The Service Selection Board is widely known for conducting interviews for the INDIAN ARMED FORCES through a standard protocol. If a candidate wants to join the Indian Armed Forces [Indian Army, Indian Navy, or Indian Air Force] should prepare for the SSB Interview well in advance also it's beneficial to practice the interview questions that would be asked in the interview.
The purpose of the SSB interview is to evaluate a candidate's suitability and likelihood of becoming a military commander. Usually lasting five days, the procedure consists of several exams divided into distinct phases.
Although the questions in an SSB interview might vary greatly, they usually evaluate the candidate's character, leadership abilities, general awareness, and suitability for a military career.
It’s better to prepare beforehand rather than regret it later because less than 1% of candidates can produce answers on the spot, it requires a lot of practice. So it’s better to practice instead of regretting later on.
This post contains a list of common SSB interview questions, sample responses, and advice to help you prepare for the interview:
01-TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.
Insight--This question is a very common question in any SSB Interview and over here the interviewer wants to check how confident the candidate is while introducing himself or herself in front of a stranger.
Sample Answer- You can start by telling your name and saying thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself; my name name’; I've completed my studies [your studies] [from institute or school]; I am a driven, focused, hardworking person who is enthusiastic about serving my country.
02- TELL US ABOUT STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES.
Insight--This question evaluates your personality and skills. The board wants to know your strengths and weaknesses as a person and how do you approach situations in life in general based on that. This requires introspection and clarity.
Sample answer -You can start by saying that one of my strengths is the ability of problem-solve and observe the situation with various different perspectives. I believe that most problems in this world are solvable if we put our head and heart into it. I’m also persuasive in nature which has helped me in building trust and delegating tasks.
Weakness can be- sometimes I tend to overthink my decisions or ideas. To counter this negative I try to practice meditation, mindfulness, and practice decision-making exercises.
03- REASONS WHY YOU WANT TO JOIN INDIAN ARMED FORCES?
Insight- The board wants to know whether you know the requirements in the armed forces or not.
They want to check whether you are a suitable candidate or not. You can state some anecdote or incidence as to how you got motivated to pursue a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Sample answer – I want to enlist in the armed forces for a variety of reasons. The primary reason is that I think I would gain discipline, readiness, and organization, if I entered the Indian army. My potential to be a good leader and my leadership skills align with the values of the Indian army which I admire a lot and get inspired from.
In the Indian army, my grandfather had the rank of Lieutenant. When I was younger, I was really proud of him for holding an outstanding position and to serve our nation and its people. This explains the desire to enlist in the Indian military.
04- WHAT IS THE MEANING BEHIND YOUR NAME, AND WHAT DOES IT SIGNIFY TO YOU?
Insight- The interviewer wants to know how much awareness you have about basics regarding yourself.
Sample answer- my name ‘Jayas’ [for example] means the ability to win in life and be confident about oneself. My parents named me Jayas because they wished that I would succeed in my life pursue whatever I wanted to and lead a life full of integrity and satisfaction.
05- WHY WEREN'T YOU RECOMMENDED IN YOUR EARLIER ATTEMPTS?
Insight- The board wants to know whether you introspect on your decisions which leads to the very crucial aspect of personality whether can you take criticism or not.
Sample answer- I could not get recommended in my previous attempts because I lacked effective communication and confidence about the answers that I gave. There was a lack of self-conviction. Also, my physical fitness was not up to the mark. These experiences helped me to introspect and therefore improve my next attempt.
06- HOW DO YOU STAY INFORMED ABOUT CURRENT AFFAIRS?
Insight- the board wants to know about the preparation strategy.
Sample answer- I kept myself updated about current events by reading authentic newspapers, following relevant news blogs, and time to time peer discussions. I believe it’s important to be well-informed about the national international happening in the country so that we can have a constructive opinion.
07- HOW DO YOU COORDINATE IN TEAM TASKS?
Insight- the board wants to know how you would create group cohesion, your leadership skills, and situational awareness.
Sample answer- I participate and contribute by being an active listener where I listen not only to keep my point across the table but also listen to understand what the other person wants to say. I believe when a team works towards a common goal it becomes very important that each and every member understands the goal and contributes towards achieving it, that itself creates a healthy environment for every member to flourish and grow on a personal and group level.
08- HOW DO YOU TACKLE SETBACKS AND FAILURES?
Insight- The board wants to know your personality and how do you handle various situations.
Sample answer- I view failure as a chance to grow and learn. When I have a setback, I analyse what went wrong, look for areas where I can improve, and use the experience to propel myself forward. I think that overcoming obstacles requires perseverance, resilience, and an optimistic mindset.
09- HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM?
Insight- The board wants to know your personality and how do you handle various situations.
Sample answer- I see constructive criticism as an opportunity to get better. When someone gives me feedback, I actively listen to it, consider it, and use it to improve my skills and output. I can get better and aim for excellence with constructive criticism.
10- DO YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND? IF NOT, THEN WHY?
Sample answer- Even if you have wonderful female co-workers who are also good friends, it's possible that you are too focused on your career to consider this. If you don't have a girlfriend, tell it politely and don't try to prove yourself excessively.
11- DO YOU SMOKE OR DRINK?
Insight- The board wants to know how you conduct yourself and what you think about vices.
Sample answer- No, I do not consume alcohol or smoke. I think that leading a healthy lifestyle and remaining physically active are essential to achieving my goals of joining the Armed Services. Avoiding such behaviors also keeps me disciplined and focused.
12- WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR IN LIFE?
Insight- The board wants to know how you tackle your emotions and how far does it affect you.
Sample answer- Not reaching my full potential and losing out on chances to have a significant impact is what I'm most afraid of. I always challenge myself to step beyond my comfort zone and aim for excellence in whatever I do in order to overcome this.
13- WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? COULD YOU GIVE ME SOME REASONS TO SELECT YOU?
Sample answer- I possess a special blend of leadership expertise, discipline, and a strong dedication to service. My experience guiding trips and trekking has sharpened my problem-solving and collaboration abilities. Personally, I believe my commitment, toughness, and demonstrated aptitude for adapting to situations make me a good candidate for serving in the armed forces.
14- IN THE FOREST, WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF A LION APPROACHED YOU?
Sample answer- I would maintain my composure and refrain from making sudden moves if a lion were approaching. I would slowly back away while keeping eye contact, trying to make myself look bigger. Rushing could set off the lion's chase instinct, so it's crucial to avoid doing so. My primary goal would be to find a safe spot or higher ground.
15- DESCRIBE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF.
Sample answer- Leading a successful inter-state volleyball competition is my greatest accomplishment. I was able to maintain team morale while making sure everyone was safe and having a fantastic time. My leadership skills were proven by this experience, which also made me more determined to seek a career in the armed services.
16- DESCRIBE THE SOCIAL SERVICES YOU DELIVERED SO FAR IN YOUR LIFE.
Sample answer- I've taken an active part in a number of social service initiatives. I helped with neighborhood non-governmental organizations, helping to rescue stray dogs, transporting them to medical facilities when necessary, and planning educational events on animal rights and how to treat them with compassion. I also took part in blood donation camps and cleanliness campaigns. I've learned from these experiences how important it is to contribute to society and have an encouraging impact.
17- WHAT IS YOUR EVERYDAY SCHEDULE?
Insight- An interviewer over here wants to know your time-management skills and productivity skills. Over here it’s important to give details in such a way that they align with your personal and professional life.
Sample answer- So I believe in starting my day one night before which means I plan my day the in night itself as to what I would be doing the next day. This saves me time the next day and avoids a lot of confusion. I begin my day early on around 6 am, since I feel the most energetic during early hours. I freshen up, do my yoga, have breakfast, have a look at the newspaper, and jot down important points of that day's news. Then study my other subjects as per the syllabus. After a while help with household things and spending some time with my family and siblings. Then in the evening revise and practise whatever ihve studied and then go to bed by 11 pm.
18- MENTION YOUR HOBBIES AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Insight- Extracurricular activities and hobbies help people define themselves and develop soft skills. This question may be asked by interviewers for assessing a candidate's character and values.
Sample answer- I have a strong desire to assist with animal foster care. For the past two years, I have been a volunteer at a nearby animal shelter, helping to find new homes for rescued pets. We launched a fresh initiative to locate additional pets in remote locations and transport them to the shelter house. Helping animals in need brought me a sense of joy.
I have volunteered for a number of NGO and charitable causes. In a number of local communities, I have also given classes on the importance of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
19- HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR PHYSICAL FITNESS?
Insight- One of the most important requirements for joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force is physical wellness. This question is frequently used by interviewers to evaluate your level of physical fitness and if you maintain a regular exercise schedule. List all of the workouts you do to be active and in good health.
Sample answer- My exercise regimen, consists of physical training, meditation, and lots of rest. I start my physical training with bodyweight exercises, stretching, and a warm-up. In order to increase my stamina and endurance, I jog and swim as part of my cardio routine. I meditate daily to help me focus and increase my level of concentration. I also take care of my nutrition by adhering to a diet plan and increasing my consumption of good-quality food.
20- WHAT ARE THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DEFENCE SECTOR?
Sample answer- You can mention 3-4 points about recent developments in defence sector of the country. Be very accurate about the information you will be giving because incorrect information will create an impression you were not thinking before speaking and blabbering data, eventually, it will lead to forming a bad impression. So be very attentive to what you speak. Give fewer events but it should be accurate.
We hope this article helps you in forming good crisp and authentic answers for the SSB Interview session. The sample answers will give an insight as to how and what information can be given.
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