Why 3 techniques in the SSB?
Why the SSB uses three different techniques — Interview, Psychology, and GTO — to assess a candidate, instead of a single test.
A person communicates with their social environment in three primary ways — speaking, writing and acting. They use one or a combination of these methods to express their thoughts.
Quality of communication varies between people. A candidate may be an excellent speaker but not as proficient in writing or doing things. An individual may also exhibit a different behaviour in a group than when alone.
Therefore, SSBs have designed three different techniques to give candidates the opportunity to express themselves freely and exhibit their talents.
Interview — speaking
The Interviewing Officer assesses you through a one-on-one conversation. Speaking surfaces clarity of thought, reasoning, and confidence under direct questioning.
Psychology — writing
The Psychology Test — TAT, WAT, SRT and Self Description — assesses you through what you put on paper under time pressure. Writing surfaces imagination, goal-seeking behaviour, and habitual response patterns.
GTO — performing in a group
The Group Testing Officer assesses you through outdoor and indoor group tasks. Doing in a group surfaces leadership, teamwork, planning ability, and how you behave when watched.