How To Prepare ISSB Final Interview and Re-Interview (Follow These Tips)

Preparing for the ISSB final interview and Re-Interview is crucial for candidates aspiring to join the Pakistan Army, Navy, or Air Force. The final interview is the last stage of the selection process and plays a significant role in determining the candidate’s suitability for a career in the defense forces. It is a comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s personality, communication skills, knowledge, and overall suitability for leadership roles. To excel in the ISSB final interview, candidates should focus on developing a deep understanding of current affairs, demonstrating effective communication skills, showcasing leadership qualities, and displaying confidence and composure.

What is ISSB?

The Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) is the gateway for individuals aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force. Applying for ISSB involves online registration, facilitated by Pakistan Forces Information and Selection Centres. Once selected, candidates undergo initial tests covering various subjects. It conducts the ISSB Test, a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation that assesses candidates’ physical, mental, cognitive, moral, and social abilities to determine their suitability for defense positions. The test spans multiple days, with candidates being evaluated daily on various aspects.

ISSB Interview

After qualifying initial tests, candidates move to the crucial phase of ISSB—the interview. The ISSB interview assesses candidates’ suitability for commissioned officer roles in the armed forces. Preparation for this stage is essential, and GoTest continues to be a valuable resource. Offering insights into communication strategies, leadership qualities, and other crucial aspects, it aids candidates in presenting their best selves during the ISSB interview.

Aim & Purpose of ISSB Interview

The interview stage in ISSB holds a pivotal role in the selection process, aiming to identify candidates with leadership qualities befitting an Officer. This phase is designed to thoroughly assess candidates, ensuring they possess the essential attributes needed for their respective branches. The face-to-face conversation with the Deputy President is a crucial component, offering a comprehensive evaluation for the final selection of individuals who exhibit the qualities necessary to become effective leaders within the Pakistan Defence Forces.

ISSB Mission and Selection Criteria

The overarching mission of ISSB is to handpick potential Officers who not only excel in training but also demonstrate mental, social, and dynamic qualities. The selection process is meticulous, with ISSB staff dedicated to employing time-tested protocols to identify candidates with outstanding human personalities. Through their concerted efforts, ISSB strives to predict and choose individuals who embody the excellence required to lead and serve in the various branches of the Pakistan Defence Forces.

How to Get 100% Success in ISSB Interviews 

Consider these three main elements while preparing for the ISSB Interviews, You will get 100% success.

1. Personal Information Questions (PIQ)
2. Dressing
3. Body Language

Personal Information Questions (PIQ)

1. Provide accurate and precise details in the Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ).
2. Answer each question in the PIQ thoroughly, leaving no gaps or missing information.
3. Expect interview questions to be derived from the information in the PIQ.
4. Prepare thoughtful and coherent responses to potential questions about your background, experiences, and achievements.
5. Ensure consistency between the details provided in the PIQ and your responses during the interview.
6. Be ready to discuss your socio-economic background and its influence on your personality and aspirations.
7. Highlight any challenges you’ve overcome or lessons learned from your socio-economic background.
8. Elaborate on your educational journey, achievements, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
9. Link educational and extracurricular experiences to your development and suitability for a commission.
10. Discuss family dynamics and your role within the family structure.
11. Highlight instances where you demonstrated leadership, responsibility, and teamwork within the family context.
12. Practice answering potential interview questions based on the information in the PIQ.
13. Review your responses to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with the details provided.

Dressing in the ISSB Interview

1. Dressing appropriately is crucial for creating a positive impression at the ISSB interview.
2. Choose traditional and conservative attire to convey confidence and professionalism.
3. Men should opt for a conservative two-piece dark suit in navy blue or deep grey.
4. Pair the suit with a long-sleeved blue or white shirt and a complementary silk tie.
5. Select black or brown shoes with matching socks and avoid wearing jewelry.
6. Women candidates should wear a dark, conservative dress or an elegant outfit in neutral colors.
7. Ensure the dress is well-fitted, properly ironed, and paired with low-heeled shoes.
8. Keep makeup simple and neutral-toned, and avoid strong perfumes or deodorants.
9. Minimal conservative jewelry is appropriate for both men and women.

Body Language in ISSB Interview

1. Body language is crucial for conveying confidence and positive traits during the ISSB interview.
2. Be aware of gestures and signals reflecting your state of mind.
3. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer to demonstrate engagement and attentiveness.
4. Smile and nod appropriately to convey positivity.
5. Avoid negative gestures like slouching, crossing arms, tapping feet, throat clearing, or nail-biting.
6. Sit upright with good posture to convey confidence and interest.
7. Display open body language to make a favorable impression.
8. Remember that around 55% of communication is non-verbal, with body language playing a significant role.
9. Utilize positive body language to enhance your overall presentation during the interview.

Important things to remember during the ISSB Interview

ISSB Interview Etiquette:

1. Be aware of the scheduled interview time based on the chest number.
2. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to absorb interview stress.
3. Maintain a stress-free and highly motivated mindset.
4. Socialize with fellow candidates to ease natural stress.
5. Take deep breaths before entering the interview room.

Entering the Room:

1. Seek permission before entering, saying, “May I come in, Sir?”
2. Close the door calmly and confidently.
3. Approach the Deputy President with short steps and stand near the chair.
4. Ask permission to sit, saying “Thank you, Sir,” and maintain a fine and impressive posture.

During the Interview:

1. Maintain the right posture, with open legs and hands on knees/thighs.
2. Avoid crossing your legs, signaling disappointment.
3. Listen carefully, reflect, and answer questions with confidence.
4. Avoid unnecessary gestures like slouching, tapping feet, or biting lips.
5. Keep eye contact, respond with a smile, and give clear, concise answers.
6. Showcase confidence and highlight life contributions and accomplishments.
7. Avoid being overly clever, evasive, or critical of others.
8. Focus on each part of multipart questions, keeping answers simple and convincing.
9. Admit if you don’t know an answer, expressing a willingness to check later.
10. Acknowledge explanations from the interviewing officer without arguing.
11. Politely declined to ask questions at the end of the interview.

Ending the Interview:

1. Stand up smartly, thank the officer, and wish them a nice day.
2. If offered a handshake, keep it brief (not more than 3 seconds) with eye contact.
3. Say “Allah Hafiz” with good wishes as you exit the room.

Most Repeated Questions of the ISSB Interview

Personal Questions:

1. What is your name and its meaning?
2. Who are your parents, and what is their profession?
3. What is your caste and sect?
4. Describe your current occupation.
5. What is your mother tongue?
6. Share your weight, height, age, and place of birth.
7. What is your rank among siblings?
8. What does your father do, and how many marriages has he had?
9. How many siblings do you have, and what are their occupations?
10. Who is your favorite personality, and why?

Academic Questions:

1. What is your qualification?
2. Convert weight, height, and age into different units.
3. What is your father’s salary?
4. If given 100,000, how would you use it?
5. Provide your metric and inter-roll numbers with percentages.
6. What is your favorite subject?
7. Calculate the discount on a dress priced at 3,000 with a 20% discount.
8. Define CGPA.
9. Solve mathematical problems involving speed, distance, and percentages.
10. What is the proportion of the budget for the three armed forces?

Self-Assessment Questions:

1. Why did you join the Pakistan army?
2. Introduce yourself in 6 to 8 lines.
3. What are your good and bad qualities?
4. Share your hobbies and favorite colors.
5. Who is your best friend, and list their qualities?
6. Have you ever told a lie, and if so, when and why?
7. What would be your next step if not recommended?
8. How would you react if transferred to another defense force?
9. Are you a smoker?
10. Define BP, and have you ever seen it?

Mathematics Skills Questions:

1. Solve mathematical problems involving multiplication and brackets.
2. Calculate the distance covered by a plane in 35 minutes at 90 km/hour.
3. Determine percentages and discounts in real-life scenarios.
4. Compare fractions.
5. Solve problems related to speed, time, and distance.
6. Calculate percentages and apply them to pricing.
7. Convert units and solve everyday math problems.
8. Solve mathematical problems involving yearly income.
9. Determine the price of a specified quantity of items.
10. Compare fractions and decimals.

Social Life Questions:

1. Do you use Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram?
2. Who is your best girlfriend and why?
3. How many friends do you have on social media?
4. Describe the good habits of an ideal person in your friend list.
5. Do you have male friends on your social media?
6. What do you generally do in your social life?
7. Have you ever quarreled with anyone?

Religious Questions:

1. What are the duties of angels?
2. Name the Archangels.
3. What is the largest and shortest Surah of the Quran?
4. How many Rukus and Sajdas are there in the Quran?
5. Who was the first recipient of Nishan-e-Haider?
6. What is the Motto of the Pakistan navy army and air force?
7. List the names of Ghazwat fought between Pakistan and India.
8. What is the total no of messengers sent by GOD?
9. Explain the significance of Fatah Makkah.
10. What is the coastal line length of Pakistan?

ISSB Abbreviations:

1. Define ISSB.
2. What does UNDP stand for?
3. Explain the meaning of CSS.
4. Define USB.
5. What does SIM stand for?
6. Explain WIFI.
7. Define FATA.
8. What is MPEG?
9. Define IP.
10. Explain ASIAN.

Pakistan Armed Questions:

1. What does NEWS stand for?
2. How do you calculate Zakat from your father’s salary?
3. Define FATA.
4. What is the highest military award of Pakistan?
5. Name the Chief of Army Staff.
6. Who is the DG ISI and DG ISPR?
7. Who is the Defense Minister of Pakistan?
8. Name the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
9. Who is the Chief of Naval Staff?
10. Name the Vice Admiral.

General Knowledge Questions:

1. Name Pakistan’s neighboring countries and their directions.
2. Identify the rivers associated with Tarbela, Mangla, and Warsak dams.
3. Who is the Chairman of HEC?
4. Name the Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairman of Parliament.
5. What is the total area of Pakistan?
6. Describe the Pakistani flag and national anthem.
7. Define the Two-Nation Theory.
8. Explain the significance of GT Road.
9. Name the largest and shortest Surahs of the Quran.
10. List the locations of the Dead Sea, Caspian Sea, Black Sea, White Sea, Yellow Sea, Baltic Sea, and Red Sea.

Questions In ISSB Interview Urdu

• پاک فوج میں شمولیت کے لیے آپ کو کس چیز نے متاثر کیا؟
• آپ کی سب سے بڑی طاقت کیا ہے؟
• آپ تناؤ اور دباؤ کو کیسے سنبھالتے ہیں؟
• آپ کی سب سے بڑی کمزوری کیا ہے؟
• آپ اپنے کاموں کو کس طرح ترجیح دیتے ہیں؟
• آپ کے طویل مدتی کیریئر کا مقصد کیا ہے؟
• آپ پاکستان آرمی کے بارے میں کیا جانتے ہیں؟
• آپ اپنے قائدانہ انداز کو کیسے بیان کریں گے؟
• آپ کے خیال میں آرمی آفیسر کے لیے کون سی خوبیاں ضروری ہیں؟
• آپ کے خیال میں بطور آرمی آفیسر آپ کو کن چیلنجوں کا سامنا کرنا پڑے گا؟
• آپ تنازعات کے حل کو کیسے ہینڈل کرتے ہیں؟
• فوج میں نظم و ضبط کے بارے میں آپ کی کیا رائے ہے؟
• ٹیم ورک کے بارے میں آپ کے کیا خیالات ہیں؟
• آپ اپنے آپ کو اور دوسروں کی حوصلہ افزائی کیسے کرتے ہیں؟
• آپ کا مسئلہ حل کرنے کا طریقہ کیا ہے؟
• آپ منظم کیسے رہتے ہیں؟
• آپ کے خیال میں ملکی سلامتی کو سب سے بڑا خطرہ کیا ہے؟
• آپ ایک ماتحت کو کیسے سنبھالیں گے جو اچھی کارکردگی کا مظاہرہ نہیں کر رہا ہے؟
• آپ حالات حاضرہ کے بارے میں کیسے اپ ٹو ڈیٹ رہتے ہیں؟
• آپ جسمانی فٹنس کو کیسے برقرار رکھتے ہیں؟
• فوج میں ٹیکنالوجی کے کردار کے بارے میں آپ کی کیا رائے ہے؟
• آپ ایسی صورت حال سے کیسے نمٹیں گے جہاں آپ اپنے اعلیٰ افسر کے فیصلے سے متفق نہیں ہوں گے؟
• آپ اپنے وقت کو مؤثر طریقے سے کیسے منظم کرتے ہیں؟
• فیصلہ سازی کے لیے آپ کا نقطہ نظر کیا ہے؟
• تنازعات کے حل میں طاقت کے استعمال کے بارے میں آپ کی کیا رائے ہے؟
• آپ تنقید کو کیسے سنبھالتے ہیں؟
• آپ ناکامی کو کیسے سنبھالتے ہیں؟
• فوجی کارروائیوں میں انٹیلی جنس کے استعمال پر آپ کی کیا رائے ہے؟
• آپ ابہام کو کیسے ہینڈل کرتے ہیں؟
• آپ اپنے کام میں درستگی کو کیسے یقینی بناتے ہیں؟
• فوج میں وفاداری کے بارے میں آپ کے کیا خیالات ہیں؟
• آپ خفیہ معلومات کو کیسے ہینڈل کرتے ہیں؟
• آپ کام اور زندگی کا توازن کیسے برقرار رکھتے ہیں؟
• فوج میں خواتین کے کردار کے بارے میں آپ کی کیا رائے ہے؟
• آپ مشکل لوگوں کو کیسے ہینڈل کرتے ہیں؟
• آپ کے خیال میں لیڈر کے لیے سب سے اہم خوبی کیا ہے؟
• آپ کے خیال میں پاک فوج کو درپیش سب سے بڑا چیلنج کیا ہے؟
• آپ اخلاقی مخمصوں سے کیسے نمٹتے ہیں؟
• آپ کے خیال میں معاشرے میں فوج کا کیا کردار ہے؟
• آپ ثقافتی اختلافات کو کس طرح سنبھالتے ہیں؟
• آپ تبدیلی کو کیسے سنبھالتے ہیں؟
• فوجی کارروائیوں میں ڈرون کے استعمال کے بارے میں آپ کی کیا رائے ہے؟
• آپ غیر متوقع حالات سے کیسے نمٹتے ہیں؟
• فوج میں تعلیم کے کردار کے بارے میں آپ کی کیا رائے ہے؟
• آپ کے خیال میں فوج کے بارے میں سب سے بڑی غلط فہمی کیا ہے؟
• آپ سخت ڈیڈ لائن کو کیسے سنبھالتے ہیں؟
• آپ زندگی اور موت کے فیصلے کرنے کے دباؤ کو کیسے سنبھالتے ہیں؟
• آپ کے خیال میں فوج میں مواصلات کا کیا کردار ہے؟
• آپ ایسی صورتحال سے کیسے نمٹتے ہیں جہاں آپ کی اقدار آپ کے فرائض سے متصادم ہیں؟
• فوجی کارروائیوں میں پروپیگنڈے کے استعمال کے بارے میں آپ کی کیا رائے ہے؟

ISSB Re-interview

In the ISSB selection process, a re-interview is a second chance given to a candidate who did not qualify in the initial interview. It provides an opportunity for the candidate to address any shortcomings or areas of improvement identified during the first interview. The re-interview is conducted to reassess the candidate’s suitability for selection.

Guidelines for the ISSB Re-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.
• Do not make the mistakes again which you made in the initial interview.

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 for INTERVIEWS.