SSB Interview - Complete Overview
The SSB Interview is a multi-stage selection process designed to assess a candidate’s suitability for becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
Exam Date
13 September, 2026
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What is SSB Interview ?
SSB Latest Updates
- The UPSC will release the NDA (II) 2026 notification on 20 May 2026..
- “A total of 394 vacancies will be released, and candidates can submit their NDA registration form from 20 May 2026 at upsc.gov.in.
- The last date to apply online for NDA (II) 2026 will be 9 June 2026.
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- Latest Notifications
- Syllabus
- Eligiblity Criteria
- Previous Year Questions
Free Tools
- Age calculator
- Cut off Calculator
- Medical Fiteness Check
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SSB COACHING PROGRAM:
Choose the Right SSB Training Program for Your Goals
SSB Coaching -14 Days Programe
- Duration: 14 Days
- Screening (PPDT & OIR) Practice
- Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD)
- Indoor GTO Preparation (GPE, Lecturette, GD)
- Outdoor GTO Tasks
- Mock Personal Interviews
- Basic Outdoor Training
SSB Coaching - 30 Days Programe
- Duration: 30 Days
Includes everything in the 14-day program, plus
- Advanced Psychology Mastery
- One-to-One Personal Mock Interviews
- Panel Mock Interviews
- Extensive Indoor & Outdoor GTO Task Practice
ASCAP – Advanced SSB Course with Adventure Program
- Duration: 90 Days
Includes everything in the 30 -day program, plus
- Intensive Communication Skills Training
- Spoken English with Expert Trainers
- Endurance Training
- Body Language & Dressing Workshops
- Revision & Improvement Sessions for Weak Areas
Free Counselling
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SSB Selection Proccess
This is the process that you will go through after clearing the written exam and reporting to the SSB Centre. The 5-day schedule explains each stage of testing that every candidate follows during the selection process at SSB Centre.”
Day 1: SSB Interview
Conducted by the Services Selection Board
The SSB Interview is conducted over 5 days and assesses a candidate’s Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
SSB Stage I: Screening Test
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
Candidates who fail Stage I are screened out and do not proceed further.
SSB Stage II: Psychological & Group Testing
Candidates who clear Stage I undergo the following:
Psychological Tests
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Word Association Test (WAT)
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
- Self-Description Test
Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Group discussions
- Outdoor group tasks
- Command task
- Lecturette
Personal Interview
- One-to-one interview with the Interviewing Officer
Conference
- Final assessment and recommendation decision
Stage 3: Medical
- Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a medical examination conducted by authorised military medical boards.
- Medical standards are strictly as per Armed Forces norms.
- Both temporary and permanent unfitness can lead to rejection.
There is no relaxation in medical standards.
Stage 4: Final Merit
The final merit list is prepared based on:
- Written examination marks
- SSB Interview marks
(Medical fitness is mandatory for inclusion in the merit list.)
Allocation of Army, Navy, or Air Force depends on:
- Merit rank
- Candidate preference
- Availability of vacancies
Candidates in the final merit list receive joining instructions from the Service Headquarters and report to NDA, Khadakwasla for training, subject to medical fitness and vacancies.
SSB Selection Proccess
The selection process for the NDA examination is conducted in multiple stages, and a candidate must qualify each stage separately to move forward. Final selection is based strictly on merit and medical fitness.
Stage 2: SSB Interview
Conducted by the Services Selection Board
The SSB Interview is conducted over 5 days and assesses a candidate’s Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
SSB Stage I: Screening Test
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
Candidates who fail Stage I are screened out and do not proceed further.
SSB Stage II: Psychological & Group Testing
Candidates who clear Stage I undergo the following:
Psychological Tests
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Word Association Test (WAT)
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
- Self-Description Test
Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Group discussions
- Outdoor group tasks
- Command task
- Lecturette
Personal Interview
- One-to-one interview with the Interviewing Officer
Conference
- Final assessment and recommendation decision
Stage 3: Medical
- Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a medical examination conducted by authorised military medical boards.
- Medical standards are strictly as per Armed Forces norms.
- Both temporary and permanent unfitness can lead to rejection.
There is no relaxation in medical standards.
Stage 4: Final Merit
The final merit list is prepared based on:
- Written examination marks
- SSB Interview marks
(Medical fitness is mandatory for inclusion in the merit list.)
Allocation of Army, Navy, or Air Force depends on:
- Merit rank
- Candidate preference
- Availability of vacancies
Candidates in the final merit list receive joining instructions from the Service Headquarters and report to NDA, Khadakwasla for training, subject to medical fitness and vacancies.
NDA Syllabus
The NDA written examination syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s conceptual clarity, problem-solving ability, and general awareness up to Class 10–12 level.
The syllabus is prescribed by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) and is the same for all candidates.
NDA Maths Syllabus
Paper I: Mathematics (300 Marks)
Algebra
- Sets, relations, and functions
- Real numbers
- Quadratic equations
- Complex numbers
- Permutations and combinations
- Binomial theorem
- Arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic progressions
Matrices & Determinants
- Types of matrices
- Determinants and their properties
- Solution of linear equations
Trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios and identities
- Trigonometric equations
- Inverse trigonometric functions
Analytical Geometry
- Cartesian coordinate system
- Straight lines
- Circles
- Parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola
Differential Calculus
- Limits
- Continuity
- Derivatives and applications
Integral Calculus
- Integration
- Definite integrals
- Area under curves
Statistics & Probability
- Measures of central tendency
- Probability
Pro Tip: Click on any chapter above to access short, exam-focused notes.
NDA GAT Syllabus
Part A: English (200 Marks)
- Noun
- Pronoun
- Verb
- Tense
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Voice
- Narration
- Preposition
- Conjunction
- Articles
- Determiners
- Modals
- Adjective
- Adverb
Pro Tip: Click on any chapter above to access short, exam-focused notes.
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
Physics
- Motion and laws of motion
- Work, energy, and power
- Heat and thermodynamics
- Sound and waves
- Electricity and magnetism
- Adverb
Chemistry
- Physical and chemical changes
- Elements, compounds, and mixtures
- Acids, bases, and salts
- Metals and non-metals
- Fuels and everyday chemistry
General Science
- Human body and nutrition
- Diseases and prevention
- Environment and ecology
History
- Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history
- Indian freedom struggle
- Important historical movements
Geography
- Earth and its structure
- Climate and weather
- Indian geography
- Natural resources
Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Fundamental rights and duties
- Structure of government
Current Affairs
- National and international events
- Defence-related developments
- Sports, awards, and important appointments
Pro Tip: Click on any chapter above to access short, exam-focused notes.
NDA Result/Cut Off
The NDA cut-off is the minimum score required to qualify for the next stage of the selection process. It is decided every year by the Union Public Service Commission based on multiple factors.
Written Exam Cut-Off
This is the minimum score required to qualify the NDA written examination.
It is calculated out of 900 marks:
- Mathematics: 300 marks
- GAT: 600 marks
Candidates must:
- Secure the overall written cut-off, and
- Obtain the minimum qualifying marks in each paper separately.
Only candidates who clear the written cut-off are issued SSB call-up instructions.
Final Cut-Off
The final cut-off is calculated out of 1800 marks:
- Written Examination: 900
- SSB Interview: 900
It determines:
- Final selection
- Merit rank
- Service allocation (Army, Navy, Air Force)
Only candidates who clear the written cut-off are issued SSB call-up instructions.
Free Tools
- Age calculator
- Cut off Calculator
- Medical Fiteness Check
- Counselling Sessions
Free Downloads
- Latest Notifications
- Syllabus
- Eligiblity Criteria
- Previous Year Questions