The Situation Reaction Test (SRT) is a part of the psychological assessment at the SSB interview, designed to gauge a candidate’s ability to handle various situations under time constraints. Candidates are given a booklet with 60 situations and only 30 minutes to respond. This means candidates must be quick, concise, and practical in their answers, demonstrating how they would react in real-life scenarios.
Watch our detailed video overview about Situation Reaction Test (SRT) in SSB Interview:
Tips for Success in the SRT
Be Concise and Direct:
- Keep your responses short and to the point, focusing on the immediate action required.
Stay Realistic:
- Avoid over-the-top or unrealistic actions. Respond as you would if you were an officer handling the situation with practicality and level-headedness.
Put Yourself in the Hero’s Role:
- Imagine yourself as the main character in each scenario. This helps you respond authentically and take ownership of your actions.
Avoid Socially Expected Responses:
- Don’t try to write what you think is “socially correct.” Instead, focus on what you would genuinely do, as psychologists can detect inauthentic responses.
Consistency is Key:
- The image you portray should align with the assessment across all three evaluators (Psychologist, GTO, and President). Consistency in behavior and attitude is essential for recommendation.
Focus on Immediate Actions:
- In each scenario, prioritize actions that you would take right away. Avoid long-term or “futuristic” responses, as the SRT measures immediate problem-solving abilities.
Single, Clear Actions:
- Stick to one action per situation, ensuring your response is straightforward and not overly complex.
Be Neat and Avoid Skipping:
- Write clearly, skip no questions, and keep a logical flow in your answers. Ensure similar situations are met with consistent actions.
Practical and Logical Solutions:
- Always prioritize practical, logical, and safe solutions to each scenario.
Sample SRT Scenarios and Suggested Responses
Let’s look at some sample SRT situations along with ideal responses. Remember, responses may vary according to personal traits, but they should reflect practicality and logic:
You are playing in your friend’s house, when he gets stuck with a naked electric wire. You would –
- Switch off the mains immediately and take him to the hospital.
You are living in a college hostel. The dal served in the mess has stones in it. You would –
- Inform the mess manager about the quality issue and request improvement.
To help the poor, he has a keen desire to raise funds. He should –
- Start an NGO and organize charity events to raise money.
While traveling by bus, the engine catches fire. You would –
- Help evacuate everyone from the bus and assist in putting out the fire if possible.
To improve organizational results, what measures should he take?
- Introduce effective and stress-free learning environments.
On his way to the SSB, he sees an injured person with no one around to help. He would
- Help the person, take them to the hospital, and inform their family.
He is playing outdoors when his brother is seriously injured, and it starts to rain heavily. He would –
- Take his brother to the hospital by car as quickly as possible.
You are serving under two senior officers who always give conflicting orders. You would
- Inform the most senior officer about the conflicting instructions for clarity.
Your bathroom tap is leaking and causing an irritating noise. You would –
- Repair it yourself or call a plumber to fix it.
You hear rumors that the enemy is likely to attack the country. As a soldier, you would –
- Prepare to defend and neutralize any potential threat.
Practical Tips for Effective SRT Responses
- Practice with Various Scenarios: Familiarize yourself with different types of situations. The more you practice, the easier it will be to respond quickly and confidently.
- Focus on Core Officer-like Qualities: Responses should reflect qualities like decisiveness, resourcefulness, responsibility, and courage.
- Time Management is Key: With only 30 minutes, aim to spend no more than 30 seconds per situation. Practicing with a timer can help build speed and accuracy.
- Be Yourself: Authenticity is vital. Your responses should reflect your true self, as the SRT is designed to reveal genuine qualities and thought processes.
The SRT is a valuable tool in the SSB interview process to understand a candidate’s immediate response style and personality. By practicing and staying calm, candidates can showcase their ability to handle various challenges effectively and practically.
