Individual Obstacles

Individual Obstacles (IO) as the name suggests is performed by each candidate individually. It is generally conducted on day 2 of GTO tasks. In this test there are a series of obstacles placed on the ground one after another, the candidates are required to cross a maximum number of the obstacles in the allotted time. The time allotted is 3 minutes. The number of obstacles vary from 10 for male candidates to 7 for female candidates. Also the type of obstacles vary from Board to Board. Each obstacle is numbered from 1-10 which also indicates the marks a candidate will get on successful completion of that obstacle. Obstacles are numbered according to the level of difficulty. The obstacle with highest level of difficulty is numbered 10 and 1 is given to the obstacle with least difficulty level. If a candidate has completed all 10 obstacles within 3 minutes and some time is left, he can repeat the obstacles.

In the Armed Forces an Officer has to do a lot of physical tasks. The purpose of this test is to check the physical and mental toughness of a candidate. While you move on from one obstacle to another the GTO checks your organising ability, decision making ability, stamina, courage, and determination.
This test checks your optimum fitness, mental toughness and whether you have the never give up attitude required to sustain the tough and grilling training in the academy. A person with normal fitness can easily complete these obstacles. Also this test is an opportunity to gain marks. The maximum number of obstacles a candidate completes, the more marks he/she gets.

OBSTACLE 1: ZIG- ZAG BALANC

This obstacle is called Zig- Zag balance. Candidates are required to walk over a zig- zag wooden balance and land successfully.

This obstacle is called High Screen Jump. Candidates are required to run over a slide, gain momentum and jump over the screen placed just after the slide.

OBSTACLE 3: LONG JUMP

This obstacle is called Double Barrel Jump or simply Long jump. Candidates are required to come running and jump over the two drums buried in the ground lengthwise. Female candidates have to jump over a single drum while male candidates are required to jump over two drums.

OBSTACLE 4: SINGLE RAMP

This obstacle is called Single Ramp. Candidates are expected to come running from a distance, run over the ramp and land on the sand pit.

OBSTACLE 5: BURMA BRIDGE

This obstacle is called Burma Bridge. In this obstacle there are two ropes tied parallel to each other above the ground. There are ladders on both sides. Candidates are required to climb up the ladder from one side, walk on the bottom rope holding the top rope and come down the ladder from the other side.

OBSTACLE 6: TARZAN SWING

This obstacle is called Tarzan Swing. In this obstacle there is a platform with a ladder about 8 feet above the ground and a rope hanging from the top. Candidates are expected to climb the ladder and reach the platform. Upon reaching the platform, the free end of the rope is handed over to the candidate. He/she is required to hold the rope tightly and take a swing like Tarzan and land beyond a point marked on the ground.

OBSTACLE 7: DOUBLE PLATFORM JUMP

This obstacle is called Double Platform Jump. In this obstacle there are two platforms, one at a height of 10 feet and the other at a height of 5 feet. In front of the two platforms is a sandpit. Candidates are required to climb the higher platform using the ladder, jump on to the lower platform and finally jump onto the sandpit.

OBSTACLE 8: DOUBLE DITCH

This obstacle is called Double Ditch. In this obstacle there are two ditches- first a long one and then a short one. Both the ditches are separated by a flat surface as shown in the figure above. The longer ditch has a rope hanging in the middle. Candidates are required to come running, take a jump and hold the rope. The momentum gained will take him/her further towards the flat surface separating the two ditches. He has to land on that surface and then take a jump to cross the smaller ditch.

OBSTACLE 9: COMMANDO WALK

This obstacle is called Commando Walk. In this obstacle there is a plank with a victory stand made on it as shown in the figure. There are ladders on both sides. Candidates are expected to climb from one side, walk on the plank, climb on the victory stand and come down from the other side. The sides of the plank and the victory stand are painted red. Hence candidates should not touch them.

OBSTACLE 10: TIGER LEAP

This obstacle is called Tiger Leap. There is a platform with a ladder attached to it about 10 feet above the ground. There is a rope suspended in front of the platform. Candidates are expected to climb the platform using the ladder, take a leap like a tiger, hold the rope and come down.

⦁ The GTO will show you all the obstacles one by one. Utilise this time to plan your course of action. Decide which obstacle you want to begin with and the sequence in which you will complete all the 10 obstacles.
⦁ Try to do the balancing obstacle first because once you are tired, it becomes more difficult to balance.
⦁ The most important thing seen through this test is your physical toughness and spirit of trying. Therefore try to complete the maximum number of obstacles.
⦁ Follow a sequence, don’t run from one end to another to complete the obstacles with more marks. Following a sequence shows you are an organised person.
⦁ Avoid any injuries. If you get injured it will hamper your performance in other tasks.
⦁ Remain composed while negotiating the obstacles high above the ground.
⦁ Don’t break the rules by touching red portions of the obstacles.
⦁ Don’t keep looking at the GTO.
⦁ If you have completed all the 10 obstacles and still some time is left, repeat the ones that fetch more marks and take less time.

JAI HIND