How to prepare for Psychology Test in SSB?

Psychology Test in SSB

Psychology test in SSB: Candidates consider this test the most difficult to crack in the SSB Interviews. If you approach these tests naturally and with a clear understanding of the SSB testing process and what’s expected from you, the entire five-day assessment procedure can become relatively easy for you to pass. It’s essential to have a good knowledge of the SSB testing protocol and what they expect from candidates.

SSB is totally based on the projective technique that you project in the span of five days in the SSB. The assessors are trained professionally to assess your true personality, so being natural and honest is the key to success. Below we have provided tips on how to prepare for the psychology test in SSB. Psychological test in the SSB Interview consists of the following series:

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
• Word Association Test (WAT)
• Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
• Self-Description Test (SDT)

Below we will discuss as how to prepare for these tests separately and how to protect yourself in these tests.

How to prepare for Thematic Apperception Test(TAT)?

Thematic Appreciation Test in SSB: This is the first test in the psychological assessment battery during the SSB interview. It involves the presentation of 12 different pictures, with the 12th being a blank slide where you’re required to create your own story. You’re given a total of 4 minutes to complete each story, with the initial 30 seconds meant for observation.

While some candidates prepare a pool of 50-60 stories and attempt to fit them into the SSB interview themes, this approach is successful in only about 1% of cases. In 99% of instances, this strategy tends to work against you rather than in your favor.

So to prepare for the TAT test, first, you need to understand that what is required from you when you attempt these tests. SSB recommends candidates who have the Officer-like Qualities in their personality. So, first understand and know what are these officer-like qualities and how can you inculcate these qualities in your true personality and then in your stories.

• Your story should be written in past tense which should have three things i.e. What led to the situation, What is going on in the picture and What is the logical outcome of the picture.
• The main things to keep in mind here are that what led to the situation should be completed in the 2 lines and the present ongoing things or the action part of the story should be written in at least 6-7 lines and after you should sum up your story by giving the logical outcome or conclusion to it.
• Don’t act as a superhero or take an impractical approach to handle the situation in the given picture.
• Be a normal human being and write a practical story related to your own personality thinking out-of-the-box ideas.
• Avoid negative approaches in your stories. Your story should reflect officer-like qualities and a positive approach towards life and it should not have content showing your negative qualities, pessimistic attitude, suicidal tendencies, depression, or other psychological problems.

What we will recommend is to live your life to the fullest, practice different hobbies and interests and enjoy every single moment of it. Take whatever responsibility is given to you, even initiate work in your home, offices and talk to different people.

In this way, you would be able to write natural stories and that would really help you in clearing your SSB interview. Start observing things around you and make stories on the real-life situations in mind. In this way, you will be able to think fast and under pressure as well.

How to Prepare for Word Association test (WAT)

Word Appreciation Test in SSB: This is the second test of the psychological test battery. In this test, you would be shown 60 words of daily use including some negative words and you would be provided 15 seconds to write a sentence for every word. You would feel the time pressure here so it is advised to prepare yourself thoroughly and write your first thought in front of the word.

• To improve your WAT quality you should start reading self-development books. Divert your thinking in a positive direction.
• Be a solution-oriented person for every problem.
• Read positive quotes and surround yourself with good people and keep on discussing your performance with your friends and parent or whom so ever you would like to.
• You have to improve your overall personality to clear SSB Interview.

How to Prepare for Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

Situation Reaction Test in SSB: This test is conducted after WAT and it is third in number in the SSB Psychological tests battery. You would be provided a sheet and 60 Situations would be given to you and you are expected to write your responses to those situations.

• Attempt as many situations as you can, keep a minimum of 35 but the quality of responses matters a lot in this test.
• Be very practical and natural in your responses and don’t try to write someone else’s response.
• Read the situation very carefully and then write the solution. Keep in mind all the resources that are provided to you in the situation.
• Practice a lot and decide in that particular situation what quality psychologists want to see in your personality and answer accordingly being very practical.

How to Prepare for Self-Description Test (SDT)

Self-Description Test in SSB: This is the last but very important test of the SSB psychological test battery. These 5 questions would be asked to you related to your personal life and professional life.

• What do your parents think of you?
• What do your friends/Colleagues think of you?
• What do your Superior/Teachers think of you?
• What do you think of yourself?
• What kind of person you would like to become?

Be very honest while you answer these questions. The best way to know the nature and truth is to ask these questions to the following people and if you need improvement in your personality then improve yourself. Try to become a  better person every day, and be a keen learner and observer. Help people around you, become a good human being and SSB would become a piece of cake for you.

I hope we have covered all things related to the SSB psychological test and would like to conclude by saying that trust yourself and be honest and natural and you will make it.
Jai Hind!