August 11, 2023
Q1 - How did you prepare for Stage I for OIRs and PPDT?
I was given practice sets for OIRs which helped me understand the tricks for solving questions, I practiced at my own from online OIR modules. For PPDT, I kept the points given at AMAS in mind about how to approach a picture that made it easy for me to get screened in.
Q2 - How to keep confidence levels going throughout the SSB?
I believe that confidence comes with proper knowledge and preparation. I kept myself updated with the current happenings as well as the general awareness, which helped me extensively in the SSB, thereby increasing my confidence too.
Q3 - How have you been able to work in a group for GTO tasks? Did the outdoor tasks in GTO series pose a hurdle to you?
GTO tasks won’t prove to be a hurdle till a candidate is cooperative and is willing to listen to the group. I did the same. Whenever I had a good solution, I gave it to the group, whenever I got stuck, I made sure to listen to solutions by others and help the group implement them. Cooperating and carrying the group along is the key.
Q4 - How did you prepare for interview?
Since most of the interview is focused on our life and decisions, I would say that interview preparation should start with self-introspection. A candidate must have logical and proper reasons for every life decisions they took. GK, Current affairs as well as subject related questions are asked a lot, so I made sure to study them too, especially the subjects or areas I am weak at.
Q5 - How did u tackle the rapid fire questions as part of the interview?
I was given a list of probable rapid fire questions at AMAS that helped me frame the answers for them. During the interview, a little trick that I applied was to answer the rapid fire questions chronologically. For example, I started with academics achievements sports of class 10th. Then the same for class 12th and so on. That helped me organise my responses.
Q6 - How did you prepare for Psychology tests?
At AMAS, we were taught that increasing general awareness improves ones responses in the psych test, so I focused on that. I also practiced SRTs a lot so that I attempt atleast 50 in the SSB, I also made sure that I improve the presentation and handwriting because that leaves a good first impression. Practicing while keeping the advices given at AMAS helped me the most.
Q7 - Time given to attempt the TAT,WAT, SRT enough?
If there’s enough practice, the time is enough for attempting those tests. I never found any difficulty in completing the TAT and WAT. I also wrote 55 SRTs in two different attempts since I had practiced a lot. Timed practices help a candidate increase their writing speed. Practice shouldn’t be ignored.
Q8 - How did AMAS training help you on an overall perspective?
Since I was a repeater, I had difficulty finding the mistakes in my previous attempts, AMAS helped me recognise those and then helped me work on them. My GK also improved because of daily classes which helped me prepare for interview, lecturette and GD
Q9 - What tips would you like to give to the SSB aspirants?
The first tip would be to never give up. Secondly, a candidate must always focus on the importance of GK and current affairs. If the candidate is weak in English, then speaking and writing in English must be practiced as speaking and expressing thoughts properly leaves a lasting impression. Finally, a candidate should live their life responsibly and take their own decisions, they should not trivialise or run away from day to day tasks or problems as these are the things which shape ones personality.
Q10 – Who played a key role in your success?
There’s no one person behind my success but a lot of people who continued to believe in me and kept motivating me. My parents are undoubtedly the first ones who come to my mind if I have to give someone the credit of my success, all the faculty at AMAS, especially Col MP Sir also played a major role in guiding and channelizing my thoughts.