SSB Round for CDS and NDA: Both are different or same
The NDA NA II result declared on October 1 and CDS ii result is expected today, since it is a national holiday chances are high that it may come tomorrow on October 3. We will wait for the result. But we will see is there any difference in SSB round of NDA and CDS.
This phase happens after the UPSC declares the result. Those who are selected go for SSB round. It applies to all the three forces of india.
Common Qs
Is CDS only for the Army?
It is a common myth in candidates, more truly all the three forces select candidates from CDS, selecting criteria may be different than NDA
Which force has more physical test during SSB round?
Good question-The army SSB round has more physical test than other forces. Though physical test is one of the important in Navy and Airforce
During SSB round can I change my preference of Joining Airforce instead of army or navy?
The possibility is minimal, candidates choose their preference during application process and when UPSC declares the list it sends its recommendation to all three forces separately. During this period it is impossible to change the preference of service
SSB Round
As far as testing the candidates all the three forces follow the same core structure and process because both are conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). As you are aware that SSB interview is a comprehensive 5-day selection procedure designed to assess candidates’ officer-like qualities and suitability for the Indian Armed Forces.
It includes:
- Stage 1 (Screening): Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT).
- Stage 2: Psychological tests (TAT, WAT, SRT), Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks (group discussions, planning exercises, obstacle races, etc.), personal interview, and a final conference.
Both CDS and NDA candidates undergo these traits leadership, decision-making, communication, and mental robustness.
The main difference lies not in the SSB process itself but in the candidate profile and exam pattern before reaching the SSB. NDA is for entry into the National Defence Academy (post 12th level cadets), while CDS is for graduation-level candidates seeking direct entry as officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
NDA SSB Interview Questions
- NDA focuses more on assessing raw potential, adaptability, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn since candidates are post-12th standard and
- Candidate with younger age between (16.5-19.5 )
- Questions are around basic school-level academics, general knowledge, hobbies, and personal life.
- More emphasis on personality, communication skills, and curiosity.
- Interviewers look for potential and trainability rather than fully developed leadership qualities.
CDS SSB Interview Questions
- In CDS-questions looks to be more advanced and so officer expect graduate-level knowledge, maturity, and clarity of motivation, as candidates are usually 19-25 years old graduates.
- These traits are leadership qualities, decision-making ability, responsibility, and practicality are the focal point
- Candidates should be clear on their career goals, awareness of current affairs, and deeper academic subjects relevant to their graduation.
- Interviewers expect candidates to have developed officer-like qualities and a clear vision of their roles in the armed forces.
Summary of Differences
| Aspect | NDA SSB Interview | CDS SSB Interview |
| Candidate Profile | Young (post-12th), less mature | Older (graduates), more mature |
| Interview Focus | Potential, adaptability, basic academics | Leadership, responsibility, decision-making |
| Level of Questions | School-level general knowledge | Graduate-level academics and current affairs |
| Interview Topics | Personal interests, personality, hobbies | Career motivation, degree-related topics, leadership |
| Expectations from Candidates | Trainability and enthusiasm | Developed officer qualities and clarity of goals |
Key difference in three forces SSB round
| Aspect | Army SSB | Navy SSB | Air Force SSB |
| Primary Emphasis | Leadership, physical endurance, teamwork | Technical knowledge, maritime operations knowledge | Technical aptitude, analytical skills, pilot aptitude |
| Physical Requirements | More physically demanding tasks reflecting combat roles | Similar physical tasks but with maritime context | Rigorous physical and mental stamina, pilot-specific tests |
| Technical Focus | Moderate, based on general military knowledge | Higher focus on engineering, navigation, marine tech | Strong technical and flying aptitude focus, CPSS test |
| Selection Ratio | Larger batch, more intake opportunities | Fewer vacancies, more technical and specialized roles | Highly competitive, especially for flying branches |
| Interview & Testing Nuances | Questions related to combat leadership and tactics | Questions on naval operations, technical and engineering | Questions on aviation, technical problem solvi |
Physical Test in SSB round
The Army SSB includes several outdoor group tasks requiring high physical endurance such as obstacle races, group physical tasks, and individual physical efficiency tests (running, push-ups, chin-ups, rope climbing).
SSB centres of all three forces
- There are a total of 14 SSB centers across India.
- The Indian Army has 4 major SSB centers with multiple boards within these centers.
- The Indian Air Force operates 5 separate Air Force Selection Boards (AFSBs).
- The Indian Navy has its own Naval Selection Boards (NSB) and SSB centers.
- Each center and board is specialized for the respective service’s selection, even though the interview process is standardized.
- Candidates are assigned to a specific SSB center and board depending on the service they are applying for.
FAQ
No, no waiting list is released. As the exam is conducted two times a year so there is no scope of waiting list
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