3 Best Books for SSB Interview Preparation

Getting recommended in Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is a significant achievement for both fresher and repeater candidates, requiring candidates to demonstrate not only knowledge but also mental resilience and leadership qualities. 

The interview involves various stages designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude, psychological traits, ability to work in group and overall potential as an officer. In this article we will look at 3 best books for SSB Interview preparation that covers all aspects of 5-day SSB Interview.

To get recommended, a candidate needs a combination of good guidance and ample practice material. And what can be a better source for good guidance and practice material for SSB Interview than a book written by experienced SSB assessors? So, here we are to help you with your research to find best books for SSB Interview preparation.

These are must have books that every candidate appearing for SSB Interview should use to prepare and practice for WAT, SRT, TAT, SDT, Personal Interview and GTO tasks in SSB Interview. Following are 3 books all you need to get recommended in your next SSB Interview:


1. SSB Interview: The Complete Guide 

Cover page of book "SSB Interview: The Complete Guide"

SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition Dr. N.K. Natarajan is an essential book for anyone aiming to understand the entire SSB interview process. Authored by Dr. N.K. Natarajan, an experienced assessor and retired officer, the book offers insights into each stage of the selection process, breaking down complex sections like the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), Psychological Tests, Group Testing, and Personal Interview.

Why “SSB Interview: The Complete Guide” is Important:

  • Detailed Process Overview: It provides a structured walkthrough of each component of the SSB interview, making it ideal for beginners as well as repeaters to understand each stage thoroughly.
  • Strategies for Success: Learn techniques for effective communication, body language, and time management.
  • Psychological Insights: The book helps candidates understand the psychological demands of the interview, providing tips on managing stress and staying calm under pressure.

Reviews on “SSB Interview: The Complete Guide”:

The book is self-sufficient for SSB Interview, and it covers the entire process and topics and gives you basic idea about SSB. You can rely on this book for the preparation. A must have if you don't want to join some coaching. ~ Naina Singh

This book is like a Bible! Guides you through all the process in holistic approach! It helps us to know what exactly is expected in SSB. Trust me, it's worth spending on this book than going for coaching for SSB interview. It would take you around 6-7 months at least to cultivate the habits or OLQ'S (not all, but most of them). Give yourself time and you can crack SSB with ease. ~ Sadath

It is very good book for the beginners for knowing the SSB procedure. Basically, dos and don'ts type of book. Because new candidates are not aware what to do and how to do in SSB. It will give an insight in the procedure of the SSB. From OIR stage 1 testing to conference, everything is given in detail. There is additional information on Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air force. Besides this, there is a section on geopolitics and national issues. Really very helpful and practical. ~ Uttamjit Singh

Pie chart displaying user ratings for SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, with segments showing distribution of ratings: Excellent (63%), Good (24%), Average (8%), Bad (2%), Poor (3%)

This book is your go-to resource for comprehensive preparation, covering the interview’s unique requirements. Buy this book on Amazon here.


2. SSB Interview Psychological Tests Workbook by SSBCrack

Cover page of tat/srt/wat practice book by ssbcrack

The Psychological Test is one of the most critical and challenging aspects of the SSB interview, assessing your personality, thought process, and ability to perform under pressure. 

The workbook by SSBCrack is packed with over 2000 practice questions for Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description (SD) Test, helping candidates to develop a focused and positive approach to psychological testing.

Why “SSBCrack Workbook” is Important:

  • Extensive Practice Material: With over 2000 questions, you get ample practice to familiarize yourself with the format and nature of the questions.
  • Build Confidence: Regular practice helps you respond swiftly and accurately, essential for these time-bound psychological tests.
  • Refine Your Responses: The book teaches you to construct clear, meaningful, and concise answers, making your responses impactful and relevant.

Reviews on “SSBCrack Workbook”:

It's a very helpful book for the preparation of psych test of SSB. I personally recommend to all the SSB candidates. Those who want to excel in the Psych, please buy this book and it will definitely help to everyone. Trust me your hard work will always let you up. ~ Sagar Bhadana

One of the best SSB books for the psychological tests practice. It has the same TAT, WAT, SRT questions that I have faced in recent SSB interviews. The books have ample practice questions and the paper quality is too good. Only use pencil while writing and practicing so that you can reuse the book again. Must buy for all the defense aspirants. ~ Vikas

Regarding SSB psych tests practice (TAT WAT SRT and SDT), it is just amazing. Best thing about this book is it has genuine SSB interview TAT pictures which are very useful. Thumbs up for this book and aspirants should go for it. ~ Prateek

Pie chart displaying user ratings for SSB Interview Psychological Tests Workbook, with segments showing distribution of ratings.

This workbook is invaluable for those looking to hone their psychological test-taking skills, building the foundation for a successful SSB interview. Buy this book on Amazon here.


3. SSB OIR & PPDT by DDE

Stage 1 of the SSB interview, including the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT), serves as the first selection stage where many candidates are filtered out. SSB OIR & PPDT: Complete Guide to Stage 1 SSB Interview (English) by DDE is specifically designed to prepare you for these tests, ensuring you make a solid first impression and advance to the next stages.

Why “SSB OIR & PPDT by DDE” is Important:

  • Focused Preparation for Stage 1: This book offers targeted insights and practice for Stage 1, where quick thinking and clarity are crucial.
  • Visual Interpretation Skills: With practice exercises for PPDT, you’ll develop the ability to interpret images, communicate observations clearly, and work in groups.
  • Maximize OIR Scores: Mastering OIR questions boosts your chances of selection, and this guide provides extensive practice material for logical reasoning, problem-solving, and verbal skills.

Reviews on “SSB OIR & PPDT by DDE”:

This book gives the best idea for SSB OIR in detail and on every topic. Every chapter has good number of questions, and it has 5 mock OIR test. ~ Aman Kumar

I really feel that if someone is unsure of the screening process and the questions asked then he/she must look forward to this book. The questions mentioned here are enough to ensure your screening in the SSB. These guys have really done a good job. I'm not saying everyone should have it but if you need a book simply focused on stage 1, then this is it. ~ Anoop

If I share my views about content of book, then only few words 'A BIBLE FOR SCREENING' blindly go for it. ~ Sushmita

Pie chart displaying user ratings for SSB OIR & PPDT: Complete Guide to Stage 1 SSB Interview, with segments showing distribution of ratings.

For anyone looking to clear Stage 1 of the SSB, this book is an indispensable resource for structured and result-oriented preparation. Buy this book on Amazon here.


Above listed books are all you need to get recommended in your next SSB Interview. Here are links to free SSB preparation materials that you can use alongside the recommended books to make your preparation more effective and efficient. These links contain sample responses for SRT, WAT, SDT and variety of interview question for which you can prepare in advance: