Official Stage-1 Success Predictor for NDA, CDS & AFCAT Aspirants
Standards updated as per SSB screening trends
Note: 70% of candidates are Screened Out in Stage-1. Use this tool to check where you stand.
The rejection rate at Stage-1 is the highest in the entire SSB process.
The Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) is your first impression. Candidates with OIR-1 and OIR-2 have a 90% higher chance of being screened in.
You get only 60 seconds to narrate your story. If you fumble or stop, your chances drop significantly, regardless of how good your story is.
Group Discussions often turn into chaos. Leaders are those who stay calm and bring the group to a common consensus.
You can use Hindi words if you get stuck, but you must immediately switch back to English. However, for a high screening probability, English is highly recommended.
The story should be "realistic." If the picture shows a crisis, your character should solve it. Forced positivity is often rejected by psychologists.
We provide real-time PPDT practice, OIR training, and mock GTO tasks in Patna to build the confidence needed for Stage-1.
Ideally, you should aim for OIR 1 or OIR 2. While OIR 3 candidates do get screened in, those with OIR 1 have a significantly higher success rate. OIR 4 or 5 makes it very difficult to clear Stage-1 regardless of the GD.
The top reasons include: 1. Low OIR score, 2. Poor/Incomplete Narration during PPDT, and 3. Lack of group coordination during the GD (creating a 'fish market').
Repeaters are assessed in separate groups. While expectations are higher, the selection criteria remain the same: showing Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). Focused practice can help repeaters overcome previous mistakes.
Developed by the Hind Defence Academy SSB Mentors. Our team includes retired officers and psychologists who understand the exact OLQs (Officer Like Qualities) checked during screening.