What are GTO TASKS ?

GTO tasks stands for Group Testing Officer tasks . The tests are conducted by a Group Testing Officer (GTO). As the name suggests candidates are divided into groups based on their chest numbers . Generally a group consists of 8 – 10 candidates. GTO tasks are conducted on the third and fourth day of the SSB after the Psychology test. While the Psychology test is designed to check  the MANASA of a candidatethat is his intellect or his thought process , Personal interview to check his VACHA that is listening to his conversation to find outwhat he speaks about himself the GTO tasks are designed to check the KARMANA of a candidate that is how he performs on the ground .

GTO tasks comprises of 9 tests conducted over a span of 2 days . Some tasks are conducted on the ground and are thus known as outdoor tasks while the others in a roomand are called indoor tasks  . Some tasks are individual in nature while others are to be done in a  group. The 9 tests are –

  1. Group Discussion (GD)
  2. Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
  3. Progressive Group Task (PGT )
  4. Group Obstacle Race (GOR)
  5. Half Group Task (HGT)
  6. Lecturrette
  7. Individual Obstacle (IO)
  8. Command Task (CT)
  9. Final Group Task (FGT)

Group Discussion (GD) and Group Planning Exercise (GPE ) are indoor tasks while the rest are outdoor tasks.

Dress Code –There is a dress code mentioned in the SSB call letter for the GTO tasks. A candidate can wear a white track suit/white shorts and white T-shirt along with white shoes and white shocks .

Importance of GTO tasks in SSB

While the Psychology test and Personal interview focuses on the candidates individually majority of the GTO tasks are conducted in a group therefore team work plays great importance in GTO tasks . An officer in the armed forces has to work in a group , lead his men and think logically and practically. The GTO tasks are designed in such a way that they bring out the group compatibility , candidate’s approach to the given problems , his leadership skills, confidence , his level of communication and team spirit. The idea is to unearth some personality traits of a candidate and to take the confirmation of those personality traits which he has shown in the Psychology test and the Personal Interview. The GTO tasks seems more like a game than a test , where the GTO gives certain tasks to the group or in some tests to the individual and checks for the OLQ’s required to be the part of the armed forces. Like any other game GTO tasks are also to be done with team spirit , discipline and following the rules and regulations communicated by the GTO , also playing these tasks requires a great dealt of OLQs .

Important points

  1. The candidates must listen the rules and instructions communicated by the GTO carefully and follow them .
  2. Aspirants should show a friendly and cordial approach in the group.
  3. Candidates should not look towards the GTO while performing the tasks to gain his attention .
  4. Never loose temper or shout at others , but be patient and cheerful.
  5. Don’t try to dominate the group , give chance to other candidates too .

Be calm, composed and cheerful don’t come under stress while negotiating the tasks .