Monday, May 9, 2011

My SSB Experience at 1 AFSB, Dehradun






Hello friends,
I just attended the 1AFSB at Dehradun from 2nd - 6th May, 2011. My batch no. was F-WMT/80584 and I was Chest no. 39.
I would like to share my 5 days experience with you. Starting from the beginning, I appeared in the EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) of the Indian Air Force for 51SSC (Women) on 17th April, 2011 at LNCT, Bhopal. The test was for engineering graduates for the branch AE(L) and AE(M) i.e. Aeronautical Engineer in Electronics and Mechanical respectively. The branches like Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Electrical fell under AE(L) while Mechanical and Production fell under AE(M).

Having qualified the EKT, which was with majority of the questions on 12th level Physics, after this, followed the picture perception test (PPT). In this test, we were shown a very blurred picture and then made to write our story on it. we were also made to mark the position of the people, their sex, age and mood in a square box. then followed the Group Discussion on the picture in groups of 12 to come to a common story. The Group Discussion was presided by a panel of three and we were first asked to narrate our own story and then start the discussion. Soon the results were declared and only 17 out of 500approx was selected for SSB.Having qualified this test also.I was to appear in AFSB at Dehradun.

Travelling to Dehradun

I started my journey from my home town-Barnagar on 30th April and reached dehradun on 1st may at 20:00 hours.
Next day I woke up at around 05:00 hours got fresh and reached the MCO at around 06:45 hours.



DAY 1:

As we reached the MCO, we saw a crowd of candidates around an Air Force representative. He was marking the attendance of the present candidates. The candidates were then advised to take out the documents and writing material from their luggage and then keep the luggage in a truck. The candidates boarded a different bus. At around 0715 hours, three buses left for 1 AFSB at Clement Town. After reaching there, the candidates were given Chest numbers. I got Chest number 39. After getting chest no. we were made to sit in a big Hall called the Brahmaputra Hall.We were then made to fill a couple of forms which was followed by the document check.The questions were simple reasoning ones. Meanwhile, there were arrangements for tea and sandwiches for the candidates.Then we had two intelligence tests of 30 mins duration each. Before that, we were given complete instructions about the test. We were even made to solve some examples.We had our lunch by 1330 hours. We were the made to rush again to the Brahmaputra Hall for Psychological Tests. The Psychological Tests were a real hectic one. We were given a booklet in which we had to record all our answers. First began the Picture Perception Test, in which 12 pictures were shown, each for 30 secs and then 3 mins were given to write story on it. Some of the pictures were blurred. The last picture was a blank slide and we had to write our own story on it. Then followed the Word Association Test, in which 60 words were displayed on the screen, each for 15 secs and we had to write a sentence that first came to our mind seeing that word. Immediately after it followed the Situation Reaction Test. Here, we were given with 60 situations to be answered in 30 mins. I could complete just 51. Some of the situations were repeated. I answered in the same manner each repeated situation. We were all exhausted by this time. The last portion was Self Appraisal Test wherein, we were made to write 5 paragraphs on what our parents, classmates, teachers and we ourselves think about ourselves and what qualities would we like to have in ourselves in future. At last, we were made to fill two PIQ (Personal Information Questions) foms. One copy would go to the Psychologist and other to the Interviewing Officer. The testing for day 1 was over. After it, we were given some instructions about how to behave in the AFSB campus and some general instructions. As we moved to the candidates' mess after the tests, our room allotments were displayed on the Notice Board. I then got the time to explore the facilities there. They had all the amenities like, TT room, Chess, carom board, basket ball, badminton, TV room, magazines and newspapers, laundry etc. I was accommodated in Room no. 4 along with 9 other people. All my roommates were cool and funny people.Mobile phones are not allowed so i called my parents through PCO coin box in a campus. We had our dinner by 2030 hours and slept by 2230 hours.

Day 2:

The next day we woke up at around 0530 hours and had a bed tea at the same time. I got fresh and took bath and I was ready with my Formals by 0645 hours. Then we had our breakfast. Some people had Group Taks (GTs) while some had interview today.Suddenly we saw a photographer taking shots of people. I too gave a couple of shots. At 0715 hours, the bell rung and we were to gather in 1 minute (as directed to us). Then, our DSO addressed us and we were made to wait in Ante room. Those who had their GT were made to move to Alaknanda Hall.I had my interview today.I got ready and was made to wait in the Ante room until it was 11:45 hours when I was called for the interview. Group Captain V.K took my interview. He had the PIQ form in front of him. When I entered the room, he asked me where you come from. He then asked where did my father work. He then fired me with several questions at a go. The questions were like, tell me the name of your three friends, the qualities in them you like, one person you dont like and why dont you like him/her.After some questions, he again asked me if I read books. I denied. Then he asked me what you know about air force. Tell me name of planes and some G.k questions. I replied confidently. Then he asked me have do you have any question.I asked him that sir did you participate in any war. He replied he was in kargil war.The interview lasted for just 25 minutes. For many candidates, it lasted for about 45 minutes. After interview we went to Buddha Temple is having a walking distance from AFSB Campus.
It was nice an having peace. Paintings made on wall are very beautiful. We have to report in campus upto 19:00 hours.

Day 3:

Today i am free. I have no interview no GT. But they did not allow us to go out of the campus before 14:30 hours. After 14:30 we went to Robers cave hiring tempo. Tempo wala took 250 rupees for 10 people. This was a nice place having water upto knees and water that was filled was the result of the water falling from the top of the cave this ultimately resulted in the formation of a rainbow which was awesome.And at the end of the cave there was a way that we had to climb like we do in hiking. after climbing or passing that way we saw a waterfall in front of us. There was cold water free falling from the hill top. After coming back from the natural paradise on earth so called robers cave (in my opinion) we ate maggi noodles. (I have also sent this special maggi experience for Maggi's - Me And Meri Maggi).
After that we went to Tupkeshwar Mahadev's temple. That was a very lovely Temple. there was an artificial vashnodevi's cave.this was also a good experience. We reached AFSB campus By 18:00 hours.


Day 4:

I had my GT today. I was ready with my PT dress by 06:45 hours. We were made to move to Alaknanda Hall.The first task of GT was a Group Discussion. We were given two topics and we had to discuss on any one. In the next GD, we were provided with just one topic to discuss on. I had my group starting from Chest no. 33 to Chest no. 40. The group discussion was actually a decent one.The next task was Military Planning Task. Here, we were shown a model comprising of various villages, a train track, a guard's room, NCC camp, river, ruins, kuchha and pucca roads etc and given a problem in which we had to propose a solution to the problems in the given time. We were first made to write our own solution, then made to discuss to come to one conclusion.When our GTO asked us to nominate a member of the group to conclude, we nominated Chest no. 40 to conclude.Then, we were taken to the Group Testing Area for outdoor taks. Our first task was Progressive Group Task. Here, we were to cross four set of hurdles with some helping materials like a log, a plank and a rope. We were also required to take a fragile load to the other side of the hurdle. we were not allowed to touch the ground. Any distance greater that four feet could not be jumped and we were not supposed to act like monkeys or Tarzans.The GTO asked us how much time do we need to complete all four hurdles, "20 minutes", we replied. "Are you sure, you'll be able to complete it in that much time. Think again and tell me", he said. We then asked him to give us 30 mins but he gave us 45. We started with the task. We were progressing with decent pace. The GTO was more interested in the strategy and plans that we carry out rather than actual completion of the tasks. He was giving us some hints from time to time. At the end of the third task, the GTO told us that its been 45 mins time is over.It was nice attempting the task. We do so much fun in Group task.The next task was Half Group Task which was very same as the Progressive Group Task with the only difference that here the group was split into two of 4 candidates each so that we have better chances of showing our skills. The two groups were made to attempt the same task with the other group waiting in the waiting room. The task was also same with the only difference that the load has grown bigger from a bucket to a drum. The Half Group Task was easy and we solved it in no time. Next came the Command Task, wherein, each candidate was to complete the task individually. He could take 2 or more helpers from the group. The rest of the members stayed in the waiting room. I was called as the helper by three people. I was the second to attempt the Command Task. When I was called for the command task, the GTO took an informal interview. He asked questions like, where does your father work, what do you do, why do you want to join the IAF, are you serious type girl. ujaain is famous for etc. i told him ujjain is famous for Mahakaleshwar Temple is a jyotirling.He asked me about freinds and you are fights with your brother i said yes sir all time.Then began my command task. I found the task pretty typical. I took some time in finding the right way to solve it. In fact, he gave me certain clues for solving it. I wasnt able to get the solution even when the GTO was giving very obvious clues to me. The last task of day two was individual obstacle race. Here, there were seven obstacles with different points like high jump, balancing, burma bridge, monkey crawl, climbing rope etc. I attempted all the obstacles and I completed 5 out of 7. i did half monkey crawling.There was a task wherein we were supposed to climb up a platform and then jump to catch a rope and come down by it. This was a deadly task that accounted for 90 % of the injuries. When you jump to catch the rope, you would slip and get your fingers injured. I too got my fingers injured and could not complete the task when time of 3 minutes was up.After everybody had completed the individual obstacle race there was a last task which was final group task its likely progressive group task. After that we went to the candidates' mess to have lunch.

Day 5:

Finally, it was the D-day, the conference day. All of us again went to the Alaknanda Hall and waited there for our turn to face all the conference members. It fast just a matter of two-three minutes for each of us. As I was Chest no. 39, I was among first ones to face the conference. As I enetered the room, I saw around 15 Air Force personnel dressed in their proper uniform sitting in U shape including our GTOs, psychologists and interviewing officers. The opening of the U shape had a chair where we were supposed to sit. I greeted Good Morning to the panel. The President, Air Commodore Pradhan, asked me how was the stay. He asked me if I went travelling Dehradun. I told him that I went to the monastery and to the robers cave. he then asked me whether I would like to give any suggestions. I replied, "Its absolutely perfect, sir". He then wished me luck and my conference was over. I had to wait for around 3 more hours to wait for the result.
At 15:30 hours results was declared unfortunately i am no selected. A total of 12 candidates out of 83 screened in were recommended. Bhopal and Banglore candidate was not selected only delhi candidates are selected. Now I am wating for my next SSB and in next SSB i will be recommend.


MY EXPERIENCE AND ADVICE TO SSB ASPIRANTS

"Be natural, be positive and be a team player"
Dont ever try to fake in a SSB. The selection procedure is so exhaustive that they'll surely dig the real YOU out. Your personality as depicted by the psychologist, the GTO and what you tell about yourself to the interviewing officer should be consistent. Any mismatch may mean rejection. So, be what you are. If you have any weakness or negative point, dont hesitate to mention it. It would be better if you know your strengths and weaknesses before hand. Try talking to your friends and parents about what they think about you and mention it truly in the self appraisal test.

Best Of LUCK......