Progressive Group Task (PGT) is the third task and first field task of the GTO series. It might look like a fun task but can be very complex and cumbersome. This task consciously or subconsciously brings out some of the key qualities of the candidates which might have been dormant inside the candidate. The task also tests their ability to work as a team and solve practical problems. Thus, the candidate has been really attentive while performing this task. This task requires practical problem-solving skills and a street-smart person. However, the candidates must remember that there can be any solution to the given task and everyone can solve them provided they think calmly. So, let us understand what Progressive Group Task (PGT) is at SSB Interview and how to prepare yourself for PGT.
What is Progressive Group Task (PGT) at SSB Interview?
Progressive Group Task (PGT) is conducted basically to test your teamwork, your practical knowledge, determination, cooperative skills, leadership, communication skills, convincing skills, innovative attitude, and mental and physical stamina.
The task is performed in a group.
There will be a start line and a finish line. In between these lines, there will be some structures, using which the group has to cover the distance with some pre-defined set of rules. To cover the distance, GTO will give some items using which the group can cover the distance. The items are a long cylindrical Wooden log (Balli), Plank, and rope to tie these objects. The GTO will also give a drum – as a load and the group has to carry the load from the start point to the finish point.
Every member and the load should reach the finish line following every rule defined by the GTO.
At any given point in time, you cannot break any of these rules, or else you have to start from where you have broken the rule.
The difficulty level of the tasks grows from one obstacle to another in a progressive way. So the task is called Progressive Group Task.
The time designated is 40- 45 minutes.
Procedure of Progressive Group Task (PGT)
- Progressive Group Task (PGT) is a series of tasks that are progressively difficult in nature, starting with an easy task and concluding with the toughest one.
- The GTO will call the entire group to the ground at the start line of the first PGT Task. You will find some material like – Wodden Plank, Balli & rope kept near that line.
- The GTO will give a load – in the form of a drum to the group.
- The GTO explains to the candidates that they have to carry a load with supporting material from the start line to the finish line. They will also instruct that every member of the group has to cross the finish line.
- They will tell the group which structure or items are not to be touched, and which are “out of bounds” areas.
- The GTO will also give the helping materials using which you can cross the obstacles. The items are – a wooden plank (phatta), pole (balli), and ropes.
- There are some rules of using these items which they will explain in detail.
- Then the GTO clarifies other rules which are to be followed during the entire task.
- The GTO will ask for any doubts about the explained rules.
- Once the GTO finishes the explanation, they will leave the group on their own to perform the tasks. On completion of the first obstacle – when the entire group along the load has reached the finish line, the GTO takes the group to the next obstacle which will a bit tougher than the earlier one.
- On completion of the second task, the GTO takes the group to the next set of obstacles. The group has to cover 4 such obstacles. Once the group has finished the final obstacle the GTO will conclude the task by congratulating the group for the completion of the obstacles.
Rules followed during Progressive Group Task (PGT)
There are some pre-defined rules which every member of the group has to obey while performing this task. They are as follows-
Group rule
- Every group member and the helping material along with the load must have crossed the preceding obstacle before the group moves to the second obstacle.
Distance rule
- If the distance is more than 4 feet, then the candidates cannot cover the distance by jumping. They have to either reduce the distance by making use of the helping material – by making any arrangement or think of any other route.
- So, the candidate must also have an idea about how much will be 4 feet distance.
Infinity rule
- The Starting line and the ending line are marked by a 12 to 14 feet white line only, but the candidate has to assume that the line is extended till infinity on both sides.
Rule for Helping material
There are certain rules for using the helping material also. They are
- Any two solid helping materials – either 2 planks or one balli & a plank cannot be tied together
- The candidate can place 1 solid helping material on the other solid helping material
- The rope can be knotted to anyone solid helping material with any white structure available between the start line and the finish line
- A solid helping material – Plank or Balli can be placed or tied to any white-colored structure present between the lines
- The rope can be looped into a roll and placed on any white-colored structure
- If the GTO has given more than one rope, then the group can tie both the ropes
Colour rules
Between the Start Line and the Finish line, you will find some structures or arrangements of different colors. Every different colored structure has different properties and can be used in a specific manner. They are as follows
- White – The candidate can use white coloured structure and is considered as inbound for the candidate. They can stand on this structure, can keep the helping material as well as the load. The group can place their plank or balli on it and can tie the rope.
- Red – Red is the sign of danger. In PGT also it symbolizes the same. So, the red coloured structure is totally out of bounds for the candidates, helping material and the load. The candidate cannot stand on it, neither can place any of their helping material.
- Green/ Yellow/ Blue – Depending upon your SSB centre, you will find any of these three colours. Rules are the same for all these colours. This coloured structure will be inbound for the candidate only. They will be out of bounds for any kind of helping material and the load. The candidate can stand on this coloured structure and hold the helping material and even the load in their hand, but they cannot place them on the structure.
- Black – This colour will be at the ground level. This coloured structure has no significance of its own and it will be considered as the colour immediately above it. For example, if the black colour is below the red coloured structure, then the black colour is considered a Red colour. If it is below the white coloured structure then black colour is considered as white colour.
Rules for load
- The Load given to the group will be considered as a delicate item or a bomb.
- The group has to carry the load with them from the start line to the finish line.
- They cannot treat that load as a structure. Any candidate cannot stand on the load.
While performing the task if any group member breaks any rule, then the entire group has to come back to the point from where you started breaking the rule.
Tips to do Best in Progressive Group Task (PGT)
There are some basic tips that everyone should keep in mind while performing the Progressive Group Task (PGT). They are in the form of Dos and Don’ts
DOs at PGT
- Always pay attention while the GTO is giving the instructions and explaining the rules. Never have an attitude that you know everything and try to act smart in front of the GTO.
- Once the GTO has finished and instructs to start, you should quickly run to the start line where the helping material is kept. Avoid walking slowly.
- During the entire task, be quick and swift in your actions and show some sense of urgency.
- Try to get hold of any helping material and take any item.
- You can take some time to notice and examine the structures, the hurdles involved and then proceed to implement your solution. Please understand that the solutions are very simple and require implementing your common sense.
- Always try to initiate the task and be the first one to start keeping the helping material or giving the ideas as to what will be the best way to cross the structure.
- If some other member of the group has initiated the task, then support them by giving your ideas and physically supporting them.
- Be clear with the rules explained by the GTO and try to give logical and reasonable solutions or ideas to the group.
- When you are implementing your ideas, always ask for help from others.
- Never hesitate to be the first one to cross any obstacle. If any member is hesitant, try to motivate them and help them in crossing that obstacle.
- When you are working and motivating others, your voice should be loud and clear, so that the GTO can listen.
- This is a group task, so wait till all the group members have crossed the finish line along with the load and the helping material.
- Some basic physics like the principle of cantilever or fulcrum can be used to perform the task.
- You can also use different types of knots that we can tie with the rope during the task.
DONTs at PGT
- Avoid asking silly questions to GTO. You are attending the SSB Interview and at your age, you are expected to have that much common sense.
- Avoid taking load given to you in the first place, but if no helping material is left and no one is picking the load then you must carry the load with yourself.
- Avoid being over-enthusiastic or implementing too risky solutions.
- Never be aloof and watch other members from the side doing the task. Always be involved in the task either by giving your ideas or by physically helping them to implement some idea.
- Avoid being idle for even a single second
- Always behave like a gentleman and never shout or misbehave with any other member of the group.
- Avoid breaking any rule. Even if you have broken any of them, never hide them from the GTO. Be brave enough to accept your mistakes and face the consequences.
- Avoid looking at the GTO when you are performing the task.
- Avoid being Dominant over other group members. Try to give equal chance to every member of the group to give their idea by showing some team spirit.
- Never give up or come under any type of stress, if you face any difficult task. Maintain your calm and composure and motivate yourself and others to perform the task.
Sample PGT
Below are some of the Sample PGT that you might see at your SSB Interview.
Hope the article would have helped you understand what Progressive Group Task (PGT) is and how it is conducted at SSB Interview. The Tips mentioned here will also be helpful to give your best at the PGT. For any further clarification or doubt, write it in the comment section or mail it to [email protected]
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