How to crack Picture Perception Discussion Test (PPDT) in SSB Interview?

The Picture Perception Discussion test is a part of the Screening Test in the SSB Interview and many defence exams like AFCAT, UPSC NDA, Navy, etc. The Screening test is done on Day 1 of the Interview. The Screening Test has two parts- the OIR test and PPDT. The candidates who clear the written test will only be asked to appear for the Interview. The candidates who do not get selected on Day 1 of the Screening test are sent back. The SSB Interview is the second stage of the selection process of AFCAT and other defence exams.

In PPDT, the candidates are shown a picture and they are asked to frame and write a story on the basis of that picture from their perspective. The picture that is shown is blurred and is shown for a duration of 30 seconds. The PPDT is conducted to mainly test the communication skills of the candidates. The candidates are given time to think and note down the things they observe. After this, the candidates are asked to sit and discuss their understanding of the picture in a group. The candidates are to create their own narrative and present it.

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The Picture Presentation and Description Test will have the following stages:

1. Picture : A blurred picture will be shown on the screen for 30 seconds. Candidates will be given 4 minutes to write their observations of the picture. Candidates will also be asked to mark the characters and their moods in the picture on the left-hand side of the paper that is provided.
2. Group Discussion : The candidates will be divided randomly into groups of 10-18 students. Each candidate will be asked to narrate the story they have written. The candidates will then be asked to discuss their stories and come to a common depiction of the story within a given limited time period.

How to Crack the Picture Perception Discussion Test?

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Writing a Good Story

1. Identify the characters properly. Choose a central character and write the age of the main character as yours. Create the story around the central character.
2. Try to create and follow a positive storyline. End the story with a positive ending and a good conclusion.
3. Keep in mind the time constraint of 4 minutes and frame the length of your story accordingly.
4. Divide the plot of the story into parts – explaining the personality and traits of the main character, the story behind the picture, and what is the most probable conclusion.
5. Do not leave the story unfinished or end it on an abrupt note.
6. Do not try to create unrealistic story plots or negative plots. Stick more to the analytical and logical explanation.
7. Do not explain everything in the picture.

Delivering Good Narration

1. Start the story with a brief introduction of the characters and the plot.
2. Be confident and fluent while speaking. Try not to fumble.
3. Avoid using complicated words while speaking. The focus should be on getting your idea through the audience rather than impressing them.
4. Maintain a good posture and maintain a smile on your face. Keeping your tone assertive will be a good method.

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Conquering the Group Discussion

1. Being the first one to start the group discussion makes a good first impression. But if you are starting first make sure you speak relevant points. Also start the GD with a brief introduction of the topic.
2. Do not dominate the discussion and allow other participants to speak their points.
3. Be an active listener. This is one of the traits that is noticed by the invigilators keenly.
4. Try to stay on neutral grounds. There can be instances where the GD goes off-topic, so try to keep the pace and topic on track.
5. Never look towards the invigilator during the discussion. However, maintain eye contact with other participants.
6. Do not extend speaking for too long. Rather, speak in small intervals.

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PPDT SSB Sample Question 1

Based on the above picture, A possible story can be:-

Educating the villagers:

Story:

Mohit is a young and dynamic person who is very studious and always thinks about the well-being of society. He pursued his school education from the government school based in his village. Belonging to a poor family, he was not able to continue his higher education in the city but he worked hard and earned a scholarship from a reputed college in the city. He completed his degree and got a job as a teacher and transferred to his hometown. He was living a good life there. He used to observe kids working on the farms with their parents to earn bread when he realized that he should make his fellow villagers aware of the education of their children. One Sunday when it was a holiday at the school, he organized a get-together in the village panchayat and invited all the villagers. There he told them how hard he worked to reach that position and their kids should not suffer that situation in the future. He made them realize the importance of education. They started freeing their children from farm work and encouraged them to attend classes regularly. Moreover, Mohit decided to have a class for the parents on the weekends which will enhance their awareness, basic calculations in daily life and also, they can help their children in the study in this way. The government did recognize Mohit’s efforts and he was honored by the Chief Minister of the state.

Qualities projected from the story:

Awareness, Convincing Power, Social adaptability, Initiative, Self-confidence, Power of expression, and Sense of responsibility.

Other possible themes for the given picture:

• Discussion about the vaccination program
• Awaring farmers about the new technologies in the market.
• Spreading awareness about the pandemic.

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