SSB Interview (Services Selection Board) is an important process to all those who want to be in the Indian Armed Forces as an officer. But the most common question that the candidates usually have is: What are the exams that I have to pass before I can get to the SSB interview stage? This blog explains that question in detail:
What is SSB Interview?
SSB Interview is a five-day personality and intelligence test procedure of determining the competence of a candidate in a career in the Army, Navy or Air Force. It is done by the Services Selection Board and involves psychological tests, group activities and personal interviews. It can be helpful to prepare using the proper SSB interview book, but the exam itself is more about character than skills.
Which are the Entry Gates to SSB Interview?
A candidate who wants to appear in the SSB interview has to pass some written exams or use direct entry modes depending on his/her qualifications. The following table gives the principal routes:
|
Entry Scheme |
Required Exam |
Eligibility |
Conducted By |
|---|---|---|---|
|
NDA (National Defence Academy) |
NDA Exam |
12th Pass (PCM for Air Force/Navy) |
UPSC |
|
CDS (Combined Defence Services) |
CDS Exam |
Graduate |
UPSC |
|
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) |
AFCAT |
Graduate (with Science background for flying/technical branch) |
Indian Air Force |
|
INET (Indian Navy Entrance Test) |
INET |
Graduate (specific branches) |
Indian Navy |
|
TES (Technical Entry Scheme) |
No Exam (Direct Entry) |
12th Pass with PCM (minimum 85%) |
Indian Army |
|
NCC Special Entry |
No Exam |
NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders (Graduate) |
Respective Services |
|
University Entry Scheme (UES) |
No Exam |
Final Year Engineering Students |
Respective Services |
|
JAG Entry (Law) |
No Exam |
LLB Graduate with 55% |
Indian Army |
Is There Direct Entry without written exam?
Yes, there are those entries that do not involve a written exam such as TES, NCC Special Entry and UES. The short listing of the candidates is done on merit, academic performance or certain achievements and then they are called to appear in the SSB interview. But still, without a written test, it is necessary to prepare properly with the help of an SSB book.
Read More: AFCAT Interview & SSB Preparation: How to Crack the Final Stage
What is the significance of exam preparation on SSB interview?
Whereas the qualifying exams screen candidates based on their academic performance, the SSB interview evaluates the personality, leadership, decision-making and mental strength. It is useful to use the correct book to prepare SSB in order to get the idea of the group task pattern, as well as the expectations of the interview, but self-awareness and practice are more important.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are a number of tests which may take you to the SSB interview level, according to your education and age. Knowledge of the eligibility and entry routes may assist you in planning more effectively and not to miss the deadlines. Then plan well, gain confidence and ensure that you have a solid base-both mentally and physically.
