10 Common Reasons for Getting Screened Out in SSB Interview | Tips to Clear Screening Test

The SSB (Services Selection Board) interview is the gateway to becoming a member of the Indian Armed Forces as an officer. However, a large range of applicants fail to clear Stage 1 (Screening Test) and are sent domestic on Day 1 itself. Screening is designed to shortlist only those with officer-like qualities (OLQs) and strong potential for leadership. If you have ever questioned why applicants get screened out, this blog will explain the 10 Common Reasons for Getting Screened Out in SSB Interview and the way to keep away from them.

1. Poor Performance in OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) Test

• Many candidates ignore OIR, focusing only on PPDT.
• Scoring low in verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions drastically reduces the chance of selection.

Tip: Practice reasoning questions daily from standard books and solve them with accuracy and speed.

2. Weak Story in PPDT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test)

• A tale that is unrealistic, indistinct, or poor in tone creates a bad impact.

Tip: Make your story fantastic, logical, and concise, specialize in hassle-fixing and management.

3. Lack of Observation Skills

• Candidates fail to notice important details in the picture, such as characters, environment, and action.
  Tip: Train your mind to carefully observe details and construct a relevant story in 30 seconds.

4. Poor Narration Skills

• Even with a good story, candidates fail during individual narration due to a lack of clarity, confidence, or fluency.
  Tip: Practice narrating short stories daily within 30–40 seconds, maintaining confidence and eye contact.

5. Weak Body Language

• Nervous gestures, absence of eye contact, slouching, or fidgeting display loss of self-belief.

Tip: Sit upright, speak firmly, and undertake self-belief via posture and expressions.

6. Aggressive or Over-Dominating in Group Discussion

• Many candidates try to dominate or shout to prove their point, which creates a negative impression.
  Tip: Be assertive but polite. Respect others’ opinions and build on their points logically.

7. Not Participating in Group Discussion

• Staying silent or contributing very little in the PPDT discussion is a sure way to get screened out.
  Tip: Speak at least 2–3 meaningful times. Quality matters more than quantity.

8. Lack of Team Spirit

• SSB looks for candidates who can work in a team, not lone wolves.

Tip: Support the legitimate elements of others, encourage cooperation, and avoid unnecessary arguments.

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9. Adverse or pessimistic attitude

• Candidates who show terrible testimony (dying, defeat, or helplessness) are quickly evacuated.

Tip: Always show off optimism, trouble-fixing, and backbone in your story.

10. Absence of Practice and Preparation

• Many aspirants appear without training in PPDT, narration, or GD, depending on their luck.

Tip: Join mock SSB practice sessions, solve sample PPDTs, and polish your OIR regularly.

Final Words

The SSB screening test is not about fate-this is about showing properties such as pressure, observation, and officer under pressure. Avoiding these 10 general errors and continuously practicing phase 1 can increase the possibility of clearing significantly.

Note: Screening is just the beginning. Once you have cleaned it, the actual test of personality and leadership skills begins.

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