SSB Screening Do’s & Don’ts Learn SSB Screening Do’s & Don’ts, PPDT tips, OIR strategy, and secrets of the SSB interview process to get screened in on Day 1.
SSB Screening Do’s & Don’ts : Introduction
The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is one of the most unique and psychologically designed selection processes in the world. Unlike conventional exams, SSB does not test how much you have studied, but who you truly are as a person. Among all stages, Screening is the most crucial because nearly 60–70% of candidates are eliminated on Day 1 itself.SSB Screening Do’s & Don’ts
In this blog, we will uncover:
What exactly happens in SSB Screening
Do’s and Don’ts you must follow
How to get Screened In
Lesser-known secrets of the SSB interview process
SSB Screening Do’s & Don’ts
This guide is especially useful for aspirants appearing for SSB or AFSB through NDA, CDS, AFCAT, or TES entries.
What is SSB Screening?
Screening is conducted on Day 1 and consists of two main tests:
OIR Test (Officer Intelligence Rating)
Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning questions
Tests basic intelligence and problem-solving ability
PPDT (Picture Perception & Description Test)
A hazy picture is shown for 30 seconds
You write a story based on it in 4 minutes
Then discuss it in a group
Based on your OIR performance + PPDT writing + Group Discussion behavior, assessors decide whether you have the potential to be assessed further for 5 days. SSB Screening Do’s & Don’ts
The Real Purpose of Screening
Many candidates think screening is just an elimination round. In reality, it is a filtering mechanism to shortlist candidates who show basic Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs), such as:
Effective communication
Logical thinking
Confidence
Social adaptability
Leadership potential
Screening does not look for perfection. It looks for natural officer-like personality traits.
SSB Screening Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s of SSB Screening
1. Be Natural and Honest
Do not try to act like someone else. Assessors are trained psychologists. Fake behavior is easily detected.
Write what you genuinely see in the picture and speak what you truly think.
2. Write a Simple, Logical Story
Your PPDT story should:
Have a clear beginning, middle, and end
Describe:
Who the main character is
What the problem is
How it is solved
Avoid unnecessary drama or filmy stories. Keep it realistic and practical.
3. Observe the Picture Calmly
In 30 seconds, quickly note:
Number of characters
Age, gender, mood
Setting (village, school, hospital, road, etc.)
Then build a story around the central problem.
4. Participate Actively in Group Discussion
During discussion:
Speak clearly and audibly
Enter the discussion confidently
Support others’ points if they make sense
Try to guide the group towards a common story
Quality matters more than quantity.
5. Show Positive Body Language
Sit straight
Maintain eye contact
Nod when listening
Avoid fidgeting or slouching
Your body language speaks even when you are silent.
SSB Screening Do’s & Don’ts
Don’ts of SSB Screening
1. Don’t Memorize Stories
Pre-written or memorized stories are easily identified. The picture changes every time, but your story pattern remains same — which raises suspicion.
2. Don’t Interrupt Aggressively
Speaking over others, shouting, or forcing your version is a negative trait. Officers are leaders, not dictators.
3. Don’t Remain Silent
Total silence shows lack of confidence and social adjustment. Even 2–3 meaningful points are better than complete silence.
4. Don’t Lie About Your Observations
Never change facts like number of characters, gender, or age just to match others. Assessors are observing your originality and clarity of perception.
5. Don’t Get Influenced by Crowd
If everyone is saying something illogical, politely present your viewpoint. Independent thinking is a strong OLQ.
How to Get Screened In – Practical Tips
1. Improve Your Observation Skills
Practice looking at random pictures and answering:
What is happening?
Why is it happening?
What will happen next?
2. Practice Story Writing Daily
Write 1–2 short stories every day in 4 minutes. Focus on:
Clarity
Logical flow
Positive ending
3. Work on Communication
Read newspapers aloud
Practice speaking in front of a mirror
Engage in group discussions
Confidence in expression is key.
4. Develop Officer-Like Qualities in Real Life
SSB does not select on one-day performance. It reflects your overall personality, such as:
Responsibility
Initiative
Discipline
Team spirit
Work on these traits daily.
Secrets of the SSB Interview Process
1. There Is No Fixed Answer
SSB is not about right or wrong answers. It is about consistent behavior across situations.
2. Assessors Compare Your Performance Across All Tests
What you write in PPDT, say in Interview, and do in GTO tasks must reflect the same personality.
Inconsistency leads to rejection.
3. They Look for Potential, Not Perfection
Even if you make small mistakes, but show:
Honesty
Learning attitude
Positive approach
You still have high chances.
4. Nervousness Is Normal
Assessors know candidates are nervous. They do not reject you for being nervous — they reject you for poor attitude and negative traits.
SSB Screening Do’s & Don’ts
Final Words
SSB Screening is not about tricks or shortcuts. It is about being the best version of yourself.
Remember:
Be natural
Be confident
Be logical
Be positive
If you focus on personality development rather than only techniques, getting Screened In becomes much easier.
