The moment a candidate sets foot in the SSB Centre premises, his body language changes to a great extent as if they are under the watchful eyes of some assessors or others in disguise. This generates the discussion amongst the candidates, how one should behave and act in the 5-day SSB Interview period.  In response, most of us argues in favour of being extra strict and vigilant and not let your guard down at all times. However, that not true and in the act of doing so unnaturally for a longer period of time, anxiety and stress builds up which may hamper your confidence and performance, when needed the most. To summarise, the questions come forth what kind of decorum and demeanour is expected from the candidates.

What separates Men from Boys.   As and when the candidates arrive in SSB Centres, the first things first, candidates are briefed about the norms by the DSO in his initial briefing. The official Do’s and Don’ts, rules and regulations pertaining to the conduct of the candidates within and outside the Centres. However, there are certain unsaid rules and regulations which aren’t being told officially to the candidates and rather expected to be followed. These unsaid rules and social etiquettes essentially form part of the Decorum and Demeanour and separate men from the boys.

Maintain the Decorum.  To begin with, it is safe to assume that, you are going to the SSB Centre with the soul aim of getting recommended for the armed forces and further to become an officer after undergoing training at the respective defence academies. Therefore, a certain demeanour and decorum is expected from you especially when you think nobody is watching.

Follow Official Rules and Regulations.  It is expected that a gentleman candidate will adhere to all the rules that have been told to him. A gentleman should not find it amusing to break the rules. All the Dos and Don’ts that he has been briefed should be followed religiously as failing to do them may even result in packing the bags and leaving for home midway.

·       Use of Smart Phones.   Most of the centres have prohibited the use of smartphones and submit them on the first day itself. However, some candidates find it quite amusing to sneak their smartphone and use it during their stay. The smartphone is submitted so that the candidates can mix up with each other and form bonds within the group. Such fraternizing helps them in understanding each other’s ideas and expressions during the GTO tasks as well but sticking to a smartphone won’t make that possible.

·       First Hand Knowledge of Obstacles Layout.    One should not find means to find out the obstacles layout or the lay of the GTO Tasks and to be honest it does not help either but only create stress and anxiety.

Make Good Use of Facilities and Related Etiquettes.   Every SSB Centres have certain kind of facilities and the same are extended to the candidates during their stay  in the centre such as mess, anteroom, CSD Canteen, phone, internet, sports and accommodation. Each of these places has unsaid rules that are mutually understood by all.

·       Mess Rules.   Don’t waste food in the mess by filling your plates. Be courteous to mess staff and leaving the furniture in the state you would like to find.

·       CSD Canteen.   You should only buy stuff that you need urgently from the CSD and not for perceived future requirements.

·       Internet Facilities.   A gentleman candidate should not spend his leisure time on these so as others needy candidates can use them within the stipulated time.

·       Make Your Bed.  Your living quarters are maintained by workers but your bed and the cleanliness of the toilets / accommodation is your responsibility. Make your bed as you leave for the tasks of the day and ensure that all garbage goes into the dustbin.

Right Time and Right Dress.  The concept refers to choosing clothing appropriate for the specific occasion, time of day, and social context, ensuring one's appearance is both suitable and impactful. It's about presenting oneself in a way that aligns with expectations and enhances one's experience in a given situation.

Make Friends for Life.   It is advisable to get outside your comfort zone and interact with other candidates.   Many candidates stay aloof and don’t try to mingle with other candidates. SSB is a lifetime experience and you can’t find like-minded people with such diversity anywhere. Most of the candidates belong to the same age group and have the same set of aspirations but different skill sets, knowledge and experiences. You can interact with them to gain from their experiences and learn new skill sets.

Accept Others Viewpoint - Don’t Discuss to Prove Other’s Wrong.   The easiest way to make enemies or to fall out of favour from people is to prove them wrong in a discussion. You have to realise that, your goal is not to prove people wrong and rather share information for mutual benefit. By no means, I am saying one should not have a discrete viewpoint all I am trying to highlight is use your off hours interactions to make friends and influence people.  

Happy Readings.

Wish you Luck. Jai Hind