The Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT) is a crucial component of the screening test conducted on day one of the Indian Armed Forces Service Selection Board (SSB) interview procedure. This test, along with the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test, determines which candidates will proceed to the next five days of the SSB interview process. The screening test is known to be rigorous and challenging, requiring candidates to push beyond their comfort zones to successfully navigate the first day.
Understanding PPDT
PPDT, which stands for Picture Perception and Description Test, evaluates a candidate’s narrative abilities and communication skills. The test involves showing candidates a random image for a brief period, after which they must write a story based on their perception of the picture. Following this, candidates participate in a group discussion to share their stories and collectively decide on the best narrative or develop a consensus story.
The test primarily assesses:
- Perception skills
- Narrative capabilities
- Communication effectiveness
- Group interaction abilities
While candidates may communicate in either English or Hindi, what matters most is the quality and effectiveness of their communication. However, it is generally recommended to use English during the test.
Detailed PPDT Procedure
The PPDT follows a structured format:
- Picture Observation (30 seconds): Candidates are shown a slightly blurred or hazy image for approximately 30 seconds.
- Detail Notation (1 minute): Candidates have about one minute to write down all the details they observed in the picture. This step is crucial as it forms the foundation for the story development.
- Story Writing (4 minutes): After noting the details, candidates are given four minutes to craft a story based on their observations.
- Group Formation: Once the story writing is complete, candidates are organized into groups of 12-14 members.
- Individual Narration: Each candidate shares their story with the group, beginning with the person having the lowest chest number.
- Group Discussion: Immediately following individual narrations, candidates engage in a group discussion without any prompt from the assessors.
- Conclusion: The discussion continues for 10-15 minutes, after which the group either comes to a consensus on the best story or is asked by the assessor to conclude the discussion.
How to Write an Effective PPDT Story
A well-crafted PPDT story should include:
- Detailed Character Description: Assign names, ages, professions, and emotional states to characters in the image.
- Setting Description: Note the location, time of day, and relevant objects in the scene.
- Problem Identification: Present a realistic situation or problem that needs resolution.
- Solution Development: Describe how the protagonist(s) addresses the problem.
- Positive Conclusion: End with a constructive resolution that demonstrates leadership qualities, resourcefulness, or determination.
For example, if an image shows a formally dressed man loosening his tie with a tired expression and a formally dressed woman sitting on a sofa looking sad, a potential story could involve:
- Character identification (Mrs. Anjali Gupta and Mr. Rajat Kumar, a private detective)
- Problem (Mrs. Gupta’s husband is missing)
- Initial setback (first lead proves unsuccessful)
- Persistence and innovation (detective tries a new approach using social media)
- Resolution (husband is found in a hospital following an accident)
- Explanation (husband lost his identification and mobile phone, preventing hospital authorities from contacting family)
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Mastering the Group Discussion in PPDT
The group discussion portion of PPDT requires strategic participation:
- Concise Narration: Present your story within one minute.
- Active Listening: Pay attention to others’ stories to identify common elements or unique perspectives.
- Constructive Participation: Contribute meaningfully to the discussion without dominating or remaining silent.
- Group Management: Help maintain order if the discussion becomes chaotic, demonstrating leadership qualities.
- Inclusive Approach: Encourage quiet members to share their views and acknowledge valuable contributions from others.
- Focus Maintenance: Keep the discussion centered on the topic and prevent irrelevant tangents.
- Consensus Building: Work collaboratively toward selecting the best story or creating a unified narrative.
Essential Tips for PPDT Success
To maximize your chances of clearing the PPDT:
- Respect the Process: Never interrupt assessors during the narration phase.
- Time Management: Practice telling concise stories within the one-minute timeframe.
- Conflict Resolution: If the discussion becomes disorderly, demonstrate leadership by calmly restoring order.
- Relevant Contributions: Stay on topic and make meaningful interventions when appropriate.
- Team Player Attitude: Support and encourage others’ participation to show collaborative spirit.
- Realistic Storytelling: Create believable scenarios and avoid far-fetched or superhuman elements.
- Character Development: Always name your characters to make your story more relatable and memorable.
- Positive Narrative Structure: Follow the problem-solution-satisfaction format where challenges are overcome through determination and resourcefulness.
Conclusion
The PPDT is designed to assess not just your creative thinking and observation skills, but also your ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a group setting. By understanding the format, practicing story development, and preparing for group discussions, candidates can significantly improve their performance in this critical component of the SSB screening process.
Remember that success in PPDT requires a balance of individual narrative skills and group interaction abilities. The ideal candidate demonstrates keen observation, creative thinking, effective communication, and collaborative leadership—all qualities valued in the Indian Armed Forces.
Also Read: What is the PPDT Procedure
43 thoughts on “What is PPDT and How to Clear PPDT – Picture Perception and Description Test”
Brother, your imagination is good and you have the potency to frame a good story but your grammar is incorrect at many places and also there are spelling mistakes these things should be kept in mind it tells how keenly you observe what you say and what you write. Use tenses to frame good sentences. I just felt this might help you. 😊
Please help me how to speak fluent
Sir i read the article it was helpfull, i feel these are lines that are of disadvantage.
—>”Mr Rajat sharma Tired and wife disappointed” telling that rajat do not handles failures easily
—->”Local police are not much of any help so she hires a private detective ” presenting police in bad light.
Above picture has two character.one is male40 another is female28.Bothe are in negative mood.
Raju is a business man lives in mumbai.His sister,Rani is also lives nearer him with his hasband ,mohan . One day when Rani was alone.A man entered in her room and try to molesting her.Then she shooted the man.And she became afraid of police.She went to his brother and told him past.Then his brother gave him solace.He took the help of police.Finaly his sister won the case.
Rakesh is a sincere and a responsible police officer.He has cracked down several cases in the past through his continous efforts ,determination and skilful acts.In the picture shown,i noticed that his wife is a bit disappointed with him as he does not spend time with her,nor does he give time to the family.,He told her politely that for him duty comes first then the family and it was his dream to serve and protect the country.He further added that to achieve his dream come true,he needed the support from his wife as well as from his family.This inspired her and she was very much convinced.She was proud of her husband and hence they both lived happily together hereafter.
Very nice story
Where is his pistol , u didn’t mention role of pistol
Bro you do some mistake this man not in police his dress show that he is in crime branch and his wife wearing sunddle that mean she wait her hasband for going any where include this point to make a good story
Mr. Sars(40) is a successfull businessman.
Her wife mrs. Aisha is a model. One day when saras came from office . Someone call him and told him that sent 10 lacs cash behind the temple otherwise i will shot your wife.
So both of them got tensed and got afraid.
Then saras took out his licenced gun for self defence.but his wife convinced him that it may be good to call police .
They call the the police and catch the bad minded person..
How it …
Please reply what mistake I did
Mr Ajay (40) works in MNC Company.And come back at home and after showing the gun on the table he was bit tensed & disappointed.He wants the reason from his daughter Rani .Why you put it on the table from my rake .This could be dangerous for you. Then she is trying to convince her father and says I do a mistake after accepting her mistake says sorry to her father. She promise to her father I shall never such type of mistake in future and that moment she learnt alot enjoining her life with positive thinking And her father also passes a smile on his face enjoing the dinner later on
Vicky(40) is a deputy commissioner, came back home after a long hectic day, put his revolver on the table. Indulged in his work so much he could not noticed that it was his wife’s birthday.. his wife Puja(35) was once a tv star(celebrity) is upset.. he didn’t noticed her too.He switched on the tv for watching the news. meanwhile he got the news that it is the birthday of the famous tv star Puja.. he realized his peccadillo.. he went to the nearest cake shop, bought a birthday cake for her and withal bought some balloons and bought a bouquet for her as a gift.. he came back home and placated her and then celebrated the birthday together.. he promised Puja that he will try not to forget this special day again.. now they both are living happily..
please read and do reply that whether the story is good or not..
ur story is nice ….but i think last line is not suiting here…..you could use here that at the end they happily celebrated the birthday….i really like ur story
you have wonderful creative thinking.
Shikha was a student of Delhi university who had just completed her graduation.
In the campus interview she got selected for the company infosys with a good package. Her job place was bengaluru.She was very happy and asked her father about travelling to bengaluru. Her father being a police officer refused her to work in bengaluru and worried about her security. But shikha convinced his father. She told him about the merits of working in a different place. She also persuaded her father about telling him the women empowerment and she can do everything a man can do. She succeeded in convincing her father and left for the city.on reaching bengaluru she made a call to her father that she has landed safely.
Can this picture be related to pistol shooting?
We can also write about a situation of molestation in colg she tells to his father nd further we can help of college authorise and at last the colg authorise will warn the guys who made the mistake nd threaten to not to do again in future.. .
ram is a CBI officer. he is in his office with his secrtiary. he gets news of ISIS terrorist planning to derail the rail track near jalandar cant junction. he immediately informs jalandar police and railway police forces. within 1 hour of informing suspected people were arrested near rail track in jalandar cant and the damage done by them was immediately repaired. ram was appreciated for his responsible and dedicated behavior towards his work
do read and let me know the reviews
Nice plot ….Plz review on my story …May be some grammatical error will be in my story …
Being an IPS officer working schedule of Priyam , was very heptic . Sometimes he didn’t visited his home for too long . In the result his behaviour became annoying towards his wife . Sometimes he shouted on her without any reason . His wife broke down after seeing the behaviour of her husband . Priyam , thought what should be did to overcome this ? Finally he joined art of living and yoga classes to calm himself and after few days result became positive . He shared his experience with his officers and motivated them to join this program in order to maintain balance in between professional and personal life
Mr` Rahul is police officer most of the time he was busy in his work one day he found a vagrant revolver is on his desk and his wife is crying behind the desk Her wife told him some person came and looted them and also kidnaped her son her wife discuss each and everything about looters Rahul try to search them with his team and finally find out those with the help of their previous record in crime and arrested them Finially he got back his son and stay happy with his family
Mr Rajiv 32 is a police inspector and is newly posted to the city with his wife. He checked the reports about the city and found that the city has the high crime rates. So, he formed a special team with his coordinators to tackle with crime. He used to come late at home due to high pressure and responsiblites on him. Her wife doesn’t like this working too late and seeing him always tensed but she knew what her husband is doing for the city and always motivates him. Soon due to his hard work and commitment he managed to brought the crime rates to almost zero and is awarded by his department and he thank his wife to support him .
Mr.Raju is the senior most police officer in mumbai and he is living with his wife and their only daughter swathi. Since Raju was a senior office he has many responsibilities. One fine day he returned back to home at night placed his pistol on table and shows his irritation and tiredness to their family members. Swathi got upset and asked her dad what happened? Raju replied that, from morning i planed to complete one task due to not getting proper inputs from my subordinates am not able to finish it today. Swathi motivates his father by telling that dad dont get tensed be cool and if you not complete it today you might finish it tomorrow with double satisfaction. As per her daughter perception he finish it on next day and said thanks to her daughter.
So who is the main character
Man or daughter.?
mr. amit was a police office . he assigned a task to arrest some criminal but unfortunately all the criminals rum away before amit came there . The senior police officer suspend Amit from police department . When he returned back from his office to home then he told all this incident to his wife . they both become very sad and Mr. Amit put his gun in table .
Suddenly a news comes in tv that all those criminals were arrested by the junior officer who is the subordinate of Amit . Amit immediately called his junior and thanks him and heaved a sigh of relief and he again join the police department with full respect .
Add the part where he learns about his mistake that he was committing while chasing the criminals and how his junior was able to overcome those mistake, then add that he praised him for his valour and leaned his mistakes and return backto department with respect
If all is done by his junior officer.. then what did u do? And
Why didn’t you make him the hero of the story..?
is this story applicable too??
Mr Vijay a Police office was returning home from his duty . He saw some masked men entering a house forcefully. vijay followed them and saw that 3 robbers were trying to loot Mrs Jain’s house when she was alone. He took his revolver and confronted the robbers, one robber tried to attack Vijay but failed as vijay tactfully overpowered the robber and then tied all of them to the furniture. Vijay called for backup and stayed with Mrs jain handling the situation.
– palash
can i write story and tell story in hindi ?
English is prefered over there, when everybody is taliking in english and you are taliking in hindi then your impression will go down. Try mixing it together atleast.
the story is not good why are you writing story in such a complicated way
Story is made that way so that readers can point out negative and positive aspects by themselves, you can also share them if you have any in the comment section.
Revanth is working as a C.B.I officer most of his time he is busy with his duty and his children are studying in other places for higher studies.He felt that his wife was feeling bored by staying alone in home.so whenever he found time he will take and go her to movies,shopping and picnic and he know that she is fond of watching korean serials so he brought d.v.ds for her.In these way he became a good husband and at the same time he is able to do his duty perfectly
story is good but, Generally, a CBI officer does not carry a gun with him and in your story itself, it seems, conditions are normal like a daily routine. there is no serious threat or any other cause in your story. Remember you should write a story in such a manner that the Officer like quality should be demonstrated in your character(which you assumed as Revanth).
how to conclude the story and what does he(instructor) really mean ?
thankew for giving information:)
Sir How to start Individual narration in PPDT
Do i write and discuss story in hindi
It is preferred that you talk in English but if you are stuck than you can use Hindi in story telling.
How to right a good story please tell me in details sir…..
Hi Raj, To know better refer: http://bit.ly/1TuJpmi
Positive points of stories are-
-Anjali did not gave up & hired private detective.
-Rajat found anjali’s husband.
-Rajat tried new way of searching.
-Rajat found the reason behind the accident.
negative points of stories are
– Police was not helping to lady.
– rajat got tired due to traditional way of working