Being SSB recommended is the first step to a career in the Indian Armed Forces as an officer. Both, male and female candidates indulge in rigorous introspection and practice to crack the interview and earn the “+” sign on their chest numbers.
Despite this, many still fail to join the academy of their dreams because the real battle begins after the five-day process of SSB is over.
Stage 0: The SSB Result
After the conference of all candidates is over, each one waits for the result eagerly. When the concerned officer or psychologist enters the waiting area, he motivates everyone with examples of Dr. Kalam, Amitabh Bachchan, and most recently, Jaideep Ahlawat and begins announcing chest numbers of SSB recommended candidates.
Being recommended brings immense joy. The first attempt, self-doubts and years of effort start playing in the back of the head and the plus sign brings a wide smile to the face. However, this is where the actual journey begins because recommendation is just a small part of the picture.
Stage I: The Formalities
Once recommended, candidates need to complete a lot of formalities. The commandant of the selection centre or any senior officer congratulates them and sees them off. Candidates then, fill some basic post-recommendation forms and submit photocopies of their documents.
Eventually, SSB recommended candidates are sent off for lunch and report to the call-up office in the evening. Here, they fill out two sets of verification forms:
- The first set is sent to police stations of areas where they have resided in the past five years.
- The second set is sent to gazetted officers or trustworthy persons.
The forms are quite lengthy and tiring but nothing takes away the joy of having a plus on your chest.
Stage II: The Medicals
All SSB recommended candidates report to the military hospital the next day. Here, more documentation follows and candidates undergo different kinds of medical tests. Each service has its own parameters and no candidate can join the academy without passing these.
After the preliminary medicals, candidates having temporary rejections (TR) can appeal at AMB and RMB. The wait for the merit begins once they’re declared fit. A detailed breakdown of all medical tests with tips is given here for your ease.
Stage III: Awaiting the Final Merit
Clearing the medicals does not mean selection. Due to less vacancies, only a select few reach the academy. Therefore, all candidates start waiting for the final merit list. Meanwhile, they also prepare for the academy life and maintain physical fitness for a smoother training experience.
The basic physical fitness requirement at some of the training academies is:
a. OTA Chennai
b. IMA
c. AFA
After the final merit, selected candidates celebrate the moment and spend quality time with their loved ones before joining. However, those who are not selected, reflect on their journey and bounce back stronger.
SSB is not just about being recommended. The real battle begins after you earn the plus sign and continues till you serve the nation with honour.
