Day 2 of SSB is dedicated to psychological testing, designed to reveal a candidate's natural personality traits under time pressure. Here is a breakdown of each test and how to approach it.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

Candidates are shown a series of pictures and asked to write a short story for each within a limited time, revealing thought patterns, values and typical responses to ambiguous situations.

Word Association Test (WAT)

A rapid sequence of words is shown, and candidates must write the first sentence that comes to mind for each — usually within a few seconds per word — making it very difficult to plan or fake responses.

Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

Candidates respond in writing to a series of everyday life situations within a fixed time, showing how they would naturally react to challenges, conflicts or responsibilities.

Self Description Test

Candidates write about how they perceive themselves and how they believe their parents, teachers, friends and others perceive them, offering the psychologist a rounded view of self-awareness.

How to Approach These Tests

Because time pressure limits overthinking, the most effective preparation is developing genuinely positive habits, values and problem-solving instincts well before the SSB date, rather than trying to memorise 'ideal' responses on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions