SSB training Interview – Group testing officer – Group planning exercise.

SSB training Interview – Group testing officer – Group planning exercise.

​The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is a pivotal component of the Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks during the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview process. This exercise is designed to evaluate candidates’ problem-solving abilities, teamwork, leadership qualities, and decision-making skills in a group setting.

Structure of the Group Planning Exercise:

1. Briefing: The GTO presents a detailed scenario involving multiple challenges, often illustrated using a model or sketch. Candidates must listen attentively to grasp all aspects of the situation.​

2. Individual Analysis: Candidates are given time to independently analyze the scenario and jot down their proposed solutions to the identified problems.​

3. Group Discussion: Following individual analysis, candidates engage in a group discussion to deliberate on the problems and collaborate to formulate a cohesive plan.​

4. Presentation: A representative from the group presents the consolidated plan to the GTO, articulating the group’s strategy to address the challenges.​

Key Objectives Assessed During GPE:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess situations critically and identify core issues.​

• Prioritization: Skill in determining the urgency and importance of various tasks.​

• Resource Management: Effective utilization of available resources to tackle problems.​

• Team Collaboration: Capability to work harmoniously within a group, considering diverse viewpoints.​

• Leadership: Demonstrating initiative and guiding the group towards a common objective.​

Preparation Tips for GPE:

• Enhance Situational Awareness: Regularly practice with diverse scenarios to improve adaptability and quick thinking.​

• Develop Communication Skills: Engage in group discussions to refine clarity and effectiveness in conveying ideas.​

• Study Past Exercises: Review previous GPE scenarios and solutions to understand common patterns and effective strategies.​

• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of current events and general knowledge to incorporate practical insights into your planning.​

For comprehensive practice materials and sample GPE scenarios with solutions, consider exploring resources like SSBCrack and

By thoroughly understanding the GPE’s structure and honing the relevant skills, candidates can significantly enhance their performance in this crucial segment of the SSB interview process.

The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is an important part of the Group Testing Officer (GTO) series during SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview. It assesses candidates on leadership, problem-solving, team dynamics, logical thinking, and communication skills.

What is the Group Planning Exercise (GPE)?

• The GPE is a situational problem-solving task where candidates are presented with a map and a scenario involving multiple problems.

• You’re given resources, time constraints, and must collaboratively plan how to solve all the problems.

• It tests your decision-making, prioritization, teamwork, and reasoning.

Stages of GPE

1. Narration of the Situation by GTO:

   • A fictional scenario is presented with a map.

   • Includes 3–5 problems (e.g., an accident, a fire, a robbery plan, etc.)

2. Reading Time (5-10 mins):

   • Each candidate gets a copy of the map and problem.

   • Note down key info: location, time, problems, resources.

3. Individual Written Solution (10-15 mins):

   • Write your own plan to solve all issues.

   • Focus on:

     • Time and distance estimation

     • Resource allocation

     • Logical sequence

     • Prioritization of problems

4. Group Discussion (20-25 mins):

   • Share individual plans.

   • Arrive at a common group solution.

   • One candidate may be asked to narrate the final plan.

What GTO Looks For

Example Scenario

Situation:
You’re a group of NCC cadets going for a camp. Your bus breaks down near a village. You learn that:

• A child has fallen into a well nearby.

• A train is expected to derail due to damaged tracks.

• A robbery is planned in the village.

• You have a first aid box, two bicycles, one jeep with a flat tire, and a phone with limited range.

Your Task:
Create a plan to address all problems using available resources, time, and manpower.

Sample Structure for Individual Solution

1. Identify & Prioritize Problems:

   • Train derailment (mass casualties risk) → highest priority

   • Child in well → second

   • Robbery → third

2. Assess Resources:

   • Jeep: can be used after fixing

   • Bicycles: send two people

   • Phone: contact nearest station

   • First aid box: for the child

3. Allocate Tasks:

   • 2 cadets on bicycles rush to inform railway authorities.

   • 3 cadets with first aid box help the child.

   • 2 cadets go to village head to inform about robbery.

4. Time Estimate:

   • All tasks completed within 45 minutes.

Tips to Perform Well

• Be calm and structured in your thoughts.

• Listen and contribute constructively.

• Don’t dominate or remain passive.

• Support others’ ideas if valid; suggest better ones if needed.

• Use clear reasoning and realistic planning.

Would you like a sample written solution, mock scenario, or live walkthrough of a map-based GPE?

SSB training Interview – Group testing officer – Group planning exercise.