What is Group Planning Exercise in the SSB Interview?

The Group Planning Exercise (GPE), also known as the Military Planning Exercise, is the second task in the Group Testing Officer (GTO) series during the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview process. This exercise is specifically designed to evaluate candidates' ability to think logically, solve problems efficiently, and work effectively as a team under time constraints—skills that are essential for officers in the armed forces who frequently face unexpected challenges requiring quick thinking and decisive action.

Purpose of the Group Planning Exercise

The GPE serves multiple assessment purposes:

• Tests candidates' logical thinking abilities
• Evaluates problem-solving skills under pressure
• Measures teamwork and cooperation capabilities
• Identifies leadership potential
• Assesses decision-making abilities in complex situations

A strong performance in this exercise can positively influence a candidate's overall assessment and set a positive tone for subsequent tasks in the SSB interview process.

How the Group Planning Exercise is Conducted

The exercise follows a structured format:

1. Setup and Briefing

   • Candidates are seated in a quadrangular arrangement around a sand model
   • The GTO explains the model's markings, dimensions, and features in detail
   • A problem narrative is read aloud by the GTO

2. Individual Solution Phase (10 minutes)

   • Each candidate receives a written copy of the narrative
   • Candidates have 10 minutes to read and analyze the situation
   • They then write their individual solutions on paper

3. Group Discussion Phase (15 minutes)

   • Candidates engage in a group discussion to arrive at a common solution
   • They must integrate their ideas and create a cohesive plan

4. Group Solution Presentation

   • One candidate (selected by the GTO) presents the group's final solution
   • The presentation is done by referencing the sand model

5. GTO Feedback

   • The GTO provides thoughts and suggestions about the problem and solutions

Recommended Approach for Individual Solutions

A structured approach to formulating your solution includes:

1. Problem Identification
   • List all problems identified in the narrative
2. Resource Assessment
   • Catalog all available resources and their capabilities
3. Problem Prioritization
   • Rank problems by urgency and importance
   • Assign #1 to the most critical issue, #2 to the next, and so on
4. Solution Development
   • Present solutions in clear point form
   • Consider time and distance factors
   • Demonstrate how multiple problems can be addressed simultaneously by dividing manpower and resources

Sample Scenario

A typical GPE scenario might involve multiple concurrent problems requiring immediate attention. For example:

You are among 8 students from city Deer who went boating. While your friends are boating, you discover:

• A removed fish plate on railway tracks with a train due at 1600 hrs
• Information about terrorists planting a road mine to assassinate the Chief Minister
• Two girls mauled by a tigress lying unconscious in the jungle
• A haystack fire requiring assistance
• A message that your mother is seriously ill
• The village Pradhan's daughter has fallen into a well

Available resources include:

• A police post and PCO in Village Lion
• Five guns with the Village Pradhan
• Half-hourly bus service between cities
• Carts in Village Fox
• A motorboat with 10 km/hr speed
• A jeep

The current time is 1415 hrs. What will you do?

Key Tips for Success

To perform well in the Group Planning Exercise:

• Listen attentively to the GTO's briefing and visualization of the problem
• Clarify doubts before beginning your solution
• Note all details in the model as they may be crucial
• Identify all resources at your disposal
• Be collaborative during group discussion, not stubborn about your ideas
• Recognize and acknowledge better ideas from group members
• Maintain group cohesion by encouraging cooperation
• Balance speed with thoroughness when developing solutions
• Consider parallel problem-solving by distributing resources appropriately

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Failing to prioritize life-threatening situations
• Ignoring time constraints in your solution
• Not utilizing all available resources effectively
• Being too rigid with your individual solution during group discussion
• Getting swept up in chaotic discussions without guiding the group toward consensus
• Overlooking critical details in the model or narrative

The Group Planning Exercise is challenging but offers candidates an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their officer-like qualities. With proper preparation and the right approach, candidates can showcase their problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills effectively.