Your Ultimate Guide to ISSB Preparation

Posted by Md kaiser November 30, 2025

Your Ultimate Guide to ISSB Preparation

Every young Bangladeshi who dreams of wearing the olive-green uniform knows the name ISSB — Inter Services Selection Board.

For many, it’s not just a test; it’s a gateway to honor, leadership, and national pride.

Whether you want to join the Bangladesh Army, Navy, or Air Force, ISSB is the stage where your personality, intelligence, courage, and potential are tested.

It’s not an exam where you can memorize answers it’s a journey of self-discovery.

If you’re from a civilian background, don’t worry. Thousands like you get recommended every year. What matters most is your attitude, confidence, honesty, and mental strength.

So, let’s break down everything you need to know — from what ISSB really is, to how you can prepare step-by-step for the most important five days of your life.

What is ISSB?

ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board) is the final and most critical stage of selection for officer cadets candidates of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.

You can’t directly enter Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA), Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA), or Bangladesh Air Force Academy (BAFA) without clearing ISSB.

It’s a five-day long assessment conducted at the ISSB center in Dhaka Cantonment (for Army and Navy) or at Tangail (for Air Force), where you are tested through multiple stages — psychology, group tasks, physical activities, and interviews.

Main Purpose of ISSB

ISSB’s goal isn’t to find book-smart candidates; it’s to find potential military leaders.

They want candidates who show:

Leadership quality under pressure

Team spirit and discipline

Confidence and decision-making ability

Emotional stability

Honesty and patriotism

Remember this line:

“At ISSB, they don’t select the best students; they select the best personalities.”

ISSB Selection Stages: Step-by-Step Breakdown

ISSB follows a fixed structure of tests over five days. Here’s a clear breakdown for you.

Day 1: Reporting and Screening Test

Your ISSB journey starts with the reporting day. You’ll be assigned a chest number and a group (usually 8–10 candidates).

Tests on Day 1:

Verbal Intelligence Test – Logical reasoning, number series, patterns, simple problem-solving.
Non-Verbal Intelligence Test – Picture-based puzzles, pattern recognition, etc.
Story Writing (PIQ or Picture Perception Test) – You’ll be shown a picture for 30 seconds, and you have to write a short story (80–100 words).
Group Discussion – Short discussions with your group on simple social or national topics.

Screening Rule:

If you don’t perform well on Day 1, you’ll be “screened out” and sent home the next morning.

If you pass, you stay for the next 4 days of testing.

Day 2: Psychological Tests

This day tests your inner personality and mindset. You can’t fake it here. Psychologists evaluate your emotions, honesty, and consistency.

Tests include:

Word Association Test (WAT): 60 words, each shown for 15 seconds. You must write a sentence that reflects your mindset.

Example: Word = “Courage” → Your sentence: “Courage builds leadership in difficult times.”

Situation Reaction Test (SRT): You’ll get 30 life-like situations, and you must write how you’d react.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): Similar to Day 1 story test, but deeper.

Self Description Test (SDT): You’ll write about yourself, your parents’ opinion, teachers’ opinion, and your future goals.

Tip:

Always be natural. Don’t write what you think they want to hear. Write what truly represents your mindset and values.

Read more: Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of the Bangladesh Army

Day 3 & 4: GTO Tasks (Group Testing Officer Tasks)

This is the most exciting and challenging part of ISSB.

You’ll be tested in groups under a Group Testing Officer (GTO).

Here, your teamwork, communication, and leadership are evaluated.

Main GTO Activities:

Group Discussion: Topic-based talk with your group (national, social, or current affairs topics).
Group Planning Exercise: A map-based problem-solving task — you and your group must make a plan to solve a situation.
Progressive Group Task (PGT): Physical obstacle task — crossing barriers using wooden planks and ropes.
Half Group Task (HGT): Similar to PGT but with fewer members.
Command Task: You’ll be the commander; others follow your plan.
Lecturette: You’ll get 3–4 topics and 3 minutes to prepare, then speak for 3 minutes in English.

Tip:

Speak clearly, motivate others, never dominate or argue. GTOs want leaders who listen.

Day 5: Interview with the Deputy President (DP)

This is the final stage and the most important one.

The Deputy President will personally interview you to understand your motives, family background, and confidence.

Common Questions:

Why do you want to join the Army/Navy/Air Force?

Tell us about your family.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

How do you handle pressure or failure?

What would you do if not selected?

Golden Tip:

Never memorize answers. Speak naturally, with a calm and confident tone. Eye contact and honesty are your best weapons.

How to Prepare for ISSB (Step-by-Step)

Now that you know the process, let’s get into the preparation strategy.

Mental & Psychological Preparation

ISSB is more about mindset than physical strength.

Do this daily:

Practice self-reflection — know your strengths and weaknesses.

Read about current affairs, army life, and leadership.

Practice thinking quickly — answer life-scenario questions in 10 seconds.

Watch motivational interviews of officers (YouTube: “BMA cadet interview Bangladesh”).

Pro tip: Keep a notebook and write your own thoughts, plans, and values. ISSB loves candidates who think clearly.

Physical Fitness Preparation

Even though ISSB isn’t a hardcore fitness test, being fit boosts your confidence.

Basic Physical Requirements:

Daily running: 2–3 km

Push-ups: 20–30 daily

Sit-ups: 25–30 daily

Rope climbing practice (if possible)

Stretching and basic balance training

Note: Be smart — they observe your confidence in outdoor tasks, not how fast you run.

Communication & Confidence Building

You’ll face multiple group discussions and lecturettes.

So, you must improve your public speaking.

Practice Tips:

Speak English and Bangla confidently with friends.

Read one English article aloud every day.

Record yourself giving a 2-minute speech on “Why I Want to Join the Army.”

Watch army documentaries and practice explaining what you learned.

Remember, clarity is more important than fancy English.

Academic and General Knowledge Preparation

ISSB officers often test your general awareness — national, international, and defense-related.

Topics you should know:

Liberation War of Bangladesh

Structure of Bangladesh Army, Navy & Air Force

Prime Minister, President, Chiefs of Forces

Basic Geography and History of Bangladesh

Current world events (especially defense-related)

Pro tip:

Follow official Bangladesh Army page and read daily headlines.

ISSB Tips for Civilian Background Candidates

Many students think cadet college boys have an advantage. But truth is, ISSB gives everyone a fair chance.

If you’re from a civilian school or college, just focus on these:

Learn basic discipline — grooming, standing posture, and salute style.
Be confident when talking about your background — honesty matters more than schooling.
Respect your groupmates, even if they’re more experienced.
Stay positive — ISSB judges your reactions, not your success.

“You may not be from a military school, but you can still have a soldier’s spirit.”

Common Mistakes Candidates Make at ISSB

Overconfidence or acting fake
Memorizing answers
Arguing in group discussions
Not helping teammates during GTO tasks
Lying in interviews
Lack of grooming or untidy uniform

Remember:

ISSB officers have decades of experience — they can instantly spot pretenders. Be natural, be real.

Expert & Recommended Candidates’ Advice

Here are some real lessons from candidates who got recommended:

“Sleep early, wake up early — timing matters.”

“GTO wants to see if you motivate others, not dominate them.”

“Never compare yourself with others; ISSB is about individual personality.”

“During the interview, smile and stay calm — they’re not your enemy.”

“Always keep your group spirit high.”

Best Books and Resources for ISSB Preparation

ISSB Guide by Major General Shafqat (Retd.)
Bangladesh ISSB Preparation Book (Local Publication)
YouTube Channels: DefenceBD, BMA Dreamers, ISSB Tips Bangladesh
Facebook Groups: ISSB Preparation BD, Future Cadets Community
Websites: joinbangladesharmy.army.mil.bd, joinnavy.mil.bd, joinairforce.baf.mil.bd

Life After ISSB: The Road to BMA

If you’re recommended, your next journey begins at Bangladesh Military Academy, Bhatiary (BMA) — where your real transformation happens.

You’ll train to become an officer, a leader, and a protector of your motherland.

You’ll live a life of discipline, honor, and brotherhood — something very few experience.

Final Words: Be the Leader Bangladesh Needs

Bro, remember one thing — ISSB is not a competition against others; it’s a test against your own limits.

If you dream to serve your country, never give up.

You might fail once, even twice, but every failure builds your character.

“A soldier is not born from medals — he is made through courage, sacrifice, and a never-ending belief in his nation.”

Stay confident, stay honest, stay humble — and one day, you’ll salute the flag not as a student, but as an officer of the Bangladesh Army.