SSB Experience Series: Recommended from AFSB Dehradun in first attempt - Part1

So It all started at Dehradun, I had to report on Monday 06:45 Am, I reached a day before and met my friend who was training at IMA. Meeting him gave me a boost and being in IMA itself gives you enough motivation to be an officer.

The next day we reported at the railway station in the morning. As I was new to this, it was all very exciting to me. At the station only I met fellow candidates and got to know them, Asking from repeaters what all fun can we have there.

Then we were taken to AFSB in Air Force Buses where after the induction, documents check took place. I would advise you all to take care of the documents in advance so that you don’t face any troubles there.

Then we were provided with breakfast and allotted chest numbers.

After the initials we were taken for our first test which was the intelligence test. The test was quite easy and I was able to complete almost all the questions within the time. After this test the PP&DT(Picture Perception and Discussion test) happened. We were shown a picture which was quite clear (They are usually blurred). We were supposed to write the characters we can identify their ages and moods. I wrote a short and inspiring story on that in the given time.  After that we were taken to a room to narrate and discuss the story. Every person from my group narrated the story well but as the discussion started it was total fish market and chaos. Earlier I tried to be away from it but as no one was listening to me I had to step in put my points, as guided by my mentor. Also, while narrating if you find yourself uncomfortable with English, speak Hindi for that part and switch back to English.

Then they left us to burn with the anxiety about the results. After around an hour the officer came with the list and started calling out the chest numbers. I so wanted to be there for the rest of the 5 days, At least.

I finally heard my chest number after a lot of calls and that was a feeling of relief. I was happy that I will be spending the next 5 days here.

We were allotted new chest numbers and taken to a hall where we were supposed to fill a few forms. The most important of them was the PIQ form. Friends, always take care what you write in your PIQ form because that is your image in front of the interviewer. Never give wrong details, never exaggerate, write only the things you have done and you know about.

After all the form filling, people applying for flying branch had their PABT and the rest were free. We decided to relax after a long tiring day.

The night ended late with chit chats.

DAY 2

The next day we were taken for Psych test which was in the same room where PPDT test took place. It started with TAT stories, Back to back 11 pictures were shown to us and we were supposed to write stories on that. During this test just keep yourself calm and let your mind think freely and write whatever comes first as it is about knowing your true self. Keep your stories short and simple, do not add unnecessary details. The last screen was blank and we had to write whatever comes in our mind, just be spontaneous and write whatever you want to write because a blank screen sets free your creativity.

Then there was WAT (Word association Test), each word will be shown for 15 seconds and sentences are to be made on them. Keep sentences positive and precise. If a word is left, leave it. Think about only what is in front of you.

The next test was SRT (Situation Reaction test) where normal day to day situations were given and we had to write our reactions on that.

Just keep your answers short and write what is possible, never try to be a superman, just be yourself and write only what you would do.

And then there was Self-description. People can prepare for this early if they want as I did. Just make sure you stand on what you have written because the same can be asked by the interviewing office and GTO during command task.

And then we were free for the day. We got into talking with people played a lot of sports etc etc.

DAY 3

The next day was my interview. This was one part for which I was very nervous, although we were advised to remain relaxed and calm in front of the interviewer but all this advises take the backseat as you enter the interviewing room.

First you will be made to sit out of the room and documents/Certificate will go for checking and then after a few minutes you will be called.

I entered the room, exchanged wishes and then after a casual talk he started with a rapid fire of questions. The questions were about me only.

Who are my friends, Why are they my friends, how do I resolve dispute between friends, how do I manage things in office, What does my manager thinks about me, What does my friends think about me, About my family , My parents’ qualities etc. Then he asked a few basic G.K questions, ISIS, oil price drop, recent AF deals and finally it was over. My interview lasted for more than an hour. During the interview try to be as descriptive as you can but take care of what you say at the same time because it’s not about what to say, it’s about what not to.

After the interview we were scheduled for a Book Out, we went to nearby cafe and chilled out.

There is more to this story and still what happened in GTO round that we will see in the second part of this series. So keep reading. 

Click here for SSB Experience Series: Recommended from AFSB Dehradun in first attempt - Part2

About the Author: Abhishek Chaturvedi is a BTech Graduate and is working in an IT firm for more than two years now. He is recommended from AFSB Dehradun recently in his first attempt and is willing to share his experience with the peers for their benefit.