ISSB Selection System (Procedure and Type of Test) Criteria in Pakistan

5 Day Schedule of ISSB

The Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) conducts a comprehensive five-day examination at various ISSB centers. The selection process includes psychological and aptitude evaluations over these five days, and the schedule is as follows:

Day 1: Screening Test

Following their arrival, candidates must complete various forms, including the Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ). Subsequently, candidates are required to take two types of INTELLIGENCE Tests, both Verbal and non-verbal, similar to the preliminary tests they have previously taken. These tests are referred to as Screening Tests. The results of the screening test are announced within 15 – 30 minutes after the test is completed. Those candidates who pass stay for the next 4 days to complete the remaining tests, while the others are excused and instructed to return home.

Day 2: Psychological Tests

On the second day, the focus will be on the Psychological Test. Your handwriting will be closely examined as it reflects your quality. Remember, these tests are designed to assess your IQ, so try to answer as many questions as possible. Ensure that your responses reflect your thought process. Stay positive in your approach as your performance will be compared to that of all other candidates. The Psychological tests consist of four categories.

1. Picture Story Writing Test.

2. Word Association Test.

3. Situation Reaction Test.

4. Self-Description Test.

1. Picture Story Writing:

The participants must compose a total of 12 narratives, with 11 containing an accompanying image and one without. Each story should be completed within approximately 3 minutes. Avoid clichéd storylines and explore various themes for each narrative. Keep in mind that you are portraying the Hero; the objective is to showcase leadership qualities through these tales. Only during the perception assessment should you provide details such as age, gender, mood, and the number of individuals depicted in the image. Your story should be relevant to the image while delving into the past events that led to the current situation. Additionally, speculate on what might unfold in the future.

2. Word Association Test: 

3. Situation Reaction Test:

The examination comprises everyday practical scenarios that we encounter in our daily lives. Describe the actions you would take if you were in those situations. There are no correct or incorrect answers. The ideal approach is to write about a positive action that a responsible citizen would likely take. This test aims to assess qualities such as courage, helpfulness, empathy, responsibility, social interaction, boldness, and honesty. Please note that attempting the suggested actions may lead to trouble, so it is advised not to follow them.

4. Self-Description Test: 

In the final section of the psychological assessment, each applicant is required to compose a self-evaluation to gauge their self-awareness. Typically, candidates are prompted to provide self-reflections under the following categories:

1. What is your perspective on yourself?
2. How do your parents perceive you?
3. How does your closest friend perceive you?
4. How does your greatest adversary perceive you?
5. How does your teacher perceive you?
6. What are your areas of strength?
7. What are your areas of weakness?
8. What qualities would you like to cultivate?

More  Suggested Topics are:

• About your parents and place of birth and family background.
• Physical Attributes
• Social Contacts.
• Education.
• Extra-curricular activities, and achievements.
• Your aims and goals. Both short and long-term.
• Religion.

Day 3 & 4: Grouping Testing Officers (GTO) Test

The 3rd and 4th Days are kept for GTO Tests which include:

• Group Planning Exercise
• Progressive Group Tasks
• Half Group Tasks
• Individual Obstacles
• Command Tasks
• Final Group Tasks

It is important to stay composed and authentic, giving your best effort while prioritizing the group’s interests over your own. Remain vigilant and showcase your true qualities to the assessors. Remember that the assessors are highly skilled, therefore refrain from resorting to dishonest tactics. What criteria do they evaluate during Group Tasks at ISSB?

• Assessment of the candidate’s participation within the formulated Rules
• Planning and Intelligent Assessment of the situation.
• Individual Quality in Context to the Group
• Assuming control of a Group to execute a task
• Assess the responsibility to Teammates
• Ability to realize the potential of Group Members
• Capacity to motivate others
• Alertness
• Creative Thinking
• Putting the Group before the self
• Helping Tendency
• Originality of Thoughts
• Quick Decision Making
• Cooperative with Others
• Group Integration
• Planning and Execution
• Leadership Initiative

Interview:

Interviews are held during the afternoon/evening hours on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th day.

During the ISSB interview, candidates can expect a range of questions that assess their suitability for a career in the military. While the specific questions may vary, here are some common questions and guidelines to consider:

1. Tell us about yourself and your background.
2. Why do you want to join the military?
3. What motivated you to apply for a Commissioned Officer position?
4. How do you handle high-pressure situations or stress?
5. Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership skills.
6. Give an example of a challenging problem you faced and how you resolved it.
7. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
8. What are your strengths and how do they align with the requirements of a military career?
9. What are your weaknesses, and how have you worked to overcome them?
10. How do you handle teamwork and collaboration?
11. What do you understand about the values and ethics of the armed forces?
12. How do you stay updated on current affairs and military-related matters?
13. Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision and explain your thought process.
14. How do you handle failure or setbacks?
15. What steps have you taken to prepare yourself physically and mentally for a military career?

These questions provide a general idea of the areas the interview may focus on. It is important to note that the interview panel may ask additional questions based on your responses or specific aspects of your application. Practice answering these questions beforehand, ensuring that your responses are concise and clear, and highlight your strengths, experiences, and commitment to a military career.

Guidelines for the ISSB interview:

• Be confident and maintain positive body language throughout the interview.
• Listen attentively to the questions and take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering.
• Provide concise and clear responses, avoiding unnecessary rambling.
• Be honest and truthful in your answers. Integrity is highly valued.
• Showcase your communication skills by speaking clearly and articulately.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, passion, and a genuine interest in serving the armed forces.
• Be respectful towards the interview panel and maintain professionalism throughout the interview.
• Practice mock interviews with friends or mentors to gain confidence and refine your responses.

Remember, the ISSB interview aims to assess your suitability, character, and potential as a Commissioned Officer. By preparing well, staying composed, and showcasing your best qualities, you can make a positive impression during the interview process.

RECOMMENDED & NOT RECOMMENDED CANDIDATES ARE NOT PROVIDED THEIR LETTERS AT THE ISSB BUT ARE SENT TO THE CANDIDATES RESPECTIVE RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES.