Situation Reaction Test: 500 SRT Problems [FREE PDF]

March 16, 2025 0 Comments

Introduction to Situation Reaction Tests

The Situation Reaction Test (SRT) forms a critical component of the psychological assessment conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Defence Forces. Whether you're preparing for AFCAT, UPSC NDA, or other defence examinations, mastering the SRT can significantly enhance your chances of selection.

SRT evaluates a candidate's natural responses to various everyday situations, providing insights into their decision-making abilities, maturity level, and officer-like qualities (OLQs). Unlike other tests that require theoretical knowledge, SRT demands practical intelligence and common sense to solve real-life problems effectively.

What is the Situation Reaction Test?

The Situation Reaction Test presents candidates with a booklet containing 60 situational scenarios to which they must provide appropriate responses. These situations range from emergencies and accidents to moral dilemmas and leadership challenges. The test assesses:

Maturity and emotional intelligence
Quick thinking and decision-making abilities
Problem-solving approach
Presence of mind
Leadership potential
Practical reasoning abilities

SRT Test Procedure

During the SSB interview process, the SRT follows other psychological tests like TAT (Thematic Apperception Test) and WAT (Word Association Test). Here's what to expect:

You'll receive a booklet with 60 situations
Time allotted: 30 minutes (approximately 30 seconds per situation)
Unlike WAT, there's no timer for individual questions
You must write your responses in the provided answer sheet
Responses should be concise, practical, and demonstrate OLQs

Essential Do's and Don'ts for SRT Success

Do's:

Write your first instinctive reaction
Provide natural and authentic responses
Ensure your answers reflect officer-like qualities
Maintain consistency in similar situations
Use commas to separate multiple actions
Keep responses short but complete

Don'ts:

Overthink situations (time is limited)
Give supernatural or unrealistic responses
Write contradictory answers to similar situations
Explain or restate the situation
Leave any situation unanswered
Write responses that don't align with your personality

Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) Assessed Through SRT

The SSB evaluates 15 essential OLQs through various tests, including the SRT. Your responses should demonstrate these qualities:

Effective Intelligence
Reasoning Ability
Organizing Ability
Power of Expression
Social Adaptability
Cooperation
Sense of Responsibility
Initiative
Self-Confidence
Speed of Decision
Ability to Influence the Group
Liveliness
Determination
Courage
Stamina

Tips for Excelling in the SRT

Practice with a timer: Attempt 60 situations in 30 minutes regularly to improve speed
Use shorter sentences: Practice writing concise responses that convey complete actions
Develop reading habits: This helps in quickly understanding situations
Prioritize actions: In emergency situations, follow the sequence of alerting, safety, remedial action, and follow-up
Show leadership: Demonstrate initiative and responsibility in your responses
Be consistent: Maintain a consistent personality across all situations
Practice common scenarios: Familiarize yourself with frequently asked situations
Focus on qualities: Each response should highlight at least one OLQ

Common SRT Scenarios and Model Responses

Emergency Situations

Situation: You are driving a car on the highway at full speed, and suddenly the brakes fail. You...

Response: Shift to neutral gear, slow down using engine braking, use handbrake once slowed, and get it repaired.

Qualities Reflected: Effective Intelligence, Speed of Decision

Situation: While passing by a lake, you notice a boy drowning, and you don't know swimming. You...

Response: Get into shallow water, raise alarm, use a stick/rope to help the boy, render first aid, and inform his parents.

Qualities Reflected: Courage, Initiative, Sense of Responsibility

Social Situations

Situation: Your joke was well-meant but still your friend became angry. You...

Response: Apologize immediately, clarify the intention, and make him laugh with another joke.

Qualities Reflected: Power of Expression, Liveliness, Social Adaptability

Situation: In the company of strangers, you feel...

Response: Approach some people, build positive conversation, and make new friends.

Qualities Reflected: Social Adaptability, Power of Expression

Leadership Challenges

Situation: You are the captain of a football team and the performance of the team is not up to the mark. You...

Response: Do introspection, create a strict training routine, arrange friendly matches, motivate team members, and ensure success in subsequent matches.

Qualities Reflected: Initiative, Sense of Responsibility, Organizing Ability

Situation: You are required to dig trenches, but your colleagues are not cooperating with you. You...

Response: Motivate your colleagues, explain the importance of the task, lead by example, and contribute effectively.

Qualities Reflected: Leadership, Cooperation, Initiative

Financial and Personal Dilemmas

Situation: Your sister's marriage is fixed, but your relatives refused to give a loan/money. You...

Response: Arrange funds through a bank loan, perform the marriage, help parents, and repay the loan through EMIs.

Qualities Reflected: Initiative, Problem-solving, Sense of Responsibility

Situation: Due to financial constraints, you cannot study abroad and have to stay at home. You...

Response: Join a reputable institution locally, work part-time, save money, and pursue international education later.

Qualities Reflected: Self-Confidence, Determination, Effective Intelligence

Example SRT Problems with Responses and OLQs

The following examples demonstrate how responses can showcase specific officer-like qualities:

Situation: You are returning from a picnic, it starts getting dark, and you've lost your way.
Response: Check location with locals/stars/compass, relocate direction, and rejoin the group.
OLQs: Effective Intelligence, Self-Confidence
Situation: You are passing by a railway line and notice that fish plates have been removed with only 15 minutes before a train arrives.
Response: Run toward the station, alert the station master, help prevent the accident.
OLQs: Speed of Decision, Courage, Sense of Responsibility
Situation: While traveling in a train, you lost your purse with money.
Response: Lodge an online FIR, use e-wallets for payment, continue journey.
OLQs: Effective Intelligence, Adaptability
Situation: Your boss does not agree with your views.
Response: Review your point judiciously, provide more convincing evidence, satisfy the boss.
OLQs: Power of Expression, Reasoning Ability
Situation: You have to organize a debate competition.
Response: Check date/time/venue, decide on subjects, arrange for participation, ensure success.
OLQs: Organizing Ability, Initiative

Preparation Strategy for SRT

Daily practice: Attempt at least 20-30 situations daily
Review and analyze: Identify patterns in your responses and improve them
Group practice: Discuss responses with peers to gain different perspectives
Timed drills: Practice completing 60 situations within 30 minutes
OLQ focus: Ensure your responses reflect multiple officer-like qualities
Feedback: Get your responses evaluated by mentors or seniors

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Conclusion

The Situation Reaction Test evaluates your natural inclinations, problem-solving abilities, and leadership potential. Success in SRT comes not from memorizing answers but from developing the right mindset and approach toward handling various situations. Regular practice, awareness of officer-like qualities, and authentic responses that reflect your true personality will help you excel in this challenging test.

Remember that the qualities demonstrated in your SRT responses should be consistent with your performance in other stages of the SSB selection process. The key is not just to pass the test but to genuinely develop the officer-like qualities that will serve you throughout your military career.

By mastering the SRT, you take a significant step toward realizing your dream of joining the prestigious Indian Defence Forces. Practice diligently, respond authentically, and approach each situation with confidence and clarity.

Also Read: SSB Interview WAT: Full Details & 100 Examples

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