CDS Pattern

The SSB (Services Selection Board) interview for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam is conducted in two stages:
Stage 1: The first stage of the SSB interview consists of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT). The OIR tests are conducted to assess the candidate's verbal and non-verbal intelligence, while the PPDT is a test of the candidate's ability to perceive and describe a given picture. Candidates who clear the Stage 1 are selected for Stage 2. Stage 2: The second stage of the SSB interview consists of a series of tests, including Psychological Tests, Group Testing Officers (GTO) Tasks, and Personal Interview . The psychological tests include tests such as Thematic Perception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (What), and Situation Reaction Test (SRT). The GTO tasks include group discussion, group planning exercise, and outdoor group tasks. The Personal Interview is conducted by a board of officers to assess the candidate's personality and suitability for the respective defense service. The SSB interview is conducted over a period of five days, and each test carries a certain weightage in the final selection process. Candidates are required to perform well in all the tests to increase their chances of selection. Therefore, candidates who clear the CDS written exam should prepare well for the SSB interview and perform their best in all the stages of the interview to increase their chances of selection for admission to the respective defense academies.