The moment SSB interview dates are declared, the mind of every defence aspirant starts to stimulate with the questions like: “what should I do next? How should I get prepared for NDA SSB? Which is the best SSB board? How do I plan for travel and documents?” For your convenience, we’ve created a simple, straightforward guide to show you how the SSB process works step by step, and how you can improve the likelihood of you acing it.
This user-friendly guide presents in a concise manner various constellations: NDA SSB interview preparation, OIR test tips, PPDT strategy, psychology tests, GTO tasks and personal interview guidance. Whether you are starting from scratch or need guidance to develop your planning, this guide will keep you motivated, focused and fully equipped for NDA process (SSB included). A lot of candidates also explore topics like best SSB coaching for NDA, how to clear SSB, SSB document checklist, SSB tips for beginners and how to improve communication skills for SSB– all being essential aspects of a good preparation.
Verify Your SSB Date, Board & Reporting Time
You normally obtain SSB dates through:
- Join Indian Army portal
- Email/SMS
- AFSB/NSB Login
Take a Close Look at These 3 Items:
- Board Name (Allahabad/Bhopal/Bangalore/Mysore/Dehradun etc.)
- Reporting Date & Time
- Batch Number
Tip: Once you get the date take a screenshot and save the PDF as soon to this point.
Choose Your SSB Board Mindfully (If There Are Choices)
To select the SSB date & board sometimes one can get a chance to choose through Army portal.
Here’s how to decide:
- For Army Aspirants
- Bhopal – Hassle free, the most popular choice of aspirants
- Bengaluru – Balanced and fair
Allahabad: Oldest board, high competition, strict but fair.
For Air Force Aspirants
- AFSB Dehradun – Most preferred
- AFSB Mysore – Very organised
- AFSB Varanasi – Well they made me feel comfortable in the interview actuated surroundings.
- AFSB Gandhinagar – New board, generally less crowded
For Navy Aspirants
- Mysore – Highly preferred
- Bengaluru – Excellent naval panel
- Coimbatore (NSB) – Freshers can go for it.
Rule: Choose the board that suits your comfort level, confidence and convenience of travel.
Begin Your Preparation Right Now (No Waiting!)
You can’t crack SSB at the last moment. Start immediately:
Screening Preparation
- Practice OIR daily
- PPDT news must be easy to understand, action-orientated and logical
- Narration: 40–50 seconds, simple English
- Group discussion: Speak clearly, not loudly
Psychology Preparation
- TAT: Producing positive & realistic narratives
- WAT: Write OLQ-based sentences
- SRT: Give practical, logical responses
- SDT: Provide honest self-description
GTO Preparation
- Lecturette practice (2–3 minutes)
- GD practice daily
- Group Planning Exercises
- Outdoor tasks (PGT/HGT/Command Task)
- Maintain physical fitness
Interview Preparation
- Fill your PIQ form neatly
- Get ready with your own background, motivations & GK
- Improve communication clarity
Keep Your Documents Ready (Very Important)
Mandatory SSB documents include:
- Original 10th Marksheet
- Original 12th Marksheet
- Photo ID (Aadhar preferred)
- Passport-size Photos
- SSB Call Letter
- Online Application Printout
- Travel Tickets
Note: Temporary refusal may result if any of these documents are missing.
Travel & Stay Planning
Travel
- Prefer trains (safe + easy)
- Arrive one day before reporting
- First-time candidates receive travel allowance
Stay
- Come to the SSB center on reporting day morning.
- Don’t sleep in any of those by-the-gate hotels.
- and once in campus, stay + food is absolutely FREE!
How to prepare yourself mentally for SSB
- Stop overthinking
- Identify and refine your strengths
- Improve social behavior
- Stay confident; avoid being over-smart
- Gradually develop OLQs (Officer-Like Qualities)
What to Wear for SSB
Screening Day
- Formal shirt & trousers
- Clean, polished shoes
GTO Activities
- Sportswear
- Sports shoes
- Trackpants / T-shirt
Interview
- Formal full-sleeve shirt
- Tie (optional but recommended)
- Polished formal shoes
SSB – The 5 Day Breakdown Done With You Process
| Day | Activities |
| Day 1 | OIR + PPDT + Screening |
| Day 2 | Psychology Tests (TAT/WAT/SRT/SDT) |
| Day 3 | GTO Day 1 (GD, GPE, PGT, HGT) |
| Day 4 | GTO Day 2 (IO, Command Task, Lecturette) |
| Day 5 | Conference + Result |
Free SSB Coaching at Shield Defence Academy
Then when SSB dates are out, Shield Defence Academy initiates the FREE SSB Guidance Programs for NDA aspirants.
Free Batch Includes:
- Daily Screening & PPDT Practice
- Group Discussion & Lecturette
- Psychology Test Coaching
- GTO Ground Training
- Mock Personal Interviews
- Confidence Building Sessions
- Real-Time Assessment
- OLQ Development Program
Why Free?
To make sure that NDA aspirants get right help at the right time.
Online & Offline Registration (Already Started)
You can register via:
- Official Website
- Indira Nagar Branch
- Alambagh Branch
Hostel facility is available.
Additional Tips for Students
- Overconfidence = Rejection
- Copying = Immediate detection
- Be original
- Use simple, clear English
- Show teamwork
- Stay positive and calm