Unlike the group discussion conducted on the very first day under screening, in the GTO test the candidates do not need to come to a common conclusion, based on the candidate’s personal thoughts related to the given SSB GD topics he/she is free to present disagreement till the end of discussion. Here candidates in the group are free to express their views either formally or informally. The most important thing that is noticed by GTO is that every candidate is taking part in discussion actively and expressing or answering something that is related with given SSB GD topics.

GTO (Group Testing Officer) Test in SSB is one of the most indispensable parts of the SSB Interview Process. This test is conducted within a timestamp of two days and consists of many outdoor and indoor tasks. Indoor Tasks in GTO consist of Group Discussion, Lecturette, and Group Planning Exercise (GPE). Outdoor Tasks in GTO consist of Individual Obstacle Tests, Progressive Group Tasks, Half Group Tasks, Full Group Tasks, Command Tasks, and Snake Race. The main aspect of conducting the GTO Test is to assess candidates’ ability to perform in a group, ability to influence a group, decision-making, optimum use of resources, and stamina.

GTO Tasks are conducted to assess the following OLQs (Officer Like Qualities)

• Organising Ability
• Reasoning Ability
• Social Adjustment
• Social Effectiveness
• Dynamic
• Stamina
• Determination
• Ability to influence group
• Cooperation

Tips for GTO Test-

• Do not try to overpower the group. Listen to everyone and give everybody a chance.
• Exercise regularly to improve muscle power. Lift weight so that your body can become more powerful.
• Do not try to catch the attention of GTO. Just Focus on your task and complete it successfully.
• If you commit any errors in test, then repeat the action by correcting it.
• Never leave helping material on the ground. Place the helping material and load in its place.
• Try to take initiative in every task. But if you are not able to get the solution, consult your group members

Rules to follow In GTO Tasks

1. Group rule – The group rule is the most basic rule that candidates must follow while doing ground tasks like PGT, HGT and FGT. Snake race also has its usage. The rule focusses the unity of the group i.e. the entire group will cross the single obstacle together and once the group has cleared the obstacle; they can move to the next one. The rule is made to check some of the qualities of the candidates like unity, coordination with the group and whether the candidate is selfish or not.

2. Colour rule – The colour rule is the rule to use coloured structures as per the instruction. The structures on the ground are seen in 3 colours.

• Red – All structures painted in red are not to be touched by man as well as the material.
• Blue – Blue structures can be touched by the candidates, but not by the material. (Make sure that while standing on the blue structure, you can hold the helping material, but you can’t touch the helping material with the coloured structure.)
• White – White structures can be used by both candidates as well as helping material. Your rule-following nature and observation is analysed here.

3. Distance rule – The distance rule says that any distance which is more than 4 feet should not be crossed by jumping even if you are able to do so. Just cross it by bridging the gap using helping material. Take a rough estimate of 4 feet and judge yourself. Don’t ask the GTO again and again about the distance.

4. Rigidity rule – The rigidity rule means that candidates can’t bind or tie any of the two rigid helping materials. Ground tasks normally have phattas and ballis as rigid helping materials. So according to the rule, 2 phattas, 2 Balli or a phata or a balli can’t be tied together. Rather, they can be put one on other or can tie them with the structure (keeping the colour rule in mind.)

5. Infinity rule – The rule of infinity describes that the starting and finish lines are extended to the infinity on both side. This rule prohibits the candidates from crossing the obstacle ground from the side and reaching the finish line. You have to cross the obstacles and reach the finish line.

The “task” is NOT Important …… but, “You” and your role during the process of that task is Important, and furthermore, You” are NOT important……….but, your “Group” is finally more important!!