MY EXPERIENCE AT SSMENTORS - UTKARSH MAURYA

Before starting my coaching at SSMENTORS, I have been screened out four times and once conference out. The reason I was unable to succeed due to my lack of confidence, inability to express my thoughts and ideas during the conduct of SSB. I knew about this problem but I had no idea how to overcome this problem. For this I was refered to Col Kataria institute. Initially, I thought that what help will I get, I had almost all knowledge but confidence was the issue. But after attending the classes at SSMENTORS, I realized that my confidence level was improving, was able to express my ideas in better manner. Here I got exactly what I needed to know for selection process and I was attended to each and every doubts of mine. Personal attention to every student was the best part of coaching. We were given adequate practice of all tests and tasks in actual conditions. Each and every day spent here played a part in getting me recommended. For this I would like to thank Col Kataria for the help and attention in the entire process which finally brought me success. 

      STAGE ONE OR SCREENING TEST – MATTER OF CONCERN

Screening or Stage one testing is the first step towards achieving your aim but 60% candidates do not make it to next stage. All candidates are familiar with this because everyone has to face this. If we obtain the feedback on screening test, we will get very vague answers from candidates as none of them is sure how he got through or failed. If we analyze the trend invariably you will find majority of candidates do not pay attention towards preparation for screening test and in the end, they blame the group as he was not given opportunity to speak during the discussion. If we analyze the stage one testing, it can be divided in four stages-

               Verbal and Non-Verbal test – Individual Level

               Picture Perception Test - individual Level

               Story Narration – Individual Level

               Group Discussion - Individual Performance in a Group

On analyzing these stages,these are inter related and lead to clearing your screening part where as candidate think only group discussion is important because he is judged by assessors accordingly he gives more weightage to this part which is not the case. During group discussion test, assessors are not aware of your performance in IQ test and clearing screening test is a combination of IQ as well as performance in Group Discussion. For ease of understanding, I will elaborate these stages so that you can handle these stages effectively .

Verbal and Non-verbal Test

This test is conducted to calculate your IQ level in numerical form which is important not only for your screening but plays important role in stage two testing as well. Most of the questions are basic in nature. First step identify the types of questions you will come across, thereafter, practice to identify your problem area. After identifying your problem area you must overcome your problem so that you score best IQ rating . Secondly speed is the key issue practice as many test consisting 40 to 50 questions to improve your speed. Generally you get half the time of total no. questions. Lastly there is no negative marking. Scoring good rating will have good impact on interview and psych test performance.

Picture perception Test

This test can be prepared along with TAT the stage two test as there is no difference in story writing between screen and stage two except the initial part wherein you have to describe theme and no. of characters.

Naration of Story

Once you complete your picture perception you must read what you have written and when you go out must practice for narration part so that you do not miss out any thing important and confidence is the key issue while narrating it and make eye contact with group members.

Group Discussion

After narrating your story, you must pay due attention to other’s stories and identify the few good one’s. During discussion you have to give ideas towards achievement of group aim, appreciate other’s view rather appreciate your own story. Speak sense and if get a chance narrate group common story. Dress up properly.

     SSB -PERCEPTION MANAGEMENT, STATE OF MIND AND FOCUS

1. SSB is a unique test; one cannot compare with your previous experiences. That is why candidate remain unsure about it - how to crack, how to face, how to prepare so on. Most of these questions create numerous conflicts in the mind of candidates until they go through the entire process of SSB. Facing SSB is nothing but its all about how you manage your perception, state of mind and focus.

   a. What is perception management – Perception means when you look    at an object or stimulus you see two sides of it - positive or negative or another possibility deny it. When you reverse your actual perception means distortion of perception.  That is why most of the candidates commit mistake in their approach in handling SSB process. Remember perceive as shown to you, whether negative or positive and never ever deny it. It is a myth that you always have to think or write positive.

   b. State of mind – SSB is all about expressing your intellectual level whenever you are required to do so or given a chance. Leader always think, apply his mind and lead from front. Go with relax mind so that brain can function at its best. There is nothing in SSB, which you cannot handle. It’s all about applying your self at the right time and place.

   c. Focus – Regular preparation and focused approach would make you   confident. Improve your listening skills, as during SSB you have to listen then act as per instructions whether it is interview, GTO or psych testing.

2. As per my experience, how does most of the candidates approach or perceive SSB.    They;-

•     Treat SSB like university or school examination.
•     Have fear of unknown in spite of having numerous feedback.
•     Perceiving stress in the environment, this leads to low-level performance.
•    Candidate displays inconsistent behavior during the course of SSB, which he manifests from highly stressful to over confident state of mind during the  course of SSB, both of these will take him nowhere. What matters is balance and consistent performance.
•     Take ideas from non- assessor, rejected or selected candidates or from books available in the market, which create lot of confusion in mind.

3. Managing your perception, state of mind and focus will help in doing well in SSB. What do you do;-

   a. Always clarify your doubts from expert so that your perception is not confused.

   b. Always perceive as shown to you and do not distort your perception whether it is TAT, WAT or GTO Tasks.

   c. There is nothing in SSB that you cannot do then why have fear of unknown.

   d. Learn to express 15 officers like qualities through various tasks.

   e. Handle one task at a time. Do not start thinking of next tasks when first one is going on.

   f. Each test and task carry equal weightage so keep on performing to achieve positive result.

   g. Do not give up even if you have not done well in one technique or task.

   h. Concentrate on your personal performance in relation with your group.

4. How to  approach  – Manage your perception – Go with relax state of mind – focused approach – good listening skills -  You have all qualities in you , express them at right time and right place – Remember your selection is based on demonstrated performance , if you have it in you, learn to demonstrate it. I am sure you will make it.