SSB training – GTO tasks – Real examples of Group planning exercise.

SSB training – GTO tasks – Real examples of Group planning exercise.

​The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is a pivotal component of the Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks in the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview process. This exercise assesses candidates’ abilities to analyze situations, identify problems, and collaboratively devise effective solutions.​

Structure of the Group Planning Exercise:

1. Introduction to the Model:

   • Candidates are presented with a detailed model depicting a specific area, including landmarks like villages, rivers, roads, and other notable features.​

2. Narration of the Situation:

   • The GTO reads out a scenario involving multiple problems that need resolution. Candidates receive a written copy of this narrative for reference.​

3. Individual Analysis:

   • Candidates are allotted time to read the narrative, analyze the problems, and formulate individual solutions, which they document on paper.​

4. Group Discussion:

   • The group engages in a discussion to reach a consensus on the best possible plan, integrating individual ideas into a cohesive strategy.​
   • Group Presentation:
   • A nominated member presents the group’s plan, detailing the identified problems and proposed solutions.​

Example of a Group Planning Exercise Scenario:

​You are part of a group of 10 students returning to your hostel after a picnic at Rampur. Your vehicle encounters a problem and is left at a garage near a petrol pump for repairs, expected to be completed by 6 PM. To utilize the waiting time, your group decides to enjoy a ferry ride.

Identified Problems:

1. Vehicle breakdown requiring repair.​
2. Managing time effectively while awaiting repairs.​

Proposed Solutions:

• Vehicle Repair:

  • Confirm with the mechanic that the vehicle will be ready by 6 PM.​
  • Exchange contact information for updates.​

• Time Management:

  • Plan a ferry ride that fits within the repair timeframe.​
  • Ensure timely return to collect the vehicle.​

Key Considerations:

• Prioritization: Address urgent issues first, such as confirming the vehicle’s repair status.​
• Resource Allocation: Utilize available time for leisure without compromising the primary objective.​
• Coordination: Maintain communication among group members and with external parties (e.g., the mechanic).​

Additional Resources for Practice:

• SSBCrack provides various GPE scenarios with solutions for practice. ​
• SSBMadeEasy offers practice sets to enhance understanding of GPE. ​
• Troppers presents multiple GPE samples with solutions for comprehensive preparation. ​

Engaging with these resources can significantly improve proficiency in tackling GPEs during SSB interviews.

SSB Training – GTO Tasks: Real Examples of Group Planning Exercise (GPE)

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🧠 What is the Group Planning Exercise (GPE)?

The Group Planning Exercise is a key task in the Group Testing Officer (GTO) series at SSB. It assesses:

• Logical reasoning

• Situation awareness

• Planning ability

• Group coordination and discussion skills

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🔍 GPE Format Overview:

You are given a map with a scenario, involving 4–5 problems and limited resources. You must:

1. Read the story

2. Identify problems and priorities

3. Formulate a plan

4. Discuss and reach a group solution

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📘 Example 1: Terrorist Threat & Train Sabotage

Scenario:

You and your friends are on a cycling trip near a rural area. You are currently at Point A (a school building), 1 km from a railway crossing. You get the following information:

1. A villager tells you that terrorists have planted a bomb on a passenger train scheduled to pass within the next 20 minutes.

2. A small child has fallen into a nearby well (Point B).

3. A woman is in labor at a village (Point C), 2 km away.

4. You have 3 bicycles, a rope, and a first-aid kit.

Plan Outline:

• Priority 1: Inform the station master to stop the train (send 2 fastest riders immediately to Point D).

• Priority 2: Rescue the child from the well using the rope (send 2 members, including one who knows first aid).

• Priority 3: Send remaining person with cycle to help the woman in labor.

• Regroup at Point A after 30 minutes.

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📘 Example 2: Forest Fire & Injured Hiker

Scenario:

Your team is camping in a forest (Point A). A forest fire breaks out 2 km away (Point D). You learn:

1. A nearby village (Point C) will be affected within 1 hour.

2. A hiker has a broken leg at Point B.

3. Your camp has a jeep with limited fuel (can go 4 km), 2 cycles, and a phone with low battery.

Plan Outline:

• Use jeep to pick up the injured hiker from Point B and drop at village hospital (Point C).

• Use phone ASAP to call forest authorities and inform about the fire.

• Use cycles to reach the village to alert and evacuate.

• Maintain coordination and meet at a safe point.

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📘 Example 3: Road Accident & Exam Deadline

Scenario:

Your team is going to appear for a competitive exam in a town 5 km away. On the way:

1. You witness a major accident (injured people need help).

2. A school bus breaks down nearby.

3. You have one bike, 2 first-aid kits, and 30 minutes left before the exam gate closes.

Plan Outline:

• 1 person rides bike to exam center to report situation and request delayed entry.

• 2 help injured using first-aid kits and arrange local transport.

• Remaining help students or inform local authorities.

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🗝️ How to Approach GPE (Best Strategy):

1. Read carefully (3 minutes) – Understand the layout and distances.

2. Identify & prioritize problems

3. Use resources wisely (jeep, rope, first-aid, phone, cycles)

4. Make a practical plan – use directions, time logic, and team split

5. Draw a clean map while explaining

6. Use military terms: “regroup,” “split in subgroups,” “converge at…”

7. During discussion: Listen first, support logical ideas, be confident but not dominant

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✅ Key Tips to Succeed in GPE:

• Time-sensitive problems get top priority.

• Life-threatening issues come before exams or deliveries.

• Don’t suggest unrealistic things (e.g., running 5 km in 5 mins).

• Speak clearly and support others’ good points.

• Use logical estimations (e.g., cycle speed = 10 km/h).

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Would you like:

• A PDF booklet of 10+ GPE examples with model answers?

• Hand-drawn map samples for each scenario?

• Or a mock GPE practice sheet for group training?

Just let me know and I’ll prepare it accordingly!