The Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test is the first filter in your SSB (Services Selection Board) journey—often the most underestimated. Conducted on Day 1, the OIR test evaluates your verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills, testing your ability to think quickly, logically, and under pressure. Here’s the truth: many capable aspirants get screened out not because they lack potential, but because they didn’t take OIR seriously. So, if you’re wondering how to score high in OIR and give yourself the best chance of making it to Stage 2, this post delivers the exact strategies and insights shared by recommended candidates who’ve been there, done that.
What is the OIR Test in SSB?
The Officer Intelligence Rating test consists of two main components:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Each section contains 40–60 questions to be completed in a tight 15–20-minute window. Your performance here is graded from OIR Grade 1 (Excellent) to Grade 5 (Poor).
A high OIR score (Grade 1 or 2) is often the silent ticket to getting screened in—even if your PPDT (Picture Perception & Discussion Test) performance is average.
Why You Must Nail OIR to Clear SSB
- It’s your first impression.
- It shows your logical thinking and clarity under time pressure.
- A high OIR can compensate for a slightly weaker PPDT.
- Poor OIR = high chance of screen-out, even if you’re confident in the rest of the process.
So yes, OIR matters. A lot.
Tips from Recommended Candidates to Score High in OIR
These tips are sourced from actual SSB-recommended candidates who cracked the OIR and cleared Stage 1 with confidence.
✅ 1. Practice is Your Secret Weapon
“I practiced 3 OIR sets daily for 15 days before my SSB. It helped me finish the actual test with time to spare.” – Recommended Candidate (TES Entry)
- Use books like R.S. Aggarwal’s Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, SSBCrack’s OIR Guide, or Arihant OIR Book.
- Take timed mock tests every day.
- Simulate exam conditions—no phone, timer on, pen-paper mode.
✅ 2. Prioritize Speed + Accuracy
In OIR, both speed and accuracy matter. The test is designed to pressure your brain to think fast without making mistakes.
- Don’t waste time on one question. Mark and move on.
- Aim to attempt at least 85-90% questions with 90% accuracy.
- Use mental math shortcuts, Vedic math for number series, and elimination techniques for MCQs.
✅ 3. Master Verbal Reasoning First
Topics to focus:
- Series (Numbers, Alphabets)
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Directions
- Analogies
- Synonyms/Antonyms
- Odd One Out
- Arithmetic problems
Tip: Solve 50+ questions from each topic before D-day.
✅ 4. Visualize Non-Verbal Patterns
Non-verbal reasoning tests your ability to see patterns and spatial relationships.
Key topics:
- Mirror and Water Images
- Embedded Figures
- Figure Series
- Paper Folding
- Pattern Completion
Strategy: Use visualization. Draw, rotate, and flip the images mentally during practice. Apps like “Reasoning Test” or “Brain Training” can help here.
✅ 5. Use Elimination Over Guesswork
If you’re stuck, don’t freeze. Eliminate wrong options first. This raises your odds even when guessing.
Example:
Q: 2, 4, 8, 16, ?
A: 18, 32, 20, 24
Eliminate non-powers of 2 → Only 32 fits.
✅ 6. Learn to Skip Smartly
“I left 3 questions I couldn’t solve in 5 seconds. I focused on the rest and scored OIR Grade 1.” – Recommended Candidate (CDS Entry)
If you’re spending more than 15 seconds on a question, mark and move on. One tough question isn’t worth three easy ones.
✅ 7. Track Your Weak Areas
After every practice set:
- Note down questions you struggled with.
- Identify patterns—Are you slow in number series? Confused with mirror images?
- Target those areas with focused revision.
✅ 8. Stay Calm During the Test
Many candidates panic during OIR. The result? Messy bubble filling, wrong circles, skipped pages.
Pro Tip: Use deep breaths before the test. Be calm, confident, and sharp.
OIR Test Sample Questions (Practice Now)
Here are a few to try out:
Q1. What comes next: A, C, E, G, ?
A) H
B) I
C) J
D) K
Ans: B) I
Q2. Which number is the odd one out: 121, 144, 169, 182
Ans: 182 (Not a perfect square)
Q3. Mirror image of ‘R’ will look like?
Ans. Practice in non-verbal books or apps
Books to Prepare for OIR
| Book Title | Author/Publisher | Why Use It? |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Covers all topics with exercises |
| Officer Intelligence Rating Test Guide | Arihant Experts | Focused on SSB format |
| OIR + PPDT Book | SSBCrack | Tailored for SSB aspirants |
| Reasoning Practice App | Testbook / Oliveboard | Real-time practice on mobile |
What If You’re Not From a Math Background?
It doesn’t matter. OIR questions are logic-based, not subject-based. Even Arts and Commerce graduates score well with consistent practice.
Conclusion: Your OIR Score Can Make or Break Your SSB Journey
The OIR test is the first and easiest stage to control and master. While PPDT depends on discussion dynamics and story narration, OIR is all about you. Your preparation, strategy, and mindset decide the result.
So, start practicing today. One hour daily for 15 days is enough to push your score to OIR Grade 1—and that’s the kind of push that takes you one giant step closer to being recommended.
FAQs for How to Score High in OIR
Ans. Not really. It’s time-bound, but the concepts are basic. With practice, it becomes easy.
Ans. Try to attempt at least 85–90% with high accuracy.
Ans. No, but it silently influences your screening result. A high score builds momentum.
Ans. Yes. No negative marking. But don’t waste too much time—mark and move on.
Ans. Start at least 10–15 days before your SSB. Daily practice is the key.