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SSB Guidance Workshop at RRU Shapes India’s Future Officers

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SSB Guidance Workshop at RRU connects aspirants with Armed Forces leaders

Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), an Institution of National Importance, successfully conducted a comprehensive workshop on Guidance and Mentorship for Staff Selection Board (SSB) Preparation on 04 February 2026 at the RRU Auditorium, Gandhinagar. The workshop was organised to provide structured guidance, professional mentorship, and practical exposure to students aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through the SSB selection process. Such workshops have gained importance in recent years as thousands of young Indians appear for SSB interviews every year, while only a small number are finally recommended. Clear guidance from serving officers helps aspirants understand what the Armed Forces truly look for beyond academic marks.

The programme commenced with the arrival of the distinguished officers at the School of Internal Security, Defence and Strategic Studies (SISDSS), where they interacted with SSB aspirants and faculty members. This interaction provided students with an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the ethos of military leadership, the expectations of the Armed Forces, and the realities of service life. Direct interaction with officers is considered one of the most effective learning tools, as it allows aspirants to hear real experiences of discipline, teamwork, and responsibility rather than relying only on coaching notes or online videos.

The formal session began at the RRU Auditorium with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh H. Wandra, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Rashtriya Raksha University. In his address, he underscored the university’s role in grooming future leaders for the defence services and reiterated RRU’s commitment to strengthening national security through academic excellence, character-building, and professional mentorship. He highlighted that the SSB selection process is not merely an examination but a scientific and comprehensive assessment of personality, leadership potential, and officer-like qualities. This approach reflects the global military practice where leadership, ethics, and decision-making are valued as much as physical fitness and knowledge.

The workshop featured expert sessions by eminent officers of the Indian Armed Forces, including Air Commodore Sanjeev Kumar, President, 3 Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), Gandhinagar; Colonel Sebastian Zachariah, Director, Army Recruiting Office (ARO), Jamnagar; Commodore Rahul Sharma, Commanding Officer, INS Valsura, Jamnagar; and Commander Tushina Thakur. The presence of officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force ensured that students received a balanced view of all three services and their unique roles in national defence.

The speakers delivered detailed and structured briefings on the SSB selection system, covering the philosophy of assessment, the multi-stage evaluation process, and the scientific methodology used to judge candidates’ suitability for commissioning. Special emphasis was laid on the assessment of personality traits, leadership attributes, emotional stability, decision-making ability, teamwork, and adaptability under pressure. These qualities are known to be critical in military operations, where officers often have to make quick decisions in challenging situations that affect both missions and lives.

Air Commodore Sanjeev Kumar elaborated on the role of the SSB in identifying natural leadership qualities and emphasised that the process is designed to reveal a candidate’s true personality rather than rehearsed knowledge. Colonel Sebastian Zachariah provided insights into the recruitment framework of the Indian Army and stressed the importance of integrity, discipline, and motivation in a prospective officer. Commodore Rahul Sharma highlighted the operational responsibilities of officers in the Indian Navy and explained the relevance of psychological preparedness and technical competence. Commander Tushina Thakur shared experiential perspectives on service life, professional conduct, and the values that define an officer in the Armed Forces. Such real-life examples help aspirants relate theory to practice.

The sessions also covered the structure of the SSB interview procedure, including screening tests, psychological assessments, group testing activities, personal interviews, and the final conference. Participants were briefed on officer-like qualities, leadership behaviour, and the importance of self-awareness and consistency across all stages of evaluation. Experts often point out that candidates who understand themselves well and remain honest during assessment perform better than those who attempt to copy others.

An interactive question-and-answer session was conducted, enabling students to seek clarification on various aspects of the SSB examination, preparation strategies, and life in the Armed Forces. The open dialogue between aspirants and senior officers proved highly beneficial in dispelling myths about the SSB and reinforcing the need for genuine personality development rather than superficial coaching. This interaction also reduced anxiety among first-time candidates, which is a common challenge during SSB preparation.

The programme concluded with the felicitation of the distinguished guests by Dr Jasbir Kaur Thadhani, Dean, Rashtriya Raksha University, followed by a formal vote of thanks by Air Commodore (Dr.) J. K. Sahu (Retd.). A group photograph was taken thereafter to commemorate the occasion. The event further concluded with a luncheon interaction between the guests and the coordinating team, fostering a mentor–mentee environment and encouraging continued engagement between the Armed Forces and academic institutions.

The SSB Guidance and Mentorship Workshop reflects Rashtriya Raksha University’s sustained commitment to nurturing disciplined, capable, and motivated youth for service in the Indian Armed Forces. By integrating academic learning with practical exposure from serving officers, RRU continues to make meaningful contributions to the national security framework and the development of future military leadership, while guiding young aspirants with clarity, confidence, and purpose.