The Officers Intelligence Rating (OIR) test is the first assessment conducted on the screening day at SSB. This is followed by the Picture Perception and Discussion Test or PPDT. Many candidates relevance of OIR test in SSB matters or not. Today, we analyze this common doubt in detail.
What is the OIR Test in SSB?
OIR stands for Officers Intelligence Rating test. This is the first test conducted on screening day. Candidates are given two sets of OIR questions one after another to solve. Each set comprises about 50 non-verbal and verbal reasoning questions to be solved within the given time.
The OIR test in SSB does not carry any negative marking, hence, candidates are free to attempt all questions. Each question carries one mark and the final OIR ranking is done from 1 to 5, with OIR 1 being the highest and OIR 5 being the lowest.
What Does the OIR Test Assess?
Now that we know what OIR is, we must understand what it aims to assess. The OIR test in SSB tries to look for basic traits and some of the 15 OLQs to shortlist candidates for stage two. Here are some common qualities being assessed:
- Mental stamina to solve several questions in limited time.
- Reasoning ability to find solutions to problems using your own thought process.
- Time management
- Decision-making through accuracy of responses.
- Intelligence or cognitive ability
Remember that it is not a test of your general knowledge or school syllabus. The questions are easy to attempt, but require practice and time management.
Relevance of OIR Test in SSB
Finally, we come to the main question: What is the relevance of OIR test in SSB. A lot candidates feel that OIR is just a passive test and it does not affect the result a lot. However, to be sure, the OIR test in SSB matter more than you think.
Confidence boost
Let’s say you’re sitting for OIR test in SSB and you are not able to solve the problems given. In such a situation your entire morale will tumble and affect your performance in PPDT. But, if you do well in the first test of the day, the story will be different.
Doing well at something naturally boosts our confidence, which improves our performance in the next round. Hence, if you score well in OIR, your mind will help you perform well in PPDT as well.
Compensating poor performance in PPDT
Let us look at three situations for better understanding. Suppose,
- You get a very hazy picture and you cannot write a good story on it, or
- You fumble during narration, or
- You fail to contribute well in the GD.
Any of the three situations can lower your performance in PPDT. This is when the relevance of OIR comes into the picture. Candidates who rank OIR 1 or 2 have a better chance to get screened in than those who rank below.
Relevance in stage two
If you’ve ever seen the PIQ form, you must have noticed “OIR” written on it. This isn’t just meant to occupy space but mention your OIR ranking. In Army boards, even the thick white card that you’re made to fill after screening has such a blank given.
Clearly, your OIR ranking forms the basis of an assessor’s perception of your cognitive ability. The interviewer asks you reasoning-related questions based on this very detail. Therefore, a good ranking in OIR builds a strong impression.
Remember that your entire performance dossier is secured once you’re recommended.
In fact, the thick white card that you fill, also reaches your unit before you. This means that your entire SSB performance stays relevant till your retirement or even further!
Tips to Perform Well in OIR Test in SSB?
With this one test carrying so much significance, it becomes essential to do well. Here are some tips that you can follow to perform well in the OIR test:
- Practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning for at least 30 minutes daily before your SSB.
- Improve your speed and accuracy.
- Learn shortcuts for common reasoning questions.
- Attempt as many questions as you can in the real OIR because there is no negative marking.
