Individual Obstacles in SSB Interview | Explained In detail with Preparation Strategy

Individual Obstacles in SSB Interview is one of the GTO Tasks conducted either on the third or fourth day of the SSB Interview. This task is conducted generally after the Half Group Task. In this task, every candidate has to clear or cross some obstacles individually. In total, the candidate has to clear 10 obstacles of varying difficulties. These obstacles may be different at some SSBs, but the difficulty level will be the same as those 10 obstacles. Every obstacle has certain points assigned to them, depending upon its difficulty level. The points allocated to these obstacles are from 1 to 10. Obstacles that are more difficult have higher points – 10 being the highest. The obstacles that are comparatively easy have few points – 1 being the lowest. Your points for this task will be based on the number of obstacles you clear within 3 minutes and the points assigned to them. These points assigned to the obstacles will be painted or displayed on a board near them. So, let’s understand what is Individual Obstacles in SSB Interview in detail and how to prepare for the same.

Let’s start by understanding the rules and procedure of the Individual Obstacles in SSB Interview.

Procedure and Rules of the Individual Obstacles

1. The GTO will call and assemble all the candidates on the ground. They will brief about the Task.
2. Then the GTO will take the candidates toward every obstacle and will explain the obstacles and what is to be done in that obstacle.
3. There will be in total 10 obstacles arranged in a random fashion at a certain distance. You will get in a total of 3 minutes.
4. The point of the Obstacles will be marked on a board near those obstacles from 1 to 10. So, if you complete all the 10 obstacles, then you will get 55 points in total. (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10)
5. These obstacles will be placed randomly and will not be as per their numbers.
6. You have the freedom to start the task from whichever obstacle you want. You can also follow any sequence of attempting the obstacles. There is no fixed path or route decided by the GTO.
7. If you get stuck in some obstacle, then you can skip that obstacle for the time being. You can attempt that obstacle once again if you have time after completing all the other 9 obstacles.
8. In case you have completed all the 10 obstacles, and still have some time left, then you can start repeating the obstacles unless your time lasts.
9. While you are repeating the obstacles, you can attempt them in any order.
10. You cannot repeat the obstacles unless you have completed all the 10 obstacles. If you have skipped any obstacle, then you have to complete that one first. After that, you can start repeating the obstacles.
11. You are not allowed to see the obstacles when someone else is performing the task.

What is seen by the GTO at the Individual Obstacles in SSB Interview?

Through this task, the GTO not only tests your physical abilities but also reconfirms and assesses other qualities that they have found during earlier tasks. Some of the major qualities that they evaluate from this task are:

• Your ability to assess the layout and choose the best path for maximum points. This shows your analytical mind, organizing ability, and effective intelligence.
• How easily you are able to grasp all the rules and regulations explained by the GTO for performing the task.
• Taking responsibility
• Time Management
• Self-confidence
• Determination
• Courage
• Liveliness
• Speed of decision
• Stamina

Types of Individual Obstacles

Different SSB Centres have different combinations of Individual Obstacles. However, the difficulty level will be almost the same for the 10 individual obstacles that you have to face in an SSB. Types of Individual Obstacles in SSB Interview are as follows

Single Ramp/Jumping over a Slide

You are supposed to approach this obstacle by running towards it. The obstacle is a slanted ramp pointing upwards (approx. 4 ft. high from the ground). There will be a sand pit at the end of the ramp. You are supposed to run towards the obstacle and cross the ramp by running over it and jumping in the sand pit. The width of the ramp will be around 6-8 inches.

Difficulty Level – Low

Double Barrel Jump/Long Jump

This obstacle is a simple long jump. You are supposed to run towards the obstacle and jump over two barrels placed parallel to each other at a distance. The Drum is painted in red, which means they are out of bound. So, while jumping over the drum, you should not touch them.

For Female candidates, there will be one drum instead of two drums over which they have to jump.

Difficulty Level – Low

Balancing Beam/Zig Zag Balance

In this obstacle, there will be three beams placed at a height of 3-4 feet from the ground. These beams will be arranged in a zigzag fashion – placed one after another at some distance. You are supposed to run towards the obstacle and jump on the beam, balance yourself and walk on the path created by these 3 beams and jump and land properly at the end. If you fall in the mid of this log, then you have to repeat from the start.

Difficulty Level – Low

High Jump

This is a simple high jump of 3 feet, which you have to do while running towards this obstacle. A rod will be kept at a height. There will be a sand pit on the other side to save you from injury if you fall while performing the task.

Difficulty Level – Low

High Screen Jump/Screen Jump

This obstacle consists of a ramp, similar to that of a Single Ramp jump obstacle. A red screen or a cloth is suspended at the end of the ramp. You are supposed to run towards the obstacle, run over the ramp and then jump over the screen/cloth to the other side. On the other side, there will be a sand pit to safeguard you from injury while landing. To jump over the screen or cloth, you require some momentum. You should gain this momentum by running towards the object and running on the ramp as well.

While jumping, if you touch the screen then do not waste your time putting it back. Move on to the next obstacle. If time permits, you can come back and repeat it.

The screen or cloth will be at a lower height for woman candidates.

Difficulty Level – Medium

Burma bridge/Walking on Two ropes

In this obstacle, there will be two ropes tied parallel to the ground at a distance of 8-9 feet from each other. These ropes will be around 12-15 feet high from the ground. There will be ladders and ropes at both ends of these ropes. You can use a ladder or ropes to reach the starting point of these parallel ropes. On reaching one side of the rope, you are supposed to walk on the bottom rope by holding the top rope. You have to start from one end and go to the other end. On the other side also, you can use either the ramp or rope to come down.

Use the ropes to climb and/or come down if you are very much comfortable with ropes and have sufficient arm strength. Think of your own technique of walking on these ropes. The best preferred is to walk sideways to get a firm grip.

Difficulty level – Medium

Tarzan Swing / Tarzan Jump

In this obstacle, as the name suggests you have to jump similar to that of Tarzan. There will be a platform at a height of almost 8 feet. You have to climb on this platform. Once you reach there, a groundsman will give one end of the rope, which will be hanging in front of you, and another end of this rope will be tied to some fixed point. You are supposed to jump using this rope and cross a certain distance without touching the ground to complete this task. Red bricks will mark this distance.

You should have a strong grip on the rope and hold it as high as possible so that you can cover the maximum distance. Also, keep this grip close to your body and swing your body as much as you can so jump safely and cover maximum distance. You should fold your legs upwards while jumping.

Difficulty level – Medium

Double Platform Jump / Jumping Platforms

In this obstacle, there will be two platforms. One at a height of 10 feet while the other at a height of 5 feet. At the end of the smaller platform, there will be a sand pit. You are supposed to climb on the first platform which will be the taller one. Then jump onto the second platform and then jump to the ground into the sand pit. Please look at the platform carefully as the three sides of the platform are painted red. Ensure that you don’t touch the red portion while climbing on the platform.

Difficulty Level – Medium

Jumping Through Tyre

You have to jump through a hanging tire with your feet first. This tire will be suspended from a post at a height of 5 feet from the ground. Some parts of the rope will be suspended to take support while crossing the rope.

Difficulty Level – Medium

Rope Climbing

In this obstacle, you have to climb a vertically hanging rope of 4-5 meters and touch the end of the rope and come down to complete this task. You should be very careful while gripping the ropes or else you might get bruises on your hand. 

Difficulty Level – Medium

Double Ditch

As the name suggests, the obstacle consists of two ditches. One long and another shorter one. There is a flat surface between these ditches. There will be rope hanging in the middle of the first ditch, which will be the longer one. You are supposed to cross the first ditch of approx. 8 feet with the help of the rope, land on the flat surface that separates these ditches, and then jump across the second ditch that will be around 4 feet in length.

You need momentum to cross these ditches, which you can gain by running towards this obstacle.

Difficulty level – High

Commando Walk

The commando walk is walking on a narrow plank which has a victory stand in the middle of this plank at a height of 10 feet from the ground. You have to climb to this ramp from one side, walk on this narrow ramp without any support and then come down from the other side. In some cases, the GTO will ask you to shout your favorite war cry when you are in the middle of the ramp at the highest point.

Those who have fear of height might face some difficulty.

Difficulty level – High

Tiger Leap

In this obstacle, you have to climb a platform through a ladder. This platform will be at 10 feet high from the ground. Once you reach the platform, you will find a rope hanging at a distance of 4 feet from the same. You have to take a tiger leap and catch the rope. You have to be careful when catching the rope or else you might get cuts on your arms.

Difficulty level – High

How to perform your best at Individual Obstacles in SSB Interview?

Below are some tips and guidance that you should remember while performing your Individual obstacles in SSB Interview. These points will help you in performing the task in a better way.

DOs

• One point to remember while performing any ground task is that you should be quick in your movements, whether you are moving from one obstacle to another or just walking from task location to resting location. For individuals, you should always be running from one obstacle to another as quickly as possible. For this, you have to build your stamina by doing regular exercise and running,
• The obstacles are arranged in clusters, forming a group of 2-3 obstacles. Try to identify these clusters and start from high-value clusters. If you finish all the 10 obstacles, then repeat from these high-value clusters only.
• Prepare a plan before starting the task and stick to it.
• Always stick to your plan. If you get confused in the middle of the task, then it will add to your worries. Always remember that – A confused candidate gets lost on the course.
• Also, start with the high-value obstacles with which you are most comfortable.
• Always show a sense of urgency and determination while attempting these obstacles.

DO NOTs

• Avoid attempting these obstacles in a sequence from 1, as they will not be arranged in sequence. So, you will end up wasting your time running from one obstacle to another.
• If you are not comfortable with some obstacles, then attempt those obstacles at the last.
• Never hesitate while attempting any obstacle.
• It’s good to be cautious, but never become over cautious or cautious all the time.
• Never walk while performing the task, until the last moment. If you feel fatigued, just remember the hard work and preparation you have put in to reach this stage. You should run until your last breath.
• Avoid touching the out-of-bounds areas that will be designated in red color.
• Never to at the GTO while performing the task. Be focused on the obstacles and only think about your next obstacle.
• Never exceed your time. Stop when the GTO instructs.
• Do not care about how many obstacles other candidates have cleared. Always remember that it is your assessment and not a comparative assessment with other group members.
• Never take shortcuts or be over-smart while performing the task. You should do the entire task as instructed by the GTO. If you have any doubt clear that while the GTO is explaining the obstacle.

Hope this article would have helped you in understanding what are the different Individual obstacles in SSB Interview and how to prepare for them. If you have any queries or need any further explanation on Individual obstacles, then can mail directly to [email protected].

All the best. Jai Hind.!

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