I hope that till now you must have been got a substantial starting point to take off your group discussion preparation for SSB.
You can prepare for SSB interview and 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
