SSB Experience series: Second time recommended from 24 SSB Bangalore

“Even if we don’t have the POWER to choose where we come from, WE can still choose where we go from there”

I don’t know who said it but I do know that words are effective in my life. I did my schooling from SAINIK SCHOOL GHORAKHAL, NAINITAL. I cleared my NDA 124 written and cleared my SSB from 11 SSB ALLAHABAD but got medical unfit in 2010 February . 

But with only 62 % in 12^th I took a drop year and tried to introspect myself about coming challenges. My family was always there to support me in every condition and may be that was the reason I decided to take engineering as career. I joined NRI INSTITUTE in BHOPAL in 2011. I checked INDIAN ARMY WEBSITE regularly for upcoming entries.

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In third year I cleared my UES college level selection but skipped the SSB because my GATE 2015 was approaching. My motive was clear, focus on current career. As a result of which I cleared my GATE exam with help of my teachers from college and my friends selveen and Rambahor from college. I got 343 GATE SCORE. As the final year paper were about to end I applied for TGC 122. I had an aggregate CGPA of 8.23 in graduation from mechanical so I was sure of ssb call letter.

After my final paper was over I decided to prepare for SSB and the first step was, frankly admitting to parents about the fear of failure I had. My father told me that, take this chance to prove yourself that five year ago you cleared SSB because you have certain qualities not by luck. This proved to be the catalyst in my preparation. My friend PRIYANKA SHRIVASTAVA also played an important role by supporting me in my decisions. Infact I would suggest all the aspiring candidates to share everything with parents and loved ones as it helps getting a support and it also makes you feel confident about facing the SSB.

In August my preparation began, I took guidance from many people but I would like to name a few. Starting with my mentor Commander RS RATHORE, JAYENDRA PRATAP SINGH Sir, KK PATEL sir.

My preparation was basically focused around the introspection and the changes in me that took place in 5 year. My communication skills were still good but GK and GS needed a lot of improvement .I started reading news papers editorial pages, kept myself up to date by help of internet. I made daily notes about news. For TAT and WAT I did random practice, I took any random word and made story. I was previously recommended so I focused on negative words for WAT. For SRT I just tried to be true to myself by putting myself in that situation.

For GTO I just played football and cricket for physical fitness.

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Now I will start sharing my experience about my SSB. As soon as I got my interview date of 16^th October 2015 at Bangalore, I booked my tickets in Rajdhani Express from Bhopal. On 14^th morning I boarded the train and reached destination on 15^th. I reached on railway station next day in afternoon. By evening all the candidates were at selection centre.

Next day after the OIR test we all were given a picture of 2 people sitting facing each other on a table. I perceived one of them as a girl and made my story around organizing cultural event in college and showed girl as lead character. It does not matter who you make your hero all that matters is your narration and procedure used to solve the problem (as guided by my mentors).

During the discussion just try to help your group by giving logic and supporting the common idea. Out of 259 only 37 got selected.

In the next day psychology test I performed well as I had prepared for most of it.  I did all the words all the SRT and wrote 11 line each SD. Everyone can perform good just do practice of writing.

In both the GD’s I initiated and spoke for 4 times in each GD. Topics can be of any field, just give good points and listen to others. In the GPE also I participated well and gave the final group plan. In individual obstacles I did all 10 in 3 minutes. Since I was previously selected candidate so I stood behind in FGT and HGT and tried to help group by giving ideas. In the CT I was called 3 times in group of 10. In the lecture also my preparation for GK helped me because the knowledge can be applied anywhere. Topics may vary but presentation of lecture can be practiced.

In the INTERVIEW I was asked about changes I faced since last attempt. How I prepared for GK. How I performed good in graduation. Relation of India with all the neighbors. Then I was asked many questions about technical field, like diff between SI and CI engine. How can I contribute to army being a mechanical engineer?

For the interview all I would advice is that try to know more about yourself. Talk to friends, girlfriend, family or anyone who knows you so that you can know where you lack and where you excel. After all interview is all about you. You should have clear logic for every answer you speak during interview. Being honest always helps you. I have used few lines as told to me by my mentors at different stages of preparation.

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In the conference I was asked only 2 questions. How was the food and how was the facility for accommodation.

I replied “everything was fine sir”.

In the final result only 6 got selected out of 37. I got recommended continuously 2^nd time. This time from 24 SSB Bangalore. I was declared medically fit for ARMY and now I am waiting for merit next month.

If you have any queries then you can message me on my FB id prashant.singh.grk@gmail.com

I would be happy to help.

JAI HIND.

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About the Author: Prashant Kumar Singh is a mechanical engineer who always had the dream to serve the nation. Recommended twice he wants to devote his life for the country and its people. Through this article he wants to help aspirants and share his experience.