The Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks in the SSB Interview are meaningful to indicate the leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving and decision-making skills of a candidate. The SSB has a scripted procedure involving colored markings on the obstacles indicating what is and is not allowed. Here, we have a complete guide about GTO Tasks and Colour Codes rules in SSB Interview.
In this guide, we will cover:
- What are GTO Tasks in SSB?
- Understanding Colour Codes in GTO Tasks
- General Rules for GTO Tasks
- Tips to Excel in GTO Tasks
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
Having grasped these concepts, candidates can get away with such penalties and attain brilliance and a greater chance for graduation.

What are GTO Tasks in SSB?
The first thing candidates need to know is that GTO/SSB selection tasks include an impulse test, that is, leadership qualities, aptitude assessment, work in pairs, and being able to perform under pressure.
GTO tests are carried out over two days (Day 3 & Day 4) of the SSB Interview:
✔ Group Discussion (GD)
✔ Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
✔ Progressive Group Task (PGT)
✔ Half Group Task (HGT)
✔ Individual Obstacles (IO)
✔ Command Task (CT)
✔ Snake Race (Group Obstacle Race)
✔ Lecturette
✔ Final Group Task (FGT)
Each of these tasks is governed by specific rules and colour-coded structures to ensure fair evaluation.
Understanding Colour Codes in GTO Tasks
During PGT, HGT, Command Task, and FGT, candidates will encounter different coloured markings on obstacles and structures. These colours have specific meanings that candidates must follow:
Red Colour (Restricted/Out of Bounds)
✔ You CANNOT touch or place any helping materials on red-marked areas.
❌ Doing so will lead to penalties or a task reset.
White Colour (Free to Use)
- You CAN touch and use white-marked structures freely.
- These are safe areas where you can stand or place helping materials.
Blue Colour (Helping Material Use Only)
✔ You CAN place helping materials (planks, ropes, balls, etc.) on blue-marked areas.
❌ However, you CANNOT touch or stand on blue-marked structures directly.
Understanding and following these colour codes is crucial to performing well in SSB GTO tasks.
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General Rules for GTO Tasks
The GTO tasks in SSB are governed by a set of general rules that candidates must strictly follow:
1. Rule of Colour Code
- Red areas are out of bounds.
- White areas can be touched and used.
- Blue areas can only be used with helping materials.
2. Rule of Helping Material
- Only assigned materials (planks, ropes, poles, etc.) can be used.
- You CANNOT throw or misuse helping materials.
3. Rule of Rigidity
- Helping materials must be properly secured and stable before use.
- You cannot tie knots in the ropes unless specified.
4. Rule of Infinity
- If any object or person touches an out-of-bound area, the group must restart from the beginning.
5. Rule of Group Coordination
- Every team member must contribute to problem-solving.
- No individual decision-making—the team must agree before proceeding.
6. Rule of Silent Execution
- During some tasks, silent execution may be required.
- Unnecessary shouting or arguments can lead to negative marking.
Tips to Excel in GTO Tasks
✔ Follow the Colour Codes: Avoid penalties by knowing what each colour means.
✔ Be a Team Player: Help your teammates, but don’t dominate.
✔ Think Before Acting: Plan before executing a strategy.
✔ Use Helping Materials Smartly: Use ropes, planks, and poles efficiently.
✔ Show Leadership: Take initiative but also encourage others.
✔ Stay Physically Fit: Tasks require agility, endurance, and strength.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in GTO
❌ Ignoring the Colour Code: Touching red-marked areas will lead to penalties.
❌ Not Participating in Group Tasks: Staying silent or inactive reduces your chances of recommendation.
❌ Breaking Rules: Do not break the rules with helping materials. Misuse of planks or ropes may disqualify you from the task.
❌ Overpowering others: Do not overpower others. Leadership is not about dominating for the sake of being a leader.
❌ Lack of Focus on Communication: Do not overlook communication. A candidate must be clear and confident in all communication.
Conclusion
GTO tasks are intended to test leadership ability, analytical nature, and teamwork abilities in the SSB. Meaningful techniques on following the guidelines marked by colors and the general ones are very important. Good command over the red, white, and blue markers, use of helping materials with common sense, and discipline will take any scoundrel far ahead in GTO tasks.
🚀 Are you preparing for SSB? Start practicing today and be the next recommended candidate! 🚀
By mastering these GTO task rules and colour codes, you can boost your confidence and increase your chances of clearing the SSB Interview successfully!
FAQs about GTO Tasks and Colour Codes
Ans. Red areas are restricted and cannot be touched or used in any way.
Ans. No, blue-marked areas are only for placing helping materials, not for standing or touching.
Ans. Your team may need to restart the task or face penalties from the GTO.
Ans. GTO tasks play a critical role in SSB selection as they test leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Ans. How to Prepare for GTO Tasks? Outdoor activities, teamwork-based exercises, and scenario-based problem-solving should get you ready for GTO tasks.