Embarking on your journey to join the Indian Armed Forces begins with the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. The first day at the SSB interview center is crucial as it sets the stage for your performance throughout the selection process. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate your first day confidently and easily and clear your doubts and confusion in a step-by-step process.
SSB Call Letter – Booking Mode of Transport
Your journey begins with the Eureka moment when you receive the SSB call letter informing you about your SSB Center. Once you receive your SSB call letter, the next most important and immediate step is to book your mode of transportation. Whether you prefer travelling by train, bus, or aeroplane, make sure to book your tickets well in advance. This ensures you arrive on time and avoid last-minute travel stress.
Documents to Carry – Most Challenging Task (5 Most Important Tips)
Carrying the right documents in originals is vital for a smooth process. These documents are mostly comprised of your 10th class mark sheet for verification of your date of birth, 12th class passing certificate, Aadhar or any other valid Id proof, passport sized photographs plus if you are a graduate then degree certificate or else final year marksheet. Carrying these documents and keeing them safe throughout the journey can be a challenging task for you. Believe me I had a very tough time. So here are five tips to help you from my experience:
- Create a Detailed Checklist: List all required documents to ensure you don’t forget anything.
- Verify All Copies: Make multiple photocopies of each document.
- Get Necessary Attestations: Some documents may need to be attested; do this ahead of time.
- Organize Documents: Use a folder to keep documents neat and accessible.
- Protect Originals: For document verification during the SSB process, you’ll have to carry original documents. Therefore, you have to keep them safe and secure to prevent loss or damage.
It is advisable that you also write your name, phone no. address and email on the main folder carrying the documents along with a caption “to return the documents to the owner i.e. you, in case it is lost due to some unfortunate event“. There is a 99% chance, that people will return your original documents In case if at all any loss of happens.
You need to consider the following circumstances while planning your journey:
- If you travel by train, make sure you carry your documents securely preferably in a separate good-quality backpack, throughout the journey especially before you plan to sleep on an overnight journey. You keep it with yourself all the time even when you go to the washroom. Don’t ask anybody to watch over it. It’s your responsibility.
- If you are travelling by bus, again it would be preferable to keep the original documents separate from your main luggage. Make sure you don’t keep your bag having your documents on the seat during the journey break to keep your seat occupied.
- If travelling by Air, keeping the documents in hand baggage along with you is advisable.
Book Return Ticket also
Now this may sound a little too early but here is the reason for this. Booking your return ticket in advance is crucial for a smooth journey back home. On the one side, it prevents last-minute travel issues and on the other side there is another aspect which people normally tend to ignore. See, those candidates who do not clear Screening test on Day 1, are sent back to their home on that day itself. So, it also means that if you arrive at SSB Center in the morning, there are chances that you might be sent back home by the evening. In such a scenario you may not get a chance to book a ticket back to your home. In addition, you are already carrying your original documents and the luggage with you which sort of becomes difficult to manage without confirmed tickets, especially during the journey by train.
So what to do?
If you are a beginner or first time appearing in SSB, then it is advisable that you book your return ticket of the Day 1 (i.e. on the day of screening. Don’t take me wrong! It is only logical). In case you qualify screening test then cancel your ticket and book for the day of Conference results i.e. on the 5th day of your SSB and if you clear Conference, then Congratulations first! In this case you cancel your ticket again and book for another 5th day of your medical test as the same requires at least 5 days to finish.
SSB Interview – Personal Get Up for Interview and GTO
Your appearance is important during the SSB interview and Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks. For males, a clean shave and well-groomed hair preferably army-style cut is recommended. Females should opt for a neatly tide hairstyle, preferably a hair bun duly clipped, remember no fancy or colourful clips.
–Note that wearing watches is prohibited during Personal Interview and GTO tasks.
Dress Code During the Entire SSB Process
Remember, throughout your SSB process, you are being watched, not like 24X7, but once you are out of your dormitory you should carry yourself carefully. The way you talk, the way you walk, the way you socialize with fellow candidates and the way you dress up are all important traits for testing officers especially during Personal Interviews and GTO tasks. Therefore, adhering to the dress code is the first step. In fact, the dress code is also mentioned in the SSB call letter.
Wear formal attire for the personal interview, preferably a plain light shirt with a dark colour trouser coupled with a tie. The belts and formal shoes should preferably be black colour. Make sure to iron your cloths adequately.
For GTOs, SSBs instruct to wear plain white T- shirts (with collars) with white shorts along with white socks and white PT shoes.
–Remember, proper attire demonstrates your discipline and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Personal Belongings to Carry
Pack wisely for your stay. Essential items include:
- Personal hygiene products
- Medications
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Stationery (pen, notebook)
- Snacks and a water bottle
Cities where SSB Interviews are Conducted
SSB centers are located in various cities, such as:
- Allahabad (now Prayagraj)
- Bangalore
- Bhopal
- Coimbatore
- Mysore
- Varanasi
- Dehradun
Research your designated center for specific travel details and accommodation options. All these cities are well connected by Rail/ Road/ Air transport.
Arrival at the SSB Center by Rail/Road/Air
Plan your arrival to the SSB center carefully. Whether travelling by rail, road, or air, ensure you reach the city with enough time to rest before reporting. Familiarize yourself with local transportation options to reach the center without hassle. Normally, transportation by Bus from railway station is arranged by the SSB center depending on the arrival schedule of the trains. Once 30-40 candidates arrive, the bus drops them at the center.
Post arrival at the center, you will be allotted a single bed inside a dormitory with fellow companions. Each bed is usually covered with a mosquito net. Once you settle yourself, take rest and meditate for the first stage of selection which usually starts next day early morning. So, sleep timely.
Day 1: Early Morning
The breakfast timings usually are between 0600 Hrs- 0700 Hrs. Post which you will be going for document verification process. So keep them handy and ready.
Document Verification Process
The document verification process is thorough. Present your documents neatly and answer any queries confidently. Ensure all information matches the details provided in your application.
Allotment of Chest Numbers
After document verification, you will be allotted a chest number. This number is your identity throughout the SSB process, so wear it prominently at all times.
Beginning of Stage 1 Exam
The first stage of the SSB exam usually starts right after the initial formalities. It includes screening tests to evaluate your basic intelligence and aptitude. Be prepared and stay focused to perform your best.
Conclusion
With thorough preparation and a positive mindset, your first day at the SSB center can set a strong foundation for your success. Follow this guide to navigate your first day efficiently and confidently. Good luck on your journey to becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces!
