Why Recommended Candidates Get Conference Out in the Next Attempt?

An SSB recommendation brings immense joy to candidates. It signifies the fruit of their efforts over the many months, sometimes even years. However, a lot of candidates who get recommended in one attempt, get conference out in the next one. Today, we understand why this happens and how to avoid this.

Can a Recommended Candidate Really Get Conference Out?

To put it simply, indeed. A lot of candidates get conference out after their SSB recommendation. Each attempt is a fresh one and is assessed independently. Your past performance, good or bad, does not affect your present outcome.

Please bear in mind that assessors evaluate the present personality of the candidate, and not their past performance. Hence, conference out becomes really obvious for many.

Why SSB Recommendation is Not Permanent?

The SSB interview is a test of personality, and not intelligence. Interestingly, personality is dynamic so it keeps changing based on one’s experiences. Hence, recommendation becomes a temporary factor.

SSB recommendation in a previous attempt means that the candidate displayed the 15 OLQs in that attempt. However, subsequently, things like group dynamics, preparation, and attitude affect the final result.

Common Reasons for Conference Out After Recommendation

Now we come to the meat of the argument. Why candidates get conference out in the next attempt after getting recommended? Five common reasons why such a drastic change in the result happens are:

I. Overconfidence after SSB recommendation

Many candidates rest on their laurels after one recommendation. They feel that they have cracked the interview once, and start taking it casually. Due to this, they do not prepare enough for timed tests, current affairs, or physical fitness. They reach the SSB centre thinking their “previously recommended” status would help them sail through.

II. Desperation to get recommended

After getting merit out or medically unfit, candidates grow desperate to get recommended again. They try to give the perfect response for everything. However, SSB is not about perfection but consistency across tests. A perfect response veils the true personality and reflects a made-up personality through over-preparation.

III. Different group dynamics

We must admit that every batch is different, and it affects SSB recommendation too. The result depends on how well you gel with your group, and failure to do so is easy to catch for the GTO. Understand it this way:

Therefore, sometimes, having a less cooperative group pulls previously recommended candidates out of the race.

IV. Reduced curiosity

Try to recall your first attempt. You were eager to learn about everything from the SSB process, to current affairs, to defence. This helped you prepare well. But, would you put in the same effort again if you crack the process once? This is what happens to recommended candidates too. Previous SSB recommendation creates an “I already know everything” attitude, and this causes a great fall for Humpty-Dumpty.

V. Repeating past behaviour

SSB is not a one-size-fits-all interview. Each attempt, batch, assessor, and board is different. You cannot crack a joke in front of one GTO, and expect all others to laugh too. Sometimes, previously recommended candidates miss out on this nuance and repeat their past behaviour. They are either too serious or overly casual. A good candidate is one who adapts, and the one who does not, walks out of the SSB conference without a plus.

Does Conference Out Make You Unworthy?

Absolutely not. A conference out, whether it happens after an SSB recommendation or before it, does not make you unworthy. It is just a reminder to analyse your performance, introspect, and return stronger. Many candidates get conference out for one entry or service and make it through in the next one.

The idea is to introspect deeply and know where you lagged. Please bear in mind that SSB is not looking for perfect candidates. It is looking for average ones who can be moulded into better versions of themselves.

Tips to Prepare Differently for Repeaters

Now that we are clear with what you should not do in your next attempt, let us understand the do’s.

• Don’t rest on your laurels.
• Introspect with each attempt and grow more self-aware.
• Keep tabs of current affairs and build in-depth expertise.
• Build better communication everyday.
• Don’t copy ideal responses because there aren’t any.
• Try to be consistent, and not perfect.

Remember that a previous recommendation is not a lifelong membership. It only speaks about your personality at that time. Recommendation is a pass that needs to be renewed in every attempt. Hence, consider each attempt as your first one, and prepare likewise for the best results.