OLQs(OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES)

In SSB a candidate is evaluated on the basis of certain qualities. These qualities are called as OLQs or Officer Like Qualities. In all the tests (Screening, psychology, personnel interview, GTO) you are tested on all these qualities only.

There are more than 25 OLQs; however some of these qualities are trainable (which can be created in you at later stages during training period; for ex: physical stamina) are not given much heed by the assessors. However some qualities are must if you want to get recommended. If you lack any of these qualities then your chances of getting recommended will get hindered. In this post our main emphasis will be on these compulsory qualities only.
The qualities are;-

1. COURAGE

2. REASONING

3. EFFECTIVE INTELLIGENCE

4. BEING A GOOD HUMAN BEING

5. LIVELINESS

Now let us discuss about all these qualities in detail.

 
COURAGE
Courage means not backing out from a tough condition and facing every problem confidently. It is of two types

(i) PHYSICAL COURAGE: it is generally seen during GTO tasks like individual obstacle and group obstacles. To show this quality; one should not feel reluctant while performing any task or crossing any obstacle.

(ii) MENTAL COURAGE: It will be checked by various means. It means how mentally courageous you are. During SRTs and TAT IN Psychology it will be checked. In this your written and oral response against a problem will be checked and tendency to back out will be considered.

REASONING
It means what you infer from a problem and how rationally you are able to reason out a problem, its consequences, and possible measures. It is not only about solving mathematical or verbal , non-verbal reasoning questions but it is about how well you apply your brain when you face any practical problem. It is generally checked during tests like GPE, PGT, HGT,FGT in GTO and during SRT and TAT IN psychology test.
 
EFFECTIVE INTELLIGENCE
It means how well are you able to use your brain in solving various problems. It also means how well you are able to use your resources. It means effectively comprehending any problem, and then trying to understand its effects and then finding a possible solution for this problem. It is checked during almost every test.
 
BEING A GOOD HUMAN BEING
However, the most important thing is that you should always be a good human being. You should always try to help out your group mates during various tasks and try to maintain cordial relationship with them. Being a good person is much more important than scoring a few extra points.
 
LIVELINESS
One should always be lively and should maintain his calm during adverse condition. You should never let tension come on your face and always wear a smile on your face. Always be cheerful and also help others to be happy and clam and composed. This quality is checked especially during Personnel interview and at the time of CONFERENCING.
Other then these 5 basic and compulsory qualities there are other qualities too like “LEADERSHIP QUALITY” however these other qualities can be categorized under these 5 basic OLQs only.