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In a special series on a career in defence, we discussed the preliminary tasks at ISSB in our previous article. This article will cover the psychological part of ISSB. However, one must remember that the ISSB does not possess any preset module.
The military is not for everyone. Not everyone will be able to go and adjust there in the military rules, regulations and customs. ISSB has the objective of selecting candidates who have good and stable psychology. People who can withstand the tough training there in the military and abide by the hard and fast rules. A good character is also important in that regard.
The psychological tests start right after the preliminary screening is done. Candidates are put in a physically and mentally demanding situation before the psychological tests. After lunch, they are kept inside the testing hall for a long time resulting in most candidates feeling drowsy.
So, when they start the psychology test, candidates tend to present their actual psychology. It is done because candidates mostly prepare themselves before ISSB, and ISSB wants to see the genuine personality of the candidates.
Psychology tests include -
- Word Association Test
- Incomplete sentences
- Incomplete stories
- Picture story/ TAT(Thematic Appreciation Test)
- Self Assessment
- Essay Writing
- Bitter and memorable incident
Each of the tests has different objectives and different time frames. The candidate should keep an open mind about the timing and sequence of the tests. These are variable, and having a set idea about the time might disrupt many candidates. Whatever the time and space given for writing, the candidates must be able to adjust accordingly and deliver their best.
The word association test is like a rapid-fire round. Eighty words will be shown on the big screen, and candidates will have to write sentences about the words. Each word will be shown for 10 seconds. The candidates must be rapid in constructing sentences. With less time, it is advisable not to write long sentences.
Again, sentences like 'go home,' and 'come here' should not be used. Such videos are available on various social media. The candidates practising this at home are advised to read their own script, and they will get an idea about their psychology. Too many sentences with 'I' in them should be avoided.
For example, "I like to fish," "I want success," etc. This would present a bit of selfishness inside the candidate, which ISSB would not appreciate.
Incomplete sentences are comparatively easier in this regard. Half of a sentence will be given, and the candidate should complete the remaining half from their imagination. The sentence would speak a lot about the candidate's psychology.
It will be in both Bangla and English. The same goes for incomplete stories. Here a small starting of a story will be given, and the candidates will fill up the remaining part.
The picture story might be clear or abstract. A picture will be shown, and the candidates must write a story based on the picture.
In many cases, there might not be any clear picture of the characters. There might be a mixture of colours. In that case, the candidate must bring up the picture's meaning. The story should be logical and understandable.
Essay writing is pretty straightforward. One Bangla and One English essay are given. The topics are not like the conventional exams. Somewhat the current issues and happenings of our country and the whole world are given topics for essay writing. Candidate should showcase their depth of knowledge and thinking ability.
Bitter and memorable incidents are upon the candidates. Every person has bitter and memorable incidents in their lives. But many candidates tend to write about some of their childhood adventures, which were as risky and immoral as their memorable incidents. This should not be the case, as it would create a negative impression of the candidate.
Lastly, the self-assessment is a bunch of questions based on the candidate's life. Questions include what you think about drug addicts or what your parents think of you. All are open-ended, and there are no wrong answers.
Whatever a candidate does in the psychology test, they must avoid writing such things which make them look like an introvert, selfish or pervert.
Other than that, being yourself is the key. Many say that having positive thinking in every aspect is important. But actually, it is best if the candidates express their psychology properly. The writer can vouch for this statement from his experience with the ISSB, as, in many cases, he wrote negative things when things seemed to be going south. Having a cool head and a good day is important for cracking this test.