Most Common Questions Asked in the SSB Conference

The Final Check: Assessing Consistency, Self-Awareness, and Resolve

The SSB Conference is the final stage of the five-day selection process, where all assessors (Psychologist, GTO, and Interviewing Officer) meet to reach a consensus on your candidature. The questions asked are generally brief and serve as a final check, especially for borderline cases or to clarify minor inconsistencies.

I. Standard Ice-Breakers and Feedback

These questions are almost always asked and assess your social adaptability, observation, and temperament:

• • "How are you? How was your stay, food, and accommodation here in the last five days?"
• • "Did you face any difficulties during your stay at the centre?"
• • "Do you have any suggestions for the improvement of the Selection Board/Centre?" (Tests constructive criticism vs. complaining).
• • "How many friends did you make in your group during these five days?"
• • "Which test did you enjoy the most in the SSB process, and why?"
• • "Are you satisfied with your overall performance in the last four days?"

II. Self-Assessment and Comparative Evaluation

These questions are crucial as they allow the Board to compare your self-perception with their integrated assessment:

• Rating: "On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your performance?"
• Improvement Area: "In which test (GTO/Psychology/Interview) do you think you could have performed significantly better?"
• Peer Recognition: "Who, in your group, do you think is the best candidate, and why?" (Tests your ability to recognise merit in others).
• Self-Reflection: "Did you notice any changes in yourself over the course of the SSB Testing?"
• Learning: "What did you learn from this SSB experience?"

III. Questions for Repeaters (Candidates with Previous Attempts)

If you have been to an SSB before, you will certainly be asked these questions to check your preparation and learning curve:

• • "Why were you not selected in your previous attempt(s)?"
• • "What special preparation have you done this time to overcome the reasons for your previous non-recommendation?"
• • "Compare your performance this time with your previous SSB attempt(s)."

IV. Determining Resolve and Contingency

These questions are often reserved for borderline candidates or to check the depth of your commitment and backup planning:

• ● "What will you do if you are not selected this time?" (Tests determination and backup planning).
• ● "What are your next plans if you are not recommended?"

V. Doubt Clearing (For Borderline Cases)

The President of the Board may ask specific, probing questions to resolve a contradiction between the three assessors' reports:

• "Your GTO report says you were very dominant, but your Interview says you are a team player. Can you explain this inconsistency?" (Addressing a specific discrepancy).
• Situational Reaction Test (SRT) Question: Sometimes a quick situation is given, especially if the board needs to check composure or effective intelligence under sudden pressure.