|
Defence Forces
Armed Forces offer excellent career opportunities to the
enthusiastic and adventurous young candidates who wish to
excel in the uniformed forces. The career provides very good
openings for physical fitness, adventure and sporting
opportunities on the one hand and good prospects of growth in
service, new challenges, attractive salary and perks and the
satisfaction of defending the borders of the country on the
other. Every selected candidate has to undergo rigorous
pre-commissioning training before induction into the service
as an officer in the rank of Second Lieutenant (Army) or
Acting Sub-Lieutenant (Navy) or Pilot Officer (Air Force), as
the case many be. Facilities like free medical aid,
concessional residential accommodation, free rations, free/concessional
travel by rail, group insurance, Defence Service Officers
Provident Fund (DSOP), etc, are also available. The defence
officers also get adequate opportunities to undergo
specialist training courses like Driving and Maintenance
Course, Course on Marine Diving, Parachute Jumping and Sky
Diving Course, Mountaineering Course, etc, in addition to
routine professional courses. In addition, sufficient
opportunities are also available to pursue the interests in
activities like sportsboth indoors and well as outdoors.
Time-bound promotions and increments are available up to a
particular limit and the officers with the outstanding
performance during the entire service career may hope to rise
to the highest rank in the respective service. It also
enables a service officer to get an opportunity to carry out
several acts of gallantry and get rewarded with a decoration
from the President of India. Moreover, the service offers a
very good social and regimented life alongwith the pleasure
of directly defending one's motherland.
Selection Process
Combined Defence Services (CSD) Examination is usually
conducted twice in a year by the Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC) in the months of May and October. The
examination is conducted to select direct entry candidates as
officers to the following four training academies.
(i) Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun for permanent
Commission in the Indian Army.
(ii) Officers Training Academy (OTA) Madras for Short-Service
Commission in the Indian Army.
(iii) Naval Academy Goa, for Commission in the General
Services in the Indian Navy.
(iv) Airforce Academy, Begumpet, Hyderabad for Commission in
the Indian Airforce.
The selection process in which over 500 candidates are
usually selected every time for all four academies, has the
following three stages:
(a) Written Examination by the UPSC.
(b) Intelligence and personality test by the Service
Selection Board (SSB).
(c) Medical Examination.
All such candidates as qualify all above tests may hope to
get a call for pre-Commission training on the basis of their
final rank and choice.
(a) Written Examination: All unmarried male graduates are
eligible to appear for IMA and OTA, whereas the qualification
required for Naval Academy is B.Sc. with Physics and
Mathematics or Bachelor of Engineering. For Air Force Academy
a degree with Mathematics and Physics or equivalent is
required. The minimum age is 18 years at the time of taking
the examination. The upper age limit, however, varies. It is
24 years for OTA, 23 years for IMA, 21 years for Naval
Academy and 22 years for the Airforce Academy. Since the
selection process takes almost one year (from the time of
filling up the form), the actual lower and upper age-limits
are enhanced by one year in all above cases.
Subjects of Nepal, Bhutan or Tibetan refugees who immigrated
before January 1, 1962, are also eligible subject to a
certificate of eligibility from the Government of India. It
is also pertinent to add that no reservations on the basis of
caste and tribe are there there in Defence Services. However,
there are certain seats reserved for the holders of
"C-Certificate" of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) who are
exempted from passing the written examination. Married
candidates, if otherwise eligible, are allowed to take the
examination only for OTA Madras.
The written examination is objective type in nature. The
candidates are tested in the following three subjects for IMA,
Naval Academy and Airforce Academy.
1. English 100 marks (2 hours)
2. General Knowledge 100 marks (2 hours)
3. Elementary Mathematics 100 marks (2 hours)
For OTA Madras, only first two papers are required to be
qualified. Question papers are set only in English. The
English paper is designed to test the understanding of
English language and the use of workman-like words. The
syllabus is equivalent to the graduate level examination. The
General Knowledge paper includes questions on History of
India, Geography, current affairs and the matters of
day-to-day observation and the experience in their scientific
aspects as may be expected of an educated person without
specific study of any subject. The paper in Elementary
Mathematics is of matriculation standard and includes
questions on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry,
Mensuration and Basic statistics.
There are 30 centres of examination all over the country. The
names of these centres are: Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizawl,
Allahabad, Bangalore, Bareilly, Bhopal, Bombay, Calcutta,
Chandigarh, Cochin, Cuttack, Delhi, Dharwar, Dispur, Gangtok,
Hyderabad, Imphal, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Jorhat, Kohima,
Lucknow, Madras, Madurai, Nagpur, Panaji, Patna, Port Blair,
Raipur, Sambalpur, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Tirupati,
Trivandrum, Udaipur and Vishakhapatnam.
(b) Intelligence and Personality Test: All the candidates
declared successful by the UPSC in the written examination
are then put to intelligence and personality test by the SSB,
popularly known as the SSB interview. This interview is a
comprehensive test of one's personality, intelligence and
suitability to be chosen as an officer in the Defence
Services. SSB interview lasts for 3 to 4 days and has several
components like intelligence tests, group discussion, small
lectures on general issues, group planning, outdoor group
tasks, physical fitness tests, an interview and several
psychological tests like situation reaction test,
picturestory writing test (TAT), etc. All these tests are
intended to judge the physical and mental faculties of a
candidate. In broad terms, S.S.B. interview is in fact an
assessment of not only intellectual qualities of a candidate
but is also an appraisal of his social traits and general
interests which help in assessing his suitability for the
service.
(c) Medical Examination: The candidates declared successful
after SSB interviews are then required to undergo a detailed
examination by a medical board in the nearest Military
Hospital. This test again lasts for 3 to 4 days. The minimum
required standards of medical fitness are quite stringent
which are different for all three wings of services. To avoid
last minute disappointment the candidates are advised to get
themselves medically examined on their own before they apply
for the examination.
Pre-Commission Training
A merit list is finally prepared, consisting of candidates
who qualify all the three tests listed above. On the basis of
their ranking in the final merit list and choice of service,
the candidates are selected for pre-Commission training in
the concerned Academy and are called upon to join the Academy
as a "Gentleman Cadet".
The training is quite rigorous in nature and lays emphasis on
physical fitness, drill, academics, weapon training, tactics
and professional competence at junior leadership level. After
a given duration of training (which varies from Academy to
Academy) the successful candidates are Commissioned in the
concerned Defence Service i.e. Indian Army, Indian Navy or
Indian Airforce. It is also pertinent to add that all the
cadets Commissioned through OTA Madras as short-service
Commissioned Officers are initially Commissioned for a period
of five years, after which they have an option to either
continue or leave the service. All the non-optees are then
released from service who are eligible to get all the
benefits, except pension, that are available to
ex-servicemen. Service record of those who opt to continue is
scrutinised and all those found suitable are then granted
permanent Commission. All those who are not found fit for
permanent Commission are given an extension of service for a
period of five years during which period they are allowed to
apply for alternate employment and as soon as they get a job,
they are released from service.
Coaching and Preparation
Candidates are advised to carry out a planned preparation for
the written examination. A review of previous question papers
is particularly beneficial. Regular reference to a good
competition magazine like "The Competition Master" may be of
immense use as it would assist the candidates in preparing
English and General Knowledge papers. Features on Personality
Development and General Intelligence are quite useful during
the SSB interview.
The interview needs special preparations. As different from
usual interviews, it is a comprehensive personality test to
which most fresh candidates have no previous exposure. It is
suggested that the candidates should go through some standard
book on SSB interviews. It is also recommended that fresh
candidates should join some coaching academy providing
fruitful coaching for SSB interviews. Such
academies/institutions are being run by retired service
officers in several cities and towns.
Further Details
Detailed advertisement is published about six months before
the date of examination in all leading newspapers which gives
details of the examination. Complete details like rules,
syllabus, medical standards, number of vacancies, etc are
given in the corresponding issue of "Employment News". In
addition, candidates Information Manuals containing details
of objective-type-tests including sample questions, are
supplied to all candidates alongwith the admission
certificate, by the UPSC.
NDA and Naval Academy
The CDS Examination facilitates the graduates to seek careers
in the defence forces as direct entry officers. Another
opportunity, to the bright and energetic deserving candidates
is available as NDA/Naval Academy Entry officers. This avenue
is open to relatively younger candidates with 10+2
qualifications. NDA and Naval Academy (Executive Branch)
provides assured career at young age with no financial burden
of four-year training in the various training academies. The
training at NDA culminates with a graduation degree from the
Jawahar Lal Nehru University. Three-year training at NDA is
followed up by one-year professional training at Indian
Military Academy (IMA) for the Army, Naval Academy for the
Indian Navy and Air Force Academy for the Air Force.
All these wings of Defence Forces offer very good career
opportunities blended with adventure. Besides offering one of
the best pay structure in the government service, the forces
also offer facilities like free rations, free medical
facilities, free/concessional travel by rail during leave,
provident fund, group insurance and concessional residential
accommodation. Besides, defence forces also offer a good
social and regimented life. Time-bound promotions, upto a
particular level, for all officers and selective top
promotions to the meritorious and bright officers is the
hallmark of a career in the defence forces.
The Selection Process
The UPSC conducts the NDA and Naval Academy (Executive
Branch) Examination twice every year usually in the months of
April and September. Each examination is conducted to select
350 candidates, with 214 seats for the Army, 43 for the Navy
73 for the Air Force and 20 seats for the Executive Branch of
Naval Academy. At the time of submitting the applications,
the candidates are required to give their preferences for
particular wings of the forces. The advertisement for
September Examination usually apperars in April, every year,
in all major national and regional newspapers. Similarly, the
advertisement for April examination usually appears in
September/October. Simultaneously the detailed advertisement
also appears in the "Employment News" of the concerned week.
(a) Eligibility: Only unmarried male candidates of the age
group of 161/2 years to 19 years are eligible to take the
examination for NDA/Naval Academy (Executive Branch).
Educational qualification for Army and Air Force wing at NDA
is 12th pass of 10+2 pattern or equivalent. For Naval wing of
NDA and Naval Academy (Executive Branch), the educational
qualification is 12th pass of 10+2 pattern with Physics and
Mathematics or equivalent. The candidates appearing for the
final examination of 10+2 standard are also eligible to
appear.
For being eligible to appear in the examination, a candidate
must be a citizen of India or a subject of Bhutan or Nepal.
Tibetan refugees or persons of Indian Origin migrated from
Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia,
Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam, with the intention of
permanently settling in India, are also eligible. However,
candidates belonging to these categories shall need to obtain
a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India.
A candidate seeking admission to the examination must send
his application form to the UPSC on the proforma given in the
advertisement for this examination. The admission to the
examination is purely provisional as no certificates are
required to be attached with the application.
(b) Written Examination: The candidates are tested in two
papers of 21/2 hours duration each. First paper is of
"Mathematics" and carries a maximum of 600 marks. The
question papers consist of objective type questions and are
set in English only. There is no fixed pass percentage of
marks and depending on the number of candidates appearing in
the examination and their overall performance, the qualifying
marks are determined.
The paper-I on Mathematics is of Matriculation Examination
standard and consists questions on Arithmetic, Mensuration,
Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Statistics. Paper-II on
General Ability consists of two parts. Part-A comprises of
the test of English Language to judge the general
understanding of English Language by the candidates and
carries 200 marks. Part-B of Paper-II consists of General
Knowledge carrying 400 marks and has six sections. The
weightage given to these six sections of General Knowledge
is: Physics 25% Chemistry 15%, General Science 10%, History,
Freedom Movement etc 20%, Geography 20% and current Affairs
10%.
There are 40 centres of examination. The names of these
centres are: Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Allahabad,
Bangalore, Bareilly, Bhopal, Bombay, Calcutta, Chandigarh,
Cochin, Cuttack, Delhi, Dharwar, Dispur, Gangtok, Hyderabad,
Imphal, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Jorhat, Kavaratti, Kohima,
Lucknow, Madras, Madurai, Nagpur, Panaji, Patna, Port Blair,
Raipur, Sambalpur, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Tirupati,
Trivandrum, Udaipur and Vishakhapatnam.
(c) Intelligence and Personality Test: Just like the CDS
Examination, all the candidates declared successful in the
written examination are required to qualify an intelligence
and personality test conducted by the Services Selection
Board (SSB). The intelligence tests at SSB are both oral as
well as written and are designed to judge the basic
intelligence of the candidates. During the
four-day-personality test, the candidates are also put to
Group Tests such as group discussion, group planning, outdoor
group tasks etc. All these tests are aimed at judging the
behaviour of the candidate in a group. In addition the
personality test also requires a candidate to deliver an
impromptu lecturette on the subjects of general interest as
well as to clear ten obstacles in 30 seconds. This way mental
calibre as well as physical robustness of the candidates is
judged. The SSB interview is also blended with a series of
psychological tests like Situation REaction Test (SRT) and
pictures story writing. These psychological tests are aimed
at judging the trait of positive outlook of the candidate. In
broad terms, the intelligence and personality test is not
only the test of intellectual faculties of the candidates but
is also directed at judging their social traits, interest in
current affairs and physical and psychological toughness
which finally helps to judge their suitability for the
services.
The candidates declared successful after the SSB interview
are then required to undergo a comprehensive medical
examination by a medical board in a local Military Hospital.
To avoid the last minute disappointment the candidates are
advised to get themselves medically examined as per the
prescribed standards. Prescribed standards of medical fitness
are given in the detailed advertisement given in the
Employment News.
The Training Academies
On the basis of performance of the candidates in the written
examination and the personality test, final merit list is
prepared and published in all leading newspapers. The
candidates, on the basis of their rank in the final merit
list and preference, are asked to join at the NDA or Naval
Academy (Executive Branch).
The three-year training at NDA includes the qualifying of
certain physical standards, basic knowledge of three wings of
the armed forces and study of academics leading to a
graduation degree. In addition, basic etiquettes of the
forces, discipline in the armed forces and basics of drill
etc are also taught. After successful training spreading over
six terms of six months each at NDA, the candidates, as per
their choice, go to the Indian Military Academy for Army or
to the Naval Academy for Navy or to the Air-Force Academy for
Air Force for two terms of six months each. On successful
completion of training at these academies, the cadets are
Commissioned into the defence forces as Second Lieutenant
(Army) or Acting sub-Lieutenant (Navy) or Pilot Officer
(Air-Force). During the last six months of training the
cadets are also entitled to the salary which is given to them
in lump-sum, on commissioning.
Coaching and Preparations
Preparations for the written examination needs special
attention, Mathematics paper, being theoretical in nature is
comparatively easy to prepare. Paper-II (General Ability)
needs special attention and preparation which consists of
English and General Knowledge. Regular reading of "The
Competition Master" is particularly useful for Paper-II as it
effectively helps the candidates to prepare for English
Language and General Knowledge. Similarly, SSB interview
being different from routine interviews needs special
preparations. There are certain academies, particularly those
run by former officers of the defence forces, which provide
useful coaching to the candidates preparing for the
interview. The candidates may choose genuine academies and
undergo coaching for the interview.
Further details about the examination are available in the
detailed advertisment which appears in the Employment News.
Information about the examination is also given in the
"Candidates Information Manual" which gives details about
objective-type tests. This booklet is supplied by the UPSC to
all the candidates alongwith the admission certificate.
Women Officers in Indian Army
Career in the Armed forces offers a rare blend of adventure,
good career prospects and a prestigious job. Several special
concessions are offered by the Armed Forces to its Officers
which are not available in any other service. This includes
provision of free rations, facility of CSD (Canteen Stores
Department) where goods of day-to-day use are available at
concessional rates, free first class railway warrant once
every year upto the home town to avail the leave,
concessional railway warrants for subsequent journeys, two
months' annual leave (with the facility of encashment on
yearsly basis), concessional furnished family accommodation,
furnished bachelor accommodation in the Officers' mess at
every station and free medical service through its various
Military Hospitals and Regimental Medical Inspection Rooms.
These special benefits are in addition to normal admissible
benefits like the casual leave, Army Group Insurance Scheme,
Provident Fund, etc.
While the career in AMC, MNS and ADC are short service as
well as regular commissions, the new scheme known as Women
Special Entry Scheme (Officers) (WSES)(O) is slightly
different. The initial contractual period is five years but
in case any candidate is found unfit or unsuitable within
first six months, her commission can be terminated any time
before the expiry of five year period. The scheme further
provides that all the lady Officers granted commission under
this scheme would serve the Indian Army for a period of five
years from the date of grant of Commission subject to
fulfilment of other conditions. In addition, the lady
officers carry reserve liability to serve the Indian Army for
a period of five years plus two years on voluntary basis, or
upto 37 years of age, whichever is earlier. It means that
after their release, the lady Officers remain on reserve for
five years and can be recalled for duty during this period in
case of emergencies. This period could be extended by two
more years if the Officer so desires or upto 37 years of age,
whichever is earlier. WSES(O), however, does not have any
provision for permanent commission, although this matter is
said to be under consideration of the Government of India.
Lady Officers in the two entries other than WSES(O), like AMC,
ADC, etc, however, have the provision for permanent
commission.
Eligibility & Selection
The candidate must either be a citizen of India, or a subject
of Nepal or Bhutan, or of Tibetan Origin but of Indian
Domicile whose parents entered India as refugee prior to 1st
January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in
India. Any person of Indian origin who migrated from the
countries like Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Kenya,
Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and
Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India
is also eligible. However, all the candidates who are not the
citizens of India but are otherwise eligible under any of the
above mentioned categories, must obtain and attach
certificate of eligibility alongwith her application which is
issued by the Government of India.
While the age limit for ASC, AEC and JAG is 21 to 27 years,
this age limit is 19 to 25 years for all other branches
including AOC, Engrs, Int Corps, EME and Sigs. Minimum
qualification, however, varies from service to service as per
the table given on next page.
The advertisement for recruitment of lady Officers under the
WSES(O) appears from time to time as per requirement,
normally twice every year in most of the national and
important regional newspapers. The candidates are required to
apply to the Additional Directorate General of Recruiting
(Women Entry Section), West Block-III, R.K. Puram, New
Delhi-110066. The format of application is usually given in
the advertisement. Short-listing of eligible candidates is
done at the Additional Directorate level and the short-listed
candidates are then required to appear before the Service
Selection Board (SSB). Such candidates are allowed second
class to an fro railway fare for the first time only. The
selected candidates are then required to undergo a medical
examination which is usually done by a special Medical Board
at the nearest Military Hospital. The aspiring candidates
must therefore ensure that they are in good physical and
mental health and free from any disability which is likely to
interfere with the efficient performance of their official
duties. The broad indications of medical standards are that
the height and weight should not be less than 36 kgs and 142
cms respectively for women candidates. Corrected distance
vision should be at least 6/6 for better eye and 6/18 for the
worse eye and Myopia of not more than minus 5.5 D including
astigmatism.
Getting into Armed Forces
ARMY
National Defence Academy: Age: 16-19 years.
Qualifications:
Class 12. Look out for advt in April and October every year.
a) Indian Military Academy: Direct Entry through CDSE
conducted by UPSC and SSB Interview. Age: 19-24 years.
Qualifications: Degree or equivalent. Look out for advt in
April and October every year.
b) Engineering graduates: Age: 20-27 years. Selection through
SSB Interview. Qualifications: Engineering degree. Look out
for advt in April and October every year.
c) University Entry Scheme: Final and pre-final year students
of Engineering degree course. Selection through Campus
Interview and SSB Interview. Look out for advt in July.
a) Officers Training Academy: Short Service Commission
(Non-Technical): Age: 19-25 years. Qualifications: Degree or
equivalent. Selection through CDSE and SSB interview. Look
out for advt in March and October.
b) Short Service Commission (Technical): Age: 20-27 years.
Qualifications: Engineering degree. Selection through direct
SSB Interview. Look out for advt in March and October.
c) Short Service Commission (NCC Special Entry Scheme): Age:
19-25 years. Qualifications: Graduate with 50% marks and 2
years service in NCC. Selection through direct SSB Interview.
Advt appears in October/November.
d) Women's Entry Scheme: Age: 19-27 years. Qualifications:
Graduate/Post graduate. Selection through direct SSB
Interview. Look out for advt in June and December.
For more information on selection to the Army, write to: addl
Directorate General of Recruiting. Army HQ West Block III,
R.K. Puram, New Delhi - 110066.
NAVY
Permanent Commission
a) Cadet Entry (NDA), Cadet Entry (Executive) Naval Academy,
Goa (through NDA Exam).Qualifications: Class 12 with Physics
and Maths. Age: 16-19 years.
b) Graduate Special Entry, Naval Academy, Goa (through CDSE).
Qualifiations: B.Sc with Physics and Maths or BE. Age: 19-22
years.
c) Direct Entry Naval Armament Inspection Cadre:
Qualifications: BE or PG degree in Electronics or Physics.
Age: 19-25 years.
d) Direct Entry Law Cadre: Degree in Law with minimum 55%
marks. Age: 22-27 years.
Short Service Commission (Men and Women)
a) Law Cadre: Qualifications: Degree in Law with minimum 55%
marks. Age: 22-27 years.
b) Logistics Cadre: Qualifications: BA(Econs)/B.Com with
second division or graduation with degree/diploma in Material
or Financial Management. Age: 19-25 years.
c) Air Traffic Control (ATC): B.Sc with minimum 50% marks in
Physics and Maths. Age: 19-25 years.
Education Branch
Permanent/Short Service Commission: MA degree in Physics,
Maths, Chemistry, Computer Science, Humanities or
Engineering. Age: 21-25 years. Men and women can apply for
Short Service Commission.
Engineering Branch (Marine Engineers)
a) Permanent Commission: Cadet Entry (NDA) or (Tech):
Qualifications: Class 12 with PCM. Age 16-19 years. Direct
Entry: Qualifications: Engineering Degree. Age: 19-25 years.
b) Short Service Commission: Qualifications: Engineering
degree. Age: 19-25 years.
Engineering (Naval Architects)
a) Cadet Entry: Class 12 with PCM with minimum 70% maks in
aggregate. Age: 16-19 years.
b) Direct Entry: Degree in Naval Architecture or Engineering.
Age: 21-25 years.
Electrical Branch
a) Permanent Commission: Cadet Entry: Qualifications: Class
12 with PCM with minimum 70% marks. Age: 16-19 years. Direct
Entry: Engineering degree. Age: 19-25 years.
b) Short Service Commission: Engineering degree. Age: 19-25
years.
For information on selection to the Indian Navy, contact:
DDMPR (R & R), Naval HQ, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi - 110011,
Tel: 3011213. Fax: 3792957.
AIR FORCE
NDA: It has a 3 years' course before one is inducted as a
Pilot Trainee at the Air Force Academy, Qualifications: Class
12 with Physics and Maths. Age: 16-19 years.
Air Force Academy (CDSE): Qualifications: B.Sc with Physics
and/or Maths or BE. Age: 19-23 years.
NCC: Qualifications: B.Sc with Physics and/or Maths and a
C certificate of the NCC Air Wing. Age: 19-23 years.
Flying Branch (Transport/Helicopter pilots): Age: 19-23
years, relaxable to 25 years for those holding Commercial
Pilot License. Applications are called by AIR HQ followed by
SSB Interview.
Technical Branch (Aeronautical Engineering: Electronics or
Mechanical): Qualifications: BE/B.Tech/Degree with PCM.
Ground Duty Branch: Qualifications: First class graduate or
second class post-graduate. Age: 20-23 years for
post-graduates. Entrance through SSB Interview. B.Com/M.Com
graduates can apply for Accounts Branch. In Meteorological
branch, the qualifications required is M.Sc.
SSB Interviews
Armed forces offer very exciting career to young men and
women in several fields. Career in the forces, in addition as
a career, is also an adventure in itself. To ensure that
appropriate candidates are chosen, a comprehensive selection
process is adopted by the armed forces through Service
Selection Board (SSB) interview. This system of selection is
based on the "trait theory" of leadership which assumes that
every leader must have some specific and pre-determined
leadership traits. It also presumes that such traits can be
acquired by a candidate with the passage of time meaning
thereby that a person once rejected in an SSB interview is
likely to succeed if he acquires some of the traits with the
passqage of time. The present system of selection, although
is long and takes four to five days, is thus based on an
objective assessment of each candidate in which the qualities
like initiative, alertness, judgement, courage, physical
fitness endurance, cooperation, group planning, decisiveness,
knowledge, etc. are judged. In addition, psychological and
mental robustness of the candidate vis-a-vis requirements of
the Armed Forces is judged and finally an overall assessment
of the personality of a candidate is made by way of an
exhaustive personal interview.
Scheme of Selection
The existing scheme of selection was initially designed in
the US army, after the second World War. The system was
adopted in the selection of officers in Army, Navy and Air
Force for induction through National Defence Academy, Army
Cadet Corps, Officers Training Academy, Indian Military
Academy, Air Force Academy or Naval Academy.
The slection process has the following stages/components.
(a) Psychological/Intelligence Test. (b) Group Testing
Officer's (GTO's) Test. (c) Personal Interview. (d) Medical
Examination.
It is evident that the interview is mainly confined to first
three stages of examination while the fourth one concerns the
medical examination of only those who get through in the SSB
interview comprising of first three components. Evaluation of
a candidate is made by three independent examiners. The
psychological test is carried out by a psychologist and GTO
test is given by a Group Testing Officer (GTO). Personal
interview is carried out by the interviewing officer who
usually is also the President of the Board.
The interview being an integrated process, culminates with
the conference on the final day when all the three examiners
gete together to give the final assessment of the candidate.
If there is any doubt on any aspect of the personality of the
candidate, a few questions are put to him/her and the
evaluation is done accordingly. All the candidates who manage
to obtain minimum prescribed marks are declared selected.
There is no quota or percentage fixed about the number of
candidates to be selected and the selection purely depends on
the performance of the individuals. The selected candidates
then have to undergo a comprehensive medical examination to
be finally recommended for selection.
Through this series of features on careers an effort is being
made to acquaint the candidates, particularly the fresh
candidates, with the techniques of SSB interviews and
strategy to be adopted to overcome this final hurdle to a
challenging career in the defence forces. In the first part
of this series, psychological tests are being dealt with in
detail.
The scheme of selection is almost same for Army, Navy and Air
Force with the only difference that in case of interviews for
the flying branch of Air Force, an additional aptitude test
is given to the candidates right at the beginning. The
interview usually lasts for four to five days and the
arrangements for free boarding and lodging are made for the
candidates. Moreover, the candidates appearing before the
Board for the first time are entitled to claim travelling
allowance for to-and-fro journey upto the selection centre.
Questionnaire
Immediately on arrival at the Selection Board a questionnaire
is given to all the candidates in which, in addition to
personal details, including educational qualifications and
details of family, hobbies, games and other extra curricular
activities, details about other important happenings in life,
friends, ambitions, etc are also sought from the candidates.
This questionnaire usually forms the basis for interview.
This part also assumes importance, considering the fact that
it is of importance to a psychologist to know what a
candidate thinks of oneself.
Psychological Tests
(a) Intelligence Tests: First and important part of
pscychological tests is the intelligence test. There are two
types of intelligence tests. In the first, usually 80
questions are required to be answered within 30 or 35
minutes. The time is lesser for the second in which 60
questions on figures are required to be answered in 20 to 25
minutes. This test presumes that even under adverse
circumstances an intelligent person will be able to answer
more number of questions accurately. The questions are
objective type with multiple choice answers.
To attempt maximum number of questions correctly, the
candidates are advised to attempt those questions to start
with, about which they are fully sure. The questions which
need some more time to answer, must be skipped initially and
if after attempting other questions there is some time left,
it can then be devoted to the left-out questions. Exhaustive
practice in these tests, which appear regularly in the
Competition Master, can be of great help in attempting the
intelligence tests effectively. A candidate who achieves a
good score in these tests may get the benefit of being placed
higher in the order of merit if he/she finally makes it in
the interview.
(b) Word Association Test: This test aims at judging the
personality traits and basic psychology of a candidate. It
brings out attitudes, thoughts, desires, feelings and even
negative aspects of one's personality. For testing the word
association, candidates are shown a word of common usage for
about 15 seconds, during which time candidates are supposed
to write a sentence. After 15 seconds are over, another word
is exposed for 15 seconds, the process continues and
candidates are asked to write 50 sentences. The words are
easy and of day-to-day usage. Time given to the candidates is
so short that they have to write down the very first thought
that comes after seeing the word. The psychologists analyse
the personality traits, attitudes and feelings on the basis
of these natural reactions of the candidates to specific
words.
There can be no readymade solutions to the word association
test. However, with a little bit of practice the candidates
can choose correct sentence. The pessimistic, negative,
pervert and counter-productive feelings must be avoided
whereas positive feelings of success, honesty,
respectfulness, uprightness, optimism, humanism, etc should
be highlighted. For example, the word "failure", can be used
as "Failure cannot always be avoided", or "Failures are the
pillars of success". Whereas the former sentence depicts
pessimism and defeat, the latter sentence shows how a
negative word can also be used in a positive manner. On
similar lines the candidates must prepare himself beforehand
for words like defeat, death, disease wrong, etc. It must be
ensured that the sentences used are small and convey some
positive aspect of one's psyche. Due care must be taken to
ensure that the sentences do not depict the feeling of fear,
insecurity, anxiety, cowardice, etc. To do well in this test
the candidates must practice with several sets of words and
do the self appraisal.
(c) Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): This technique, also
called picture story writing, is one of the most important
aspects of psychological test at SSBs. This technique aims at
judging the overall personality of a candidate by judging the
traits like fearlessness, positive frame of mind, initiative,
judgement, courage, temperament, ambitions, and more
particularly candidates' suitability for the armed forces.
This test is conducted by showing several slides/pictures
(usually ten) to the candidate for a short while. Then he is
asked to write a small story on the picture. The picture is
shown for 30 seconds and the candidate is given a time of 3
minutes for writing a brief story. Needless to say that the
time duration is very less and the candidates must think and
write fast to complete the story within the stipulated time.
The candidates need special practice to attempt this test
successfully. It must be clearly understood that the story
which is written by the candidates, depicts their own
thoughts, perceptions and imaginations. Hence the initial
30-second time while the picture is displayed, must be
utilised in most useful manner. After devoting minimum
possible time for understanding the picture, the candidate
should appreciate the situation, identify the hero of the
story and prepare a simple but well thought of plot for the
story. The plot should be simple considering the fact that
the story has to be written within 3-minutes. The planned
story should depict the feelings of courage, success,
hard-work, initiative, ambition, achievement, helpfulness,
patriotism and positive bent of mind. It should be ensured
that no unnecessary time is wasted in describing the picture.
The picture only depicts one of the situations which could
form part of the story. It is pertinent to add that
candidates may expect at least one picture each about
hospital scene, war, road accident, a captive lady, a
frustrated youth, a river, a thief, a graveyard, etc. There
may be a few vague pictures also. Practice on writing stories
on above situation/pictures would assist the candidates to do
well in this test.
(d) Situation Reaction Test (SRT): This is last in the series
of psychological tests. In the SRT, the candidates are given
4 to 5 reactions to a particular day-to-day situation and the
candidates are asked to choose the most appropriate one. This
test aims at judging a candidate's aptitude towards
cooperation, group interests and positive thinking. No answer
is outrightly incorrect or correct. The candidates get
weighted marks depending on the degree of correctness of an
answer. In all 50 to 60 situations have to be reacted upon in
25 to 30 minutes. The candidates must exercise due care while
choosing the alternatives as two to three alternatives may
appear to be correct. The answer which appears to be the best
in a real life situation must be chosen. Initially, questions
appearing easier to answer should be chosen and the
candidates should avoid conflicting replies and be
considered.
The second part of the interview contains Group Testing
Officer's (GTO's) Test. While the first part aims at testing
the intelligence and frame of mind of a candidate, the GTO's
test is a complete test of one's personality, including
physical fitness, mental obustness, leadership qualities,
planning flexibility, expression, knowledge, argumentative
capabilities, etc. In other words, the performance of every
candidate is gauged as a member of a group, and leader of the
group, so that his/her behaviour as equal, superior or
subordinate is keenly observed and assessed. The group
worthiness of a candidate is tested.
The GTO's test includes the following six broad sub-tests:
Group discussion
Group planning exercise
Group obstacles
Command Task
Individual obstacles
Lecturette
Group Discussion
Candidates are divided in groups of 8 to 10 and each group is
tested by a GTO. Usually two topics of general interest are
given by the GTO to the group and the group is asked to
choose one of the topics, on the basis of which the group is
asked to proceed with discussion. Every candidate is supposed
to express his opinion and views on the topic given. The time
for discussion is approximately 20 minutes. After the
discussion on the first topic is closed, GTO gives the second
topic. During the discussion, the GTO quietly observes the
performance and behaviour of the candidates and makes his own
assessment.
The group discussion tests the expression, argumentative
capabilities, depth of knowledge, initiative, flexibility,
participation and authenticity of a candidate. The candidates
must comprehend the topic properly, carry out a mental
framework of line of discussion to be pursued and plan the
discussion quickly. It is always better to take the
initiative to start the discussion. Self confidence, clarity
in expression, appreciation of opinion of others, keen
interest, flexibility and knowledge are some of the
properties which are sought by the GTO. Proper tone, volume
and level of voice are other important aspects of a good
candidate. To do well at group discussions, it is suggested
that the candidates should prepare well by selecting certain
topics of general interest like role of science, democracy,
role of women, sports, evils of dowry, family planning,
compulsory military training, students and politics, status
of Indian women, etc.
Group Planning Exercise
Under the group planning exercise, a situation is given to
the candidates usually on a sand model or cloth model. Each
candidate is given the situation in which some problem like
taking a patient to hospital within stipulated time,
reporting the matter to the police or any other situation is
depicted and certain facilities as well as limitations are
explained. Considering these given limitations and
facilities, the candidates are required to prepare a plan to
successfully accomplish the task. The time allotted to the
candidates, to write down the solution, is about 10 minutes.
Soon after writing down the solution, the group is asked to
discuss the solutions and arrive at a group plan. The group
then nominates a leader who gets up and gives the group plan.
After this, others are also asked to give their plans if
there is some material difference in the plan. For this
exercise a further time of about 20 minutes is given. The
test is planned to test the understanding and analytical
capability of the candidates. In addition, in a group where
no one is nominated a group leader, opportunity is provided
to the natural leaders to emerge as leaders and take over the
reins of the group. The individual plan tests the analytical
ability and the discussion of the group plan sees whether the
candidate is prepared to accept a superior plan over his plan
or he is able to convince the group about superiority of his
plan against an inferior plan being considered by the group.
The candidates must properly appreciate the problem, take
stock of the resources available with them and then try to
generate some alternatives in the given situation. After
considering the pros and cons of every alternative, best
alternative should be accepted. By actively participating in
the group plan discussion, the candidates should try to get
themselves nominated as the group leader to get an edge over
the other candidates.
Group Obstacles
Next part of GTO's fest is the group obstacles. It has four
sub-parts including Progressive Group Task, Group Obstacle
Race, Half Group Task and Final Group Task. These tasks are
designed to test the behaviour of a candidate in a group
where there are no group leaders nominated. The GTO,
therefore, keenly observes the candidates for their qualities
like cooperation, group belonging feelings, natural
leadership qualities, planning, initiative and task
orientation. Group obstacles in all the four sub-parts are in
the form of obstacles which cannot be negotiated by an
individual and need a group of persons to cross it. The group
is explained that within the obstacle area, in which
particular parts are "out of bounds", the entire group has to
cross the obstacle within a given period of time with the
assistance of tools like ropes, planks, wooden logs, etc. The
progressive group task has four tasks with each successive
task getting tougher and final group task is the repeat
exercise to facilitate the GTO to observe only the potential
candidates.
The group obstacle race is in the form of an intergroup race
in which they also have to carry a sack type of load while
crossing the obstacles. Half group task is given by dividing
the group into two sub-groups, facilitating the GTO in
observing the candidates in a better manner. While crossing
these obstacles, or planning to cross these, the candidates
should think objectively to negotiate the obstacles with the
help of given material. There are usually more than one
solution to each obstacle. Immediately on getting the
solution, the candidates must start asserting themselves by
also seeking advice and suggestions of other candidates. Even
if the candidate is unable to arrive at any solution he
should try to assume the role of a mediator between several
candidates having diverse solutions. Even while actually
negotiating the obstacle endeavour should be to take on the
most difficult tasks so that an impression of task
orientation and leading by example is created in the mind of
the GTO.
Command Task
Command Task is aimed at testing the leadership and command
capabilities of candidates. In all the earlier exercises, the
natural leaders are allowed to emerge. But in some cases,
where there are more than one natural leaders, the strongest
one will overshadow rest of them. Similarly, a person who is
shy by nature, may not be able to exhibit his leadership
qualities in a group of equals and hence an opportunity is
given to such candidates to show their worth in a formalised
situation, where they are declared leaders. In the command
task the nature of obstacles and facilitating material remain
the same. The only change is that one candidate is nominated
as a formal leader, asked to choose his team, plans to
negotiate the obstacle and finally executes the plan. The
candidate's judgement, planning and analytical capabilities
are checked and his capabilities to get a task executed are
also tested. The candidate must, therefore, choose his team
carefully, choosing the best candidates who are cooperative
and physically strong. This reflects his objective assessment
of subordinates. Then the leader must explain to his men the
objective or task, the facilitating material available to
them and spell out the plan as to how he planned to
accomplish the task. The plan should be clear and spelt out
in clear and commanding manner. After explaining the task to
his men, the leader should go ahead with the proper execution
of the task by properly supervising and giving supplementary
instructions if required. Normally, the work should be got
executed from the chosen candidates, but in case some part of
obstacle negotiation needs his assistance, he should be ready
to do so. At times, the commander may find it difficult to
plan a solution to the obstacle. Under such a situation, the
commander may ask the members of the group to suggest to him
the possible solution.
Individual Obstacles
There are 10 obstacles which are required to be negotiated by
every individual within a stipulated period of 3 minutes. The
obstacles are not very tough and can be negotiated by any
candidate with average physical fitness. These obstacles
include climbing ropes, jumping, swinging on ropes, climbing
wall, walking over a beam and parallel ropes, etc. The
relatively difficult obstacles carry higher marks and easier
ones have lesser. In case a candidate can repeat some of the
obstacles, after completing all in the given time period,
such a candidate gets more than maximum marks to the extent
of repetition of obstacles. To do well at this test, the
candidate must try to achieve a particular level of physical
fitness before proceeding to the SSB interviews. Easier
obstacles should be attempted first and even if one is unable
to complete all the obstacles within three minutes, one
should be satisfied as in the words of one GTO "armed forces
need officers, not monkeys". Nevertheless, this test aims at
looking for bare minimum level of physical fitness, which can
be built up by rigorous pre-commission training in the
Training Acadmeies.
Lecturette
Lecturette is last in the series of GTO's tests and is aimed
at testing the speech of a candidate. A leader should be able
to speak effectively, attract attention while he is talking,
have a clear head and clear line of thinking. These qualities
are tested by giving a small test to the candidates known as
lecturette. This candidate is given about four topic of
general nature which do not need any specialised knowledge.
The candidates are required to select one topic, prepare for
three minutes and then deliver a speech to the group for a
period of three minutes. While taking this test, the
candidate must select the subject/topic on which he is fully
confident of having enough knowledge and material to speak
for three minutes. Unnecessary movements of hands, legs,
fingers etc should be avoided and the speech should be
delivered in a pleasant but authoritative voice. The views
expressed should be balanced and extreme positions in views
should be avoided. The clarity of thoughts and ideas must be
insured.
It is evident from the above that the GTO's test is a
comprehensive test of one's personality. An objective
assessment of personality of the candidates is made by
observing their behaviour in a group and as a leader as well.
Capabilities of the candidates like knowledge, expression,
leadership, initiative, physical fitness, planning
capabilities, understanding, disposition, grasp and task
orientation, etc are tested by following a comprehensive and
objective method of personality test. The GTO makes the
assessment by assigning marks in each of the six exercises
and then finally allots the aggregate marks on the basis of
overall average assessment.
Personal interview is the last hurdle in the selection
process to the defence forces through SSB Interviews, apart
from the medical examination. Every candidate is tested by a
psychologist, G.T.O. and finally by the President or Deputy
President of the Selection Board.
The aim of the personal interview is to have a closer look at
the personality of every candidate through conversation in
friendly discussion. To keep the interview formal and the
candidate at ease, only one interviewer interacts with the
candidate. The information given by the candidate, on the
very first day in the questionnaire, forms the initial basis
for questions during the course of interview.
Conduct
At an average, every interview lasts about 30-40 minutes. The
President of the Board begins in a very friendly manner by
asking very personal questions from the candidates like name,
detail of the brothers and sisters, occupation of parents,
names of good friends, place to which the candidate belonged.
About 10 minutes-time is devoted on these questions so that
the candidate is put at ease. Name of the educational
institutions where one studied, subjects offered, marks
obtained etc are a few other questions that may be initially
expected. In addition to putting a candidate at ease, the
President also observes the qualities of friendliness and the
ease with which one can handle simple and personal questions.
Other questions in the interview may be about games played,
hobbies, girl/boy friends and the means adopted by the
candidate to remain fit. As a young and educated person, one
is expected to either play or have keen interest in some
games. Similarly, every person is expected to have a hobby,
be it reading, playing games, swimming, driving, gardening,
philately, riding, photography or travelling. Every young
candidate, aspiring to become an officer in the armed forces,
is also expected to have friendship with the opposite sex.
Hence all these questions must be answered accordingly.
Final part of the personal interview may include a few
questions on current topics, general knowledge, some
imaginary situation for reaction and small simple problems
for judging the administrative planning capabilities of the
candidate. Problem solving may be judged by depicting a
simple real-life imaginary situation involving the brothers,
sisters, parents or friends to which reaction of the
candidate is judged. Similarly, a small administrative
problem may be given to a candidate including organisation of
a match or a picnic. The candidate is then asked to give
his/her step by step planning and execution and perception of
happening of the event, without its actually taking place.
How to tackle?
As has been hinted above, the questions in the interview must
be tackled very carefully. The candidates should not be in a
hurry to reply the questions. The questions should be
properly understood and after considering the contents for a
while, reply should be given. Regarding personal questions,
the candidates should be careful that they do not hide
material facts or try to give wrong facts. It must be
understood clearly that the President conducting the
inverview handles several candidates every day and does the
same thing over the years. Moreover, he is trained to
interview candidates in such a manner as the truth comes out.
Any attempt to hide some facts or give wrong facts will be
certainly picked up by the experienced President and they
usually make the candidate realise during the interview
itself that he/she was trying to bluff. Moreover, no
candidate is expected to be perfect, as every human being
does have some weaknesses. However, it should also be ensured
that no unnecessary details are given by the candidate. The
replies should be to the point and relevant to the questions
asked.
The same principle applies to the other questions like games
played, hobbies pursued and friends (particularly from the
opposite sex) held. The games which are stated to be played
by the candidate should be ones about which the candidate has
complete knowledge and is able to reply to most of the
questions. Similarly, the interviewer devotes a lot of time
to the hobby named by the candidate. The candidates must,
therefore, make sure that the hobbies and games they name
must be fully known to them. Rather than bluffing in this
regard, it is better to give a negative reply. Moreover, as
earlier pointed out it is good to have friends from the
opposite sex with healthy and friendly relations. But in case
there is no such friend, the fact should be admitted without
hesitation.
Finally, the questions on current affairs and general
knowledge need a little-bit of brushing up of knowledge in
this field. Regular readers of "The Competition Master"
normally do not find much difficulty in tackling this part.
Candidates who feel less confident in this part are advised
to consult the General Knowledge Refresher by O.P. Khanna.
The questions on the reactions in given situations have to be
handled very carefully. The candidates must grasp situation
completely, clarify the doubts if any and after taking some
time to think, come out clearly with the course of action.
Choosing a right course of action is not very difficult. The
candidates must imagine themselves in similar situation and
consider the most probable course of action which would be
taken by them, which invariably is also the right solution to
the problem. In their reactions, the candidates must not
bring in any artificiality and unnecessary heroism. They
should react as if they would have done in a similar real
life situation. Due care, therefore, must be exercised as
this is one of the most crucial aspects of the interview. Two
more questions which must be prepared properly arre (a) "Why
do you want to join the Defence Forces?"; (b) "If you are not
selected what would you do?" These are often-repeated
questions and must be answered very honestly and correctly,
without any exaggeration.
Balanced Behaviour
While proper replies to the questions are important balanced
conduct of the candidates is still more important. The
candidates should avoid use of slangs and be very respectful
to interviewer. Use of language and expression are the plus
points but the candidates are usually not penalised for weak
expression, as it is believed that the problems of fluency
and expression are overcome during the training period. The
candidates must be composed and maintain their poise. Lack of
confidence in replying to the questions reflects lack of
knowledge and self-confidence. At the same time one must not
be over confident or arrogant.
The interviewers are trained to identify the signals sent by
the body language alongwith the spoken word. Whatever is
spoken from the mouth must be reflected from the eyes of the
candidate as well the tone of his/her voice. Hence, body
language must be controlled to convey the same meaning as the
word of the mouth. Any contradiction reveals the untruthful
intention of the candidate. It should, however, be kept in
mind that no unnecessary gesticulations are made with hands
and sitting posture is also proper, as recommended for the
interviews.
The appearance and bearing of the candidate helps in making a
good first impression. The clothes need not be new or highly
fashionable and bright, but should be sober and properly
cleaned. Hair should be properly groomed and hands should be
properly cleaned with the nails cleanly cut. While describing
their achievements, the candidates should be modest without
being boastful and while admitting weaknesses and failures,
they should not be ashamed or evasive. There must be
eye-contact with the interviewer for most part of the
interview.
Interview Etiquettes
In addition to the above there are certain established
interview etiquettes which must be strictly adhered to. One
must enter the room after seeking permission. On entering the
room, the candidate must suitably wish the interviewer and
should sit only when he/she is asked to do so. On being
offered a seat, one is expected to thank the interviewer. In
case the President offers a hand for handshake, it must be
shaken firmly, but the candidates, on their own should not
initiate shaking the hands. Seat should be taken promptly and
the candidate should sit properly and if possible in an
upright manner.
The interviewee should offer a bright and cheerful face. If
the President calls for a cup of tea or lights a cigarette
and also offers to a candidate, it should be declined
gracefully, without annoying him. In a very few cases if the
President asks some irritating and personally offending
questions, the candidates must not loose their poise and
temper. Such a question may be aimed at seeing whether or not
a candidate gets provoked easily. The candidates should also
show flexibility and admit his/her mistakes, if any pointed
out by the President. If a question is not clearly understood
or heard, the President may be requested politely to repeat
it as there is no harm in it. As the interview is over, the
candidates should thank the President, get up without
battling with the chair, wish him appropriately and quietly
leave the room. The questions like "How have I done Sir?"
should not be asked by the candidates while leaving the
interview room.
Conference
The last stage in the selection process is the conference
which takes place on the last day. During the earlier three
stages, three selectors i.e. the psychologist, G.T.O. and the
President carry out their tests independently. At the
conference all the three selectors sit together, call the
interviewee and ask two-three formal and routine questions.
Candidates who qualify in all the three tests independently
are declared successful. All those failing in all or any two
are declared unsuccessful. A few candidates marginally
failing in one of the tests, may expect a couple of more
absorbing questions, including a situation, and on the basis
of reply offered by the candidate, final decision about
his/her selection is taken. The result is announced soon
after the conclusion of the conference and all those who are
selected are required to stay back for the medical
examination, which takes another three to four days.
Medical Examination
The selected candidates are then required to undergo medical
examination. Prior to the medical examination, a form is
given to the candidates to be filled which mainly relates to
the past medical history of the candidate as well as his/her
members of the family. The candidates who pass all the
medical tests are finally declared as successful and may
expect a call to join the training academy concerned within a
month or two of the selection. However, the call letters are
issued after clubbing the marks obtained in the written
examination of the UPSC as well as marks obtained in the
interview. At times it may so happen that even a candidate
getting through in the interview finally, may not get a call
to join at the concerned training academy if the number of
vacancies is less or the candidate is very low in the order
of merit. Hence, the candidates are advised not to leave
their studies or jobs till they rceive a call to join at the
training academy concerned.
|
|
