ISSB OFFICIAL GUIDELINES OF ALL TESTS

SELECTION SYSTEM
ISSB is an esteemed institution entrusted with the
selection of HR for induction in armed forces of
Pakistan. To carry out said prestigious task ISSB has
devised a comprehensive assessment framework for
personality profiling. To assess an individual’s
personality, especially in view of futuristic behaviour,
few important aspects of his personality are deemed
paramount, such as:-

• Strength of intellectual faculties

• Emotional disposition

• Social domain

• Leadership qualities

The selection technique followed by the ISSB is three

dimensional. candidates appearing before the ISSB are
tested in three different domains, i.e, psych tests, GTO
tests and Interview. The Psychologist Officers, Group
Testing Officers and the Deputy Presidents, who are
specialists in their respective fields, administer these
tests. We assess you in order to determine who amongst
you possesses the potential for leading the military
outfits in peace and war.

PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS

• Psychologist Dimension ascertains suitability of

Individuals w.r.t Psychological makeup and social
adaptability. To carry out in depth analysis in order
to devise a holistic picture of each candidate,
following tests are employed:-
• Intelligence Tests. Intelligence is a very general
mental capability that, among other things,
involves the ability to reason, plan, solve
problems, think abstractly, comprehend
complex ideas, learn quickly and learn from
 experience. Intelligence tests are designed to
measure mental alertness, learning ability,
reasoning power and clarity of thoughts. This is
a fact that modern warfare (involving speed,
new weapons and ever changing techniques)
has greater demand on the mental qualities of
an officer’s intelligence. Intelligence tests were
previously conducted in ISSB for all candidates,
however, now these tests are conducted in the
preliminary selection centers except in a few
cases where the candidate applies directly from
abroad via embassies.

• Types of Intelligence Test. Intelligence tests are

of two types. One is verbal intelligence test and
the second is Non-verbal tests:-
• Verbal Intelligence Test. Intelligence is
assessed by tests that rely upon ability with
verbal materials. In VIT, comprehension of a
given problem depends upon a person’s
degree of language acquisition. Verbal
intelligence tests may be composed of as
under:-
(a) General Information. E.g. what is the
significance of 14 August for Pakistan?

(b) General Comprehension. E.g. Why does people

buy fire insurance?

(c) Arithmetic Reasoning. E.g. If ten pens cost Rs.

55/- find the cost of seven pens.

(d) Similarities. E.g. what way wool and cotton alike?

(e) Digit Span. E.g. Memory for six/seven digit

telephone number?

(f) Vocabulary. (In relation to understanding of words

meaning i.e synonyms, antonyms, etc)

1. Non Verbal Intelligence Test. Nonverbal intelligence

tests are mostly paper and pencil variety which
requires little or no use of words in attaching
meaning and responding to test items. Items consist
of graphical representations. Nonverbal intelligence
is specific intelligence which is related to the ability
to deal with novelty, to adapt and thinking ‘fluidly’
 to a new, novel and unfamiliar problem. It is ability
to reason and solve problems using new information
without relying on previously acquired knowledge
and skill”. Nonverbal intelligence tests at ISSB are
composed of matrices. The matrices are best used to
assess the reasoning power, cognitive functioning
and abstract reasoning ability. They required
integration of multiple abilities such as visual
coding, pattern detection, rule integration and
analogical transfer and problem solving. Matrices are
generally created in 3×3 formats (three rows and
three columns) there is set pattern of sequence
either move left to right row wise or vertically
column wise. The test taker has to reason out the
pattern and figure out picture that completes the
pattern.

2. Mechanical Aptitude Tests. These are

designed to find out mechanical and practical
aptitude of the candidates. “Any test designed to
measure potential for achievement is called aptitude
test”. Analytical studies of human abilities support
 the genuineness and importance of these special
abilities. Numerous tests of special abilities have
appeared, and more recently tests of this sort have
been organized into comprehensive aptitude
batteries for use in vocational guidance or personal
classification. All candidates appearing at ISSB have
to undergo this test, it has 50 items in total for which
15 minutes are given.

3. Personality Test. Personality tests are

instruments for assessing or evaluating personality
by using directs (objective) or indirect (projective)
methods. The beauty of the test is that there is
nothing right or wrong as regards the answers.
Whatever you write is considered to be correct.
These are time-bound tests, therefore, following are
advantageous:-

4. Good expression

5. Hand writing speed

6. Depth of vision

7. Logic
 8. Clarity of thoughts

SENTENCE COMPLETION TEST

QUICKNESS OF IMAGINATION AND DECISIVENESS IS

ASSESSED.

• There are 26 incomplete sentences with one

example.

• There is no right and wrong sentence, whatever

written will be considered as a right sentence.

• In case one gets stuck up at any one of the sentence,

it is advised to not waste time on it, try to
complete the preceding ones and return later
if time permits.

• However, try to complete as many sentences as

possible. It is helpful. Examples:-

• When you have got nothing to do……….

• Picnic may be planned.

• I am preparing for my examination.

WORD ASSOSIATION TEST

In this test emotional, social and dynamic aspects are

explored.

• English words are shown in quick succession.

• Each word will be shown for 10 seconds only.

• Candidates are required to quickly pen down, the

first thing that comes into their mind.

For example:- Word is GARDEN. Sentences can be as:-

• I see my family sitting in the garden.

• Vegetables are good for health.

• I hate Digging.

• Rose is a beautiful flower.

• While writing response, word shown may be used.

But remember one. Important thing that sentences
must be associated with the corresponding

• If nothing strikes the mind in time, that line can be

left blank.
 • Small phrase can also be written.

• However, it is always better to write as much as

possible.

• There is no right or wrong sentence; write whatever

comes to your mind.

STORY WRITING TEST

Imaginative thinking, basic themes and personality

domains are assessed in this test.

• Use imagination to construct a story around a

situation given in the picture.

• While writing the story, keep three things in mind.

• What event led up to the occurrence?

• What the characters in the picture are thinking and

feeling?

• What will be the final outcome of the story?

• The method of setting down story is not very

important, it is the contents that
 • There are five pictures in all, one for ‘example’ and
other four to write stories.

• For each story the time limit is 4 minutes. A picture

will be shown to for first 30 seconds, during which
sketch of the story is to be planned in mind.

• In the next three minutes and 30 Seconds, story shall

be completed. Try to adhere to time.

STORIES WITH OPENING SENTENCES

• Candidates are required to complete a story with the
opening sentence.

• It will start with the opening sentence and be

completed in any way.

• More characters may be added, situation can be

built in one’s own way and any ending is acceptable.

• Beginning of story will be by writing the opening

sentence given on the screen and then proceed
further.

• Total time limit for the each story is 4 minutes

SELF DESCRIPTION
• Candidates are required to imagine two persons,
who have known them long and thoroughly. One of
them is a friend that will describe the positive side
of candidate.

• The second one is a opponent who will explain

negative side of candidate’s personality.

• This will become a sort of character sketch.

• 4 minutes for each point of view.

• It can written in the shape of paragraph or points or

in any way deemed feasible.

OPI

Officer’s personality inventory is a newly incorporated

test which measures the candidates’ EQ (Emotional
Quotient) and SQ (Social Quotient). This test has a total
of 150 statements, each statement has 7 different options
for the candidate to choose ranging from strongly
disagree to strongly agree.
PTP

• A short interaction, as a post-test probe is also

conducted by the Psychologist. That, roughly takes
for 5-10 minutes. It is a semi-formal interaction
through which the Psychologist validates his/ her
assessment or inquires further if anything remains
ambiguous.

• Group Testing Officers’

(GTO) Dimension forms an important tier of
selection system at Inter Services Selection Board. To
assess a candidate’s suitability for commissioning, a
GTO employs different tests. The initial five tasks
includes Group Discussion, Lecturrete, Group
Planning, Progressive Group Task and Half Group
Task are conducted on first GTO day. Whereas, tests
on second GTO day include Command Task, Individual
 Obstacles, Final Group Task and assessment of the
group by candidates.

• DETAILS OF TASKS AT GTO

DIMENSION
• Group Discussion. In this task, candidates
will be given two topics (each in Urdu & English)
to discuss amongst themselves in an informal
way. It provides an opportunity to candidates to
express their ideas on given topics. The main
goal of group discussion is to assess candidates
thinking about his surroundings. Candidates will
be assessed in communication skills, logics in
arguments, confidence and verbal expression.
Moreover, candidates ability to articulate and
defend his view point. List of general topics is
attached at Anx A.
• Lecturette. Lecturette will be conducted
after Group Discussion. The candidates are
given two topics out of which on one topic,
candidate will be given 3-5 minutes for
 preparation for an extempore speech. Each
candidate is given 3-5 minutes to speak on the
given topic in English language. Th purpose of
lecturette is to check candidates confidence,
public speaking skill and ability to convince
others on a given topic. List of suggested topics
is attached at Anx B.

• Group Planning Exercise. Candidates

are shown a model on smart board and
explained a situation with a problem to solve.
This task presents a certain problem to
candidates and they are required to discuss
amongst themselves in order to find out its
solution. During this task, candidates are
required to give out individual as well as
combined plan. The objective of group planning
is to assess whether candidate possesses the
ability to comprehend the situation, determine
the problem and is able to think of a workable
solution within given timeframe.
• Progressive Group Task. It is the first
outdoor task, and constitutes a series of
practical problems that increase in difficulty as
the task progresses. In this task, candidates are
required to cross obstacles of hindrances or
restrictions in 40 minutes. Usually it takes the
shape of successive obstacles over which the
group is required to carry some objects of
sufficient bulk and weight to afford each
candidate opportunity to work in a group. It
also makes some degree of common essential
actions by all members. The first stage is
relatively easier; the second stage
comparatively difficult than the first and the
third stage is more difficult than the first two
stages and requires more time. In this task
candidates work as a team and there is no
leader or commander. The planning, execution
and completion of the task is the joint
responsibility of everyone in the group.
• Half Group Task In this test the group is
split into two or three sub-groups and each sub-
group is presented with a simple task on the
same lines as the Progressive Group Task. It is
relatively a simpler and shorter task in which all
candidates will not work at one time. In half
group task every candidate has a wider
opportunity to show his various character traits
and leadership qualities.

• Command Task. In this task every

candidate will be given a chance to become a
leader or commander. Candidates will be tested
in commanding skills, ability to lead and to
accomplish the task in controlled environment.

• Individual Obstacles. This includes 9

different obstacles which a candidate has to
pass in 2 minutes. These obstacles are of various
types which will utilize physical and mental
capability of candidates. Before performing
Individual Obstacles, GTO will play an
 introductory video to candidates on multimedia
showing various ways to negotiate each
obstacle. Moreover, candidates will also be
given a chance to familiarize themselves with
obstacles on ground visually before test. Details
are:-

• Hanging Log

• Tyre

• High Jump

• Long Jump

• Monkey bridge

• Double Boxing Ring

• Hangman Rope

• Tarzan Swing

• Zig-Zag

•
 • Final Group Task. The “Final Group Task”, is the
last task. The time allowed in this task is 20
minutes. This is again a leaderless group task in
which the qualities of team spirit, co-operation
and leadership potentials will be assessed.

• Mutual Assessment. During this task, candidates

are required to assess their individual
performance as well as other candidates within
group.
• Guidelines for Preparation. In order to determine
your suitability for commission in Pakistan Army,
Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force , your tests and
interviews will be held at ISSB. Here, we are looking
for alert, motivated candidates who have the
potential to complete the long, arduous and
extensive training at Armed Forces Academies. The
Selection Board is looking for many things, such as
clear thinking, the ability to remain calm under
stress and strain, team skills and willingness to
participate. We don’t want you to display rashness
or aggression; neither do we want you to be dull or
spiritless. Be honest, straightforward and frank.
Don’t display over-consciousness, false projection or
superficial behavior. Following are few guidelines to
be kept in mind:-
• Appearance. You can tell a lot from a person’s
appearance. Show us you have got a sense of
personal pride.

• Self- Confidence. Self-confidence and maturity

are largely the product of experience. You can
strengthen these qualities by participating in-
group activities, taking on responsibility and
exercising independence.

• Expression. We look for people with good

expression, preferably in English with clear
direction, a good vocabulary and sense of
grammar. Try to develop these traits by
participating in debates and group discussions.

• Fitness. A healthy body has healthy mind.

Adequate physical fitness and mental agility will
pay you more at the ISSB.

• Awareness. We are looking for candidates with

better awareness of the world around them in
 general and interest in military matters in
particular. Discuss current affairs and defence
related issues with your parents, teachers and
friends. Keep yourself updated by reading
newspapers/ Journals/ Periodicals to enhance
your breadth of outlook.

• Motivation. You should be convincing and

sincere in your reasons and actions for want to
join armed forces. Make sure you really know for
what and why you are applying. Moreover, your
attitude will pay you at the end so be positive,
motivated and energetic.

• Caution. Over the years some private

institutions and coaching centers have
mushroomed in the country to train the
candidate for passing ISSB tests. You are
advised not to join these for training and
guidance. The training imparted in these centers
is too restricted and brings in rigidity in thought
process. Moreover, their dictation will spoil your
originality.
• Deputy president dimention
• Interview has always remained a vital and effective
method for selection of an employee for a particular
job. It is a procedure designed to know about an
individual’s personality, abilities and his suitability
for a specific employment. It is a formal conversation
between the interviewer and the interviewee, where
the interviewee is expected to display his original
personality traits and abilities. For selection in
Armed Forces of Pakistan, interviews of candidates
are held at all selection stages i.e. screening
interview at Selection and Recruitment Centers
followed by selection interviews during ISSB tests.
At ISSB, Deputy Presidents of Lieutenant Colonel and
equivalent rank interview the candidates in a formal
and congenial environment in form of an intellectual
discourse with focus on following aspects:-
• Family background and social circle.

• Academic qualifications and conceptual

understanding/ application.

• Sports, hobbies and extra-curricular activities.

 • General awareness about local, national and
international environment.

• Verbal and written expression, both in English

and Urdu.
• During the interview, Deputy President expects very
frank and candid views/ opinions from candidates
instead of borrowed/ fake ideas. Statistically original
responses always increase the chances of selection.

• A common misperception in the minds of potential

candidates is that coaching academies and ISSB
specific books are effective and helpful aid for
preparation. Candidates are advised to broaden their
mental horizon instead of relying on coaching
academies as those are MISLEADING and normally
lead to artificial responses and fake personality.

• Guidelines for preparation are:-

• Be yourself, act natural and avoid being artificial
as it will help you to remain focused, logical and
confident.

• Refresh family details including their

professions, education and other information.
 • Improve general awareness (regional, national
and international) through print and electronic
media and various GK mediums like books and
internet.

• Improve written and verbal expression both in

English and Urdu.

• Candidates are expected to be soberly dressed

for interview. National dress, shirt trouser and
lounge suite may be worn as per convenience.

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