Selection Process for Indian Army SSC(Tech) Courses

1. Shortlisting of Applications:

• Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) reserves the right to shortlist applications based on the cumulative percentage of marks obtained in graduation.​
• The cutoff percentage will be applied to each engineering stream based on the number of applications received and vacancies available.​
• Final semester/year studying candidates will be provisionally allowed to appear in SSB, subject to meeting the cutoff percentage.​

2. Centre Allotment:

• After shortlisting, candidates will be informed about their selection centre via email.​
• Candidates must log in to the website to select their SSB dates, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. ​ If not selected, dates will be allotted by the Selection Centres.

3. SSB Interview:

• The SSB interview is a comprehensive assessment that includes various tests and tasks designed to evaluate the candidate’s suitability for a career in the Indian Army. The interview is conducted in two stages over five days.​

  Stage-1:

  • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test: This test assesses the candidate’s verbal and non-verbal reasoning abilities.
  • Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT): Candidates are shown a picture and asked to write a story based on their perception of the picture. This test evaluates the candidate’s imagination, perception, and narrative skills.

  Stage-2:

  • Psychological Tests: These include:
    • Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): Candidates write stories based on a series of pictures shown to them.
    • Word Association Test (WAT): Candidates write sentences based on a series of words shown to them.
    • Situation Reaction Test (SRT): Candidates write their responses to various hypothetical situations.
    • Self-Description Test (SD): Candidates write a brief description of themselves.
  • Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks: These tasks assess the candidate’s ability to work in a team, leadership qualities, and physical fitness. They include:
    • Group Discussion (GD)
    • Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
    • Progressive Group Tasks (PGT)
    • Group Obstacle Race (GOR)
    • Half Group Tasks (HGT)
    • Lecturette
    • Individual Obstacles (IO)
    • Command Task
    • Final Group Task (FGT)
  • Personal Interview: Conducted by an Interviewing Officer to evaluate the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for the role.

4. Medical Examination:

• Candidates recommended by the SSB will undergo a medical examination.​
• The medical standards and procedures are available on the official website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.​

5. Final Merit List:

• A merit list will be prepared based on the marks obtained in the SSB interview.​
• In case of a tie in SSB marks, the older candidate will be ranked higher.​
• If both SSB marks and age are the same, the candidate with a higher percentage in the qualifying examination will be ranked higher.​
• Candidates in the merit list who meet all eligibility criteria and are medically fit will receive joining letters for pre-commissioning training.​

6. Training:

• Selected candidates will undergo training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA).​
• The training duration is 49 weeks.​
• Candidates are not allowed to marry during the training period.​
• Successful completion of training will result in the award of a ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Defence Management and Strategic Studies’.​

7. Grant of Commission:

• Candidates will be granted Short Service Commission on probation in the rank of Lieutenant from the date of commencement of the course or the date of reporting at OTA, whichever is later.​
• Pay and allowances will be paid after successful completion of training.​

8. Confirmation of Short Service Commission:

• On successful completion of pre-commission training, officers will be confirmed Short Service Commission (Technical) in the rank of Lieutenant.​

9. Ante Date Seniority:

• One year ante date seniority from the date of commission will be granted to Engineering Graduates of Short Service Commission (Technical) in the rank of Lieutenant

Preparation Tips:

• Improve Reasoning Skills: Practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions to prepare for the OIR test.
• Enhance Communication Skills: Work on your narrative and descriptive writing skills for the PPDT and psychological tests.
• Develop Leadership and Teamwork Skills: Engage in group activities and tasks that require teamwork and leadership.
• Stay Physically Fit: Maintain a good level of physical fitness to perform well in the GTO tasks.
• Self-Reflection: Be prepared to discuss your strengths, weaknesses, and personal experiences during the personal interview.​

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