Half Group Task (HGT) | What is Half Group Task & its Preparation Strategy

Half Group Task (HGT) is the part of the GTO series that is conducted after the progressive group Task (PGT). The task is similar to that of PGT, as all the rules and regulations are the same. The only difference is that the number of participants in this task is reduced to half compared to the earlier task of PGT. There are in total nine GTO Tasks out of which HGT is one of the important tests. In this article, we will try to understand what Half Group Task (HGT) is and how to perform your best in this task. We will start by understanding what Half Group Task (HGT) is and why it is conducted.

What is Half Group Task (HGT)?

As said earlier, Half Group Task (HGT) is similar to that of Progressive Group Task (PGT) with half the size of group members. However, the main difference is that it is more of a confirmatory task. The main purpose of the task is to clear all the doubts that the GTO has formed about the candidates. The GTO prepares a rough picture of every candidate’s qualities and abilities based on their performance in the earlier concluded GTO tasks. To reconfirm their assessment, they conduct some tasks and Half Group Task (HGT) is one of those confirmatory tasks.

In this task, the overall procedure, rules and regulations, time, and assessment criteria are similar to that of the Progressive Group Task (PGT).

For this task, your earlier formed group in which the PGT task was conducted will be broken into two equal halves, unless there is an odd number of candidates in the group. These sub-groups are formed based on the GTO’s query about the candidates. As the group is small, all the candidates will get a sufficient opportunity to take part in the discussion of the task – even the weakest and the most silent candidate. You should take this to your advantage and use this opportunity to showcase your abilities. The GTO also gives full attention to every candidate as there are fewer candidates performing the task simultaneously.

The Procedure of Half Group Task (HGT)

The Task starts with a briefing of the GTO. After the briefing, the GTO divides the group into 2 parts. The GTO makes this division based on their choice, as there is no fixed rule. Then the GTO will then give a small briefing about their task, and explains that they have to perform this task into 2 sub-groups. Then they will ask one sub-group to move toward the task area. Other sub-group sits at a distance from this area and are asked not to watch the other sub-group.

The first sub-group who reaches the task area is given some helping material and A Load. The helping material is the Rope, the Plank, and a Wooden Log (Balli). The GTO explains the rules and the task. This task will be similar to the one you performed in your PGT task. But in Half Group Task (HGT), you have to clear only one Task. The time duration depends upon the Group and the GTO. However, you will get between 10 to 15 minutes to clear the task.

Once this sub-group finishes the task; the GTO calls the other sub-group. They and taken to some other task and the procedure repeats. Please note that both sub-groups attempt different tasks.

What is Progressive Group Task (PGT) at SSB Interview?

Rules of Half Group Task (HGT)

The rules are similar to that of the Progressive Group Task (PGT). Let’s look at all these rules, one by one.

During the task, if any member of the group breaks any of the above rules, then as a penalty the whole group will come back to that point where this rule was broken and start the task from there.

What the GTO expects from the candidate in Half Group Task (HGT)?

Through Half Group Task (HGT), the GTO examines the qualities of the candidates. Some of the qualities the GTO is looking for are,

• Ability to grasp the task and resourcefully use every given material and quality of every member of the group to complete the task
• Ability to grasp every detail – like every rule and condition of tackling the obstacles
• Logical in your approach to solving the task
• Able to work and contribute to the group and its functioning
• Cooperative and able to listen to other members of the group
• How to overcome the frustration, irritation, and difficulties you face while performing the task
• Ability to communicate your ideas to the group in the way they understand
• How easily you are able to express your ideas and thoughts
• The initiative of taking the lead
• How confidently do you face the situation and convince the group members to implement your ideas
• How you counter when argued or questioned by others
• Do you give up easily
• How fast you take your decisions
• Ability to control the group when no one is listening to each other
• Your mental and physical strength and stamina to handle pressure

Key Points to Remember During Half Group Task (HGT) in SSB

What you should DO while performing the HGT

• Pay attention to every word of GTO when they are explaining the task. Never miss any information as it’s essential to have clarity about the task.
• Use the helping material resourcefully while performing the task
• Good communication skills will with basic logical and analytical reasoning help you in clearing the obstacles
• Maintain your composure and just try to implement some basic practical knowledge to cross the obstacles.
• If the group has different ideas, then instead of deciding which one to implement they should try each one by one and check which one suits them best. Look at the structure carefully and try to imagine how you can use your helping material and the projection on the structure to move forward in the task.
• Try to be a helpful and positive member of the group
• Try to take the lead in the group
• If any other group member has taken the lead, try to support them by giving your ideas

What you should NOT DO while performing the HGT

• If you are halfway after choosing a path, try to get ideas to go further. Do not divert the group by showing an altogether new path. Remember, no path is simple or easy.
• Avoid criticizing other members
• This is a team task, so perform in a team and do not try to show off
• Under any situation, never shout or show your anger by throwing any material
• Never break rules. If you break one, be honest in admitting your mistake
• Never waste your time on deciding which the best idea is.
• Never give up on anything and motivate other members also
• Never forget any of the helping material and load behind, as they are equally important.
• While performing the task, do not look at the GTO or any other testing officer.

Difference between Progressive Group Task (PGT) and Half Group Task (HGT)

The Half Group Task is an extension of the Progressive Group task with half the group members. This is the basic and main difference between HGT and PGT. If there were 8-10 members in your group while performing the PGT, then there will be 4-5 members in your group while performing HGT.

The other major difference between HGT and PGT is that you have to clear only one obstacle when you are performing the HGT and the time given is between 10-15 minutes. In the case of PGT, you have to clear 4 obstacles, and the total time given is around 35-40 minutes. As informed earlier, HGT is more of a confirmatory task.

I hope, now you are much more aware of every detail of the Half Group Task. If you have any queries or have any feedback, feel free to mention them in the comment section. You can also mail it directly to [email protected].

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Other articles of the GTO series

1. What is Progressive Group Task (PGT) at SSB Interview?
2. What is Group Planning Exercise in SSB Interview?
3. GD Topics for SSB Interview | 75+ Latest Group Discussion Topics for SSB Interview 2021
4. 220+ Expected Lecturette Topics for SSB Interview Preparation
5. How to prepare for a Lecturette in SSB Interview?

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