How to Prepare for Psychological Test in SSB Interview ? | Complete details of Psychology Test in SSB
“At the SSB, on the second day of a 5-day testing process, candidates take psychological tests. These tests use scientific methods to understand a candidate’s hidden qualities and thoughts.” In this blog, we shall discuss aspects of Psychological Test in SSB and how to prepare for it ?
Psychology Test in SSB
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Psychological Test in SSB Interview : Many candidates find the psychological test in SSB Interviews the most challenging. However, if you approach these tests with a natural mindset and a clear understanding of the SSB testing process, the entire five-day assessment becomes easier to pass. It’s crucial to understand the SSB testing rules and what they expect from candidates.
SSB relies heavily on the projective technique used during those five days. The assessors are professionals trained to assess your true personality, so being genuine and honest is the key to success. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the psychology test in SSB. The psychological test in the SSB Interview consists of the following series:”
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Word Association Test (WAT)
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
- Self Description Test (SDT)
“In the SSB, they assess your personality using psychology, which is a science but not as straightforward as other sciences. In psychology, there are often no absolute “yes” or “no” answers to problems or situations. People’s responses can vary based on their nature and psychology.
The psychology tests in SSB use something called the Projective technique. They assess you based on all the written tests as a whole, not separately like Word Association Test (WAT), Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), or Situation Reaction Test (SRT). Your personality is seen as a complete picture, and all the tests contribute to it.
We’re sharing these points to help aspiring defense candidates understand the psych tests and how to approach them during or before the SSB Interview process.”
How to Prepare for Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) ?
TAT in SSB Interview : This is the first test in the psychological assessment during the SSB interview. In this test, you’ll see 12 different pictures, and the 12th one is a blank slide where you have to make up your own story. You have 4 minutes for each story, with the first 30 seconds for looking at the picture.
Some candidates try to prepare 50-60 stories and fit them into the SSB interview themes, but this approach works only about 1% of the time. In 99% of cases, it doesn’t help and can even hurt your chances.
To get ready for the TAT test, first, you need to understand what’s expected of you. SSB is looking for candidates with Officer-like Qualities in their personality. So, start by learning what these qualities are and how you can make them a part of your true personality and your stories.
- When you’re writing your story, remember to use past tense and include three key things: what led to the situation, what’s happening in the picture, and the logical outcome.
- In just two lines, explain what happened before the picture.
- Then, in about 6-7 lines, describe what’s happening in the picture right now.
- Finally, sum up your story with a logical ending.
- Don’t try to be a superhero or come up with unrealistic solutions. Instead, be a regular person and think of practical ideas related to your personality.
- Avoid negative content. Your story should show officer-like qualities, a positive outlook on life, and should not include negativity, pessimism, or psychological issues.
Our recommendation is to live life fully. Explore various hobbies and interests, and savor every moment. Embrace responsibilities, whether at home or work, and engage with different people.
This will help you craft authentic stories and improve your chances of succeeding in your SSB interview. Start observing the world around you and create stories based on real-life situations in your mind. This way, you’ll become better at thinking quickly and handling pressure.
How to Prepare for Word Association Test (WAT) ?
WAT in SSB Interview : This is the second test in the psychological assessment. You’ll be shown 60 everyday words, including some negative ones, and you’ll have just 15 seconds to write a sentence for each word. Time is limited, so it’s best to prepare in advance and write down your first thoughts for each word.
our personality is best revealed through spontaneous and stimulus-based responses. The psychologist uses your complete responses to build a comprehensive and coherent picture of your personality. Some candidates misunderstand this test, thinking it’s about making sentences rather than word associations, and that’s where they go wrong in their approach to this particular test
“If you want to get better at the Word Association Test (WAT), here are some tips:
- Read self-development books to improve your thinking.
- Focus on positive thinking and try to be a problem solver.
- Read positive quotes and spend time with positive people.
- Discuss your performance with friends or family.
Improving your overall personality is important to succeed in the SSB Interview.”
How to Prepare for Situation Reaction Test (SRT) ?
SRT in SSB Interview : In this test, you’ll receive a booklet with 60 real-life situations. You have 30 minutes to write your responses based on these situations. These scenarios reflect everyday life events you might encounter. The statements in the booklet need to be completed with appropriate reactions. Due to time limitations, your responses should closely resemble how you’d react in similar real-life situations. Answer spontaneously, imagining yourself in these scenarios.
In these situations, the central character should be a leader who takes proactive steps to resolve problems and improve the situation for everyone, rather than waiting for things to happen.
- In this test, try to answer at least 45-50 situations, but remember that the quality of your responses is crucial.
- Be practical and genuine in your answers; don’t try to imitate someone else’s response. Carefully read each situation and consider all the resources available.
- Practice is essential. Think about what qualities psychologists would like to see in your personality in each specific situation and provide practical answers accordingly.
How to Prepare for Self Description Test (SDT) ?
SDT in SSB Interview : This is the final and very important test in the SSB psychological assessment. You will be asked five questions about your personal and professional life. You’ll have 15 minutes to answer these questions.
- What is your Parents Opinion about yourself ?
- What is your Friends Opinion about yourself ?
- What is your Teachers Opinion about yourself ?
- What do you think of yourself ?
- What qualities you would like to Inculcate in yourself ?
In this part of the test, you need to express your opinions about how people in various categories perceive you. For each category, mention both the positive aspects of your personality and the areas where you think you can improve, in about three to four lines. It’s essential to come prepared and be honest. These opinions, both from others and yourself, give a snapshot of your strengths and weaknesses. Ideally, your strong points should outweigh the weak ones. If it’s the other way around, it may indicate that you haven’t taken enough steps to improve yourself, despite being aware of your weaknesses.
“When answering these questions, it’s crucial to be completely honest. To understand yourself better, ask these questions to the following people and work on improving your personality. Strive to become a better person each day, be a curious learner, and keen observer. Be helpful to those around you, aim to be a good human being, and SSB will become much easier for you.”
This is all about Psychological test in SSB Interview . We have covered important tips for Psychological Test in SSB Interview .
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Frequently Asked Questions :-
1. What is the SSB interview, and what is its purpose?
Answer: The SSB interview, or Services Selection Board interview, is a rigorous and comprehensive selection process conducted by the Indian Armed Forces to assess and select candidates for officer positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Its purpose is to evaluate candidates’ intelligence, personality, and potential to serve as officers in the armed forces.
2. How can I apply for an SSB interview?
Answer: To apply for an SSB interview, you must first qualify through the initial stages of selection, such as the written examination or other entry requirements specified by the respective service branch. Once you qualify, you will receive an interview call letter from the SSB. Follow the instructions provided in the call letter to confirm your attendance and attend the interview at the designated SSB center.
3. What are the stages of the SSB interview process?
Answer: The SSB interview process typically consists of the following stages:
- Stage I: Screening Test (Officer Intelligence Rating, Picture Perception, and Description Test).
- Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Testing, and Interview.
- Conference: The final assessment and selection conference.
Each stage is designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate’s personality and suitability for an officer role.
4. How can I prepare for the SSB interview?
Answer: To prepare for the SSB interview, you should focus on improving your verbal and non-verbal communication skills, develop a strong understanding of current affairs and general knowledge, practice logical and analytical thinking, and work on improving your physical fitness. Additionally, consider joining coaching programs or self-study with SSB interview books and materials to familiarize yourself with the interview process and assessment criteria.
Candidates should demonstrate these qualities through their responses and behavior during the interview process to increase their chances of selection.
Remember that the SSB interview is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates not only your knowledge but also your personality and character traits. Preparation and a positive attitude are key to performing well in the interview.